Oujda to Tangier tickets

About the ride from Oujda to Tangier

It's time to leave Oujda, on the Algerian border, for buzzy Tangier, just a short hop over the ocean from Spain.

The most efficient way to traverse this 513.3-kilometer (318.9-mile) journey is by train, which is also one of the best options to take in the views while traveling around Morocco. It may be efficient, but it's still long at 9.5 hours. 

Hopping on the state-owned railway at Oujda Train Station and arriving at Ville Tanger Train Station, you'll fall even deeper in love with Morocco's beauty as you rumble across the country looking out of panoramic windows.

What is Tangier like?

Tangier is a port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. It's known for its whitewashed hillside medina and numerous architectural gems.

The tiered city overlooks the glittering blue ocean and has recently become a hotspot for creatives and intellectuals who adore its thriving community atmosphere. 

Owed to a tragic history of colonization, Tangier is a mixture of North African, French, Spanish, and Portuguese influences that intertwine to create a truly one-of-a-kind feel that defines the city.

As you wander the bustling medina, you'll hear snatches of Arabic, French, English, and more as locals jump between languages to converse with friends and visitors.

Tangier is ideal for culture lovers eager to soak up the atmosphere of a multicultural destination. Spend hours exploring the tangled passageways of the medina and marveling at the epic architecture, all while the periodic muezzin's prayer floats over the city. 

Unforgettable activities in Tangier

Trust your instincts to lead your feet while you explore the wonders of Tangier. 

The city is filled with hidden gems and delights to discover, but keep these top sites in mind when planning your days out:

1. Discover treasures in the medina. This ancient medina was founded more than seven centuries ago and is crammed full of high-quality local craft stalls and delicious food to sample. Spend an afternoon getting lost in its passageways and befriending locals.

2. Visit Cap Spartel and explore Hercules' cave. This grassy stretch of land sits about 1,000 feet above sea level. It's at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, offering spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.
   
   After summiting Cap Spartel, check out the nearby Hercules Cave to see where the hero supposedly rested after his twelve labors.

3. Explore the Dar el Makhzen. This gorgeous palace takes up most of Tangier's citadel. It houses the Museum of Moroccan Art and the Museum of Antiquities. The two museums host a vast collection of illuminated manuscripts, historic silk, and ceramics. 

4. Meander along Boulevard Pasteur and into the Grand Socco. You could spend hours walking through this beautiful area with views overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.
   
   Check out the historic cannons and look through the telescopes to see if you can spot Spain on the other side of the water. 

5. Relax on the beach. As it sits on the northern tip of Morocco, Tangier benefits from a few beautiful beaches. Pick your favorite and spend an afternoon relaxing in warm Mediterranean waters with incredible views. 

How do I get from Oujda to Tangier?

To travel from Oujda to Tangier, you can choose between taking a train or riding a bus. 

By train

One of the best ways to soak up Morroco's culture while traveling is to take a train between its major cities.

Opt for a cozy train ride to take in some picturesque views and pass the journey comfortably.

Trains in Morocco are state-owned. An organization called ONCF Voyages oversees their operation.

Ticket prices start at $26 to reach Tangier from Oujda.

Services depart from Oujda Train Station and arrive at Tanger Ville Train Station in the heart of Tangier. As both stations are in the city center, you'll easily find your accommodation from there.

There are typically two services daily, one departing around 8 a.m. and another at 11:30 a.m. However, these may change depending on the season, so check the times carefully to ensure they fit into your itinerary.

The journey will take approximately 9.5 hours. Sometimes services will be delayed, but most trains run on time.

Travelers have two classes to choose from: first and second.

Air-conditioned first-class carriages benefit from fewer seats, so you'll have more legroom and fewer fellow passengers sharing your seating area. Most seats are in two- or four-seat configurations with a table in the center.

You can expect WiFi, a WC, access to a charger point, luggage storage, and a seat reservation.

Air-conditioned second-class carriages usually have six-seat compartments or open-plan seating areas. You'll still benefit from the panoramic windows, but you'll need to fight for a window seat!

There is also a WC on board and luggage storage.

Pro tip: Pack extra snacks. It's customary to share food with fellow travelers, and it's a great way to meet people along the way.

By bus

Taking a bus between Oujda and Tangier is another budget-friendly option. One-way tickets start at $25.

You'll depart from a bus stop in Oujda and arrive in the center of Tangier. Departure and arrival points depend on the operator, so check the details of your booking carefully before leaving.

The air-conditioned buses have reclining seats, a shared TV, and charger sockets. It should take about one hour more than the train — 10.5 hours.

The best things about the ride from Oujda to Tangier

As you rumble westward across the northern part of Morocco, you will witness magical views through the train's panoramic windows.

Snag a window seat to get the best views as you slowly head west to the center of the country before diverting north all the way to Tangier. Pay attention for the last stretch because you'll pass close by the Atlantic Ocean, which offers spectacular vistas.

Pro tip: Make sure to bring an eye mask and earplugs if you want to snooze through parts of the journey. The train and fellow passengers can get pretty noisy.

When is the best time to visit Tangier?

The ideal time to visit Tangier is during the region's brief shoulder seasons, between September and November or March and May. 

These months invite slightly cooler weather and less humidity, meaning you can make the most of the city without melting in the sun. You'll also benefit from fewer holiday crowds and more affordable accommodations. 

During autumn, the average temperature is between 82.4°F (28°C) and 68°F (20°C), with nighttime lows of 64°F (18°C) and 53.6°F (12°C). 

When spring arrives, you'll experience temperatures of approximately 73.4°F (23°C) to 66°F (19°C) in the daytime and 55.4°F (13°C) to 50°F (10°C) at night.

Avoid visiting in the peak of summer when temperatures reach unbearable levels. However, if you cannot come at any other time, Tangier benefits from the sea breeze thanks to its proximity to the coast.

How many days should I spend in Tangier?

You should spend at least three to four days in Tangier to see the main sites and have enough time for a full, relaxing beach day.

A few days are plenty of time for speedy travelers eager to see other parts of Morocco, but you could book a stay of up to two weeks if you want to go on day trips to surrounding coastal towns or hike up one of the nearby mountains.

Where should I go after Tangier?

Travelers are spoiled for choice when seeking their next adventure in Morocco, but from Tangier, you should head to Tetouan, another beautiful city in the same region. 

Nestled in the Martil Valley, Tetouan is a gorgeous coastal destination. It is perfect for those who want to taste the sea air and combine urban explorations with sunbathing and watersports.

However, if you're ready to leave Morocco behind, consider hopping over the water to visit Spain and starting your trip in Tarifa.