Al Boraq vs Regular ONCF Train: Which Should You Take?
Morocco's rail network gives travelers two very different ways to get around: Al Boraq, the country's high-speed train, and the wider network of Al Atlas trains that reach almost every corner of the country. Both are operated by ONCF, but they solve different problems. One is built for speed on a single corridor. The other is built for reach, covering the entire country from the Mediterranean coast down toward the Atlas foothills. This guide compares fares, speeds, stations, class options, and booking so you know exactly which train fits your trip.
Al Boraq Train Basics
The Al Boraq train is Africa's first high-speed train, launched in November of its debut year and still the fastest way to move across northern Morocco. It runs a single corridor: Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca, with speeds reaching up to 320 km/h. Departures run roughly every hour, and every seat on board is reserved in advance, so there's no walk-on option once a train is sold out. Fares for Al Boraq start higher than a standard ticket, but the trade-off is speed: what takes four to five hours on a slower service can be done in a fraction of the time on this train.
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Tip for Train Travelling:
One detail that surprises a lot of first-time riders: Al Boraq features state-of-the-art, double-decker trainsets with modern amenities, built on the same double-deck design used by some of Europe's fastest high-speed lines.
One detail that surprises a lot of first-time riders: Al Boraq features state-of-the-art, double-decker trainsets with modern amenities, built on the same double-deck design used by some of Europe's fastest high-speed lines.
Al Atlas Trains and the Broader ONCF Network
Where Al Boraq stops, Al Atlas trains pick up. Regular ONCF trains cover a wider national network connecting cities like Marrakech and Fes, along with Meknes, Oujda, Nador, and dozens of smaller stops along the way. Al Atlas trains are more affordable and serve more routes compared to Al Boraq, which is exactly why most journeys in Morocco still involve at least
one leg on an Al Atlas service, even if the trip also includes a stretch on the high-speed line.
If your destination sits outside the high-speed corridor, you'll be on an Al Atlas train regardless of preference — so the more useful question becomes first class versus second class rather than Al Boraq versus Al Atlas.
If your destination sits outside the high-speed corridor, you'll be on an Al Atlas train regardless of preference — so the more useful question becomes first class versus second class rather than Al Boraq versus Al Atlas.
Train travel across Morocco almost always means combining both networks at some point in an itinerary — the high-speed line for the northern stretch, Al Atlas trains for everywhere else.
Train Travel in Morocco: A Quick Comparison
Speeds and Journey Times
Why Fares Vary - Al Boraq and ONCF Train
Speeds on this route are where the comparison is starkest. Al Boraq trains operate at speeds up to 320 km/h between Tangier and Kenitra, while regular ONCF trains operate at lower speeds, typically between 160 km/h and well under that on older stretches of track. That difference in speeds translates directly into journey time: a route that takes two hours on Al Boraq can take twice as long, or more, on a conventional service.
Journey time from Tangier to Rabat is 1 hour and 20 minutes by Al Boraq — a trip that would otherwise take considerably longer by road or on a slower train.
Journey time from Tangier to Rabat is 1 hour and 20 minutes by Al Boraq — a trip that would otherwise take considerably longer by road or on a slower train.
Fares vary a lot depending on how far ahead you book, which class you choose, and which service you're riding. Advance booking for Al Boraq can significantly reduce ticket prices, sometimes by a wide margin compared to walk-up fares purchased at the station on the day of travel. The same logic applies to Al Atlas trains, though the starting price point is lower across the board.
Demand also plays a role. Fares on both networks shift with an airline-style dynamic pricing model, so the earlier you book, especially around Moroccan holidays or summer travel dates, the better the fare you're likely to lock in.
Demand also plays a role. Fares on both networks shift with an airline-style dynamic pricing model, so the earlier you book, especially around Moroccan holidays or summer travel dates, the better the fare you're likely to lock in.
Key Stations Along the Route
Knowing the key stations on each network saves confusion at the platform. Al Boraq serves four stops: Tangier's Tanger Ville Station, Kenitra, Rabat Agdal, and Casa Voyageurs in Casablanca. Al Atlas trains serve a much longer list, including Casa Port, Rabat Ville, Sidi Kacem, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech, among many others. For most northbound and southbound trips, Tanger Ville Station is where the journey will begin. It's a modern terminus in the city center, a short taxi ride from the old town, and the natural starting point for anyone arriving by ferry from Spain and heading south into Morocco by rail. Casablanca has two main stations, and mixing them up is a common mistake. Casa Port sits closer to the city center and the port area, while Casa Voyageurs, further out, is the primary hub for Al Boraq and most long-distance connections heading toward Marrakech or Fes.
First and Second Class: What You Actually Get
Both networks split service into two tiers. On Al Boraq, the upper tier offers a 1-2 seat layout with more legroom, while the standard tier runs 2-2 seating — both are reserved seats, both are air-conditioned, and both include access to a cafe bar car. On Al Atlas trains, the upper tier gets a reserved 6-person compartment, while the standard tier is open coach seating, often with more passengers sharing the same space. The price gap between tiers on Al Atlas trains is often small enough that upgrading is worth it on longer trips. Every carriage on both networks is air-conditioned, and both networks maintain their trains to a similarly high standard of cleanliness. Al Boraq adds a cafe bar car for snacks and coffee during the journey, along with power outlets at most seats — small details that make a two-hour trip feel shorter.
Booking Tickets: Advance Fares and Online Booking
The most convenient way to book Al Boraq and Al Atlas train tickets is through Rail.Ninja. The platform lets you reserve your seats in minutes, offers a user-friendly English interface, accepts international payment methods, and makes planning your Morocco rail journey simple. Booking is available up to 3 months in advance, and early reservations often provide the best choice of departures and fares. Tickets can also be purchased at ONCF stations, but popular trains may sell out closer to departure. Your e-ticket is delivered directly to your email, making it easy to access from your phone while traveling. Rail.Ninja also provides customer support and a straightforward booking process, helping you avoid language barriers or unfamiliar local systems. With secure payments and instant confirmation, it's a hassle-free way to arrange your Morocco train journey before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, on the routes it serves. Cutting a multi-hour trip down to about two hours is worth the price difference for most travelers.
Not yet. Al Boraq currently runs only between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca. Marrakech and Fes are reached by Al Atlas trains.
Booking opens 3 months before departure, and advance booking for Al Boraq can significantly reduce ticket prices compared to walk-up fares.
Children aged 0-3 travel free on ONCF trains across both networks.
If your trip runs through Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, or Casablanca, take Al Boraq. The speed and comfort are worth the fare almost every time. If your destination is anywhere else in the country, you'll be on an Al Atlas train regardless, so focus on choosing the right class rather than the train type.