Monday, October 1, 2012

Expansion of Moroccan Train Service

2:55 AM | Posted by Unknown | | Edit Post



With more than 1613 Km of track, Morocco's train system is one of the most expansive and modern rail networks in Africa. The Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) runs the country's rail transportation system and you can access current information and timetables through the ONCF website in French or English.

Train in Morocco

A major investment by the Moroccan Bureau of Transportation has resulted in the expansion of rail coverage from the North East of Morocco to Fes.  In 2009, a branch line of the East to West link was completed, running from Taourirt to Nador, covering 100 Km.  This addition connects Nador / Mellila (Spanish enclave) in the north, to the city of Fes in central Morocco.  This makes rail travel possible from Mellila, Spain to Fes, Morocco directly.  There are 6 trains per day, some requiring a change in Taourirt, others providing direct service to Fes and then onto Casablanca.  
In addition to the typical, Belgian-made trains that ply most of the routes, some other types of trains are also in use. Between Casablanca and Rabat you can ride on an air-conditioned Rapid Shuttle, which shaves more than an hour off the journey's total time. In Casablanca there are special urban trains that serve eight stations between Mohammad V Airport and Ain Sebaa. For travelers arriving by plane, taking the urban train to Casa Voyageurs (Casa Travelers) is a convenient way to get into the city. In 2007, ONCF introduced double-decker trains on certain routes.  Trains leave multiple times a day from Casablanca to Fes.

One caution, the trains are not all air-conditioned, so travel during the summer months can be somewhat uncomfortable.
Enjoy your travel!



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