Al Boraq: The Ultimate Budget Guide to Morocco’s High-Speed Train

Traveling across the beautiful landscapes of Morocco has always been a massive dream for our family. When flying out from our home in Jeddah, Sabeera and I were incredibly excited to finally explore the vibrant Mediterranean coastline of Tangier and the bustling, historic streets of Casablanca. But as a budget traveler organizing a trip for a family of five, the logistics quickly became intimidating. I looked at the map and realized these two iconic cities are over 320 kilometers apart. Traditionally, crossing this massive distance meant bracing ourselves for an exhausting, cramped five-hour road trip on regional buses. The thought of keeping Isha, Shabil, and Ishwa entertained on a slow bus for half a day sounded like a complete nightmare. Renting a private intercity taxi was another option, but it would have eaten up a huge portion of our carefully planned travel fund.

As I sat down to figure out how to save both our hard-earned dirhams and our precious vacation time, I discovered an absolute miracle of modern transportation that completely transformed our Moroccan adventure. It allowed us to fly across the desert and coastal landscapes faster than a sports car, all for the price of a standard meal. Welcome back to ishabil.com—my personal family travel blog named after my three favorite adventurers. Today, I am thrilled to give you the absolute ultimate, step-by-step budget traveler's guide to riding Africa's crowning transit jewel: the Al Boraq high-speed train!

Ishabil Fact: Africa's Record-Breaking Bullet Train

The Al Boraq train is not just a fast ride; it is a monumental milestone in global transit engineering. Opened to the public by the national railway office (ONCF) at the end of 2018, it proudly stands as the very first high-speed commercial rail line on the entire African continent! The total journey spans approximately 323 kilometers (201 miles) between Tangier and Casablanca. On the newly constructed, dedicated high-speed track section running from Tangier down to Kénitra, these sleek double-decker trains reach a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). This incredible velocity slashes the transit time between Tangier and Casablanca from a grueling 4 hours and 45 minutes down to an unbelievable 2 hours and 10 minutes!

The Budget Traveler's Best Friend (Fares & Tickets)

When most people hear the words "high-speed bullet train," they automatically assume it is a luxury transport option meant only for wealthy business travelers. But in Morocco, the Al Boraq is designed to be accessible to everyone, including budget-conscious families like ours. The national railway office uses a dynamic pricing system very similar to European budget airlines. This means the absolute best secret to saving money lies completely in your timing: the earlier you book your tickets, the less money you will spend!

If you walk up to a station counter on the exact day of travel, a standard second-class ticket for the full length from Tangier to Casablanca will cost you around 149 MAD (Moroccan dirhams), which is roughly $15 USD. While that is already a fantastic price for high-speed rail, budget travelers can do much better. If you purchase your tickets online 1 to 2 weeks in advance, you can easily secure promotional second-class tickets for just 99 MAD (~$10 USD).

Booking your Al Boraq tickets online well in advance is the best way to secure budget-friendly promotional fares.

But here is the ultimate insider budget secret: ONCF regularly releases a special block of limited promotional tickets known as "Yalla" tickets. If you check the booking system early, you can grab a Yalla ticket on select off-peak Al Boraq routes for an unbelievable, fixed price of just 89 MAD (~$9 USD) for the entire journey! For an extra 7 to 9 USD, you can even upgrade to first class (which starts around 224 MAD to 243 MAD in advance), but for families traveling on a budget, second class is incredibly clean, spacious, air-conditioned, and more than comfortable enough for the kids.

Ishabil Tip: Mastering the Digital QR Code Gates

Unlike standard urban metro systems in cities like Dubai or Doha, Morocco's high-speed rail network does not use a plastic tap card. Instead, every passenger is issued an individual e-ticket containing a specialized electronic QR code. If you buy your tickets online, you don't need to waste time finding a printer! Simply download the official PDF ticket directly onto your smartphone. When you arrive at the high-speed rail terminal, approach the futuristic automated glass turnstiles, turn your phone screen brightness all the way up to maximum, and place the QR code flat against the glowing glass scanner. The gates will instantly pop open. Make sure to keep your phone charged throughout the trip, as friendly on-board conductors will walk through the train to scan your digital QR code mid-journey!

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Tickets

Securing your seats on the Al Boraq can be done through multiple convenient channels. To ensure you don't get stuck with full-price fares or find that popular weekend time slots are completely sold out, follow this exact step-by-step process:

Option 1: Booking Online (Highly Recommended for Budget Savings)

1. Open your web browser and navigate directly to the official ONCF ticketing portal at oncf-voyages.ma. Avoid third-party booking agents to skip hidden convenience fees!
2. Select your departure station (e.g., Tanger Ville) and your arrival destination (e.g., Casa Voyageurs).
3. Choose your travel date and preferred departure time. The Al Boraq is highly efficient, offering hourly departures throughout the day.
4. Select your preferred travel class. Click "2ème Classe" (second class) to view the most budget-friendly prices and hunt for those 89 MAD Yalla promos.
5. Enter the passenger details exactly as they appear on your passport. If traveling with kids, ensure you select child fares for extra discounts!
6. Proceed to the secure payment gateway. The website accepts international credit cards. Once the transaction is successful, your PDF tickets with individual QR codes will be sent straight to your email inbox.

Option 2: Buying at the Station Kiosks

1. If you prefer flexibility and want to buy your tickets in person, head into any major Al Boraq terminal a day or two before you plan to travel.
2. Look for the large, touch-screen automated ticketing kiosks located across the main concourse. These machines can be easily switched to English.
3. Select your route, travel time, and class, then insert your cash (Moroccan dirhams) or credit card into the designated slots to print your physical paper QR tickets on the spot.

Reaching Top Tourist Attractions on a Budget

The Al Boraq line is perfectly integrated into Morocco's urban geography. The stations aren't hidden far away in industrial zones; they are major architectural hubs that drop you right next to municipal transit systems. Here is how you can use the train to reach world-class tourist attractions without overspending:

• The Historic Tangier Kasbah and Old Medina: When you take the Al Boraq north to its final stop at Tanger-Ville Station, you are right in the heart of the modern city. To reach the ancient, walled medina and the breathtaking Kasbah, ignore the aggressive unmetered tourist drivers outside. Instead, hail a local "petit taxi" (the tiny light-blue cars specific to Tangier) and insist the driver turns on the meter. The short, scenic drive up the hills to the grand gates of the old medina will cost you only about 15 MAD. From there, you can explore the maze-like historical alleys on foot for free!
• The Magnificent Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca): Alighting at the southern terminus of the high-speed line at Casa-Voyageurs Station puts you in Casablanca's central transit core. To see the largest functioning mosque in Africa cheaply, walk directly out of the train terminal onto the station plaza and board the modern Casa Tramway (Line T1). Buy a single tram ticket for just 8 MAD, ride it to the central Place des Nations Unies stop, and then enjoy a beautiful, free 20-minute walk along the vibrant maritime boulevard directly to the mosque.
• The Iconic Hassan Tower (Rabat): When you travel to the capital city, step off the Al Boraq at the spectacular Rabat Agdal Station. To visit the legendary 12th-century Hassan Tower, exit the train terminal and hop directly onto the sleek Rabat-Salé Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. A single LRT ticket costs a mere 6 MAD. Ride the line to the dedicated "Tour Hassan" station. Once you step off the light rail vehicle, it is a flat, easy 5-minute walk down a beautifully paved avenue to see these incredible monuments.

Ishabil Connect: Flawless Airport & Intercity Transfers

Are you flying internationally into Casablanca's major hub, Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)? Don't waste your precious travel budget on expensive airport taxi drivers who charge upwards of 300 MAD to reach the city center! Instead, use Morocco's seamless airport rail connection. Head straight down to the basement level of Airport Terminal 1, where you will find the dedicated airport train station. Purchase a ticket for the local Al Bidaoui commuter train for just 50 MAD (~$5 USD). This train runs directly from the airport terminal to the Casa-Voyageurs Station in exactly 35 minutes. Once you step off the airport train at Casa-Voyageurs, you don't even have to leave the building! Simply walk across the main indoor platform area to scan your pre-booked Al Boraq e-ticket and board the high-speed rail line straight to Rabat or Tangier. Furthermore, if you are heading south to Marrakesh, Casa-Voyageurs is where you seamlessly transfer from the high-speed Al Boraq onto the regional Al Atlas trains!

Complete List of Al Boraq High-Speed Stations & Travel Times

To keep your travel plans safe and ensure you don't accidentally book a ticket to an older, slow commuter hub, keep this definitive list of the four official Al Boraq high-speed terminals handy:

• Tanger-Ville Station (Tangier): The spectacular, modern northern terminal located close to the central beach promenade and ferry ports connecting to Europe.
• Kénitra Station: A brilliant, award-winning architectural terminal serving the bustling industrial and transit region just north of the capital city. (Tangier to Kénitra takes just 50 minutes!)
• Rabat Agdal Station (Rabat): A massive, multi-level futuristic transport hub built directly over the tracks in the capital city. Important Budget Note: Do NOT get off at the older Rabat-Ville station; the high-speed Al Boraq exclusively serves Rabat Agdal! (Tangier to Rabat takes 1 hour 20 mins)
• Casa-Voyageurs Station (Casablanca): The grand southern terminus of the high-speed line and the central railway hub of Casablanca. (Tangier to Casablanca takes 2 hours 10 mins)

On-Board Experience: First Class vs. Second Class

The Al Boraq uses French-designed Alstom Euroduplex double-decker (bilevel) trains. Both classes are strictly non-smoking, fully air-conditioned, and feature clean Western-style restrooms.

• First Class: Features a spacious 1+2 seating configuration with wider, plush reclining seats. You get dedicated individual power outlets at every seat. Booking first class also grants you access to the private Al Boraq lounges at major stations, offering free Wi-Fi, coffee, and a quiet space to wait before boarding.

The spacious 1+2 seating configuration offers a quieter atmosphere and extra legroom in the first-class cabin.

• Second Class: Features a standard 2+2 seating layout. It is incredibly comfortable and has a more lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Shared charging outlets are conveniently located between the seats to keep your devices powered up.

The comfortable 2+2 seating layout provides excellent value for budget travelers and families in second class.

Al Boraq Class Guide: First or Second?

Both choices are modern high-speed trains. But which seat do you really need? Here is the simplest way to decide.

Second Class: The Modern Standard

This is the default pick for most travelers. It saves you dirhams and gets the job done comfortably.

• Standard Fabric Seats: Modern, clean, and reserved.
• Budget-Friendly: The logical, affordable choice for daily travel.
• Perfect for Short Trips: Best value for quick hops between nearby cities.
• Reserved Seating: Everyone gets a specific, guaranteed seat.

First Class: The Quiet Upgrade

Want a fancier experience or have a very long ride? First class is your upgrade to silence and space.

• Wide Leather Seats: More space, and wider seats for relaxing.
• Extra Legroom: Stretch out comfortably, especially on longer routes.
• Best for Long Rides: Essential for the full Casablanca to Tangier journey.
• Quiet Carriage: Often a much calmer atmosphere with extra space for luggage.

The Quick Summary:

• Going a short distance? Second class is enough.
• Going Tangier to Casablanca (or vice versa)? First class is often worth the extra comfort.

Both first and second-class carriages offer a beautifully maintained, air-conditioned, and remarkably smooth ride.

Important Rules to Keep Your Budget Safe

Morocco's high-speed rail system runs with incredible precision and strict European-style regulations. To prevent unexpected fines from ruining your daily travel budget, make sure you memorize these critical local rules:

• The Strict 20-Minute Rule: This is the most vital rule of all! The Al Boraq train is famous for its perfect punctuality. Platform access gates and security screening points close permanently exactly 20 minutes before the train's scheduled departure time. They will not hold the train under any circumstances. If you arrive late, you will be denied entry to the platform, your ticket will be completely voided, and you will have to pay full price for a brand-new ticket. Always aim to arrive at the station at least 30 to 45 minutes early!
• Mandatory Assigned Seating: Every single Al Boraq ticket is linked to a specific carriage number (labeled as "Voiture") and an exact seat number ("Place"). Do not just wander into any empty car or sit in a random window seat, and absolutely never step into a first-class carriage if you hold a second-class ticket. On-board ticket inspectors check every car, and sitting in the wrong section will result in an immediate fine.
• Strict Luggage Rules: Large suitcases cannot block the aisles. You must place them in the dedicated, secure metal luggage racks located near the entry doors at the end of each train carriage. Standard backpacks and small cabin-sized bags fit easily in the overhead bins right above your seat.
• Ramadan Schedule Changes: If you are planning your budget adventure during the holy month of Ramadan, be aware that train timetables shift slightly across the entire ONCF network to accommodate the evening "Iftar" (breaking of the fast). Always verify the live schedules on the official app.

Be sure to store large suitcases in the designated luggage racks located at the end of each carriage to keep the aisles clear.

The Ultimate Experience & Insider Hacks

Because the Al Boraq is a massive intercity bullet train guided by a professional human engineer, it does not feature an open front window or a driverless "driver's seat" view like city metros do. However, I have figured out a brilliant architectural and scenic hack that will give you and your kids the most unforgettable, panoramic journey across Morocco without costing a single extra cent!

The Al Boraq fleet consists entirely of ultra-modern, double-decker trains. When you are booking your tickets online or at a station kiosk, the reservation system will ask you to choose between two levels: "Salle Basse" (lower deck) or "Salle Haute" (upper deck). As a budget transit lover, you must always select the Salle Haute (upper deck)!

The lower deck sits quite low to the ground and can feel a bit enclosed, like traveling through a concrete trench. But up on the upper deck, you are elevated high above the landscape. If you are traveling south from Tangier down toward Casablanca, try to choose a window seat on the right-hand side of the upper train carriage. As the train accelerates to 320 km/h, your elevated window will give you breathtaking, expansive views over the green Moroccan farmlands, traditional rural villages, and spectacular, dramatic glimpses of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean crashing against the coastline!

One final budget hack: while there is a beautiful cafeteria car located in the middle of the train (Car 4 or 14) serving hot espresso and basic snacks, the lines get long and the prices can add up quickly for a family. To travel like a true budget pro, head into a local neighborhood bakery before you go to the station. Buy some fresh Moroccan pastries, traditional local dates, and a couple of bottles of water for a fraction of the price. Settle into your spacious upper-deck seat, connect your device to the free on-board station Wi-Fi, and enjoy the fastest, smoothest ride in Africa.

Other High Speed Train Guides

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• 🚄 Whoosh Guide: How to Ride Indonesia's High Speed Train

Future Expansion: Looking Ahead to 2030

If you think the current route is impressive, the future of Moroccan transit is even brighter. As part of its aggressive development plan leading up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted with Spain and Portugal), Morocco is actively constructing high-speed line extensions. Soon, the high-speed rail corridor will extend further south, connecting Casablanca directly to Marrakesh and Agadir, as well as branching eastward towards Fes!

Have you ever experienced high-speed rail travel? Are you planning a family trip to Morocco soon? Let me know in the comments section below, and keep searching for your next big adventure with ishabil.com!

About the Author

Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com, a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.

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