Marrakech and Fes are Morocco's two most iconic imperial cities, and most travelers want to see both. The question is how to get from one to the other, since a straight highway transfer skips some of the country's most spectacular scenery. Here's a clear breakdown of your options, from the fastest to the most memorable.
Option 1: Direct Transfer (Fastest)
A direct private transfer between Marrakech and Fes takes roughly 7-8 hours by road via the direct highway route. Flying is another option, but there is not always a direct flight between the two cities: many connections go via Casablanca, so check schedules carefully and allow time for the change. This is the right choice if your time is limited and you'd rather spend an extra day exploring one of the cities instead of on the road.
Planning your trip? Explore our Marrakech to Merzouga Private Desert Tour and Luxury Fes Tours.
Option 2: The Desert Route via Merzouga (Most Popular)
By far the most popular way to travel between Marrakech and Fes is the multi-day route through the Sahara, typically over 3 days and 2 nights. This itinerary crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stops in Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades or Todra Gorges, and includes a night in a desert camp near Merzouga before continuing on to Fes. It turns a simple transfer into one of the highlights of a Morocco trip.
Option 3: Train
Morocco's train network (ONCF) connects Marrakech and Fes, usually with a change in Casablanca, taking around 7-8 hours total. It's comfortable and scenic in parts, but doesn't include any of the desert or mountain stops of the private route.
What Most Travelers Actually Choose
Given the choice, the vast majority of travelers who have the time (3 days or more) choose the desert route. It costs more than a direct transfer, but it replaces a full day of highway driving with camel treks, a night under the stars, and some of Morocco's most dramatic landscapes — turning "getting from A to B" into a trip in itself.
Option 4: The Imperial Cities Route via Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes
If you prefer culture to dunes, you can travel north along the Atlantic and through the imperial cities in two relaxed days. Stop in Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours, then continue to Rabat, the capital, for the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas. On the second day, explore Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis before arriving in Fes in the afternoon. Our guides to Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes help you decide how long to spend in each.
Stops Worth Making Through the Middle Atlas
The inland road between Marrakech and Fes crosses farmland, olive groves and the forests of the Middle Atlas, and a few stops make the journey far more enjoyable:
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: a short detour from the road for Morocco's tallest waterfalls, best early in the day. See our Ouzoud day trip for what to expect.
- Ifrane: a tidy mountain town with Alpine-style roofs, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco", and a pleasant place for a coffee break.
- The cedar forest near Azrou: tall Atlas cedars and, often, Barbary macaques close to the road. Please do not feed them.
Which Route Is Right for You?
- One day available: the direct transfer, ideally with stops in the Middle Atlas.
- Two days: the imperial cities route via Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes.
- Three days or more: the desert route via the High Atlas, the Dades and Todra gorges and the dunes of Merzouga, described in our Merzouga guide.
Practical Tips
Book your route in advance during peak season (spring and autumn), pack layers since temperatures swing widely between the mountains and the desert, and confirm whether your camp includes a private bathroom if that matters to you (it varies significantly between operators).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to go Marrakech to Fes or Fes to Marrakech?
Both directions cover the same route and sights. Some travelers prefer starting in Marrakech since flights there are often more frequent, then flying out of Fes or Casablanca at the end of the trip.
Can I do the desert route in 2 days instead of 3?
It's possible but rushed — you'd spend most of both days driving. Three days allows a proper stop in Ait Ben Haddou and a relaxed night in the desert rather than a quick pass-through.
Is the direct highway drive safe to do independently?
Yes, but mountain roads through the Atlas can be winding and are best driven by an experienced local driver, especially in winter when the Tizi n'Tichka pass can see snow.
How much luggage can I bring on the desert route?
Private vehicles handle standard luggage without issue. If you plan to continue with camel trekking gear, most camps offer secure luggage storage at the base camp.
Do I need a 4x4 for this route?
A standard private vehicle is fine for the main route; a 4x4 is only useful if you want to add off-track detours to remote Berber villages.
Can I stop at Volubilis and Meknes on the way from Marrakech to Fes?
Yes. On the imperial cities route, Meknes and the Roman site of Volubilis fit naturally into the last day before Fes, after nights in Casablanca or Rabat.
What is the most scenic way to get from Marrakech to Fes?
The desert route is the most spectacular, crossing the High Atlas, the kasbah valleys and the Sahara dunes at Merzouga over three days or more. For a single day, the road through the Middle Atlas with its cedar forests is the most scenic option.
Travel from Marrakech to Fes the Memorable Way
Let us plan your private 3-day journey between Marrakech and Fes, with a night in the Sahara and stops at Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorge along the way.
Plan Your TripIs there a direct train from Marrakech to Fes?
There is no single direct train for the whole route in most schedules; travelers usually change at Casablanca or Rabat. A private driver avoids connections and lets you stop along the way.
Can I stop in the Sahara between Marrakech and Fes?
Yes. A 3 or 4 day route via Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and Merzouga adds a night in the Sahara and ends in Fes. It is the classic way to cover both cities.