How to get to Morocco: airports, flights and border crossings

For a first trip, land at Marrakech (RAK). It is the shortest transfer to a medina hotel, and most Atlas and Sahara tours leave from there. Choose Casablanca (CMU) when you want the cheapest or most frequent long-haul connection and do not mind a train ride of about 3 hours to Marrakech or under an hour to Rabat. Fes (FEZ) is the pick if your route runs Fes to the desert to Marrakech, one way.

If you are already in Spain, the ferry to Tangier plus a train south is often cheaper than flying, and it puts you on the Tangier–Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakech line.

Morocco has one main long-haul hub, Casablanca Mohammed V (CMU), and a set of airports that matter more for European and regional traffic. Marrakech Menara (RAK) has the most direct flights from the UK, France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands, which is why it is the default arrival for a short trip. Fes–Saïss (FEZ) has good low-cost links from Europe and is the natural start for a northern loop. Tangier Ibn Battouta (TNG) takes ferries, European flights and a growing number of connections; Agadir Al Massira (AGA) serves the south Atlantic coast; Rabat–Salé (RBA) is small but close to the capital; Nador, Oujda and Dakhla cover the east and far south.

From the US, nonstop service is limited and mostly to Casablanca, with one-stop routings through Europe or Istanbul common. From the UK and Ireland, direct flights to Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir and Fes run year-round, with more in winter sun season. From Canada and Australia/New Zealand, expect at least one stop, usually in Europe, the Gulf or Istanbul. Fares move a lot by season: winter sun and Easter are peak, July and August are hot inland and cheaper for city-only trips.

Morocco has land borders with the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. You reach them by ferry from mainland Spain, cross on foot or by car, then continue by bus, grand taxi or train from the Moroccan side. There is no direct international train across the border, so plan the last leg separately. The Algeria border has been closed for years; do not plan a route through it.

By sea, ferries run from Algeciras and Tarifa to Tangier and Tangier Med, and less often from Barcelona, Sète and other ports to Tangier or Nador. The crossing is short, but allow extra time for port formalities at both ends, especially in summer. Tangier Ville is the port closest to the city and the train station; Tangier Med is a freight and ferry port about 40 km east, with shuttle buses to the city.

If you arrive by ferry and want to head south, the train from Tangier to Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech is the easiest option. Buy at the station or online; second class is fine for a few hours.

Most Western passports, including US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish, get 90 days on arrival with no visa, provided the passport is valid for at least six months and you have a return or onward ticket. Rules can change, so check the current position before booking. See the visa page for the full list.

At the airport or border you may be asked where you are staying; have the first hotel name and address ready. Customs allows personal goods and a reasonable amount of currency; the dirham is a closed currency, so you cannot legally take large amounts in or out. Declare anything unusual, including drones and professional camera gear, which can attract attention.

Book airport transfers through your riad or a licensed taxi desk rather than an unmarked driver. In Marrakech, the taxi rank is outside arrivals; agree the price or insist on the meter where it applies. In Casablanca, the train from the airport station is often faster than a taxi at peak times.

For money on arrival, change a small amount at the airport and the rest in town, where rates are usually better. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but medina shops and taxis are cash. A local SIM or eSIM set up before you land saves time; see the SIM page.

Travel insurance should cover medical care, evacuation and any trekking or desert activity you plan. Check that your policy covers the specific activity, not just general travel.