TRANSPORTATION IN MOROCCO
When thinking about Morocco and its transportation many people might think of a camel walking through desert , yet this amazing country has national and international airports , network of trains, buses connecting all cities and villages and shared taxis that will get you between cities , tramways , car rentals for more freedom and ease … and camels too of course .Here is a list of several ways to travel efficiently and affordably that will allow to cross Morocco’s varied mountain , desert landscapes and two seas.However, not all of these means of transportation can get you everywhere you need to go :
Buses:
Buses are more frequent, comfortable ( depends on operator ) and safe choice , since they reach different cities and villages that aren’t reached by rails , like Essaouira and Ouarzazate , and cheap even along routes where the train is available can cost half the price making it much more affordable.
If you like to discover morocco from up close and get to know people , the buses are great for that plus the routes are often more scenic and travel along winding roads providing excellent views of smaller villages and the varying landscapes of the country.
Every city had its own bus station some of them might be too loud and messy which makes the process of buying tickets quite tiring and unclear .At the station you can book your bus ticket from windows , in some stations windows are empty and since the travel fare isn’t fixed , brokers will try to sell you bus tickets at high prices without being completely clear nor honest about the times of arrival and departure they advertise therefore you should bargain the price and ask to see the bus you’re taking and make sure that it covers your luggage, before buying the ticket . If you’re familiar with buses and know which one you’ll take you can buy your ticket directly inside the bus from the staff . Buses will often wait until they are full before departing the station which means you can never really count on what time you will begin the trip, even if you buy a ticket for a particular time.
There are Two well known bus operators they are more expensive than regular buses but they offer good service service and comfort .Some of these buses come with WIFI and some extra leg room if you take the “Luxe” buses.
Supratours buses are a good choice if you are traveling to a destination where a train takes you only a portion of the way. That is because Supratours buses are run by ONCF, the same company as the rail system. Thus, they have already anticipated the traveler’s final destination and their bus routes leave from the train stations , you can buy their bus ticket from oncf.ma .
CTM has recently computerized their reservation system allowing you to book tickets to anywhere in Morocco at any of their CTM offices in advance. While CTM buses are a bit newer and more comfortable, many travelers find their operating schedule less convenient. You can leave your luggage at bus station, and come back to retrieve it later because only CTM provides luggage receipts.
If you are planning to travel by bus during major Moroccan holidays and during summer peak season (July-August), buy your tickets "www.markoub.ma" in advance to insure seats availability due to increase travel by Moroccans.
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