Future of Rail Travel in Morocco
On April 11, 2026, Moroccan Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh unveiled ambitious plans that promise to revolutionize rail travel across the country. The new high-speed rail line connecting Kenitra to Marrakech aims to dramatically reduce travel time from the current six hours to just two and a half hours by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation’s transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity to key locations, including Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, which will soon be only 35 minutes away from Rabat and 55 minutes from Marrakech. Travelers from Tangier will be able to reach the airport in just one hour and 35 minutes, streamlining access to air travel for many.
The strategic project linking Marrakech and Agadir has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its final studies. This 240-kilometer route, with anticipated costs ranging between 50 and 56 billion dirhams, is set to connect the two vibrant cities in just one hour. According to Minister Kayouh, the execution studies for this major construction endeavor are already complete, paving the way for a new era in Moroccan rail transport.
Expanding Connections Across Morocco
Additionally, the development plan includes enhancing rail access to Essaouira, which will be only one hour away from Marrakech once the project is complete. The connection between Agadir and Essaouira, passing through Chichaoua, is expected to take just one hour and 22 minutes. This ambitious expansion will significantly improve the territorial network before the year 2030, making travel across Morocco more efficient and accessible.
Morocco is seriously considering extending its high-speed rail line to Agadir, a key host city for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which underscores the importance of these infrastructure projects in boosting tourism and connectivity. The national railway company, ONCF, is working diligently on these plans, which include a new high-speed line that will further enhance the rail network.
For more detailed information on these developments, visit bladna.nl.
