Al Boraq, inaugurated in 2018, is Africa's first high-speed rail line — a 323-kilometre corridor linking Tangier in the north to Casablanca via Rabat, capable of reaching 320 km/h and transforming intercity travel across Morocco's Atlantic seaboard.

A Historic Milestone for African Rail

When Al Boraq entered service in November 2018, it did something no railway on the African continent had done before: it carried fare-paying passengers at genuine high-speed rail velocities. Named after the legendary creature of Islamic tradition that transported the Prophet between cities in an instant, the name is an apt metaphor. What had been a grinding four-to-five-hour road journey between Tangier and Casablanca shrank to around two hours by train.

The project was decades in the making, backed by a close partnership between Morocco and France, with Alstom supplying the rolling stock and SNCF providing technical expertise. Its opening positioned Morocco as a continental leader in modern infrastructure and signalled a broader ambition to extend high-speed corridors further south toward Marrakech and beyond.

The Route: From Tangier to Casablanca

Al Boraq operates in two distinct segments that passengers experience as a single seamless journey. Understanding the distinction helps set expectations.

  • High-speed segment: Tangier Ville to Kénitra — approximately 183 kilometres of purpose-built, fully dedicated high-speed infrastructure where trains reach their top operational speed of 320 km/h.
  • Classic track segment: Kénitra onward to Rabat and then to Casablanca — trains continue on the existing upgraded national rail network, operated by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), at conventional speeds.

The total network distance covered under the Al Boraq brand is 323 kilometres. Key stops include Tangier Ville, Kénitra, Rabat Agdal, Rabat Ville, and Casablanca Voyageurs, with the terminus at Casablanca Port on certain services. Not every service stops at every intermediate station, so checking the timetable before booking is worthwhile.

Rolling Stock and Classes of Service

Al Boraq's trains are Alstom Euroduplex (TGV Duplex) sets — double-deck, articulated high-speed trains well proven on the French network. Morocco operates a dedicated fleet of these units, finished in the national railway's livery.

Two classes are offered onboard:

  • First Class (Première): Wider seats arranged in a 2+1 configuration, more legroom, a quieter environment, and complimentary at-seat service on many departures. Ideal for business travellers or anyone wanting a more comfortable ride.
  • Second Class (Deuxième): Comfortable seats in a 2+2 layout, perfectly adequate for the relatively short journey time. The majority of passengers travel in second class.

Both classes benefit from air conditioning, power sockets, and the smooth, low-vibration ride characteristic of purpose-built high-speed track on the Tangier–Kénitra segment.

Al Boraq RGV2N2 at Tanger Ville
Al Boraq RGV2N2 at Tanger Ville

Journey Times and Frequency

The headline figure is the Tangier–Casablanca journey in approximately two hours — a reduction of more than half compared to the pre-Al Boraq train service and considerably faster than the road alternative. Tangier to Rabat takes roughly 80 minutes from departure.

ONCF operates multiple departures throughout the day in each direction. Services generally run from early morning through to the evening, with frequency sufficient for day-trip itineraries between the major cities. Exact schedules change seasonally and with demand, so consulting the ONCF official website or a reputable booking platform close to your travel date is always advisable.

Booking and Tickets

Tickets for Al Boraq can be purchased through several channels:

  • ONCF official website and app: The primary source for accurate schedules, fare classes, and seat reservations. An account is required for online booking.
  • Station ticket windows and automatic machines: Available at all major served stations, including Tangier Ville and Casablanca Voyageurs. Queue times can be longer during peak periods and holidays.
  • Authorised travel agencies: Both inside Morocco and internationally, though availability may vary.

As with most high-speed rail services worldwide, fares are typically cheaper when booked further in advance and more expensive on peak travel days. First class carries a premium but is not prohibitively priced by international high-speed rail standards. Children, seniors, and rail pass holders may be eligible for discounts — check the ONCF tariff pages for current conditions.

Seat reservations are mandatory on Al Boraq services; you cannot simply board with an open ticket. Arrive at the station with enough time to pass through any platform checks.

Al Boraq Tangier
Al Boraq Tangier

Stations and City Connections

Tangier Ville

Tangier's main railway station sits centrally in the medina district, within walking distance of the historic city centre and the seafront. Tangier Med port — Morocco's largest container and passenger ferry hub, with crossings to Spain and other Mediterranean destinations — is connected by a separate shuttle train service from a dedicated Tangier Med station, not directly by Al Boraq. Travellers arriving by ferry from Europe typically take the shuttle into Tangier Ville before boarding Al Boraq. The city itself warrants time: its location at the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean has shaped a distinctly cosmopolitan character.

Rabat

Morocco's administrative capital is served by two stations on the Al Boraq corridor — Rabat Agdal and Rabat Ville — giving access to the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Royal Palace district. Rabat's compact city centre is walkable from Rabat Ville station.

Casablanca

Morocco's commercial capital and largest city is the southern terminus. Casablanca Voyageurs is the main arrival point, well connected to the city's tram network and taxis. Crucially for international travellers, Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) — Morocco's busiest airport — is connected directly to Casablanca Voyageurs by the ONCF Airport Express train (known as the ONDA train or Casa-Aéroport line). This makes Al Boraq part of a genuinely integrated rail connection: fly into Casablanca, take the airport train into the city, and then continue north to Rabat or Tangier by Al Boraq without needing a car or taxi for any leg. TravelerPulse.pro's airport page for Mohammed V International has full details on ground transport options.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights Along the Corridor

The Tangier–Kénitra high-speed segment passes through the rolling hills and agricultural lowlands of northern Morocco, offering views of eucalyptus groves, small towns, and the occasional glimpse of the Atlantic coast. It is not a landscape railway in the dramatic sense, but the sheer novelty of watching Moroccan countryside pass at 300-plus kilometres per hour has its own appeal. Between Kénitra and Rabat, the train runs closer to the Atlantic and the estuary of the Bou Regreg river that separates Rabat from the ancient city of Salé.

Al Boraq Vitesse
Al Boraq Vitesse

Al Boraq Versus the Alternatives

For the Tangier–Casablanca corridor, the comparison with other modes is straightforward:

  • Driving: Approximately four to five hours on the A1/A2 motorway under good conditions, subject to traffic around Rabat and Casablanca. Toll costs add up, and parking in central Casablanca is inconvenient.
  • Bus (CTM and others): Intercity coaches are inexpensive but considerably slower, typically five-plus hours, with comfort varying by operator and vehicle age.
  • Domestic flights: No scheduled direct air service covers Tangier–Casablanca at a price or journey time that seriously competes once airport transfer time is factored in. Al Boraq wins convincingly on door-to-door time for city-centre to city-centre travel.

The rail case is particularly strong for travellers visiting two or more cities on the corridor, since the train deposits you centrally without the hassle of a rental car.

Practical Traveler Tips

  • Book ahead, especially on Fridays, Sundays, and around Moroccan public holidays, when trains fill quickly.
  • Arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure; platform access can close shortly before the train leaves.
  • Luggage storage is available above and below seats; overhead racks handle standard cabin bags. There is no formal luggage car for oversized items on Al Boraq sets.
  • The onboard café or trolley service availability can vary; carrying snacks and water for the journey is sensible regardless.
  • Morocco is a visa-required destination for many nationalities. Before your trip, use TravelerPulse.pro's /visas section to check current entry requirements for Moroccan territory.
  • Currency on board is Moroccan Dirham (MAD); card acceptance is not guaranteed for on-train purchases.
ONCF TGV
ONCF TGV

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Al Boraq the fastest train in Africa?

Yes. With a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h on the Tangier–Kénitra segment, Al Boraq holds the distinction of being Africa's fastest passenger train and the continent's first high-speed rail service since it opened in 2018. No other African country currently operates a comparable high-speed line.

Do I need to book a seat in advance, or can I buy a ticket at the station on the day?

Seat reservations are mandatory on Al Boraq. Walk-up tickets are sold at station windows on the day, but seats can sell out — particularly on weekends and holidays. Booking through the ONCF website a few days before travel is a safer approach.

Can I travel from Europe to Morocco by train using Al Boraq as part of the journey?

Not in a single rail ticket. The connection from Europe requires a ferry crossing between Spain (typically Algeciras or Tarifa) and Morocco (Ceuta or Tangier Med). From Tangier Med port, a shuttle train connects to Tangier Ville, where Al Boraq services depart. It is a multi-modal journey but a practical and scenic one, avoiding the need to fly.

Are there plans to extend the high-speed network beyond Casablanca?

Morocco has announced ambitions to extend high-speed rail further, with studies and proposals examining corridors toward Marrakech and other cities. However, no additional high-speed line is currently in service, and timelines for future extensions remain subject to change. Monitor ONCF announcements for the latest developments.

Conclusion

Al Boraq represents more than a fast train — it is a statement about where African infrastructure is heading and a genuinely practical travel tool for anyone moving between Morocco's northern and Atlantic-coast cities. The combination of a short journey time, central station locations, a comfortable onboard environment, and connectivity to Mohammed V Airport makes it the obvious choice over driving or busing for most intercity trips on the Tangier–Casablanca corridor. For visitors exploring Morocco's imperial cities and northern coast, building Al Boraq into the itinerary is simply good planning.