Connecting Morocco's administrative capital with its spiritual capital is one of the classic journeys of the kingdom. While Fes has its own Saïss Airport (FEZ), many international travellers land at Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) due to favourable flight timings or cheaper European airfares. The 200 km journey from RBA to Fes is fast and scenic, tracing the southern edge of the Rif along the modern A2 toll motorway past Khemisset and the imperial city of Meknes.
Driving door-to-door takes just under two and a half hours, delivering you straight to the gates of the ancient Fes el-Bali medina.
Compare your options
| Your options | Price from | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Direct private transfer Recommended 2 h 20 | €110 · 1190 MAD | Families, groups, and anyone staying in a Fes medina riad |
| Bus + ONCF train 3 h 10 | €12 · 130 MAD | Solo budget travellers with light backpacks |
| Intercity grand taxi 2 h 30 | €100 · 1080 MAD | Travellers wanting immediate car departure without booking |
How to get there
The most comfortable option is a pre-booked private transfer, starting at around €110 (≈1,180 MAD) for a sedan or €150 for a family minivan. Your driver meets you in the RBA arrivals hall with a name board, assists with luggage, and drives non-stop along the A2 motorway. Alternatively, budget travellers can take the ALSA Airport Express Bus (Line AE, 25 MAD) from RBA to Gare Rabat-Ville, and catch a regular ONCF intercity train to Fes (approx.
2 hours 30 minutes, tickets starting around 85–125 MAD). An intercity grand taxi from the airport rank costs around 1,000–1,200 MAD, negotiated before setting off.
Arrival tips
Fes el-Bali is the world's largest contiguous car-free urban area, with over 9,000 labyrinthine alleyways. No car can drive into the medina. Ensure you tell your driver your nearest gate: Bab Bou Jeloud (the iconic Blue Gate) for the western medina, or Place R'cif for the eastern and central sectors. Pre-arrange with your riad host to have a luggage porter ('koussa') meet your car at the gate.
Plan your arrival
- Confirm the nearest gate to your Fes riad (Bab Bou Jeloud or Place R'cif) with your host before flying.
- Clear customs in the quick RBA terminal and withdraw dirhams if taking public transit.
- For private transfers, meet your chauffeur in the arrivals lobby and relax for the 2h20 drive along the A2.
- For the train, take the ALSA bus (25 MAD) to Gare Rabat-Ville and purchase an ONCF ticket to Fes.
- Meet your riad's porter at the medina gate to navigate the final walking stretch to your accommodation.
Arriving at Fes railway station (Gare de Fès) late in the evening and expecting an easy walk to your riad. The station is in the modern Ville Nouvelle, several kilometres from the historic medina, requiring a red petit taxi ride and a walk through dark alleys. A direct airport transfer avoids all of this.
If you have extra time on your journey, many private drivers will agree to a 2-hour stopover at the Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO) or imperial Meknes along the A2 motorway for a modest supplement.
Good to know: A direct transfer takes you straight to the Fes medina gates, eliminating the need to haul luggage between trains.
