Is Al Boraq worth it in Morocco?

Quick answer

Yes, Al Boraq is often worth it if your route is on the high-speed corridor and time matters. It makes the strongest case on trips such as Tangier to Casablanca and Rabat to Tangier, where a faster, cleaner trip can remove a lot of travel friction.

It is usually less important when your route sits outside the high-speed corridor, when broader route coverage matters more, or when a transfer cancels out most of the speed benefit.

When Al Boraq is most worth it

• Your route is on the northern high-speed corridor.
• You want to save time, not just book the cheapest possible ticket.
• You are trying to protect the rest of the day, such as a meeting, hotel check-in, or onward connection.
• You prefer a train choice that feels more straightforward from the start.

ONCF’s Al Boraq information places Casablanca, Rabat Agdal, Kenitra, and Tangier on the same high-speed line, which is exactly why these routes are where Al Boraq makes the clearest difference.

What ONCF highlights about booking Al Boraq

ONCF’s Al Boraq booking page says first-class and second-class booking lets travelers benefit from the best prices, optimal comfort, and a guaranteed seat on the train they want. ONCF also says tickets are available for sale up to 3 months ahead of time.

That matters because one reason Al Boraq feels worth it is not only the train itself. It is the reduced uncertainty: you can search earlier, secure a seat, and make the rest of the travel day feel more predictable.

Best routes to justify Al Boraq first

• Tangier to Casablanca: one of the strongest Al Boraq-first searches on the site.
• Rabat to Tangier: another route where saving time can be the whole point.
• Tangier to Rabat/Kenitra corridor travel: typically where the high-speed advantage feels clearest.

If your route starts in Marrakech, Fes, or the airport corridor, Al Boraq may still matter for part of the journey, but it is less useful as a blanket answer. In those cases, compare the full route rather than assuming the high-speed label solves everything.

When regular ONCF may be the better choice

• Your route needs broader coverage more than extra speed.
• You are traveling to or from cities outside the main high-speed corridor.
• Your transfer plan makes the “fast” part less important in practice.
• You care more about route fit and timing than the train brand itself.

This is why comparing Al Boraq and regular ONCF still matters. A high-speed segment is only worth chasing if it genuinely makes the trip easier.

Seat choice and confidence also matter

ONCF says seat preferences on Al Boraq are assigned according to availability, with multiple seat types offered across first and second class. If you value a calmer ride, that can make Al Boraq feel more worth it than a simple journey-time comparison suggests.

If class is part of the decision, read our first class vs second class guide before you book.

Best rule for deciding fast

Use this shortcut:

• If your trip is on the Tangier-Rabat-Kenitra-Casablanca corridor, check Al Boraq first.
• If your route depends on wider Morocco rail coverage, compare regular ONCF first.
• If you still are not sure, compare the actual departure, class, station, and transfer plan before paying.