AFCON 2025 Transfers: Private Cars, Trains & Flights

Tournament kicks off December 21

Morocco's six AFCON host cities span 600 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, Atlas foothills, and ancient imperial terrain. Following your team from group stage through knockout rounds means navigating a country where world-class infrastructure coexists with chaotic urban traffic, where high-speed trains serve some corridors brilliantly while leaving others unconnected.

This guide breaks down every transfer option between host cities, compares the trade-offs honestly, and explains why private transfers often make sense for supporters who value their time and comfort during an intensive tournament schedule.

The Geography: Understanding Distances

Before planning any transfers, understand what you're working with. Morocco's host cities form a rough triangle along the Atlantic coast, with Fes as the inland outlier to the east.

Northern Corridor (Al Boraq High-Speed Rail)

• Tangier to Rabat: 250 km (1 hour 5 minutes by train)
• Rabat to Casablanca: 90 km (45 minutes by train)
• Tangier to Casablanca: 340 km (2 hours 10 minutes by train)

Central Corridor (Highway A7)

• Casablanca to Marrakech: 240 km (2 hours 30 minutes by car)
• Rabat to Marrakech: 330 km (3 hours 15 minutes by car)

Southern Route

• Marrakech to Agadir: 250 km (2 hours 45 minutes by car)
• Casablanca to Agadir: 460 km (4 hours 30 minutes by car)

Eastern Connection

• Casablanca to Fes: 290 km (3 hours by car)
• Rabat to Fes: 200 km (2 hours 15 minutes by car)
• Marrakech to Fes: 530 km (5 hours by car)

Cross-Country

• Tangier to Marrakech: 580 km (5 hours 30 minutes by car)
• Fes to Agadir: 680 km (7 hours by car)

Your Three Options: Honest Comparisons

Option 1: Al Boraq High-Speed Train

Morocco's high-speed rail is genuinely impressive. The Al Boraq connects Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca with European-standard service at 320 km/h on the dedicated northern section. Hourly departures run from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the trains are clean, punctual, and comfortable.

Where it works brilliantly: The Tangier-Rabat-Casablanca corridor. If you're based in any of these three cities and attending matches in the others, Al Boraq is fast, reliable, and reasonably priced. First class costs 130 to 290 MAD ($13-29 USD) depending on the route.

Where it doesn't help: Everywhere else. There's no high-speed connection to Marrakech, Fes, or Agadir. The conventional train to Marrakech takes 3 hours 40 minutes from Casablanca with multiple stops. Fes requires a transfer at Kenitra or Rabat. Agadir has no rail connection at all.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers on the northern corridor who don't mind crowds and have flexible schedules.

Option 2: Domestic Flights

Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, and Ryanair operate domestic routes connecting most host cities. Flight times average 45-60 minutes.

Where it works: Long-distance routes where driving would consume half a day. Casablanca to Agadir. Tangier to Marrakech. Fes to Agadir (if available).

The hidden costs: Domestic flights in Morocco typically require connecting through Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport. A "direct" Marrakech to Fes routing often means two flights and a 3-hour layover. Add airport arrival times (2 hours before domestic flights), ground transfers at both ends, and potential delays, and your 1-hour flight becomes a 6-hour journey.

The AFCON reality: During major events, domestic flight prices spike significantly. Availability tightens. And if your match ends at 10 PM, there's no flight getting you back that night.

Best for: Transfers where ground travel exceeds 5 hours and you have full-day flexibility.

Option 3: Private Transfers

A dedicated vehicle with a professional driver, waiting when you need it, taking you directly from point A to point B with no connections, no crowds, no rigid schedules.

Where it works: Every route. But the value proposition is strongest on medium-distance routes (2-4 hours) where trains don't serve or where scheduling flexibility matters.

The real advantages:

Door-to-door service. Your driver collects you from your hotel lobby or riad entrance. No taxi to the station. No navigating unfamiliar transit. No hauling luggage through crowds.

Schedule flexibility. Match ends late? Weather delays? Want to stop at Ait Benhaddou between Marrakech and Ouarzazate? Private transfers adapt to you, not the other way around.

Productivity or rest. Three hours in an air-conditioned Mercedes with WiFi is three hours to sleep, work, or simply decompress after an intense match atmosphere.

Group economics. Split costs among four to six passengers and private transfers become surprisingly competitive.

The AFCON reality: When your team advances unexpectedly and you need to change cities for a knockout match, private transfers can be arranged within hours. Try that with sold-out trains and fully booked flights.

Our Private Transfer Services

Yalla Visit Morocco operates a fleet of late-model vehicles specifically for luxury transfers during AFCON 2025. All vehicles include air conditioning, bottled water, WiFi, phone chargers, and English or French-speaking drivers with tourism credentials.

Vehicle Options

Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series

• Capacity: 3 passengers with luggage
• Ideal for: Couples or solo travelers who want space and comfort
• Available routes: All host city connections

Mercedes V-Class

• Capacity: 6 passengers with luggage
• Ideal for: Small groups, families, or friends traveling together
• Available routes: All host city connections

Mercedes Sprinter VIP

• Capacity: 12 passengers with luggage
• Ideal for: Supporter groups, corporate delegations
• Available routes: All host city connections

Sample Transfer Routes and Times

Casablanca Airport (CMN) to Marrakech Distance: 220 km | Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes Notes: Highway A7 the entire route. Morning departures avoid Casablanca traffic.

Casablanca Airport (CMN) to Rabat Distance: 95 km | Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Notes: Highway A3. Can be 90 minutes during rush hour.

Marrakech Airport (RAK) to Marrakech hotels Distance: 6 km | Duration: 15-30 minutes Notes: Traffic varies significantly. Medina riads require walking final 100-200 meters.

Rabat to Tangier Distance: 250 km | Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes Notes: Highway A1. Scenic coastal sections near Asilah.

Casablanca to Fes Distance: 290 km | Duration: 3 hours Notes: Highway A2. Rolling farmland, then hills approaching Fes.

Marrakech to Agadir Distance: 250 km | Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes Notes: Highway A7 to Chichaoua, then mountain road through Arganeraie Biosphere.

Fes to Rabat Distance: 200 km | Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes Notes: Highway A2. Comfortable day-trip distance for matches in either city.

Airport Logistics: What to Expect

Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN)

Morocco's main international hub handles the majority of AFCON arrivals. The airport sits 30 km southeast of central Casablanca and 220 km from Marrakech.

Arrival process: Immigration typically takes 30-45 minutes for non-African passport holders. AEVM countries (visa-free for AFCON period) may experience faster processing. Luggage claim is reasonably efficient.

Our pickup: Drivers wait in the arrivals hall with name signs. For late-night arrivals, we monitor flight status and adjust accordingly. Vehicle pickup is from the short-term parking directly outside Terminal 1.

Why transfer from CMN: Many international flights arrive only at Casablanca, even when your destination is Marrakech or Rabat. Our direct transfers to Marrakech (2h30) are often faster than connecting flights when you factor in layover time.

Marrakech Menara (RAK)

The gateway to southern Morocco, Menara handles significant European traffic and serves as the hub for Marrakech and Agadir-bound supporters.

Arrival process: Smaller than CMN, with faster immigration processing. The new terminal is modern and well-organized.

Our pickup: Drivers wait outside the arrivals exit. Medina hotels require brief explanation of access points, as vehicles cannot enter the old city.

Transfer notes: RAK to central Marrakech is just 15-20 minutes outside rush hour. To Agadir, the 2h45 transfer is your only practical option aside from the scenic but slow bus.

Rabat-Salé (RBA)

Morocco's capital has a smaller international airport with limited direct flights, primarily from European capitals.

Arrival process: Compact terminal, quick processing, rarely crowded.

Our pickup: Curbside pickup directly outside arrivals. Downtown Rabat hotels are 15-20 minutes away.

Transfer notes: Many supporters arriving for Rabat matches will actually land at CMN and transfer. The 75-minute drive is straightforward.

Multi-City Itinerary Suggestions

Following Group Stage Across Three Cities

If your team plays in multiple group stage venues (common for Groups B, C, and F), you'll need efficient transfers between matches scheduled 3-4 days apart.

Example: Nigeria supporters (Group C)

• All three group matches in Fes
• Base in Fes; no inter-city transfers needed during group stage
• If advancing, likely Round of 16 in Casablanca or Rabat
• Recommended: Book Fes-to-Casablanca transfer for Day 1 of knockout rounds

Example: Morocco supporters (multiple venues)

• Opening match December 21 in Rabat
• Subsequent matches across various stadiums
• Recommended: Base in Rabat with private transfers to each venue

Knockout Round Flexibility

From Round of 16 onward, your next destination depends on match results. Knockout venues include Rabat (multiple stadiums), Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier (semi-final).

The Sahara Detour (December 28 - January 2)

The gap between group stage conclusion and Round of 16 creates a window for Morocco's most spectacular side trip. Our Merzouga desert transfers include:

• Marrakech to Merzouga: 7-hour scenic drive via Ait Benhaddou and Draa Valley
• Two nights in luxury desert camp
• Return transfer to any host city for knockout matches

Booking and Pricing Transparency

Contact us directly for AFCON 2025 transfer quotes. Pricing depends on route, vehicle type, and date, but we provide all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees.

What's included:

• Professional English or French-speaking driver
• Modern air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water and WiFi
• All tolls and fuel
• Flight monitoring for airport pickups
• One hour free waiting time (airport pickups)

What to expect on pricing:

• Airport transfers (CMN to Rabat or Marrakech): €150-200 for sedan, €200-280 for V-Class
• Inter-city transfers (Casablanca-Marrakech, Rabat-Fes): €180-250 for sedan
• Long routes (Tangier-Marrakech, Fes-Agadir): €350-450 for sedan

Group rates for supporter clubs and corporate delegations available on request.

Explore Our Host City Guides

Each city guide includes hotels near the stadium, experiences between matches, and local transport tips:

• Marrakech Guide – Atlas backdrop, 8 matches, quarter-final
• Rabat Guide – Opening match, final, Morocco's capital
• Tangier Guide – Largest stadium, where Africa meets Europe
• Casablanca Guide – International hub and knockout matches
• Fes Guide – Spiritual capital and UNESCO medina
• Agadir Guide – Beach resort and Atlas backdrop

More Planning Resources:

• YALLA App Guide – Fan ID, visa, and entry requirements
• Luxury Experiences – 10 things to do between matches

Ready to Book Your AFCON Transfers?

Whether you need a single airport pickup or a full tournament transfer package covering group stage through the final, we coordinate logistics so you can focus on supporting your team.

Contact Us →

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Yalla Visit Morocco designs bespoke travel experiences for visitors who want more than a standard tour. Our AFCON transfer services include late-model vehicles, professional drivers, and the flexibility that tournament travel demands.