When traveling by train around Morocco you should prepare your cash, decide what class you want to travel in, book your train ticket within Morocco, pack some food when traveling during Ramadan and plan your trip and accommodation.
The rich cultural heritage and colorful history of Morocco make it an exciting tourist destination. If you want to enjoy the sites and scenic spots around Morocco, you might want to consider going about the country by train. You can easily secure train tickets at stations near your hotel or apartment Tangier and the trip will prove to be convenient and comfortable. Most of all, traveling by train will bring you much closer to the true Moroccan culture and environment. Here are some important steps you can follow to help you have a safe and convenient train trip during your Moroccan vacation.
Step 1: Prepare your cash
Train ticket prices at Morocco are affordable but you’ll have to pay for your tickets in cash. Children younger than 4 years old travel for free. You can refer to the Moroccan national train service for a complete list of the train fares or the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) website.
Step 2: Decide what class you want to travel in
It is good to have an idea of the difference between traveling in first class or second class, especially if you have a budget to follow and so you will know what to expect. The trains in Morocco have separate compartments for each class. The first class compartments will accommodate six people while eight people will stay in each of the second class compartments. If you want to enjoy the landscape and scenery during your train ride, it is good to know that only the first class compartments give individual seat reservations for each passenger. Second class, on the other hand, follow a first come first served basis so you might have to settle with not sitting close to the window.
Step 3: Book your train ticket within Morocco
It is important to remember that you cannot book or make reservations for train tickets outside Morocco. You can purchase your ticket upon arrival for any destination in the country. Or if you are staying at a hotel, you may also ask the help of the hotel or apartment staff to book the train tickets for you. The train travels regularly so booking a day or so in advance is enough. You may consult the Moroccan national train service for a list of all the train schedules and stops.
Step 4: Pack some food when traveling during Ramadan
A snack cart readily serves food and refreshments through the train. But during Ramadan, the country fasts. Even the train strictly observes this ritual. It is important to take sufficient food and beverages before boarding when traveling during this time. Relying on train stops to quickly buy a snack is inconvenient.
Step 5: Plan your trip and accommodation
Remember the train’s scheduled time of arrival so you can correctly estimate and plan out your activities before you arrive at your destination. Having a schedule and planning your accommodation ahead of time will save you a lot of trouble, especially when traveling alone. The busier spots of Morocco are rife with unofficial tour guides who might overcharge or harass you if you are not careful. Politely decline whatever offer they may have and stick to your plans.
Traveling by train around Morocco is convenient, efficient and affordable. It can also prove to be an enjoyable experience if you prepare for it.
No comments:
Post a Comment