Additionally, the project includes a 35-minute high-speed link between Rabat and Casablanca International Airport, which will also serve the future Benslimane stadium, currently in the planning stage. A high-speed service between Fez and Marrakech —two of the country’s most iconic cultural destinations—is also under development, with an estimated travel time of three hours and 40 minutes.
This new phase of Morocco’s railway expansion builds on the success of the already operational Tangier–Casablanca high-speed line, inaugurated in 2018 and recognized as the first of its kind on the African continent. That pioneering achievement laid the foundation for expanding the network, further integrating the national territory and connecting strategic urban centers that account for more than 67% of the country's GDP.
The impact of the Kenitra–Marrakech HSR line extends far beyond transportation. The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, both during construction and in ongoing operations, while revitalizing key economic sectors such as industry, services, and tourism. The new line will facilitate the movement of both domestic and international travelers, help ease road congestion, and reduce the country’s carbon footprint through a more sustainable and efficient mode of transport.
From a tourism perspective, the direct link between Tangier —the country’s maritime gateway and a major international port— and Marrakech —a cultural gem and southern tourism hub— is transformative. This connection strengthens integration between two key tourism poles and allows for more fluid traveler circulation, expanding the possibilities for combined itineraries and longer stays.
The high-speed rail project also aligns with Morocco’s National Tourism Development Plan, which aims to diversify the tourism offer, improve service quality, and position the country as a connectivity hub in North Africa. With this project, Morocco moves closer to achieving that vision, projecting an image of modernity, dynamism, and commitment to innovation in infrastructure.
This new wave of railway development not only strengthens the country's economic fabric but also cements Morocco’s role as a continental leader in sustainable mobility, balanced regional development, and tourism-driven heritage promotion. Ultimately, high-speed rail is shaping up to be a key driver for the future of Moroccan tourism, in service of a bold vision of progress and global outreach.
