Riding Morocco’s EXTREME Saharan Desert Train! 

Feeling very proud of what we accomplish despite our economic state! 🇲🇦

Dear Sir , Thank you for the excellent video. Just for your information, there is no Sahara desert between Marrakech and Casablanca. The flat landscape 127 km from Marrakech to Oum Rabia River 13:43 called Rhamna Provence and it's famous for graines productions, but this year it looks like desert because of the draught not much rain this year The rest of the journey from the River to Casa about 110 km the region called La Plaine de Chaouia, and it's on the most fertile land in Morocco 🇲🇦

In the early 70s I took the Marrakech Directo from Casablanca to Marrakech. Could not have been more different. Something like 23 stops over 20 some hours including an overnight stop where we slept on the platform. The cars were unlighted, packed with people sitting in the aisles and vendors carrying teapots on buckets of hot charcoal. The passageways between cars were uncovered with just thin waist-high metal bars running across over the plates covering the couplers. We spent most of the time sitting on the bars which is horrifying now but was exhilarating then. Several times the train stopped for no obvious reason in the in the wilderness. Hoards of people would hop off and run to attend to potty needs 30 or 40 meters from the train. I assume they made it back before the journey restarted. As creature comfort horrible as this experience was, it was magical. Sitting outside in the dark with the scenery rushing by, nothing making sense. While we sort of envied CSN&Y warbling about the Marrakech Express which followed what was probably the same 6 stop route as this video, albeit significantly slower, I wouldn’t trade my Marrakech Directo experience for anything.

The train reminds me so much of my 1970s Europe trips, on a 1st Class Eurailpass, (when they were great value, unlike now)! 😁

Morocco has some of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

The way you disembarked without the train stopping fully made me laugh so hard

I understand the door part is a shock for most, but it's normal (not possible in high-speed trains, obviously). I remember the best memory. One time, I was riding the night train from meknes to marrakesh, and we stopped during the night for 10 min in the middle of nowhere to let a freight train pass, I suppose. I was sitting with 2 guys by the open door, and out of nowhere from the darkness, an old guy with a straw hat came out, and he was selling bottles of water. It was the most hilarious and memorable scene of the trip.

For a long time Morocco has had Africa's most European railway. Even taking part in Interrail for a while (so used by some as the most exotic part of the Europe in one month trip). Considering they use secondhand French Corail coaches I wonder why they took out the door blocking ...

you don't need a hand drier in 42 degrees. Just open the doors and let the wind dry them

Not sure about the safety of sitting on the step of an open door at 100mph?? Don't fall out!

Many thanks. The stations look magnificent.

The moroccan desert is beyond the High Atlas....don’t say from maraks to casa is through the desert, I’ve been more than 10 times in Morocco and I know what I’m TALKING ABOUT

That 1st class train car is so nostalgic to me. Back in the 90s my morning commuter train had 1-2 Intercity cars like this attached to the rear. However our 2nd class also had a 6 seat configuration.

I’m happy that they will change all the old trains soon to more modern ones

Nice train and decent speed. It brings back memories of the song "Marrakech Express" by CSN. RIP David Crosby.

Great to see its electrified!

Fabulous work. I thoroughly enjoyed watching, what stunning scenery.

We did a railtour of Morocco month ago, inspired by your earlier high speed video. Agree with most of your comments, but the Atlas trains also don't have any Passener Information Systems either on screens or announcements. We were stunned by the opening doors on the train, a shock when going into the toilet to see a direct drop onto the tracks. We did the whole 5 and a half hour Marrakech to Fes run.

An interesting review of this route. I agree about Marrakech Station; beautifully built. We sometimes stay at the Ibis, between the statin and the Supratours bus station. Supratours is the express bus network run by ONCF to “extend” the rail network beyond the tracks. Although travelling through an arid landscape, I think it’s pushing it to suggest this is the Sahara. As others have commented, it doesn’t really begin until you’re south of the Atlas Mountains.

Amazing shots in the desert 😍😍

You used to be able to do the open door bit at speed in England, as in past times we had some stock with inward opening doors! The Moroccan rail system is essentially French hence the left hand running. The Corail stock, even though old, still takes some beating for comfort. Messrs Tarrant and Portillo have covered Moroccan Railways for TV and were both suitably impressed.

I traveled this route in the 1990s on Interrail, and they used old Polish cars build in the 1956. So absolutely an improvement.

Sitting at the doorstep of such trains is always very thrilling and fascinating. I have done this many a time and I yearn to relive it.

That is a lovely station. Simple yet elegant

What a luxury. A few years ago I traveled by local bus from Fes to Marrakech and on to Essaouira. A bit cheaper and more of an adventure.

Very nice train. Lovely journey as well. I do like your videos of different countries by rail. 😊

sorry to break it to you, but that train does NOT go through any (sahara) desert. I've taken that train countless times. The terrain you go through is not desert, but a very arid area of Morocco, mainly between Marrakesh and Ben Guerir. However, if you want to take a train through the Moroccan desert, take the Oujda-Bouarfa train. It only runs a few times a year for special tour operators though.

Hi. I live in Rabat and also make videos about life in Morocco. With regard to the seat selection: There is no problem in asking for a window or door seat. You can also ask for a seat facing forward or backwards. These things are not mentioned on the website or advertisements, but if you ask for them specifically, you can get them, no problem - subject to availability. Great video, though. Loved the shots of the train with the door open.

FYI, the engine is a E 1400 series, derived from the Prima II class of locommotives. Built by Alstom ofr the moroccan railway, they develop some 8100 hp and reach a max speed of 160 kmh. They have improved ventilation system and, as far as I known, special filters to cope wiht the desert sand...

An awesome video - so informative. Hope to view some more of your travel videos.😀

Watched your videos for 4 hours instead of sleeping!! Some future travel plans owe their inception to these videos!

Re 'slam shut' doors.. The Darwin Awards exist for a reason! 😅

I have been at an open door at 90 to 110-mph on a Amtrak train in Upstate NY, a very exciting experience :D

We did that train a few years ago but a bit further Marrakech to Rabat.There was only one first class carriage then which ment it was more crowded than second class which had about 9 carriages.

Love these old carriages with compartments. Beats cramped modern trains!

Great trip. First time I knew about Marrakesh is from Sporting events called Formula E. Railway Transport in Morocco is growing rapidly, no matter it's on conventional line or High Speed Line.

Morocco and it's trains always fun to watch, I heard the new lines of high speed train being huilt now, will use Korean and chinese trains, because Morocco had a really bad falling out with france and canceled all their projects together. looking forward to try these too

Love the station ❤ from 🇮🇳

Seeing this is actually making me wanna consider moving to Morocco; insanely cheap fares (walk-up fare long-distance in first class cheaper than a local journey in standard class in the UK), comfy trains with fun features, amazing cities and stunning scenery, what's there not to like? Even better, the expanding network of TGV Duplex which is also incredibly cheap, even relative to the Moroccan salary!

! Very Good !

I did that before they modernised the route, with the lovely 'broken nose' locos. For a completely different experience, take the coach to Agadir then buses/shared taxis to Mauritania, and get the iron ore train (there are a couple of passenger coaches stuck on the end of the 2km long train) into the desert proper. That's one of the most bizarre and unforgettable rail trips I've done. Alight at Choum, a pickup truck taxi will take you to Atar, along desert pistes past classic filmset style oases.

Nice video of a train journey in a desert. Morocco seems to have a decent rail network. Would love to visit the country one of these days.

Train services seem very decent in Morocco, the railways in Morocco and Algeria are built under the French possession and even today stick for a large part to French built railway rolling stock, although some locomotives and stock came from Belgium (the airport EMUs), Japan and the US (some locomotive classes) The Corail carriages are showing their age, but are held in a reasonable condition, I know from experience in France that their seats are very comfy, in France even the 2nd class compartment I travelled in had only 6 seats like the first class on your train. Second class got new seats in Morocco by the looks.

Thank you. Ditto others' concerns about standing and sitting in 100 mph (160 kmph) open doors. At those prices First Class is certainly a good value. Enjoy your trip.

Nice video, Morocco seems to have its self a decent network which has expansion on it way, I can’t believe doors would open and wouldn’t be allowed anywhere in Europe etc. only thing lacking is some power outlet and ant type of catering, but i suppose with the stations being well catered, no need for that.

An extremely unique trip,woooow🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩. Casablanca is very beautiful!!!!

Kinda scary that you can open a door to the outside, watch out for a bump and you are out the window in a desert .. beautiful views... thanks for the trip...ATB 👍👍

At 7:52 you got a really nice shot of the two Japanese Hitachi built engine classes of the CFM!

The Morrocan network looks pretty impressive for Africa. In some respects better than the USA (100mph electrified all the way with modern locos). And then you get toilets that flush onto the track. Haha. "hotchpotch" comes to mind. Nevertheless I think it would be fun to visit there.

Seems like the train's setting is very similar to those of OBB nightjet!

Whenever I hear about Morocco, Nora Fatehi pops up in my mind. She is a very talented dancer glistening in Indian entertainment industry ❤

No hand dryer because you can simply stick your hands outside from one of the open doors to get that free desert heat 🧠

I love that you hopped off before the train stopped. Classic "slam door" move. ;) When in Rome...

Morocco’s other true high speed lines are well planned in terms of cost and operation at 320 km/h- meanwhile phase 2 of HS2 planned for the 2040s, budget spiralling 💀

ive been on this train, we went both classes, on way back we took a first class ticket for 180 dh per person on the day, still pretty cheap for walk up fare 1 hr before departure

Gee it’s so scary the way the door just opens like that

Fun fact I took this train before Since I am a Moroccan myself it was the best

Nice video capture. I feel like I am traveling with you. Well done.

Excellent video! After the Morocco-freighthop-videos of "Vaga Bond" and "GIFGAS" I wondered how a first class ride on a regular train would look like - And you delivered the answer. Great! Btw. these carriages seem to be the same we had in Germany in the 80's and early 90's. I really liked them, as they havent' been as cramped and uncomfy as todays carriages.

As a south african I always wanted to visit Morocco

Thank you for your great videos. In 2019, I travelled 4 weeks by train from Mwanza, Tanzania to Cape Town, South Africa crossing Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana on the way. A total of ~7000km and one of the greatest adventures of my life. Some of the trains were not going more than 30 km/h because the tracks were from colonial time and in very bad shape. One train arrived more than 24 hours late at the destination (taking 3 instead of 2 days). Unfortunately, the pandemic put a temporary end to many of the trains on this route so it is not possible now and I don't know if it will ever be.

I think door that's gate opens give me more good vibes then automatically closing door 😅

What I like. All tickets come with seat reservation. Prices are okay. And first class is reasonably affordable. Generally lax attitudes, they often ride with open doors in summer. Very pleasant. Food and drink trolley. Cons People give absolutely zero shits about anything. And being located at your own paid seat is apparently optional (as is paying for tickets in the first place)

Every time I see a train in Morocco, I think about how they put Australia's trains to shame

The air conditioning in Corail coaches start to struggle on the hottest days in french summers, when the temperatures get above 35°. I wonder how it handles the 40°+ (which sometimes happen here too, now).

I am very surprised that they did not have a dinning car or any place to get snacks. I am glad you had a good trip. Did anybody sit next to you. Can't wait till the next video. Love, Joan

Sorry to disappoint you but that was not the dessert

Most enjoyable. Wish you had included footage of the Casablanca station.

I found it curious that clearly they have invested in new stations and new trains but still partly use the compartment design which is something from the 1950s and earlier.

Interesting vid of a tidy system,I noticed that their new HS trains are double deck so should have some decent viewing from the top deck.Those Mauritanian ore trains with the passenger ''coaches'' on would be an experience!

DID MY BOY OPEN THE TRAIN DOOR, THATS CRAZY

Great video !!

Well ONCF is actually searching for EMUs for Intercity Atlas service.

The real desert train is the train that connects Oujda and Figug but you should have a reservation, I had done this adventure with my grandfather last summer in Morocco

This train looks like more comfortable than some in eastern European countries.

I miss the comoartment seats in italy😢 wish they can come back

To be honest, I would pay $14 , to sit on the step and watch that beautiful scenery

Excellent video with fantastic vistas !

Grade A video per usual. Boy you get around! I was surprised at how clean and well maintained Moroccan train stations are given the extremely low price of train tickets.

Magic thankyou.

cluster of trees are probably Argan trees, found only in Morocco

Its not hot until its 48C to 55C. Morocco looks a lot more civilized than I would have imagined, the rail infrastructure also seems quite modern. In that climate, anything that gets flushed onto the track is going to be baked dry in minutes and blown away in a sand storm the next day LoL

Wonderful! A proper train with compartments. Nowhere near as beautiful as British Rail Mk 1, but to have the freedom to choose where to sit and open doors is refreshing in this day and age. Do they allow smoking?

It looks very modern!

wow I would love to go.O live in New Zealand ,long way away.

omg! this kingdom's whereat my first school ever was (by an Atlantic fishing port)...and that 1st stop looks SO chic from the track here, the flair of that station EASILY champions glitzy Miami (never been there though) 🍸🍾

That escalator to the Marrakech train station upper level is still broken. At least since 2019 😁

Great vid! Have an idea to take this train south from Casablanca to Marrakesh, the sleeper back north to Tangiers, then a HST back to Casablanca over a long wknd. Someday...

Beautiful station…

In starting of the video bro talks like some announcements from railways or airport...😄😂

Talk about SATUOeiras in Portugal. It was built (i am not sure) in 2005 and it was abandoned in 2015, due to lack of passengers and funds. It was a Automated System of transport, similar to Paris

Your carriege (incl. these doors) looks very much like 1970s West-German carriges of Deutsche Bahn , but with a nicer color selection ... this stsrt station ist beautiful ... OMG , the price is dirt cheap

You will enjoy a trip to Araku valley, borra caves from Vishakapatnam, or the Pune to Mumbai Deccan queen, or the Darjeeling or Shimla steam trains. Plan a visit to India if you get the opportunity. The trains might not be fast but they scenery makes up for it.

I think the seat selection is possible if you buy ticket from the ticket office. The Online procedure did not allow the choice (Corridor Window Isolated ones if any,...).

French signals, so you can see who built it! But very modern railways. Did the airco work well enough? Opening the door at 160 kmh / 100 mph not clever. At the end you open the door on the right hand side, where the second track is for the opposite running trains. Imagine someone on an on coming train also opens a door... they would hit each other.

Nice ride at 160

Por favor, los marroquies no tienes de que quejarse con sus trenes de media y larga distancia. En Argentina tenemos trenes para trayectos entre 500 a 1000 km. que andan a una velocidad de no mas de 45 km por hora. Un viaje a Mendoza de 1000 km., tarda 28 horas en llegar pues anda a 40 km/h en tren de pasajeros. Un verdadero desproposito, si tenemos en cuenta que hace 30 años se tardaba 15 horas.

There is! Can't you see it? (It is the window that opens to world's biggest desert)

Second class and first class are the same just different people in them lol ONCF known for old trains. Albourak is the only nice modern train that we like. We hope they could manage to renew their trains. They started renewing stations and other stuff which is a good thing I hope the world cup could change the situation.

The doors 💀