Al Boraq High-Speed Train: First vs Second Class [2026]

Imagine sipping mint tea while blurring past northern Morocco's olive groves at 320 km/h. It feels slightly surreal, yet Africa's first bullet train simply glides. The Al Boraq high-speed train completely rewrites the rules for traveling between Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca.

You no longer have to lose an entire day to transit. Instead, riders enjoy airline-style comfort without the headache of airport security theater or cramped waiting areas. It is, quite frankly, brilliant.

Quick Overview of the Al Boraq High-Speed Train

Let's skip the fluff. Here is exactly what you are dealing with when you ride the Moroccan bullet train:

• Top Speed: 320 km/h (200 mph) between Tangier and Kenitra.
• Core Route: Tangier to Casablanca (via Kenitra and Rabat).
• Frequency: Hourly departures run strictly from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Classes: First Class (1-2 layout) and Second Class (2-2 layout).
• Facilities: Air conditioning, cafe car, luggage racks, and power outlets.

To explore the broader network beyond this high-speed corridor, check out the Major Train Routes in Morocco.

First Class vs. Second Class Seating (Is the Upgrade Worth It?)

Travelers often ask if the upgrade is truly necessary. Honestly, the choice depends entirely on your budget and luggage situation. Both cabins are kept impeccably clean and feature aggressive air conditioning, so you should definitely bring a sweater.

Spatial differences, however, are immediately noticeable. First Class offers a remarkably spacious 1-2 seating configuration. These seats are wide, plush, and recline deeply enough for a proper nap.

You also get a dedicated power outlet and an adjustable reading light. If you are traveling solo, try to book a single "solo" seat by the window. It is undeniably the best real estate on the entire train.

Second Class uses a standard 2-2 layout. While more compact, the seats remain perfectly comfortable for a quick two-hour ride down the coast. Legroom here still beats standard European economy trains by a wide margin, though you will have to share power outlets with your neighbor.

First-class tickets cost roughly 60% more than second-class, but the absolute price difference is usually less than $10 USD. For that minimal price bump, the extra elbow room is a complete no-brainer. Ready to secure your spot? Check latest prices and book First Class on moroccotrain.com.

Al Boraq Class Comparison

Feature	First Class	Second Class	Action
Seating Layout	1-2 (Spacious)	2-2 (Standard)	Book 1st Class
Legroom	Excellent	Good	Book 2nd Class
Power Outlets	Dedicated per seat	Shared between seats	Check Fares
Lounge Access	Yes (at major stations)	No	Reserve Now

Onboard Experience, Luggage, and the Cafe Car

Do not expect a full dining car on this journey. The Al Boraq features a modern cafe coach on the upper deck of car 4. You will find espresso, cold drinks, and basic pre-packaged sandwiches available for purchase.

While the coffee is surprisingly decent, you are better off buying fresh snacks at the station beforehand. Luggage space can get highly competitive during peak summer months. Large racks sit at the end of each carriage, while overhead shelves hold standard carry-on bags perfectly.

Board early if you have massive, heavy suitcases. First-class passengers generally face fewer battles for baggage space. Curious about older trains? Read our guide on the Seats of Morocco Trains for a helpful comparison.

Every Al Boraq train features dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in First Class, complete with accessible restrooms and easy boarding.

Onboard Amenities Overview

Amenity	Availability	Details
Air Conditioning	All Cars	Very strong, pack a light jacket.
Restrooms	All Cars	Western style, kept very clean.
Food & Drink	Car 4	Cafe serving coffee, tea, and light snacks.
Luggage Racks	Car Ends	First-come, first-served basis.

Major Stations on the Al Boraq High-Speed Train Route

The Al Boraq high-speed train services four state-of-the-art stations. Each was completely rebuilt or heavily renovated to accommodate the new bullet trains. You will find modern amenities, clean restrooms, and plenty of dining options at each stop.

• Tangier Ville: The northern terminus. Located right in the city center, it is a short taxi ride from the Medina. First-class passengers have access to a dedicated VIP lounge here.
• Kenitra: The first stop heading south. The high-speed dedicated track ends here, and the train transitions to upgraded conventional tracks for the rest of the journey.
• Rabat Agdal: The primary station for Morocco's capital. It is a massive, multi-level architectural marvel. Note that the Al Boraq stops at Rabat Agdal, not Rabat Ville.
• Casa Voyageurs: The southern terminus in Casablanca. This is your primary hub for connecting to conventional trains heading south to Marrakech.

2026 Routes, Schedules, and Pricing Details

Moroccan rail pricing uses a dynamic, airline-style system. Fares fluctuate heavily based on demand and your booking time. As we look at 2026 schedules, booking ahead remains absolutely crucial because walk-up fares at the station are significantly higher.

The Tangier to Casablanca run takes exactly 2 hours and 10 minutes. Doing this same drive in a car would take you over four hours. Tangier to Rabat takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Fares for the full Tangier-Casablanca route hover around 149 MAD for second class and 243 MAD for first class, provided you book at least a week out. Connecting onward to the south? The Al Boraq syncs perfectly with standard conventional trains.

You can read more about connecting services in our Casablanca to Marrakech Train Tickets: Schedules & Booking guide. Always book at moroccotrain.com to securely lock in the lowest advance fares. According to ONCF, the national operator, trains run hourly, but peak morning and evening slots sell out incredibly fast.

How to Book Al Boraq High-Speed Train Tickets Online

Waiting until you arrive at the station to buy tickets is a rookie mistake. During the busy summer months or Moroccan holidays, trains frequently sell out. This can leave you stranded for hours waiting for the next available seat.

1. Search your route: Head to moroccotrain.com and enter your departure and arrival cities.
2. Select your class: Choose between First Class for maximum comfort or Second Class for budget travel.
3. Pick a time: Review the hourly schedule and select a departure that fits your itinerary.
4. Pay securely: Complete your transaction using an international credit card.
5. Download your ticket: You will receive a PDF ticket with a QR code. Simply scan the code from your smartphone at the boarding gates.

7 Pro Tips for Riding the Al Boraq

• Book three weeks out. Dynamic pricing means last-minute tickets often cost double. Secure your seats early to save cash.
• Sit on the right side. Heading south from Tangier? The right side offers beautiful, fleeting glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean coastline.
• Pack a light jacket. The air conditioning is absolutely merciless. Even in sweltering August, you will want long sleeves while sitting onboard.
• Arrive 30 minutes early. Security scans your bags before you enter the platform area. The process is fast, but long queues frequently form.
• Save the PDF. Scanning a digital barcode from your phone works perfectly at the automated station boarding gates.
• Use the station lounges. First-class ticket holders get exclusive access to the Al Boraq lounge, featuring free Wi-Fi and bottled water.
• Mind your connections. If you are transferring to Marrakech, check our Morocco Train Routes: Al Boraq & Al Atlas [2026 Guide] to plan your layover smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does the Al Boraq train travel?

The Al Boraq train reaches a maximum speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) on the dedicated high-speed line. This makes it the fastest train on the African continent, significantly cutting travel times between major cities.

How much are Al Boraq train tickets?

Tickets typically cost around 243 MAD ($24) for first class and 149 MAD ($15) for second class for the Tangier-Casablanca route. Prices vary based on how early you book and the time of day you choose to travel.

How long is the Tangier to Casablanca train journey?

The journey takes exactly 2 hours and 10 minutes. This is a massive improvement over traditional rail services, which previously took nearly five hours to cover the same distance.

What is the difference between first and second class on Al Boraq?

First class provides a 1-2 seating layout with wider seats and individual power outlets. Second class uses a 2-2 configuration. Both classes are fully air-conditioned and have access to the cafe car.

Can I buy Al Boraq train tickets online?

Yes, you can