Marrakech, Fes & Sahara edge
This is leg 1 of 2, the opening leg.
Travel leg · Morocco Imperial Cities
Marrakech to Fes
Marrakech and Fes sit about 384 km (239 mi) apart in a straight line, with Fes to the north-east. It is leg 1 of 2 on our Morocco Imperial Cities itinerary, an 8-day trip. Here is how long it takes by train, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.
- Straight-line distance
- 384 km · 239 mi
- Est. road distance
- 461–538 km
- Est. drive time
- 4 h 45 min – 8 h 15 min
- Direction
- Heading north-east
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 65–95 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By train
Our Morocco Imperial Cities itinerary is easy to do on public transport, so a train is the likely way to cover this leg. Timetables and direct connections vary — check the operator before you book.
By car
Driving is an estimated 461–538 km (287–334 mi) and 4 h 45 min – 8 h 15 min at typical average speeds, not a routed time.
Many travelers hire a driver or join a small tour for the long road legs, with trains and buses as alternatives between the larger cities. Inside the medinas you walk. The trip to Merzouga takes real time, so plan for it.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Fes
Give Fes two days with a licensed guide for the first medina morning; the old city is the largest car-free urban area in the world.
Bab Bou Jeloud
Blue-and-green tiled gate that is the main entrance to Fes el-Bali.
Café Clock
Multi-level cafe in a medina house, known for camel burgers and cultural events.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Restored royal gardens with fountains and shade between the medina and Fes el-Jdid.
Bou Inania Madrasa
Marinid madrasa with carved stucco and cedar and a working minaret.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Small 14th-century madrasa with some of the finest zellige tilework in Morocco.
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque
Founded in 859 and among the world's oldest universities; non-Muslims view from the doors.
Before you leave Marrakech
Plan two to three days: medina palaces and madrasas in the mornings, gardens in the afternoon and Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk.
On this curated route
Where Marrakech → Fes sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Fes to Marrakech is the same 384 km in a straight line, heading south-west. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Weather at each end
The biggest gap comes in March, when Fes averages highs 3°C cooler than Marrakech. Over a year, Fes gets about 420 mm more rain.
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech high | 19° | 21° | 24° | 27° | 31° | 35° | 40° | 40° | 34° | 30° | 23° | 20° |
| Fes high | 16° | 18° | 21° | 24° | 28° | 33° | 38° | 38° | 33° | 28° | 21° | 18° |
| Marrakech rain | 36 | 31 | 40 | 27 | 16 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 23 | 54 | 32 |
| Fes rain | 95 | 86 | 94 | 72 | 38 | 9 | 3 | 9 | 24 | 74 | 116 | 94 |
Temperatures in °C, rain in mm per month. Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER satellite climatology — a guide to typical conditions, not a forecast. Month headings link to Fes month guides.
Marrakech to Fes: questions travelers ask
How far is Marrakech from Fes?
Marrakech is about 384 km (239 mi) from Fes in a straight line, with Fes to the north-east. By road, we estimate 461–538 km (287–334 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.
How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Fes?
An estimated 4 h 45 min – 8 h 15 min, assuming 461–538 km of road at average speeds of 65–95 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day. Our itinerary leans on rail, so check train times too.
Which itineraries include the trip from Marrakech to Fes?
Our Morocco Imperial Cities itinerary includes this leg. Morocco Imperial Cities runs about 8 days across 3 stops, best in Mar – May.
Onward from Fes
- Fes to Merzouga 340 km
Guides for both ends
- Marrakech travel guide
- Marrakech weather best time to visit
- Fes travel guide
- Fes weather best time to visit
Fes by month
Plan Marrakech → Fes with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.