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Al Boraq is Africa’s first and only bullet train. (Image: ONCF)
Africa is a rapidly developing continent and quickly becoming a favourite among tourists looking for warmer weather. While some destinations have become magnets for mass tourism, others remain under the radar. One such hidden gem is a high-speed train route that takes passengers across Morocco at nearly 200mph, linking rarely-explored cities and beautiful coastline in just a matter of hours.
Known as Al Boraq, it’s Africa’s first and only bullet train and also the fastest on the continent. The 201-mile (320km) route connects major Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier, cutting what used to be a five-hour journey down to just 80 minutes. The train itself is sleek and modern, with comfortable seating in both first and second class, air conditioning, and large windows that frame some of Morocco’s most picturesque countryside.
The 201-mile (320km) route connects major Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
According to Morocco Trains, a ticket in second class starts at around £29, while first class can cost from £37, depending on when and how far in advance you book.
What makes this journey so remarkable, however, isn’t just the speed - it’s the places you can explore along the way.
One popular route starts in the port city of Tangier, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Long known as Europe’s gateway to Africa, Tangier has everything tourists may be looking for.
Just outside the city, visitors can take in panoramic sea views from Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost point of Africa, or explore the Cave of Hercules.
One popular route starts in the port city of Tangier. (Image: Getty)
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In the city itself, highlights include the historic Kasbah, the bustling souks of Grand Socco, and the famous Café Hafa - a clifftop teahouse that’s hosted artists and musicians for decades.
Locals sip mint tea while watching the sun set over the sea in what remains one of Tangier’s most authentic spots.
From Tangier, Al Boraq speeds south through the countryside before arriving in Rabat, Morocco’s understated but elegant capital.
Despite being a capital city, Rabat remains peaceful and free of tourists.
The Cave of Hercules. (Image: Getty)
Rabat is Morocco’s understated but elegant capital. (Image: Getty)
Visitors can roam through the 12th-century Kasbah des Oudayas, admire the Hassan Tower, or stroll the Andalusian Gardens.
This is just the beginning. Morocco’s government has announced plans to extend the Al Boraq line further south, including a new route to Marrakech via Casablanca Airport and a proposed extension all the way to Agadir - just in time for the 2030 World Cup, which the country is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal.
As it stands, the Al Boraq train connects Casablanca to Tangier and stops at Casa Voyageurs, Rabat Agdal, Kenitra and Tangier stations.
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