The old station, built in 1923 during French protectorate time,[1] was located along Hasan II Avenue and served as a terminus of the rail system.

The new station, located 100 meters closer to the city-centre district (and directly opposite the Royal Theatre), is larger and was built to serve the planned extension of the rail network towards Agadir and Laayoune.

The new station was built to facilitate planned high-speed trains and the network will be expanded towards Agadir and Laayoune.

In the future, trains will reverse using a new triangular junction west of the station to continue south.

Crosby, Stills & Nash referenced the railway in "Marrakesh Express" on their debut album.