This Casablanca travel tips and FAQ page covers practical logistics: getting from the airport, visa rules, transport, money, safety, SIM cards and cultural norms. Prices are in Moroccan Dirham (MAD) with approximate euro equivalents as of 2026.
How to Get from Casablanca Airport to the City Centre
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) sits 30km south-east of the city centre. The ONCF train runs from the airport’s Terminal 1 basement station (Aeroport Med V) to Casa Voyageurs station in central Casablanca. Trains run hourly from 06:00 to 22:00, take 32 minutes and cost 50 MAD (€4.50) second class, 80 MAD first class. From Casa Voyageurs, take a taxi to your hotel (20-30 MAD to Centre Ville) or connect to the Casa Tramway T1 line (the tram station is adjacent to the train station). Taxis from the airport to Centre Ville cost 250-300 MAD (€23-27) and take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Fix the price before getting in; airport taxis rarely use the meter. Grand taxis (shared Mercedes sedans) run from the airport to the city for 50 MAD per person when full (6 passengers) but wait times to fill can be 20-30 minutes.
Casablanca and Morocco Visa Requirements
Morocco allows visa-free entry for 90 days for nationals of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea. Visitors from India need an e-visa (apply at acces-maroc.ma, 770 MAD/€70, valid 180 days, single entry). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. Immigration at CMN airport can be slow (30-60 minutes in peak arrival times 12:00-15:00). Have your accommodation booking and return flight details accessible.
Getting Around Casablanca: Transport Costs
Casablanca’s tram system (Casa Tramway) has two lines (T1 and T2) covering 47km with 71 stations. Tickets cost 8 MAD (€0.73) per ride, sold at tram station vending machines (coins or cards, no cash notes). Trams run 05:30-22:30 (until 23:00 Friday-Saturday). Petit taxis (red) serve the city centre with meters starting at 7 MAD for the flag drop plus 5 MAD per km. A ride within Centre Ville costs 15-25 MAD (€1.40-2.30). Petit taxis can legally carry three passengers maximum. Grand taxis (white Mercedes) serve longer routes and the airport, operating as shared taxis on set routes or private hires. Negotiate grand taxi prices before entering. The Hassan II Mosque to the Corniche costs 20-30 MAD by petit taxi. For the Art Deco walking routes, use your feet; all sites are within a 2km radius of Place Mohammed V. The neighborhoods guide maps out walking routes.
Money, Tipping and Costs in Casablanca
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, meaning you cannot buy or sell it outside Morocco. Bring euros or US dollars and exchange at airport banks (rates are fair, 2-3% spread) or city-centre exchange bureaus on Boulevard Mohammed V. ATMs are widespread and accept international cards. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included; if not, leave 5-10% in cash. Cafe waiters: 2-5 MAD for a coffee. Hotel porters: 10-20 MAD per bag. Tour guides: 50-100 MAD per day for a group tour. Petit taxi drivers: round up to the nearest 5 MAD. Daily budgets: backpacker 300-500 MAD (€27-45), mid-range 800-1,500 MAD (€73-136), luxury 2,500+ MAD (€227+). Casablanca is 25-30% more expensive than Marrakech for comparable restaurants and hotels.
Is Casablanca Safe?
Casablanca is generally safe for tourists during daylight in Centre Ville, Maarif and the Corniche. Petty crime is the main concern: pickpocketing in the Old Medina and around the Casa Voyageurs train station, bag snatching from motorcycles (keep bags on the building side of the pavement) and taxi scams (insist on the meter in petit taxis, agree the price upfront in grand taxis). Violent crime against tourists is rare. The Old Medina is best visited during daylight (before 18:00) and solo women travellers report feeling uncomfortable there alone due to verbal harassment. The Centre Ville boulevards have a visible police presence. Emergency numbers: Police 19, Ambulance 15, Tourist Police at Boulevard Zerktouni +212 522 27 59 62. Do not photograph police officers, military installations or the Royal Palace.
SIM Cards and Internet in Casablanca
Maroc Telecom, Orange and Inwi operate SIM cards sold at the airport (arrivals hall) and city-centre shops. A tourist SIM with 10-20 GB data valid for 30 days costs 100-200 MAD (€9-18). Maroc Telecom has the best coverage in rural Morocco if Casablanca is your entry point before travelling elsewhere. Bring your passport for SIM registration (required by law). Airport SIM prices are 20-30% higher than city shops. Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and cafes, but speeds in budget hotels can be slow (2-5 Mbps). The Corniche hotels generally have faster, more reliable internet than Centre Ville guesthouses.
Dress Code and Cultural Norms in Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco’s most liberal city. In Centre Ville, Maarif and the Corniche, Western dress (shorts, sleeveless tops) is common and accepted. In the Old Medina and Habous Quarter, more conservative dress (covering shoulders and knees for both sexes) reduces unwanted attention. The Hassan II Mosque requires shoulders and knees covered for both men and women; scarves for women are not mandatory but are available at the entrance if needed. Alcohol is served at hotel bars, French and international restaurants in Centre Ville and Maarif, but not at traditional Moroccan restaurants (look for a “licensed” sign or ask). During Ramadan, eating and drinking on the street during daylight hours is legal but frowned upon; restaurants in Centre Ville and Maarif remain open for non-fasting visitors behind screened windows. For more on seasonal timing, see our best time to visit Casablanca guide.
Suggested Hotels in Casablanca
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
A luxury oceanfront resort on the Corniche at Ain Diab with 186 rooms, a huge outdoor pool, private beach access, full spa and the Bleu restaurant with Atlantic views. Best for luxury travellers wanting Casablanca’s finest resort with direct ocean access. Check rates and availability
Hyatt Regency Casablanca
A mid-range-to-upper international hotel on Place des Nations Unies with 255 rooms, outdoor pool, three restaurants and walkable access to the Old Medina and Art Deco district. Best for mid-range travellers wanting a trusted brand with a location connecting Centre Ville and the main sights. Check rates and availability
Hotel Central
A budget two-star on Rue Al Moutanabi in Centre Ville with clean, air-conditioned rooms from 300 MAD (€27), a 5-minute walk from Place Mohammed V. Best for budget travellers wanting the most central location at the lowest viable city-centre price. Check rates and availability
Common Questions About Casablanca
Is Casablanca worth visiting or should I skip it for Marrakech?
Casablanca is worth 1-2 nights if you are interested in Art Deco architecture, the Hassan II Mosque (Morocco’s single most impressive building) and seeing Moroccan urban life outside the tourist bubble. It lacks the romantic medina atmosphere of Marrakech or Fes. If you have limited time (under 5 days in Morocco), prioritise Marrakech or Fes and skip Casablanca unless you are flying into CMN airport and staying overnight before an onward connection.
Which is better, Casablanca or Rabat?
Rabat, Morocco’s capital 90km north, is cleaner, greener, less crowded and has a UNESCO-listed medina. Casablanca has the Hassan II Mosque, better nightlife and dining, and the Art Deco architecture. For a first-time visitor, Rabat is more pleasant; Casablanca is more exciting. Both are reachable in 1 hour by train (55 MAD).
Can you swim at Casablanca’s beaches?
The Atlantic at Casablanca is cold (17-23°C), rough and has strong rip currents. The main public beaches at Ain Diab and Madame Choual are flagged for swimming zones. Beach clubs (Tahiti, Miami Plage) offer pool swimming with ocean views as a safer alternative. For proper beach swimming, head an hour north to Bouznika or south to Azemmour where calmer coves exist. The sea temperature peaks at just 23°C (73°F) in August.
