Mohammed V airport, tram, traffic, parking, excursions to Rabat, El Jadida and Marrakech: everything to know before renting a car in Casablanca.
Casablanca is Morocco's economic capital and the gateway for many travellers: Mohammed V airport (CMN) handles most international flights. Here is how to decide whether a rental car suits you and how to drive it calmly.
To book your car for this trip, see our car rental in Guéliz, Marrakech and car rental with driver in Marrakech pages.
Arriving at Mohammed V airport
The airport is in Nouaceur, about thirty kilometres from the centre. Allow at least 45 minutes by car, more at rush hour. A train links the airport to Casa-Voyageurs station, and taxis are plentiful: a rental car is mainly useful if you continue straight on to Marrakech, Rabat or El Jadida.
Car, tram or taxi?
| Rental car | Tram | Taxi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal for | excursions, families, luggage | trips within the city centre | short rides |
| Parking | to plan | no | no |
| Rush hour | heavy traffic | not affected | heavy traffic |
| Freedom | total | fixed lines | on demand |
Within Casablanca itself, traffic is dense, especially in the morning, late afternoon and on Fridays. The car really comes into its own once you leave the city.
Driving in Casablanca: our tips
- Allow a margin: a 10 km trip can take 40 minutes at rush hour.
- Keep your distance and watch for two-wheelers and pedestrians crossing.
- Park in a guarded car park or with an attendant in a vest, who collects the paid parking fee.
- Do not leave any valuables visible in the car.
- Bring change or a badge for tolls: see driving in Morocco: rules and tolls.
What to do in Casablanca by car
- The Hassan II Mosque and the Ain Diab corniche, with their paid parking.
- The districts of the medina, the Habous and Maarif, to explore on foot once parked.
- Mohammedia and Bouznika, beaches a short distance away.
- El Jadida (about 100 km) and its Portuguese city.
- Rabat (about 90 km) by motorway.
Casablanca as a road trip starting point
Casablanca is ideally placed to link Rabat, Fes, Marrakech and the Atlantic coast. For Marrakech, read our guide Marrakech → Casablanca and Mohammed V airport. For a complete tour, see the 7-day road trip from Marrakech.
Before renting
Check the total price, the deposit, the excess and the fuel policy, and do a full inspection: our checklist and our advice on avoiding scams will help. The page car rental for Casablanca lets you know when Locavi arrives in the city.
Frequently asked questions
To visit the centre, the tram and taxis are often enough. A car becomes useful for the corniche, excursions (Rabat, El Jadida, Marrakech) and late arrivals.
By car or taxi, allow at least 45 minutes at the end of the day; a train also links the airport to Casa-Voyageurs station.
In underground car parks in the centre or on the street, where attendants in vests watch over paid parking.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
