Travel by classic train, private car, or the Al Boraq high speed-train on a day trip from Tangier to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. This route and itinerary let you soak up the local food, architecture & history of these two important Moroccan cities.
Whether you have flown into Marrakech City or just finished a hike to the highest peak in Africa, you will be delighted to explore the coast from Tangier to Casablanca, and back.
What to Do in The Morning in Tangier Before Departing
Welcome to Tangier, known as the door of Africa, located on the northwestern coast of Africa near the strait of Gibraltar. This modern city was initially an Amazigh (Berber) town and a Phoenician colony. It later became occupied by Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Arabs, Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French.
Leave your Tangier hotel or riad to enjoy a pot of mint tea and breakfast. Help your food digest with a walk through the Kasba district or the Medina’s narrow streets, appreciating the 17th-century architecture adorned by detailed tile work.
Tangier to Casablanca: Train, Private Car, and High-speed Train
Traveling by train in Morocco is affordable and accessible, with one of the best train systems in Africa. The train network called ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer Marocain) connects all major cities.
Travel the 340km from Tangier to Casablanca by Al Atlas train or on Morocco’s high-speed train, Al-Boraq.
The Al Atlas trains, while slower than the high-speed train, are comfortable and have air conditioning. However, you might want to bring a travel fan if you are sensitive to heat.
Alternatively, arrange a private tour with a guide or rent a car. We cover the route and what you can expect below.
Travel by Train from Tangier to Casablanca
The Al Atlas trains run several times a day from Tangier Ville Railway Station to Casablanca.
The route can take over 6 hours, depending on delays, so prepare for your journey by bringing snacks and water. There is a cart on the train but the selection may not be great. The Tangier train station has high-end shops, a cafeteria, and even a first-class lounge offering public wifi.
Experience the Al Boraq High-speed Train
Inaugurated by His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, on the 15th of August 2018, the Al Boraq high-speed train connects Tangier to Casablanca in a two-hour and twenty-minute journey. The train picks up speed before making stops in Kenitra, 200 km south of Tangier.
Try to buy your ticket for 1st class early in the morning. Fares vary from 99 to 224 Dirhams for second class and 292 dirhams for 1st class. While there are 13 departures per day, leaving Tangier mid-morning will help you to avoid the morning rush and still give you the time to explore Casablanca in full.
The modern train features a plug point per booth to help you stay charged during your trip. All the platforms and stations feature designs that allow for wheelchair access, and the railway staff is more than happy to assist where needed.
Hire a Driver and Travel to Casablanca in a Private Car
Hiring a local guide to drive you from Tangier to Casablanca can elevate your experience of Morocco. You can start with a transfer from your hotel to the Kasbah Museum, located in the heart of the old Medina. Here you will have a chance to explore on foot and learn about Tangier’s tumultuous history and the incredible products made by hand in the province.
Near the museum is the Kasbah Mosque with its unusual octagon-shaped Minaret. Its arches are ornate and tiled with multicolor geometric patterns. From here, you can get comfortable for the four-hour journey by car to Casablanca.
Hiring a private vehicle with a guide gives you the opportunity to make additional stops along the way. Consider exploring the Thamusida ruins near Kenitra. Alternatively, hiring a car allows you to adapt your itinerary to your needs and interests. Driving as a tourist in Morocco is safe, as roads are marked and easy to navigate.
What to Do in Casablanca
Is Casablanca worth visiting on a day trip? Casablanca offers tourists a variety of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, making it necessary to spend more than a day. From Casa-Voyageurs station, catch a tram, taxi or walk the 5km to the largest mosque in Morocco, the Hassan II mosque, with its impressive 210m minaret.
Next, visit the nearby Casablanca cathedral, built in a neo-gothic style in the 1930s, or head towards the coast to listen to music at Rick’s Cafe. On your way, wander the streets of the old medina to see the city walls, forts, and narrow alleys that have stayed the same for centuries.
Return from Casablanca to Tangier
Make your return journey to Tangier interesting by choosing an alternative route or type of transport. It is possible to travel at night from Casablanca to Tangier by train – allowing you to sleep during the 6-hour journey.
Night trains from Casablanca to Tangier have air-conditioned sleeping cars fitted with private single-berth compartments, four-berth compartments, and seats. The private single-birth costs 670 dirhams while the shared four-berth costs around 375 dirhams.
How do I Buy Tickets?
In Morocco, train tickets can be booked online, in-person, or arranged with a guide through a trusted travel agent. The official ticket sales site offers long-distance tickets up to a month in advance. Alternatively, you can buy your tickets in person at the Tangier or Casablanca train station using a credit card or cash.
First-class tickets are linked to a limited number of seats and can sell out fast. It is vital to purchase your ticket in the morning or arrive ahead of your departure time to ensure you get a seat.
Set Off on a Memorable Moroccan Journey
Armed with the information above, set off for an unforgettable full-day trip from Tangier to Casablanca.