City Center (Mers Sultan, Mohammed V)
Art Deco, businessColonial historic heart: 1920s-30s architecture, banks, heritage cinemas (Rialto). A must-see on foot.
Casablanca-Settat · Morocco
Location voiture Casablanca
Casablanca — The economic capital, gateway to the kingdom
Casablanca is not a tourist postcard, but it is the economic heart of Morocco, the country's primary airport (CMN), and the most practical base for exploring Rabat, El Jadida, and the Atlantic coast. The Hassan II Mosque alone justifies a 24-hour detour.
- Region
- Casablanca-Settat
- Population
- ~3.5M pop. (urban area)
- Airport
- Mohammed V (CMN)
- Climate
- Mild oceanic, temperate summers
- Time zone
- GMT+1 (summer)
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Why go
Why visit Casablanca?
The real reasons that make the difference when planning your stay.
Hassan II Mosque: 3rd largest in the world, 210 m minaret, guided tours in English
Habous Quarter: neo-Moorish medina created in the 1930s
Unique Art Deco architecture on Mohammed V Avenue and Gironde Boulevard
Aïn Diab Corniche: beaches, seafood restaurants, oceanfront bars
Transport hub: 1st ONCF railway station in the country, CMN airport, highways to the whole kingdom
When to go
Best time to visit
Climate, crowds and surf season at a glance.
April → June
Perfect climate, 20–26 °C, before the summer crowds. Ideal for the corniche and the medina.
September → October
After the back-to-school season, the city is quieter, and the ocean is still warm. Our favorite season for Casa.
July → August
25–30 °C, peak crowds on the corniche, cultural events (Jazzablanca Festival, Casa Music Show).
November → March
Mild but rainy and windy winters. Good for architectural tours and the Hassan II Mosque without the crowds.
Neighborhoods
Where to stay and wander in Casablanca
The right neighborhood changes everything: vibe, parking, distance to the beach.
Maârif
Shopping, youngCommercial district, Twin Center, trendy restaurants, nightlife. A good base if you are working in Casa.
Aïn Diab / Corniche
Seaside, livelyBeaches, hotel pools, oceanfront restaurants, nightclubs. Easy parking during the day.
Anfa
Chic residentialVillas, embassies, upscale hotels. Quiet, safe, ideal for a comfortable business stay.
Habous (New Medina)
Artisanal, photogenicMedina built by the French in the 1930s. White arches, Arabic bookstores, pastry shops (Bennis!).
Things to do
What to do in Casablanca
Our cliché-free selection, from must-see highlights to genuine local tips.
Hassan II Mosque
The only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims (outside prayer times). 1-hour guided tour (120 MAD), 210 m laser minaret, platform over the Atlantic.
Habous Quarter & Bennis pastry shop
Neo-Moorish medina, bookstores, Mohammed V Mosque. Taste the gazelle horns from Bennis (since 1930).
Art Deco architecture walk
Rialto Cinema, Liberté building, central market. The tourist office offers a very well-made "Casa-Patrimoine" map.
Aïn Diab Corniche
Oceanfront promenade, seafood restaurants, Sqala and Tahiti Beach pools. Ideally at sunset.
Morocco Mall & aquarium
One of the largest shopping centers in Africa. Giant aquarium, musical fountain, international brands. Good plan for a rainy day.
Villa des Arts & galleries
Contemporary art center in an Art Deco villa. Rigorous programming, free, air-conditioned.
Around the city
Day trips and road trips from Casablanca
Distances, driving times and what to expect on site.
Rabat
Administrative capital, Oudayas kasbah, Hassan Tower, Mohammed VI Museum. Direct A1 highway, toll ~30 MAD.
90 km1 h
El Jadida
UNESCO Portuguese city, spectacular underground cistern, family beaches. Perfect day trip round-trip.
100 km1 h 30
Azemmour
Small white medina above the Oum Errabia, street art, bohemian vibe. To be combined with El Jadida.
85 km1 h 15
Bouznika & royal beaches
Family beaches between Casa and Rabat, golf, pine forests. Weekend getaway for Casablancans.
55 km45 min
Marrakech
Direct A7 highway, toll ~70 MAD. Doable in a day but a minimum of 2 nights is recommended.
240 km2 h 30
Oualidia
Protected lagoon, renowned oysters, surfing in winter. One night there is ideal.
175 km2 h 30
Getting around
How to get around in Casablanca
In practice
Casablanca is huge and congested: on foot, you will remain confined to the center. The tram is efficient on its 2 lines but does not cover the corniche. The red petit taxis are numerous but overheated during rush hours. To move between Maârif, Aïn Diab, and the Habous — and even more so for Rabat or El Jadida — a car is by far the easiest.
Rent a car in Casablanca
Prix réels, sans frais cachés. Filtrez par type de véhicule, transmission et politique carburant.
Car rental
Everything about renting in Casablanca
Prices, conditions, driving: the full guide, no fluff.
Renting in Casablanca: Mohammed V airport or center?
Mohammed V Airport (CMN) is 30 km south of the center, which is 30–45 min via the A7 highway (toll ~20 MAD). It is the 1st airport in Morocco: all international rental companies are present there 24/7. The center gathers independent agencies, especially in the Maârif district and along Mohammed V.
Our rule: if you arrive by plane and leave the next day for Marrakech, Rabat, or the coast, pick up the car at the airport — you save on the train (45 min, 43 MAD) or taxi (~300 MAD). If you stay 2-3 days in Casa before moving, renting in the center makes more sense: no airport surcharge and easier return.
- CMN Airport: open 24/7, all international rental companies, surcharge ~10–15%
- Maârif Center: lower rates, choice of independents
- Casa-Voyageurs station: convenient if you arrive by train from Rabat / Marrakech
How much does a rental cost in Casablanca?
Highly competitive market: prices are comparable to Marrakech, among the lowest in the country. As an indication (daily, basic insurance, 7 days):
- City car (Sandero, i10): 220–300 MAD / day (22–30 €)
- Compact (Clio, Polo, Yaris): 300–420 MAD / day (30–42 €)
- Compact SUV (Duster, Captur): 430–620 MAD / day (43–62 €)
- Executive sedan (Passat, Mégane): 500–750 MAD / day, common for business trips
- High rates in July-August and end-of-year holidays
Conditions, deposit, and insurance
Credit card required in the main driver's name. Deposit 5,000 to 15,000 MAD depending on the category. Minimum age 21, young driver surcharge up to 25.
Third-party liability included, CDW and theft highly recommended given the dense traffic. Check your premium bank card coverage before stacking insurances.
- Valid national driver's license (1 year of experience) or international driving permit
- "Full-to-full" fuel policy to be preferred
- Unlimited mileage at most rental companies
- Return at Casa-Voyageurs station possible with Avis / Europcar (to be confirmed)
Driving in Casablanca
Casablanca is undoubtedly the most difficult city in Morocco to drive in: heavy traffic, roundabouts with no apparent rules, scooters everywhere, traffic jams 8 am-10 am and 5 pm-8 pm. The tram has priority and cuts across main roads. Avoid driving in the city center during rush hours.
Outside the urban area, the A7 (Marrakech) and A1 (Rabat) are among the best highways in Africa. The N1 towards El Jadida is free but slower.
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in the city, 100 km/h on roads, 120 km/h on highways
- Numerous fixed speed cameras, zero tolerance
- Fuel 13–15 MAD/L, gas stations everywhere
- Parking: paid in the center (~3 MAD/h), underground parking lots around Mohammed V
Budget
How much to plan per day
Indicative prices in Moroccan dirhams (MAD), per person.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (night, double) | 300 MAD | 750 MAD | 2 000 MAD |
| Meals | 50 MAD | 150 MAD | 400 MAD |
| Car rental / day | 240 MAD | 420 MAD | 750 MAD |
| Activity / visit | 80 MAD | 250 MAD | 700 MAD |
| Total / day / pers. | ≈ 420 MAD | ≈ 950 MAD | ≈ 2 200 MAD |
Safety & advice
Good to know before you go
- Casablanca is safe in the central districts and the corniche. Avoid isolated alleys at night (Old Medina, Hay Mohammadi).
- Watch out for pickpockets on the tram during rush hours.
- Tap water is drinkable according to standards, but mineral water is always safer for visitors.
- Useful numbers: 19 (police), 15 (Samu).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions — Casablanca
The questions we get most often by message.
Is it better to rent in Casablanca city centre or at the airport?
If you are leaving Casablanca immediately for another city, rent at the airport. If you are spending your first few days visiting the city or attending business meetings in the centre, rent in the city centre to save on rental days and parking fees.
Is renting in the city centre cheaper?
Daily rates are generally the same. However, renting in the city is often more economical in the end because you do not pay for the days when the car would sit uselessly parked in front of your hotel.
Can the car be delivered to the hotel?
Yes, this is a very common and highly appreciated practice in Casablanca. Many agencies offer free or low-cost delivery directly to your address or hotel.
What budget should I plan for?
Expect between 25 and 35 € per day for an economy car in the low season. Anticipate an increase of 30 to 50% during the summer period.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, it is imperative. A bank card with the word "Credit" is required to block the deposit. Debit cards are very often refused by the terminals of Moroccan agencies.
Go further
Tools & guides for your stay
Prepare every step with our dedicated guides and tools.
Mohammed V Airport (CMN) Guide
1st airport in the country: counters, ONCF train, transfers.
Casablanca → Marrakech Route
240 km of highway, tips for stops and gas stations.
Casablanca → Rabat Route
90 km, the must-do round trip from the coast.
Casablanca → Tangier Route
330 km via the A1, crossing the north of the kingdom.
Should you rent a car in Casablanca?
Interactive tool: tram, taxi, train, or car?
Compare transfer vs rental
Estimate the cost CMN → Maârif, Anfa, Aïn Diab.
Arriving by plane
Airports near Casablanca
Local hub and regional alternatives to plan your arrival and rent a car straight from the terminal.
- Local hub
Casablanca Mohammed V
CMN30 km du centre · 40 minL'aéroport Mohammed V de Casablanca est le principal hub international du Maroc — plus de 9 millions de passagers/an, et le point d'entrée le plus utilisé pour les voyageurs internationaux.
Rabat–Salé
RBAAéroport régional · RabatAéroport Rabat–Salé, à taille humaine, dessert la capitale administrative. Trafic surtout institutionnel et affaires, avec des liaisons régulières vers l'Europe.
Marrakech Menara
RAKAéroport régional · MarrakechPorte d'entrée du Sud marocain, l'aéroport Marrakech Menara se situe à seulement 6 km du centre historique. Hub touristique majeur connecté à plus de 50 destinations européennes.
Tanger Ibn Battouta
TNGAéroport régional · TangerL'aéroport Ibn Battouta dessert le Détroit et le nord du Maroc. Trafic mixte affaires et tourisme avec une forte communauté MRE en saison.
Routes
Routes from and to Casablanca
Distance, duration and practical tips for each route.
Casablanca → Marrakech
Itinéraire détaillé depuis Marrakech : distance, temps de route, étapes et options de transport.
Casablanca → Rabat
Itinéraire détaillé depuis Rabat : distance, temps de route, étapes et options de transport.
Casablanca → Tanger
Itinéraire détaillé depuis Tanger : distance, temps de route, étapes et options de transport.
Nearby
Neighboring cities to combine with Casablanca
Continue your road trip in the region.
Rabat
≈ 1 h par l'A3
Louer une voiture au cœur de Rabat offre une flexibilité et une autonomie précieuses, que vous soyez un touriste désireux d'explorer la c…
Discover the Rabat guideMarrakech
≈ 2 h 30 par l'A7
Marrakech, la vibrante "Ville Rouge", attire des millions de visiteurs chaque année, que ce soit pour ses souks animés, ses jardins luxur…
Discover the Marrakech guideTanger
≈ 3 h par l'A1/A3
Tanger, porte du Détroit entre Méditerranée et Atlantique, s'est transformée en hub économique et touristique majeur.
Discover the Tanger guideapp.karvyx.com
Ready to hit the road from Casablanca?
Plus de 20 loueurs comparés en une seule recherche — tarif tout compris.
All destinations
Continue exploring Morocco with our other city guides.