Jazmin Li
Yes, you can leave Casablanca airport during a layover. However, it is important to note that the airport is outside the city, and Moroccan airports are known for their long security and check-in lines. Travellers recommend budgeting 3-4 hours for the lines when entering and exiting the airport. If you have a long layover, you can book a train ticket from the airport to Casablanca (Casa Voyageurs or Casa Port) for approximately $10, or take a taxi or airport shuttle bus to get into the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Yes, but allow enough time to get back through security and customs. |
| Transport options | Train, taxi, or petit taxi to Casa Voyageurs train station. |
| Time required for transport | 30 minutes by taxi, 30 minutes by train. |
| Attractions | Hassan II Mosque, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Cathédrale Sacré Coeur, Medina, California, Bouskoura, and Rick's Café. |
| Airport facilities | Two terminals, a transit hotel, lounges, and eateries. |
| Airport drawbacks | Difficult to navigate, crowded, disorganized, and expensive. |
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What You'll Learn
You can leave the airport during a layover
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover. Casablanca's airport is outside the city, so if you have a short layover, it's best not to go too far. The nearest neighbourhoods are Bouskoura and Californie, where you can grab a bite to eat. With a longer layover, you can go further into Casablanca. Take a train from inside the airport to the Old Medina stop, Casa Port, and explore the narrow streets with endless stalls of traditional handmade goods and henna tattoo artists.
If you have time, the Hassan II Mosque is a must-see. It's one of the most striking buildings in Casablanca, standing tall at the waterfront. It's the largest mosque in Africa and the second-largest in the world. The incredible tile work, marble, and beautiful minaret are some of the highlights. It's about a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport and will cost around 300 MAD ($30 USD).
If you're a street art enthusiast, Casablanca has been a haven for graffiti artists and muralists for several years, thanks to the Sbagha Bagha Street Art Festival. You can find awe-inspiring murals throughout the city. After visiting the mosque, you can pop into the trendy Le Gatsby Cafe, located just a stone's throw away.
For a bite to eat, head to Patisserie Bennis Habous for traditional Moroccan sweets. This family-owned bakery, decked in blue and yellow tile walls and beautiful mosaics, offers dozens of almond pastries freshly baked by bakers in white coats. It's a short taxi ride from Habbous to the Casa Voyageurs train station, from where you can take the train to the airport.
Remember to plan your times carefully to make the right airport train and avoid a long wait for the next one. Also, keep in mind that Moroccan airports can be slow with security checks, so it's recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight.
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Take a train to Casa Port or Casa Voyageurs
If you're looking to leave Casablanca Airport and head into the city, one option is to take the train to Casa Port or Casa Voyageurs. The train station is located one floor below the main arrivals hall and is clearly signposted throughout the airport. It's recommended to withdraw some Moroccan money from one of the ATMs before heading to the train station. The ticket office, called "billetterie" in French, is situated directly in front of the terminus platforms of the airport train station. Many signs and information boards are bilingual in Arabic and French, so a little knowledge of French can be helpful.
The Casablanca airport train connects Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport with the downtown stations of Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port, with hourly departures and tickets costing around 50 Moroccan dirham (€4.60) for a second-class ticket. The journey to Casa Voyageurs takes approximately 35 minutes, while the train to Casa Port will take a little longer, as it is the final stop. Once you arrive at Casa Voyageurs, you can easily connect to the Casablanca tramway or to trains heading elsewhere in Morocco. If you're heading to the city centre, Casa Port is the nearest station.
If you're looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of hotels around both Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port, ranging from budget to luxury. The Ibis Casa Voyageurs is located directly next to the train station, which is convenient for early train departures the next morning.
If you have a long layover in Casablanca, taking the train to Casa Port can be a great option. From there, you can walk to the Medina and explore the narrow streets with stalls full of traditional handmade goods and ladies offering henna tattoos. After exploring the Medina, you can catch the train back to the airport from Casa Port Station.
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Visit Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and is the most visited attraction in Casablanca, so it should definitely be on your itinerary. It is located about 30 kilometres from Casablanca International Airport, and it takes about 45 minutes to get there by taxi or private transfer, costing around 250 Dh (25 EUR). Alternatively, you can take a train and then a taxi, or drive yourself.
The mosque is an incredible example of Islamic architecture and boasts the tallest minaret in the world at 210 metres. It can accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers, with 25,000 inside the prayer hall and 80,000 in the square outside. The mosque is built on a platform above the Atlantic Ocean, inspired by the Qur'anic verse, "The throne of God was upon the water". While the glass floor section is primarily for royal use, the retractable roof allows worshippers to look at the sky and ocean during prayer.
The mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues, with construction taking six years and completed in 1993. It is said to have cost around $800 million, funded by donations from the Muslim community worldwide and King Hassan II, who commissioned the mosque in 1980. Over 10,000 Moroccan workers were involved in the construction, using mostly Moroccan materials, except for the marble pillars and glass chandeliers, which were imported from Italy.
Non-Muslims can visit the mosque with a guided tour, which is included in the ticket price. Tours are available in multiple languages and usually last 45 minutes, including visits to the prayer hall, minaret hall, and ablution hall. Tickets for foreign adults cost 130 MAD (13 USD), while children's tickets are 30 MAD (3 USD). You can buy tickets on-site, but it is recommended to book a tour with GetYourGuide or Viator to skip the line.
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Explore the Old Medina
The Old Medina of Casablanca is a must-see on any visit to this Moroccan city. It is a place to get lost and explore, with its narrow alleyways, grimy buildings, and rowdy vibes, providing a glimpse into another epoch. The Old Medina is the true heart of modern-day Casablanca, serving as the birthplace of this huge city.
The Old Medina is a bazaar, with merchants lining the streets all day long, selling leather goods, oils, linens, shoes, spices, and even antiques. You can also find various outdoor cafes and smaller restaurants where you can enjoy a coffee or tea while watching the locals go about their daily lives. The Central Market is a feast for the senses, offering fish, seafood, fruit, vegetables, and flowers every morning.
There are also some interesting monuments within the Old Medina, such as the four mosques, including the Great Mosque and the 18th-century Ould el-Hamra Mosque, and the Koubba of Sidi Belyout. Another area to explore is the Jewish quarter, or Mellah, where you will find the Beth-El synagogue and a large cemetery that has not been used since 1947.
For those interested in a guided tour, Amine is a highly recommended guide who can take you through the Old Medina and explain the social and cultural history of the area. He can also provide basic lessons in speaking Arabic and answer any questions you may have about Casablanca and Moroccan culture.
The Old Medina is located between the port roadstead and the Hassan II Mosque, surrounded by a four-kilometre wall with eight gates, including the Marrakesh Gate on the south side. It is divided into three areas: the Medina itself, the Jewish quarter, and the Tnaker area.
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Eat Moroccan food and sweets
If you have a long layover at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport and want to explore the local food scene, there are a few options to consider. You can either stay at the airport or head into Casablanca, depending on how much time you have.
At the airport, you can find a variety of cafés, restaurants, and fast-food outlets offering Moroccan specialties and international options. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, Basmane, an elegant restaurant with ornate décor, is a great choice. Here, you can enjoy dishes such as mint tea and vegetable couscous, a local favourite.
For those who want to venture out, Casablanca offers a wealth of culinary delights. You can book a train ticket from the airport to Casablanca (Casa Voyageurs or Casa Port) for approximately $10, or take a taxi or airport shuttle bus if you prefer. Once in the city, you'll find a vibrant street food scene with an array of traditional dishes to sample. Stroll through the lively markets and charming streets, and interact with local vendors to learn about their culinary heritage. Be sure to try savoury tagines, fresh seafood, and sweet pastries. For a unique experience, wander through the Habous neighbourhood, where you'll find a classic patisserie specialising in Moroccan treats since 1930. Sample dozens of varieties of pastries, such as ka'ab gazelle (thin pastries filled with almond paste) and ghriba (crumbly shortbread cookies).
If you're looking for a café to relax in, Le Gatsby offers stunning views of the Hassan II Mosque. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, or just a coffee, along with Moroccan and international fare. For a trip back in time, visit Rick's Cafe, inspired by the film 'Casablanca', with a grand interior and a menu of classic international dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during your layover. However, you will need to get back early to get your boarding pass stamped so you can get through security. You will also need to factor in time for clearing customs and immigration, and re-checking-in.
It is recommended that you budget 3-4 hours to get back through the lines at the airport. You will also need to factor in travel time, which will depend on how you plan to get back to the airport.
You can take a petit taxi to Casa Voyageurs train station and then take the train to the airport. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to the airport, which will take around 30 minutes.
This depends on what you want to do and see. If you only have a few hours, it is recommended that you stay near the airport in Bouskoura or Californie. If you have 6 hours or more, you can venture further into Casablanca.
There are many things to do during a layover in Casablanca, including visiting the Old Medina, the Hassan II Mosque, the Cathédrale Sacré Coeur, and Rick's Café. You can also enjoy the Parc de la Ligue Arabe or go shopping in the Habous markets.
