The best day trips from Casablanca are Rabat, Mohammedia, El Jadida and Azemmour, all reachable in about one to two hours, while Marrakech and Tangier are long but possible by fast train. Casablanca is Morocco’s rail hub, so most of these escapes start at Casa Voyageurs or Casa Port station and need no car.
Short trips: Mohammedia and Rabat
Mohammedia is the easiest escape, about 24 km north-east of Casablanca and roughly 25 to 30 minutes by train from Casa Port, usually hourly. It is a relaxed seaside town with an 18th-century kasbah (1773), the Al Atik mosque, a seafront esplanade and the Sablet and Mimosa beaches.
Rabat, about 87 km north, takes around an hour on the hourly shuttle train. Highlights include the unfinished Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Andalusian Garden and the Chellah ruins. See our one-day Rabat itinerary for a full plan. From Rabat you can also cross by tram to Sale, whose old gate and 14th-century madrasa are rarely crowded.
South along the coast: Azemmour, El Jadida and Oualidia
El Jadida, about 100 km south-west, is reached by train in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes (services are less frequent, around every three hours) or by CTM coach in about 1 hour 25 minutes. Its Portuguese City of Mazagan was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004 and is famous for its bastions, the Manueline cistern and the Church of the Assumption.
Azemmour, about 17 km before El Jadida’s centre, sits above the Oum Er-Rbia river with sturdy walls, a kasbah and a former mellah. Many visitors combine it with El Jadida using a shared taxi.
Oualidia has a protected lagoon, oyster farms and birdlife, with flamingos in spring and autumn. It is about 83 km beyond El Jadida and is better as an overnight stop, because public transport from Casablanca takes three to four hours.
Long day trips: Marrakech and Tangier
Marrakech is about 240 km away, with 10 to 12 daily trains taking roughly 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours. It works as a long day if you focus on the medina; use our one-day Marrakech guide.
Tangier takes about 2 hours 10 minutes on the Al Boraq high-speed train from Casa Voyageurs, with second-class tickets from around MAD 99. Al Boraq does not stop at Casa Port, so book from Casa Voyageurs. Read our one-day Tangier itinerary for what to see.
Key facts at a glance
- Mohammedia: about 24 km, 25 to 30 minutes by train.
- Rabat: about 87 km, around 1 hour by shuttle train.
- El Jadida: about 100 km, 1 h 25 to 1 h 30 by coach or train.
- Marrakech: about 240 km, 2 h 40 to 3 h by train.
- Tangier: 2 h 10 by Al Boraq.
Practical tips and FAQ
What is the easiest day trip from Casablanca?
Rabat and Mohammedia, thanks to frequent trains and short journeys.
Can I visit Marrakech or Tangier in one day?
Yes, but expect around five to six hours of travel. Start early and check the last return train in advance.
Do I need a car?
No. Trains and CTM coaches cover the main routes; for Azemmour and Oualidia, shared or grand taxis fill the gaps. Timetables change, so confirm them on the day.
Sources: App Savvy Traveller; Culture Trip. See also our one-day Casablanca guide.
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