Car Rental at Casablanca Airport

Airport travel guide

The largest city of Morocco, Casablanca doesn't draw the same crowds of tourists as Marrakesh of Fez, but can be a fascinating place to explore. These are three of its main interesting attractions:

• Hassan II Mosque. One of the largest Islamic praying houses in the world, you are sure to recognize this mosque if you’ve ever seen a tourism promotional video about Casablanca. Built recently – it was finished in the 1990s – and named after the former Moroccan monarch, it is located on a peninsula stretching into the sea, a short drive north of Casablanca city center. Unlike some other mosques in Morocco, it is offered to non-Muslim visitors, although you need to join a guided tour to visit.
• Corniche. Immediately to the west of the aforementioned Hassan II Mosque is the Casablanca Corniche, the city’s vast and busy Atlantic promenade. Many of Casablanca’s fanciest hotels and various cultural and entertainment venues can be found here, along a dizzying array of both Moroccan and Western-style eateries, although arguably the nicest way to enjoy it is on a slow stroll – or drive – alongside the Corniche during sunset.
• Arab League Park. Named after the international organization of which Morocco is also a member state (its headquarters is in Cairo, Egypt), this recently renovated park is another point of pride for the city administration. Located alongside Boulevard Moulay Youssef, about 2 km (1.2 miles) south of the Corniche, it borders the Church of the Sacred Heart, which, although long since not serving its religious function anymore, remains one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

However, not only does the city have plenty of delights if you know where to look, but it can also serve as a hub for exploring the North-Atlantic region in which it is located. With that in mind, these are four of the most interesting destinations you can reach from Casablanca by car:

• Rabat. Located about an hour’s drive north of Casablanca, the national capital, Rabat, is not only the country’s political center but is also a lovely place to visit as a tourist. Attractions include the impressive Oudaias Kasbah (the fortress), the charmingly claustrophobic Rabat Medina (the old city), and Chellah, an ancient Carthaginian and Roman settlement now in a state of partial disrepair and completely overtaken by thousands of birds.
• El Jadida. Though it might not be as popular a tourist destination as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix-favored Essaouira which’s a couple of hours drive further down the coast, El Jadida is nonetheless a lovely, surprisingly hassle-free, place to visit. A former Portuguese colony, it has been called one of the Seven Portuguese Wonders of the World, and its Old City, as well as ancient sea walls and warehouses, have made it a World Heritage Site. The trip from Casablanca takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Marrakesh. It might seem too ambitious to visit Marrakesh from Casablanca and then return on the same day (a round trip takes between five and six hours), but the legendary city at the foothills of the High Atlas mountains is so captivating that many tourists do exactly that. Known for the timeless atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s huge main square, as well as its markets and shrines, Marrakesh really is a destination like no other. However, if time permits, try to set at least two or three days aside.
• Tangier. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar just across from Spain, the port city of Tangier has long been known for its international character and syncretic mix of influences. While sometimes rough around the edges, its multiple landmarks, highly unique cultural background, and proximity to many relaxing day trip destinations rightfully make it one of the most popular travel destinations of Morocco. The drive north up the coast from Casablanca takes just under four hours.

Top international routes

• Paris
• Madrid
• Marrakesh
• Agadir
• Tunis
• Brussels
• Cairo
• Dusseldorf
• Lisbon
• Cairo

Main airlines

Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, Saudia, Afriqiyah Airways, Libyan Airlines, and TUI Fly Belgium

Terminals

There are two operating terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It is easy to walk from one to the other.

Location

The airport is located about 31 km (19 miles) from downtown. Highway 3038 and Route A7 are the main roads connecting Casablanca Airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $16 per day
• Medium cars - from $21 per day
• Large cars - from $21 per day
• Station wagons - from $34 per day
• Vans - from $25 per day
• SUVs - from $21 per day
• Premium cars - from $77 per day

Car rental desks

Most rental desks are located in the arrivals hall.

Services and facilities

There are a number of restaurants and cafeterias, stores and duty-free shops, a bank with an ATM, a 24/7 medical center, children’s play areas, and a prayer room. Most of the facilities are disabled-friendly. Unfortunately, the airport offers no left luggage service.

Nearest gas station

A Total gas station is located at Nouaceur, on the side of Highway N9. It’s about a nine-minute drive from Casablanca Airport. There are other gas stations near the airport and on the way to downtown Casablanca.

Popular one-way rentals

• Marrakesh (223 km / 138 mi). One of the most fascinating cities of North Africa, Marrakesh is best known for Djemaa el-Fnaa, its atmospheric market square. The city has a lot of other landmarks as well, and the High Atlas mountains are just a short ride away.
• Fez (321 km / 199 mi). Nearly as legendary as Marrakesh, Fez (sometimes also written as Fes) is best-known for its well-preserved medina or old town, traditional tanneries, madrasas or religious schools, and impressive mosques.
• Tangier (365 km / 227 mi). Located in the northwestern corner of Morocco just a stone’s throw from Spain on the other side of the Mediterranean, the labyrinthine streets of Tangier have always attracted artists, writers, and musicians. One of the most atmospheric places in the country, visiting Tangier can be a highlight of any trip.
• Rabat (114 km / 71 mi). The capital of Morocco, Rabat is best known for its political prowess, but the city also has plenty for a traveler to enjoy, like the Kasbah (or fortress) of the Oudaias, Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum and a number of nearby beaches.
• Agadir (447 km / 278 mi). Located in Southwest Morocco, Agadir is home to interesting architecture and museums dedicated to the local Berber culture. The city is also near the famous oasis of Paradise Valley, as well as Taghazout, Morocco’s unofficial surfing capital.
• Nador (625 km / 388 mi). Located in Morocco’s Oriental province not far from the border with Algeria, Nador is famous for its many beautiful nearby beaches. A number of impressive nature areas are also nearby.