How to Get Around Casablanca: My top Tips and Tricks for navigating the City
Casablanca can feel overwhelming at first. It’s big, busy, and not exactly gentle about it. However, once you understand how transportation works, getting around Casablanca becomes way less intimidating, even if you’re a solo female traveler.
Before I arrived, most of the guides I found felt outdated or vague. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
But after spending 24 hours in Casablanca solo — before starting a 12 day Group Tour of Morocco, I got comfortable using a mix of walking, trains, trams, and taxis. I never felt stuck or unsafe. Just alert and intentional, which is how I travel solo anywhere.
This guide breaks down every realistic way to get around Casablanca, so you can pick what works best for your comfort level — no fluff, just straight-up useful info.
This Post Pairs Well With:
- 24 Hours in Casablanca Solo: A Realistic Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Where to Stay in Casablanca for First-Timers (Best 3 Neighborhoods + Hotels)
- How to Visit the Hassan II Mosque: Tips, History & Practical Info for Travelers
Getting Around Casablanca: At a Glance
Best overall:
Tramway, petit taxis
From the airport:
Welcome Pickups from the Airport
If you want zero stress:
Petit taxis, Careem
Best areas on foot:
City center, Habous, La Corniche
Avoid if possible:
Rush hour (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM)
Helpful apps:
Google Maps, Citymapper, Careem
Train From the Mohammed V International Airport to Casablanca City Center
If you’re flying into Mohammed V International Airport, the best way to get to downtown Casablanca is by train or by a private airport transfer, which is what I did for my 24 Hours in Casablanca solo
- Train station location: Underneath Terminal 1 Arrivals
- Train operator: ONCF
- Destination: Get off at Casa Port station (central location)
- Travel time: ~45 minutes
- Why it’s great: Affordable, safe, and avoids taxi haggling
Prefer a private airport transfer instead of the train?
I recommend Welcome Pickups as it is ideal if you’re arriving late or want a smoother arrival experience.
Compare train and shuttle options with Omio to choose what works best for your budget.
Getting Around by Tramway in Casablanca
Casablanca’s tramway is modern, clean, and easy to use. It’s one of the best ways to get around during the day, especially if you’re staying near the city center.
Many key areas are accessible by tram, including parts of downtown, Arab League Park, and areas leading toward Aïn Diab and the coast.
How to Use the Casablanca Tramway (Best for Tourists)
- The Casablanca Tram is fast, clean, and ideal for getting around safely and efficiently.
- Connects: City center, Arab League Park, Aïn Diab Beach, and more
- Buy tickets or passes at vending machines in every station
- Trams are modern and easy to ride
- Download the official Casa Tramway app for:
- Real-time tram tracking
- Interactive maps
- Service alerts
Using Buses in Casablanca
Buses are the most budget-friendly transportation option in Casablanca, but they can feel chaotic if you’re unfamiliar with the system. I do not recommend this for first-time solo travelers or first-time travelers in general because this can be a bit overwhelming.
Buses are useful for reaching neighborhoods not served by the tramway, but they require more awareness and patience.
What to know before boarding
- Buses run roughly from 5:45 AM to 9:15 PM
- A single ride costs 4 dirhams
- Payment is made directly to the driver
- Most signage is in Arabic
If you’re short on time or already feeling overstimulated, taxis are often the more comfortable option.
Walking Around Casablanca
Casablanca is surprisingly walkable, especially in well-known areas like:
- Habous Quarter – traditional markets and architecture
- City Center – Mohammed V Square, Central Market, colonial buildings
- La Corniche – a scenic coastal promenade with cafes and sunset views
- Hassan II Mosque area – large sidewalks, plenty of foot traffic
I walked around Casablanca solo, and honestly? It was stress-free. I didn’t feel unsafe at any point — but I did stay alert, stuck to busy areas, and paid attention to my surroundings.
My local guide was constantly reminding us to be aware of our phones. It wasn’t about fear — just smart habits. Here’s what I recommend for any solo female traveler walking around Casablanca:
- Keep your phone on a sling strap so it’s not in your hand
- Use an anti-theft crossbody bag with lockable zippers or hidden compartments
- Don’t walk with earbuds in or your head down — stay alert
- Be extra aware in crowded areas like the Central Market or tram stations
My go-to safety gear:
Using Petit Taxis in Casablanca (Local Taxi Tips for Solo Travelers)
Petit Taxis in Casablanca are small red vehicles designed for short rides within the city. Which means that they’re a fast and affordable way to get around — if you know how to use them properly. For example, I asked the hotel staff to flag one down for me, and they were so helpful (tip the attendant if you can!)
Using Petit Taxis in Casablanca
- Maximum capacity: 3 passengers
- (But heads up: drivers often refuse to take 3 at once. They make more money picking up solo riders and adding a second.)
- Color-coded by city — In Casablanca, they’re always red
- Cash only — Keep small bills on you
- Street-hailable — No app required
- City-only — Petit Taxis cannot leave city limits (that’s what Grand Taxis are for)
How Much Should a Taxi Cost?
- A trip within Casablanca’s city center should cost around 10 dirhams
- Always check if the taxi meter is running when you get in
- If they refuse to use it, negotiate a fare before you leave
- Some drivers will try to inflate prices for tourists — don’t be afraid to walk away
Solo tip: If you find a friendly or helpful driver, tip them well and take their number. My guide told me that Many locals use the same driver again and again when they find someone reliable.
Ride-Sharing Apps in Casablanca (No Uber? No Problem.)
Uber doesn’t work in Morocco, but there are local ride-sharing apps in Casablanca:
- Careem: Works just like Uber, trusted and easy
- InDrive: You propose the fare, the driver accepts or negotiates
Best Times to Travel in Casablanca (Avoid Crowds)
Casablanca rush hour means packed trams and buses. I think it’s best to avoid public transit during the following hours:
- 7:30–9:00 AM
- 5:00–7:00 PM
I think it’s wise to avoid any sightseeing before then via public transportation.
Best Travel Apps for Navigating Casablanca
Here are a few Travel apps that really helped me navigate Casablanca and Morocco as a whole. I genuinely think these travel apps made my travels easier when I was alone navigating places alone. If you download these before your trip, they’ll make planning a breeze.
- Google Maps: Reliable walking and transit directions
- Citymapper: Public transportation + bike/walk options
- Casa Tramway app: Tram schedules + alerts
- CASAbus: Receive instant notifications to stay informed of disruptions and easily optimize your journeys. With the Casabus application, traveler information is always at your fingertips!
FAQs: Getting Around Casablanca
You’ve got questions about your time in Casablanca, here are a few commonly asked questions travelers ask when planning for a trip to Casablanca.
Yes, Casablanca is generally safe if you stay alert and stick to common-sense solo travel habits. I recommend using official transportation, avoid wandering late at night, and trust your instincts.
The easiest and safest way is the ONCF train from Terminal 1 to Casa Port station. It runs regularly, takes about 45 minutes, and drops you right downtown.
No, Uber doesn’t operate in Morocco. Instead, use Careem or InDrive, as I found these to be both reliable ride-share apps and they are widely used in Casablanca.
Yes — especially the tram system, which is modern and easy to navigate. The bus network is cheap but a bit more chaotic. Use apps like Citymapper or ATV Info Bus to plan your trips.
You can walk in central areas like Habous, La Corniche, and the city center during the day. Be alert at busy intersections and combine walking with taxis or the tram for longer distances.
Not necessarily. I found that many signs are in Arabic and French, and apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, and the Casa Tramway app make it easy to plan your route in English. Tram stops are generally tourist-friendly, though buses can be trickier without basic French.
If you’re staying within the city, public transportation is the easiest and most cost-effective option. Trams and taxis are reliable for most areas. Renting a car makes more sense if you’re planning day trips outside Casablanca or a full Morocco road trip.
You can take the ONCF train (roughly 2.5–3 hours), a bus, or drive if you’ve rented a car. For easy comparison, check schedules and book online with Omio. It’s the most convenient way to line up your intercity travel in Morocco.
Yes — apps like Careem and InDrive are popular in Morocco and generally safe for tourists. Prices are upfront (or negotiable in the case of InDrive), and you can see driver ratings. They’re a great alternative if you don’t want to deal with cash or language barriers.
Yes, many women travel solo in Casablanca with no issues. Like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, and dress modestly. Use trusted transport options and consider booking accommodations in central, well-lit neighborhoods.
Central areas like Maarif, Gauthier, Anfa, and parts of La Corniche are popular with tourists and generally safe. Stay close to tram lines or Casa Port if you want easy access to attractions without relying heavily on taxis.
Your Solo Female Travel Wrap-Up for Casablanca
You’ve got this. Getting around Casablanca solo really is easier than it seems once you understand how the city moves.
With affordable trams, quick taxis, helpful apps, and walkable neighborhoods, you don’t need to rely on a guide or group to explore. Whether you’re arriving at the airport, heading to the beach, or just wandering the souks, Casablanca is solo-travel friendly — as long as you stay aware, trust your gut, and prep a little in advance.
Keep your phone secure, carry small change, and don’t be afraid to ask questions (or walk away from a taxi that won’t turn the meter on). Once you know your options, the city opens up fast.
Ready for the Next Step? Want to explore more of Morocco confidently?
Check out Where to Stay in Casablanca for First-Timers (Best 3 Neighborhoods + Hotels) →
Or compare routes + prices for trains, buses, and cars with Omio →
