Photo by marcovitjz tirtokromo on Unsplash
Compare trains, taxis, and private transfers from Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) to downtown Casablanca with honest timelines and local tips.
Landing at Mohammed V International Airport leaves you thirty kilometers south of downtown Casablanca. Moving from arrivals to your hotel requires a clear plan. Pick your method based on cost or speed. Here's how you make the trip work.
Quick Recommendation
Take the train. It's fast and cheap. It skips the terrible Casablanca ring-road traffic completely. Grab a taxi only if you're hauling tons of luggage, arriving late after trains quit, or heading somewhere far from any rail stop.
Transport Options Compared
| Mode | Cost (Approx.) | Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONCF Train | 50 MAD (Second Class) / 85 MAD (First Class) | 35 to 45 minutes | Solo travelers, couples, light packers |
| Grand Taxi | 300 to 400 MAD | 45 to 60+ minutes (traffic dependent) | Groups, door-to-door convenience, late arrivals |
| Private Transfer | 350 to 500+ MAD | 45 to 60+ minutes | Pre-booked peace of mind, family arrivals |
The ONCF Train: Station Details and Schedule
Find the station on Level -1 of Terminal 1. Just follow the train symbols right out of arrivals.
- Frequency: Trains run about once an hour from early morning until roughly 10:00 PM.
- Tickets: Buy tickets at the station counter or automated kiosks using cash (Moroccan Dirhams) or major credit cards.
- Destination Stations: Most trains head to Gare de Casa-Port (ideal if you're staying near the port or old medina) or pass through Gare de Casa-Voyageurs (the main hub for onward trains to Marrakech or Fes).
Airport Taxis: What to Expect
Official airport grand taxis wait just outside the terminal arrivals exit. They're big beige or white cars. Settle on the price to your exact hotel before jumping in. A fair daytime rate to central Casablanca runs between 300 and 400 MAD. Night traffic might bump that price up.
Never accept rides from unlicensed drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Stick to the official taxi queue outside where rates are regulated.
TopInMorocco Local Tip
Late Arrivals and Luggage
Flights touching down past 10:00 PM miss the last train. You'll need an official airport taxi or a pre-booked private transfer where a driver waits with a name sign. Train luggage storage is fine, but second-class cars fill up fast during rush hour.
Planning the rest of your Moroccan trip past Casablanca? Tools like TopInMorocco map out city transitions using local expert data.
How much does the train from Casablanca airport to the city cost?
The ONCF airport train costs about 50 MAD for Second Class and 85 MAD for First Class.
How long does it take to get from Casablanca airport to downtown?
The train takes 35 to 45 minutes, while taxis and private transfers take 45 to 60 minutes or longer depending on city traffic.
Where is the train station at Casablanca airport?
You'll find the train station on Level -1 of Terminal 1, reached easily by escalators and elevators from arrivals.
What is the best option for late-night arrivals at CMN?
Trains stop running around 10:00 PM. Late arrivals should grab an official grand taxi from the queue outside Terminal 1 or book a private transfer ahead of time.
Should I take a grand taxi or the train?
The train works best and costs less for solo travelers and couples dodging traffic. Taxis suit groups, families with heavy bags, or direct drop-offs.
