Casablanca is Morocco’s biggest city and its main airport, so many travellers have a spare day or two here, at the start or end of a trip or on a cruise stop. These are the best day trips, ranked by how easy they are.
1. Rabat, the capital (1 hour)
Green, calm and full of monuments: the Kasbah of the Udayas above the river, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Chellah, a medieval necropolis built on Roman ruins. Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage city and the easiest day trip from Casablanca, by train or car. See our Rabat day trip.
2. El Jadida and Sidi Bouzid (1 hour 15 minutes)
The Portuguese fortress of Mazagan, a UNESCO site, with its famous underground cistern and ramparts, followed by lunch at the beach of Sidi Bouzid. Book our El Jadida day trip.
3. Azemmour (1 hour)
A small whitewashed town above the Oum Er-Rbia river, with ramparts, murals and artists’ workshops. It combines easily with El Jadida, 15 km away.
4. Mohammedia (30 minutes)
A relaxed seaside town with beaches, a marina, a small kasbah and a well-known golf course. Try our golf day trip or our city tour with a camel ride by the ocean.
5. Marrakech (2.5 to 3 hours)
A long day, but possible: leave early by car or train, visit the Majorelle Garden, the Bahia Palace, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna, and return in the evening. If you can, stay one night. See our Marrakech day tour.
6. Oualidia (2 hours)
A peaceful lagoon on the Atlantic known for its oysters, birdlife and calm water. Ideal for a long seafood lunch away from the crowds.
7. Casablanca itself
Do not skip the city: the Hassan II Mosque, the Art Deco centre, the Habous quarter and the Corniche fill a full day. Read our list of things to do in Casablanca or book a Casablanca day tour.
Train, taxi or private driver?
- Train: fast and cheap to Rabat and Marrakech; check times on the ONCF website.
- Grand taxi: possible to El Jadida or Mohammedia, but you depend on shared departures.
- Private driver and guide: the easiest way to combine two places (El Jadida and Azemmour, Casablanca and Mohammedia) and to be back on time for a flight or a ship.
Tips for cruise passengers
Casablanca’s port is close to the old medina and the Hassan II Mosque. With six to eight hours ashore, Casablanca and Rabat are realistic; Marrakech is too far for a safe return. Ask for a pick-up at the port gate and keep a margin before all-aboard time.
All our Morocco day tours include hotel or port pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Casablanca?
Rabat is the easiest and most rewarding: one hour away, with UNESCO-listed monuments and a calm atmosphere. El Jadida is the best coastal option.
Can you do a day trip from Casablanca to Marrakech?
Yes, but it is long: 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Leave early or, better, spend one night in Marrakech.
Can you visit Fes in a day from Casablanca?
It is possible but tiring, with about 6 hours of driving. A 2-day trip with a night in Fes is much better.
Do your day tours include pick-up at the port?
Yes. We pick up from hotels, the cruise port or Mohammed V Airport.
Have a free day in Casablanca? Book a private day trip with pick-up from your hotel or ship.