Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN) is Morocco's busiest gateway, and the start of your journey. A flight-tracked private transfer — with meet-and-greet, fast-track and a chauffeur waiting at arrivals — carries you door-to-door across Morocco in seamless comfort; the Al Boraq high-speed train is the elegant alternative for the northern cities.
In this guide
Train from CMN to Casablanca city centre
The ONCF rail link between Mohammed V Airport and Casa Voyageurs station in central Casablanca is the fastest public option: trains run every 30 minutes from roughly 6 am to midnight, the journey takes about 35–45 minutes, and a ticket costs around 45 MAD (second class) or 60 MAD (first class). From Casa Voyageurs you can connect to the Al Boraq high-speed service to Kenitra, Rabat, Tangier and — via the main network — to Marrakech and Fes.
The train is clean, air-conditioned and reliable. Buy tickets at the airport station ticket windows or from the automated machines (French and Arabic interfaces). Note that Casablanca's other main station, Casa Port, handles some suburban services; most intercity connections use Casa Voyageurs.
Getting from CMN to Marrakech
Marrakech is roughly 240 km south of Casablanca. The fastest route is a private transfer on the A7 motorway — about 2.5 to 3 hours door-to-door, depending on traffic through Casablanca and Settat. By train, you change at Casa Voyageurs onto an ONCF intercity service to Marrakech (3–3.5 hours), then arrange a petit taxi or a pre-booked pickup from Marrakech Gare train station to your riad.
Many travellers arriving at CMN and heading to Marrakech find that a pre-booked private transfer is the smoothest option: your driver meets you at arrivals with a name board, loads your luggage and drives directly — no train connections, no taxi negotiations, no stops.
- Private transfer CMN → Marrakech: approximately 2.5–3 hours; price typically US$60–120 per car depending on vehicle class.
- Train CMN → Marrakech: change at Casa Voyageurs; total journey 4–5 hours including wait time; lowest-cost option.
- Taxi from CMN: grand taxis to Casablanca city centre are available but negotiate the fare firmly before getting in.
Getting from CMN to Rabat, Fes and Tangier
The Al Boraq high-speed line (TGV) connects Casablanca (Casa Voyageurs) to Kenitra, Rabat Agdal and Tangier Ville in under two hours — from Tangier the journey is 2 hours 10 minutes at speeds of up to 320 km/h. To board Al Boraq, transfer by train from the airport to Casa Voyageurs and buy your Al Boraq ticket at the station.
Fes is served by a standard intercity ONCF train from Casa Voyageurs (about 4 hours) or by a direct private transfer from CMN (approximately 3.5–4 hours on the A2 motorway). For Rabat, the train from Casa Voyageurs takes about 45–60 minutes; a private transfer takes similar time but is door-to-door.
- CMN → Rabat: train (45–60 min from Casa Voyageurs) or private transfer (60–75 min direct).
- CMN → Fes: private transfer (3.5–4 hrs) or train via Casa Voyageurs (4+ hrs).
- CMN → Tangier: Al Boraq from Casa Voyageurs (2 hrs 10 min) is the fastest and most comfortable option.
Private transfers vs public transport from CMN
Public transport from CMN is genuinely good by regional standards — the train is clean, punctual and inexpensive. But for a luxury arrival after a long-haul flight, nothing matches a private transfer: a host (or your chauffeur) waiting at arrivals, fast-track and lounge meet-and-greet available, luggage taken care of, and a direct, narrated drive to your riad or hotel door.
Your transfer is flight-tracked and priced in advance, so a delayed arrival changes nothing. When the medina is car-free, the driver walks you and your bags the last few minutes to the riad threshold — the difference between landing and simply continuing the journey in comfort.
CMN airport: what to expect on arrival
Mohammed V Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 handles most international traffic (including European airlines); Terminal 2 is a newer facility used by some carriers. Both are connected to the rail station by a short shuttle or covered walkway. Arrivals include the standard immigration process (passport control, entry stamp), baggage reclaim and a brief customs check. Queue times at passport control can be significant during peak periods (European school holidays, Ramadan end).
- ATMs are available in the arrivals hall — withdraw dirham here rather than using the bureau de change.
- SIM cards: Maroc Telecom and Orange desks are in the arrivals area; bring your passport to register.
- Airport taxis are metered but drivers often prefer to negotiate a flat rate — insist on the meter or agree the fare clearly before getting in.
- The ONCF rail station is accessible from both terminals by a walkway; follow signs for 'Train' or 'Gare'.
Frequently asked
Is there a train from Casablanca airport to the city?
Yes — ONCF trains run every 30 minutes between Mohammed V Airport station and Casa Voyageurs in central Casablanca, taking roughly 35–45 minutes. Tickets cost approximately 45–60 MAD.
How do I get from Casablanca airport to Marrakech?
By private transfer (approximately 2.5–3 hours on the A7 motorway, typically US$60–120 per car) or by train (change at Casa Voyageurs for an intercity service to Marrakech, total journey 4–5 hours). Private transfer is more comfortable for direct riad arrival.
How long is the drive from Casablanca airport to Marrakech?
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road via the A7 motorway, depending on traffic through Casablanca and Settat. Allow 3 hours if your arrival is during the morning or evening rush.
Can I take a taxi from Casablanca airport?
Yes — grand taxis are available at the arrivals exit. Agree the fare before getting in, or insist on the meter. Taxi fares to the city centre run roughly 250–350 MAD. For a long-distance destination like Marrakech, a pre-booked private transfer is more transparent and reliable.
What terminal does my airline use at Casablanca airport?
Terminal 1 handles most international airlines including European carriers, Middle Eastern airlines and Royal Air Maroc intercontinental flights. Terminal 2 is newer and used by some low-cost and regional carriers. Check your booking confirmation — both terminals connect to the rail station.
Should I book a private transfer or take the train from Casablanca airport?
Take the train if you are heading into Casablanca city or onward to Rabat or Tangier by rail, and are comfortable with a connection. Book a private transfer if you are heading directly to a medina riad in Marrakech or Fes, travelling with a group, arriving late at night, or simply want a stress-free door-to-door start to your trip.
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