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Getting around Casablanca

Public transport: 

Casablanca has an extensive network of inexpensive bus routes but rush hour services are usually overcrowded and chaotic. Tickets are purchased on board and you will need small change. As bus signage is in Arabic only, things can get confusing. Get someone to write your destinations on a piece of paper for you in Arabic. It is advisable to use the ‘petit taxis’ system to save time and trouble. The medina and town centre are easily accessible on foot.

In late 2012, Casablanca will get its own tram system. It will route through 49 stations covering 30km (19 miles) across the city and will operate with frequent daily trams.

Taxis: 

Casablanca has abundant metered red petit taxis that prowl the main avenues and can be waved down or picked up at waiting places. They are inexpensive, though a 50% surcharge is made at night.

The white-painted minibus-style vehicles known as grand taxis offer a shared service, carrying up to six passengers and following regular routes. They are also an inexpensive option for journeys outside the city - often with shorter travel times than the train or bus.

Driving: 

Traffic in Casablanca is often gridlocked and parking can be a nightmare. Accident rates are high and driving in town can be manic so it’s not recommended for tourists.

Car hire: 

The minimum age for driving in Morocco is 21 and car rental in most places is rather expensive. With more than 100 companies competing for business in Casablanca, car rental deals are much better here than elsewhere. The major international operators are Avis (tel: 0522 312 424; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 0522 313 124; www.budget.com), Europcar (tel: 0522 313 737; www.europcar.com), Hertz (tel: 0522 484 710; www.hertz.com) and National (tel: 0522 472 540; www.nationalcar.com), though locally owned companies offer the best deals.

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