24-Hour Layover in Casablanca: What To Do
Mohammed V Airport (CMN) · Morocco
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Key Facts
- Airport: Mohammed V Airport (CMN)
- Country: Morocco
- Layover window: 24 hours
- Recommended time outside: 18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
- Visa & Entry: Morocco visa-free for most Western, EU, US, and many African passports. Arab and ECOWAS passports also generally visa-free.
Insider tip
The Mohammed V airport train station is directly under Terminal 1. The quickest big-city airport-to-centre rail connection in Africa.
Getting to Casablanca City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port) | MAD 40 ($4) | 35 min |
| Taxi | MAD 150–250 ($15–25) | 30–45 min |
Top Casablanca: Where to Go
Hassan II Mosque
50 min from city centreThird-largest mosque in the world, built over the Atlantic Ocean. Non-Muslim tours available (MAD 120) at 9am, 10am, 11am, and 2pm.
Old Medina & Habous Quarter
50 min from city centreThe Habous New Medina (1930s) has better quality crafts and less hassle than the old medina. Argan oil and leather goods.
Corniche Ain Diab
50 min from city centreCasablanca's beach strip with seafood restaurants and cafes. More authentic than the medina for city life.
Eat Like a Local in Casablanca
Tagine of kefta and eggs at Rick's Café near the old medina — yes, it's inspired by the film and named by an American. Actually excellent food.
24-Hour Itinerary
Day 1 — Morning
Check into hotel near city centre
Book a hotel within 15 min of the main sights. Luggage storage available at most hotels even before check-in.
Day 1 — Midday
Casablanca signature experience
Use your first afternoon for the city number 1 must-see. Tiredness catches up later.
Day 1 — Evening
Local dinner and evening market or rooftop bar
Evening markets, floating markets, and night bazaars are peak atmosphere. Do this on day 1.
Day 2 — Morning
Second neighbourhood exploration
Mornings offer better light for photos, cooler weather, and fewer tourists at popular sites.
Day 2 — Late Morning
Airport transfer — allow 3 hrs before flight
Build in buffer for morning traffic. International check-in closes 45–60 min before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Casablanca?
It depends on your passport and the destination. Many countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan) offer free transit visas for 4-24 hour layovers. Schengen countries usually require a visa even for short stops. Check the visa note specific to this guide before you book.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Mohammed V Airport?
For 3-hour layovers, leaving airside is risky. For 6+ hour layovers, you can comfortably see one neighbourhood. For 12-24 hour layovers, you can experience the city properly. Always factor in immigration queues (30-90 min) and security on return (60-90 min).
What is the best way to get from Mohammed V to Casablanca city centre?
Most major hub airports have an express train or metro link that is faster and cheaper than taxis. For short layovers, prioritise the train (no traffic risk). For overnight or late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer is safer.
Is there luggage storage at Mohammed V?
Most major airports have official luggage storage at USD 8-20 per bag per day. For cheaper rates, Radical Storage partner shops in the surrounding city charge USD 5-7 per bag per day — book on-app before you land.
Connect with other travellers at CMN
Getting out of Mohammed V Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Casablanca
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Casablanca and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse CasablancaJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Trains & buses from Casablanca
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Flights from Casablanca
Compare 400+ airlines departing Mohammed V Airport
Hotels near Casablanca Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Other layover guides for Casablanca
Planning a longer stay in Casablanca?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Casablanca Destination Guide →