landmark
Hassan II Mosque
Third-largest mosque in the world, built over the Atlantic Ocean. Non-Muslim tours available (MAD 120) at 9am, 10am, 11am, and 2pm.
Mohammed V Airport (CMN) · Morocco
12-Hour Layover in Casablanca: What To Do
By AirConnect Editorial
Things to do in Casablanca
Tours, tickets & day trips
Photo: Milamber's portfolio, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Quick answer
Can you leave the airport on a 12-hour layover in Casablanca?
Entry
Morocco visa-free for most Western, EU, US, and many African passports. Arab and ECOWAS passports also generally visa-free.
Into town
Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port): 35 min, MAD 40 ($4).
Time outside
6–8 hours exploring
Times from CMN arrivals. Check entry rules for your passport before you fly.
Top Casablanca: Where to Go
The sights in Casablanca worth leaving the airport for.
neighbourhood
Old Medina & Habous Quarter
The Habous New Medina (1930s) has better quality crafts and less hassle than the old medina. Argan oil and leather goods.
3Corniche Ain Diab
Casablanca's beach strip with seafood restaurants and cafes. More authentic than the medina for city life.
Photo: Eric Salard, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Itinerary ideas for Casablanca
Pick the plan that fits the time between your flights.
3 hours in Casablanca
Stay airside — 3h is too tight
See the 3-hour planPhoto: Atlantic Ambience on Pexels.
12 hours
You are here12 hours in Casablanca
6–8 hours exploring
Insider tip
The Mohammed V airport train station is directly under Terminal 1. The quickest big-city airport-to-centre rail connection in Africa.
Into Casablanca
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 |
Eat like a local
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.
12 hours in Casablanca
12-Hour Itinerary
1
0–60 min
Clear passport control and head into Casablanca
Take Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port) (35 min, MAD 40 ($4)).
2
1–4 hrs
Hassan II Mosque
Third-largest mosque in the world, built over the Atlantic Ocean. Non-Muslim tours available (MAD 120) at 9am, 10am, 11am, and 2pm.
3
4–6 hrs
Old Medina & Habous Quarter
The Habous New Medina (1930s) has better quality crafts and less hassle than the old medina. Argan oil and leather goods.
4
6–8 hrs
Eat like a local
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.
5
8–10 hrs
Corniche Ain Diab
Casablanca's beach strip with seafood restaurants and cafes. More authentic than the medina for city life.
6
10–12 hrs
Back to Mohammed V Airport
Head back to Mohammed V Airport by Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port) (35 min, MAD 40 ($4)). Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 12-hour layover in Casablanca?
Morocco visa-free for most Western, EU, US, and many African passports. Arab and ECOWAS passports also generally visa-free. Check the rules for your own passport before you fly.
Is 12 hours enough to leave Mohammed V Airport?
6–8 hours exploring. Getting into Casablanca by Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port) takes 35 min each way.
How do I get from Mohammed V Airport to Casablanca centre?
Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port): 35 min, MAD 40 ($4). Taxi: 30–45 min, MAD 150–250 ($15–25).
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. English-speaking, fixed price. 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 in Casablanca? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Casablanca.Trains & buses from Casablanca
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Photo: Engin Akyurt on Pexels.
Hotels near Casablanca Airport
With 12 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Find hotels in Casablanca
Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com
Search hotels
Planning a longer stay in Casablanca?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Casablanca Destination Guide →Also useful for your Casablanca trip
Stay connected abroad — no roaming bills
Buy a travel eSIM before you fly and install it by QR code.
Airlines that fly to Casablanca
See each airline’s route map: where else it flies from CMN.
Flights to Casablanca from 78 cities: fares and airlines →
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Airport lounges at Mohammed V Airport
Wait for your flight in a lounge — one membership covers lounges at airports across the country and worldwide.
Casablanca travel deals
Weekly layover, flight + hotel deals. No spam.
How a layover in Casablanca works
01
Check you can leave
Morocco visa-free for most Western, EU, US, and many African passports. Arab and ECOWAS passports also generally visa-free.
02
Head into town
Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port): 35 min, MAD 40 ($4).
Photo: Artem Yellow on Pexels.
03
Back in time for your flight
Head back to Mohammed V Airport by Train ONCF (to Casa Voyageurs / Port) (35 min, MAD 40 ($4)). Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Ready for Casablanca?
Tours, tickets and day trips that fit between your flights.
Daylight on the ground
Daylight in Casablanca runs from about 9.8 hours in Dec to 14.2 in Jun. Enough of a difference that a winter stopover gives you noticeably less usable time outside than a summer one.