Best Day Trips from Casablanca 2026 – Ultimate Guide for Visitors Who Want More Than the City
Casablanca is Morocco’s economic powerhouse and main international gateway, but most travelers quickly realize the real magic lies just beyond the city limits. Thanks to excellent highways and the high-speed Al Boraq train, some of Morocco’s most spectacular destinations are now within 45 minutes to 3 hours from Casablanca.
Here are the 10 best day trips from Casablanca in 2026, ranked by popularity, ease of access, and wow-factor. All are 100 % doable as private or shared excursions with an early start and return by sunset.
1. Rabat – Morocco’s Elegant Capital (1h by train or car)
The cleanest, greenest, and most relaxed of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Must-see: Hassan Tower, Mohammed VI Tower (new landmark), Kasbah of the Udayas, Chellah necropolis, and the royal palace exterior.
2026 highlight: The brand-new Grand Théâtre de Rabat by Zaha Hadid is now fully open with guided tours.
Train from Casa Port or Casa Voyageurs: every 30–60 min, 140 MAD round trip.
2. Marrakech – The Red City by High-Speed Train (2h20 by Al Boraq)
Yes – a day trip to Marrakech is now realistic! Take the 7:00 am train and return at 7:00 pm.
Focus on Jemaa el-Fnaa, souks, Bahia Palace, and a quick calèche ride.
Tip: Book train tickets 30 days in advance on ONCF.ma or through your hotel.
3. El Jadida & Mazagan Portuguese Fortress (1h15 south)
UNESCO-listed 16th-century Portuguese city with intact ramparts you can walk entirely.
Don’t miss the haunting Cistern (featured in Orson Welles’ Othello) and the beautiful beach of Sidi Bouzid.
Perfect half-day if you want sea air and history.
4. Azemmour – The Bohemian Riverside Town (1h south)
Tiny, colorful, and completely untouristy. Street art covers the whitewashed medina walls, and the Oum Er-Rbia river estuary is stunning.
Great for photography, relaxed walking, and authentic fish tagine on the riverbank.
5. Oualidia Lagoon – Morocco’s Oyster Paradise (2h30 south)
Turquoise lagoon, fresh oysters for 80 MAD a dozen, and some of the country’s best beaches.
2026 update: New luxury beach clubs and eco-boats for lagoon tours. Perfect for seafood lovers.
6. Moulay Idriss & Volubilis Roman Ruins + Meknes (2h30–3h north)
The best full-day historical combo:
- Volubilis – Morocco’s best-preserved Roman city with incredible mosaics
- Moulay Idriss – Morocco’s holiest town, perched on two hills (now fully open to non-Muslims overnight, but still great as a day visit)
- Meknes – the “Versailles of Morocco” with massive granaries and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Private driver recommended.
7. Ifrane & the Cedar Forests – “Moroccan Switzerland” (3h northeast)
Cool mountain air, alpine chalets, and wild Barbary macaques.
Stop at the cedar forests to hand-feed monkeys and visit the stone lion statue.
Best from May to October; magical with snow December–March.
8. Essaouira – The Windy City on the Atlantic (2h45 via new expressway)
The most popular coastal day trip from Casablanca in 2026 thanks to the faster highway.
Wander the Skala fortifications, eat grilled sardines by the port, and browse art galleries in the relaxed medina.
Tip: Book a morning departure to beat the afternoon wind.
9. Mohammedia & Bouznika Beaches (30–45 min north)
When you just need a quick beach escape.
Bouznika has some of the cleanest water near Casablanca and excellent beach clubs (perfect for families).
10. Setti Fatma & Ourika Valley – Atlas Mountains Escape (3h via Marrakech)
Waterfalls, Berber villages, and snow-capped peaks in summer.
Hike to the seven waterfalls or just enjoy lunch by the river with your feet in the water.
How to Organize Your Casablanca Day Trips in 2026
- High-speed train → Rabat & Marrakech (book via ONCF app)
- Private driver with English-speaking guide → best for Volubilis, Oualidia, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains
- Shared group tours → cheaper option, departures daily from most Casablanca hotels
Ready to Escape Casablanca the Smart Way?
Let We Road Morocco design the perfect day trip (or multi-day circuit) based on your interests, group size, and budget. All our drivers and guides are fully licensed, English-speaking, and born in Morocco.
Contact us today for instant pricing and availability:
📱 WhatsApp: +212 667-499757 (fastest response)
✉️ Email: weroadmorocco@gmail.com | contact@weroadmorocco.com
✓ Door-to-door hotel pick-up in Casablanca
✓ No forced shopping stops
✓ Flexible departure times & customized itineraries
Don’t spend your Morocco holiday only in the big city – the real adventure starts just outside Casablanca!
Safe travels – B’seha w raha! 🌍✨