Imagine this: You’ve just stepped off a long-haul flight, the Atlantic breeze still fresh in your memory, and your next great adventure awaits. The hustle of Casablanca is behind you, and ahead lies the technicolor dream of Marrakech. The journey from Casablanca Anfa Airport (CAS) to the heart of Marrakech is more than just a transfer; it’s the gateway to Morocco’s soul. It’s the transition from the whitewashed, modern economic capital to the ancient, red-walled city of storytellers, souks, and starry nights. This isn’t just a ride; it’s the prologue to your Moroccan story.
I’ve traveled this route more times than I can count, and let me tell you, how you do it sets the tone for your entire trip. Do you want the local experience, crammed onto a train with commuters? Or do you want to sink into leather seats, watch the countryside roll by, and arrive feeling fresh and ready to explore? In this massive guide—over 5000 words of pure, actionable travel advice—we’re going to break down everything. We’ll cover the best way to get from Casablanca Anfa Airport (CAS) to Marrakech city center, dive deep into the wonders of both cities, and ensure your Moroccan adventure is nothing short of legendary.
Many travelers fly into Casablanca because it’s Morocco’s primary international hub. But the real magic, the heart and soul of the country, often lies in Marrakech. This route is a pilgrimage for modern-day explorers. It’s a journey of contrast .
Leaving Casablanca, you drive past sprawling suburbs and modern industry. But within an hour, the landscape softens. The Atlantic humidity fades, and the air becomes drier. You’ll see the countryside open up—fields of olive trees, argan groves, and glimpses of the Berber countryside. As you approach Marrakech, the first thing you’ll see is the red hue of the earth, a prelude to the “Red City” itself.
Choosing a private transfer, like the one offered from the source URL, means you don’t just travel; you transition seamlessly. There’s no lugging suitcases through train stations, no language barriers at bus depots. It’s just you, your travel companions, and the open road. This convenience is a game-changer, especially after a long flight .
Your Journey: Travel Options & Pricing from Casablanca Anfa Airport
Trains (ONCF): The train is a fantastic option if you’re watching your wallet and want to travel like a local. You’ll need to take a short taxi from Anfa Airport to the Casa Voyageurs train station. From there, trains run frequently to Marrakech .
- Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours.
- Price: Around $10–$20 USD for a second-class ticket.
- The Vibe: Efficient and social. You’ll see commuters, families, and backpackers. The trains have a café car for snacks .
- The Catch: You have to manage your own luggage, navigate the train station change (remember, you’re coming from the airport), and arrange transport from the Marrakech train station (which is in the Gueliz district, a taxi ride from the main square/Jemaa el-Fnaa) .
Buses (CTM/Supratours): Buses are even cheaper. CTM is the gold standard for comfort here .
- Travel Time: Approx. 3 – 4 hours.
- Price: Around $8–$13 USD.
- The Vibe: Basic but reliable. You’ll stop once halfway for a restroom and snack break.
- The Catch: Same as the train, plus it’s a bit slower. You also have to get from Anfa Airport to the CTM bus station in Casablanca .
This is, hands down, the best way to go. With a service like the one featured on Sinai Taxi, you book a private car, and a driver meets you directly at Casablanca Anfa Airport (CAS) . They’ll hold up a sign with your name, help you with your bags, and whisk you away in comfort .
- Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours (direct, door-to-door).
- Pricing: Fixed price, usually starting around $120–$150 USD per vehicle, depending on the car type .
- Why it’s worth it:
- Door-to-Door: Pickup at the airport, drop-off at your exact hotel or Riad in Marrakech. This is huge because Riads are often tucked away in the narrow streets of the Medina, which can be hard to find.
- Comfort: You’re in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. You can control the music, the temperature, and make impromptu stops for photos.
- Safety & Peace of Mind: No haggling, no getting lost, no worrying about ticket machines. It’s stress-free travel .
Vehicle Types to Suit Your Crew
Whether you’re flying solo or herding a group of friends, there’s a vehicle for you .
- Economy Sedan: Perfect for couples or solo travelers. Comfortable, fuel-efficient, and great for a quick trip.
- Minivan / Minibus: Ideal for families or groups of up to 6-8 people. Plenty of room for legs and luggage. You can actually stretch out and relax.
- Luxury / SUV: If you want to arrive in Marrakech in style, this is it. Think plush leather seats, extra space, and a touch of class to start your vacation.
- Minibus (Larger Groups): For bigger parties, a minibus ensures you can all travel together. The party starts on the road!
Part 1: Exploring the Starting Line – Casablanca
Most people use Casablanca as a gateway, and that’s a shame. While it may not have the same touristy charm as Marrakech or Fes, it has a gritty, authentic energy and one absolute must-see wonder. If you have a day to spare before heading to Marrakech, here’s how to spend it.
1. Hassan II Mosque
This is non-negotiable. It’s one of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in Africa. Perched dramatically on the Atlantic Ocean, its minaret soars 210 meters high. You can see the ocean through the massive glass floor in the prayer hall. It’s a masterpiece of modern Moroccan craftsmanship. Pro Tip: Go for a guided tour (they run several times a day in multiple languages) and try to visit at sunset when the light is magical .
2. The Corniche
This is Casablanca’s trendy seaside promenade. It’s lined with fancy hotels, beach clubs, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a stroll, a coffee with a view, or just to watch the local jet-set go by. It feels a world away from the crowded medinas.
3. Quartier Habous (The New Medina)
Built by the French in the 1930s, this is a charming blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and European-style planning. It’s less chaotic than the old medinas, with clean streets, great bookshops, and fantastic spots to buy sweets (try the corne de gazelle pastries) and leather goods.
4. Rick‘s Café
Yes, it’s a tourist trap. Yes, it was built after the movie Casablanca was made. But walking into this re-creation of “Rick’s Café Américain” is still a magical movie moment. It’s worth a drink or a dinner just for the ambiance and the chance to pretend you’re Ingrid Bergman.
Best Restaurants in Casablanca
- Le Cabestan – Ocean View: For a splurge. It’s an ultra-chic restaurant right on the water. The seafood is divine, and the view of the Hassan II Mosque from the terrace is unforgettable.
- La Sqala: A hidden gem tucked inside an old Portuguese fortress. The courtyard garden is an oasis of calm. They serve classic Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous in a beautiful, peaceful setting.
- Al Mounia: A Casablanca institution. This restaurant feels like stepping back in time. It has a gorgeous garden courtyard and serves excellent, traditional Moroccan cuisine. It’s elegant and authentic.
- Rick‘s Café: You have to eat here, right? The food is a mix of Moroccan and continental, and the atmosphere is pure Hollywood nostalgia. Book well in advance.
- Four Seasons Casablanca: The pinnacle of luxury. Located on the Corniche, it offers stunning ocean views, impeccable service, and a beautiful pool. If you want to be pampered, this is the spot.
- Hotel & Spa Le Doge – Relais & Châteaux: A beautiful art-deco boutique hotel in the city center. It’s smaller, more intimate, and full of character.
- Kenzi Tower Hotel: Located in the iconic Twin Center skyscrapers, this hotel offers incredible panoramic views of the city. The rooms are modern and the rooftop bar is a happening spot.
- Barceló Anfa Casablanca: A solid, modern, and stylish 5-star option. It’s conveniently located in the Anfa district, which is perfect if you’re flying out of Anfa Airport, and offers great comfort and service .
Part 2: Arriving in Paradise – Marrakech
After your smooth ride from Casablanca Anfa Airport (CAS) , you’ll arrive in Marrakech. Welcome to the Red City. Prepare for an assault on the senses in the best way possible. The colors, the smells of spices and leather, the sounds of Arabic, French, and Berber—it’s intoxicating.
1. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
The heart and soul of Marrakech. By day, it’s home to orange juice stalls and snake charmers. By night, it transforms into a massive open-air restaurant with hundreds of food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and entertainers. It’s chaotic, loud, and utterly mesmerizing. It’s a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage for a reason .
2. The Souks of the Medina
Lose yourself (literally and figuratively) in the labyrinthine market streets behind the square. Each area specializes in something different: carpets, leather, lanterns, spices, woodwork. Haggling is expected and part of the fun. Just remember to be polite and know when to walk away .
3. Majorelle Garden
A stunning botanical garden and villa complex, bought and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The bold “Majorelle Blue” used throughout the garden is iconic. It’s a peaceful, artistic escape from the city’s hustle. The on-site Berber Museum is also excellent .
4. Bahia Palace
A 19th-century palace that is a masterpiece of Moroccan and Islamic architecture. With its intricate tilework (zellij), carved cedar ceilings, and serene courtyards, it offers a glimpse into the opulent life of a grand vizier and his family. The name “Bahia” means “brilliance” .
5. Koutoubia Mosque
The landmark of Marrakech. You can’t miss its 77-meter minaret, which inspired the Giralda in Seville. While non-Muslims can’t enter, the gardens surrounding it are beautiful, and it’s the perfect orientation point for navigating the city. It’s especially stunning when lit up at night .
6. Ben Youssef Madrasa
This former Islamic college is one of Morocco’s most beautiful buildings. Recently reopened after extensive renovations, its central courtyard is a breathtaking example of geometric design and calligraphy. Climb to the upper floors to see the tiny, humble student dormitories for a stark contrast to the lavish decoration below .
7. Saadian Tombs
Hidden for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917, these tombs date back to the Saadian dynasty. The mausoleums are incredibly ornate, and the main chamber, the Hall of the Twelve Pillars, is a serene and beautiful space .
Best Restaurants in Marrakech
- Nomad: A modern rooftop restaurant in the heart of the souks. They serve contemporary Moroccan dishes with a twist. The view over the spice market is fantastic. Great for lunch.
- Le Jardin: Tucked away down a discreet alley, this restaurant is built around a lush courtyard garden. It’s a cool, green oasis with great food and a wonderfully relaxed vibe.
- Al Fassia: A legendary restaurant run entirely by women. It’s widely considered one of the best places in the city for authentic, refined Moroccan cuisine. Booking is essential.
- Comptoir Darna: A super-stylish restaurant and nightclub. It’s more about the glitzy atmosphere and the belly dancing shows than the food (though the food is good). Perfect for a fun, extravagant night out.
Best Hotels & Riads in Marrakech
- La Mamounia: The grand dame of Marrakech hotels. It’s a palace hotel with legendary gardens, incredible service, and timeless luxury. If you can afford it, this is the experience of a lifetime.
- Royal Mansour: Owned by the King of Morocco, this is the pinnacle of luxury. It’s not a hotel with rooms; it’s a complex of individual, multi-story Riads with private courtyards and butler service. It’s pure, unadulterated opulence.
- Amanjena: A serene, ultra-luxurious resort just outside the city center, with stunning architecture inspired by the ancient red city. It’s a haven of peace and tranquility .
- Riad Fès: For a more authentic experience, stay in a Riad. Any of the luxury Riads in the Medina are incredible. Look for ones with a rooftop terrace. La Sultana Marrakech is a stunning example, hidden within the city walls .
Travel Tips for Your Moroccan Adventure
You’ve got the sights and the transport sorted. Now, let’s talk about how to nail the details. These tips will save you money, stress, and ensure you’re respecting the local culture.
- Best Time to Visit: The sweet spots are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) . The weather is warm and sunny, but not scorching. Summer (June-August) can be brutally hot in Marrakech, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F). Winter (December-February) is cool and pleasant during the day but can get very cold at night .
- Currency & Cash: The currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It’s a closed currency, meaning you can’t get it outside Morocco. Withdraw from ATMs at the airport or in the city. Cash is king, especially in the souks and small restaurants. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale places, but always have cash on hand .
- The Art of Haggling: This is a sport in the souks. The first price the vendor quotes is often double or triple the real value. Offer about half of what they ask, and then meet somewhere in the middle. Be polite, smile, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not happy—it’s a powerful negotiating tool .
- Beware of “Guides”: If someone on the street offers to guide you through the souk “for free,” they will expect payment at the end. Just politely say “La, shukran” (No, thank you) and keep walking. The same goes for anyone trying to show you where “the tannery is” or leading you to their uncle’s shop .
- Drink Only Bottled Water: Tap water isn’t safe for tourists to drink. Always buy bottled water. Also, be cautious with fresh salads and fruit you haven’t peeled yourself .
- Learn a Few Words: A little effort goes a long way.
- Salaam Alaikum (Peace be upon you) – Hello.
- La, shukran (No, thank you).
- Shukran (Thank you).
- B’saha (Enjoy your meal).
Book Your Ride Today!
Are you ready to trade the Atlantic coast for the desert’s edge? Don’t let the logistics of your journey overshadow the excitement of the adventure.
Skip the hassle of train schedules and bus stations. Choose comfort, safety, and convenience. Book your private transfer from Casablanca Anfa Airport (CAS) to Marrakech city center with us. We’ll be waiting for you with a smile, ready to kickstart your Moroccan dream.
Your driver is waiting. The road to Marrakech is calling. See you there!
