Exploring Casablanca by public transport and taxi
Casablanca is a large and busy city where many people travel daily for work, study and appointments. For visitors, the traffic can seem chaotic at first, but in practice there are several good ways to move around. If you understand the basics of trams, buses and taxis, Casablanca can be explored surprisingly efficiently and affordably.
The best option depends on your route, travel time and comfort preference. For fixed urban routes, the tram is often the easiest choice, for short city trips taxis are very practical, and buses play an important role for wider neighborhood coverage.
Which transport options are available in Casablanca
In Casablanca you can use trams, city buses, red taxis (petit taxi), white taxis (grand taxi), walking routes and in some situations app-based mobility options depending on availability. For most travelers, a combination of tram and taxi is the most practical approach.
As a rule of thumb, use the tram for clear routes and more predictable travel time, use a red taxi for short rides inside the city, and use a white taxi for longer rides or connections between zones or cities where that is the common practice.
The tram in Casablanca how it works
The tram is often the easiest public transport mode for visitors to understand in Casablanca. Tram lines connect important districts and make it easier to travel without the stress of road traffic. Stops are easy to recognize and the tram is widely used by both residents and visitors.
You usually buy a ticket or use a transit card according to the local system. It is smart to check your boarding and exit stop in advance so you know whether you still need a taxi or a short walk afterward. During rush hour trams can be busy, but they are still often a reliable option for fixed routes.
The bus in Casablanca what to know
Buses are important because they reach more neighborhoods than the tram. They are especially useful for routes that are not directly connected to a tram line. For travelers who know the city better or have a specific destination, buses can be a practical and budget-friendly option.
For tourists, buses may require a bit more preparation than the tram, for example understanding routes, stops and busy transfer points. That is why many visitors choose a combination: tram for the main corridor, then taxi or bus for the last part.
Red taxi in Casablanca petit taxi explained
The red taxi is Casablanca’s well-known city taxi for short rides within the city. It is usually the fastest and most practical option if you want to go from a hotel to a restaurant, shopping area, station or neighborhood location without dealing with transfers.
In principle, rides within the city are meter-based. It is wise to clearly state your destination before departure and to make sure the ride starts correctly. During busy periods, late hours or for specific locations, drivers may sometimes set conditions; agreeing clearly in advance helps avoid misunderstandings.
White taxi in Casablanca grand taxi explained
The white taxi is generally used for longer rides, connections beyond the immediate city zones or shared routes, depending on the route and situation. These taxis therefore differ from red taxis, which are mainly intended for short city trips.
With white taxis, pricing is not always handled in the same way as with red taxis. For that reason, it is especially important to agree in advance whether the ride is shared or private and what the price will be before leaving. This creates clarity and avoids discussion during the ride.
The difference between red and white taxis at a glance
- Red taxi (petit taxi) for short rides within Casablanca.
- White taxi (grand taxi) for longer rides and often connections outside the immediate city center.
- Red taxi is usually more convenient for tourists inside the city.
- White taxi more often requires agreeing a price in advance, especially for longer routes.
How to travel smart in practice
For most visitors, a simple strategy works best. Use the tram for longer trips along main routes, then take a red taxi for the last kilometers, and keep white taxis for longer transfers or outings beyond the immediate city center. This balances speed, convenience and cost control.
If you are traveling with luggage, allow extra time during rush hours. For appointments, it is smart to leave earlier than expected because traffic in Casablanca can strongly affect taxi and bus travel times at peak moments.
Practical tips for tourists and expats
- Keep your destination written on your phone as well (French or Arabic can be helpful).
- Check whether your destination is closer to a tram stop than you expect.
- For white taxis, agree clearly on the price and whether the ride is shared or private.
- Expect delays around rush hours, major intersections and events.
- Combine transport with walking in central areas to avoid traffic jams.
Is public transport in Casablanca suitable for visitors
Yes. Casablanca is not a city where most people do everything on foot, but with a little preparation the transport system is very usable for visitors. The tram makes many routes simple, taxis fill the gaps and buses provide additional coverage. Once you understand the role of red and white taxis, moving around the city becomes much easier.
For a relaxed city trip, the key is flexibility: choose the best option for each ride instead of using one transport mode all day. That approach works very well in Casablanca.
