Taxis in Casablanca
From Taxi Fares to General Guidelines for Taxis in Casablanca
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Casabalanca International Airport (CMN) > Transport > Taxis in Casablanca
Taking a Taxi in Casablanca – Convenience, Costs & Tips
Casablanca has a vast fleet of beige-colored taxis, numbering in the thousands, making them one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel around the city. Choosing a taxi allows you to relax in a comfortable, often air-conditioned vehicle while avoiding the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets or carrying heavy luggage through public transport.
Benefits of Using Taxis
Convenience: Available 24/7 across the city and at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport.
Door-to-Door Service: Ideal for travelers with luggage or those heading to specific addresses.
Flexibility: Perfect for late-night arrivals, bad weather, or when public transport is unavailable.
Things to Keep in Mind
While taxis are reliable, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
Traffic Delays: Casablanca experiences heavy congestion during rush hours. Since most petit taxis use a meter that charges based on both distance and time, long waits in traffic can lead to higher fares, even for short rides.
Overcharging Risks: Some drivers may refuse to use the meter or attempt to overcharge tourists. Politely insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting the trip.
Driving Style: Local driving can be aggressive or erratic, which may feel uncomfortable for visitors.
Tips for a Smooth Taxi Ride
Always take official beige taxis from designated stands (avoid unmarked vehicles).
If the driver refuses to use the meter, negotiate a fair fare before departure.
Carry small change in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) for easier payments.
Use taxis for late-night airport transfers or urgent trips when public transport is not available.
Despite occasional inconveniences, taxis remain a safe, reliable, and flexible way to explore Casablanca and reach key destinations, including hotels, business districts, and the airport.
Taxis in Casablanca – Complete Traveler’s Guide
Taxis are one of the most popular and convenient ways to get around Casablanca. The city’s taxi network is divided into two main categories: beige petit taxis for short city trips, and white grand taxis for intercity travel or larger groups. Understanding the difference between these two services is key to a smooth journey.
Petit Taxis – For City Travel
Petit taxis are small, fuel-efficient cars such as Dacia Logan or Sandero, easily recognized by their beige color. They are ideal for short, urban journeys within Casablanca.
Fares: These taxis are metered, with prices typically ranging between 10 and 50 MAD, depending on distance and traffic conditions.
Capacity: They can carry up to three passengers.
Best For: Quick trips to restaurants, hotels, shopping areas, or transport hubs like Casa-Voyageurs train station.
Pro Tip: Always check that the meter (“compteur”) is turned on at the start of your ride. If the driver refuses, politely insist or take another taxi.
Grand Taxis – For Intercity or Group Travel
Grand taxis are larger vehicles, usually Dacia Lodgy or similar minivans, and can carry up to six passengers.
Routes: They are used for trips between cities such as Rabat, Mohammedia, or El Jadida.
Fares: These taxis do not use meters – the price is fixed or negotiated before departure.
Best For: Travelers heading to destinations outside Casablanca or groups wanting to share a ride.
Pro Tip: Negotiate clearly with the driver before starting your trip to avoid misunderstandings about the fare.
Premium & Private Transfer Options
For travelers looking for a more comfortable, premium experience, private transfer services are available. These typically use high-end vehicles like Mercedes sedans or SUVs and include professional drivers who meet you at the airport or hotel. While more expensive than taxis, they offer door-to-door service, fixed pricing, and higher comfort levels, making them ideal for business travelers or first-time visitors.
✅ Essential Travel Tips
Activate the meter: Always ensure the meter is running in petit taxis.
Agree on price: Negotiate fares in grand taxis before you depart.
Stay safe: Avoid unofficial taxis, particularly near tourist areas, to prevent being overcharged.
Casablanca Petit Taxis & Grand Taxis – Complete Guide
Petit Taxis in Casablanca – Metered City Cabs
Petit taxis (small beige city cabs) are the most common and affordable way to get around Casablanca.
Metered Fare System: These taxis operate using a meter (compteur), ensuring transparent pricing.
Typical Prices: The base fare starts around 7 MAD (€0.60), with 2.5 MAD (€0.25) per km added as you travel.
Minimum Fare: For very short rides, expect to pay a minimum of about 15 MAD (€1.40).
This makes petit taxis an excellent budget-friendly option for commuting between neighborhoods like Maarif, Gauthier, the Old Medina, and the Corniche.
Pro Tip: Always make sure the driver switches the meter on before departure. Politely insist – it’s your right. Unlike some Moroccan cities, Casablanca does not charge a night surcharge, so fares remain consistent day or night.
Grand Taxis – Shared Intercity Travel
For trips beyond Casablanca, grand taxis are the go-to solution. These are larger cars (often white or beige Mercedes sedans) that operate without meters and typically carry up to six passengers.
Negotiated Fares: Prices must be agreed upon before departure.
Shared Ride Example: A seat in a grand taxi from Casablanca to Rabat or El Jadida usually costs 200–300 MAD (€18–27) depending on distance and demand.
Private Hire: You can pay for all seats to have the taxi to yourself, ideal for groups or faster travel.
Grand taxis are usually found at dedicated taxi stands or near large transit hubs.
Traffic & Timing Considerations
Casablanca’s roads can be busy during rush hours – particularly in downtown, Maarif, and near the Old Medina.
Plan Ahead: Expect longer travel times during peak hours (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM).
Meter Impact: Since petit taxis run on a per-kilometer basis, slow traffic can slightly increase the fare.
Private Car Services – Premium Transfers
For a more comfortable, private, and door-to-door experience, private car services are available:
Luxury Option: Premium sedans, SUVs, or vans can be booked online or through hotels.
Pricing: Typically 500 MAD (€45) or more, depending on the destination, vehicle type, and level of service.
Advantages: Fixed pricing, professional drivers, and no need to negotiate.
This is the preferred option for business travelers, late-night arrivals, or anyone seeking a smooth, stress-free trip.
Paying for Taxis in Casablanca – What Travelers Need to Know
If you’re planning to take a taxi in Casablanca, make sure to carry cash – the vast majority of taxi drivers do not accept credit or debit cards. This applies to both petit taxis (for city trips) and grand taxis (for intercity routes). While some private transfer companies and app-based services may offer card or online payment options, traditional taxis operate almost exclusively on cash transactions.
It’s best to pay in Moroccan dirhams (MAD). If you try to pay in foreign currency, some drivers may quote an unfavorable exchange rate or attempt to overcharge. To avoid confusion, withdraw or exchange cash at the airport before leaving.
For travelers who prefer convenience and peace of mind, consider booking your transfer in advance with a reputable service. Online booking platforms often allow you to pay by credit card during the reservation process, guaranteeing a fixed price and saving time on arrival – especially helpful for international visitors or late-night arrivals.
Petit Taxis in Casablanca – How to Use Them Safely
Petit taxis are one of the most common and convenient ways to get around Casablanca. You can usually hail one simply by standing on a main road and raising your hand – a driver will often stop within minutes. These small red cars operate throughout the city and are metered, making them an affordable choice for short trips.
However, to avoid the risk of getting into an unlicensed vehicle or being overcharged, it’s recommended to use designated taxi stands, which are available in most neighborhoods, near hotels, and at popular attractions. Using official stands helps ensure you get a registered driver and a fair fare.
For extra peace of mind, especially if you’re a visitor, you can book your taxi in advance. Local ride-hailing apps such as Heetch are widely used in Casablanca, or you can simply ask your hotel reception to call a taxi on your behalf. These methods typically offer better safety, transparent pricing, and a smoother experience – ideal for travelers who are unfamiliar with the city.
Casablanca Airport Taxi & Transfer Services
If you’re traveling with bulky luggage or simply want a comfortable, direct ride to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN), taking a taxi remains one of the most reliable and convenient options.
You can pre-book your taxi or private transfer online through a trusted company to secure a fixed fare and a guaranteed pickup, or simply catch one from the official airport taxi stand. Choosing official taxis ensures a safe, regulated, and stress-free journey to or from the airport.
The drive to Casablanca Airport typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and your exact location in the city.
Petit Taxi: If you use a petit taxi (small city taxi) with the meter, expect to pay around 150 MAD (~€14), day or night.
Private Transfers: For those who prefer extra space, privacy, and a premium experience, private transfers or luxury vehicles are available. These services usually cost between 300–350 MAD (~€28–32) but provide added comfort, meet-and-greet service, and door-to-door convenience.
Whether you prioritize affordability or comfort, Casablanca airport taxis and transfers are an excellent way to reach your flight on time without the hassle of navigating public transport.
Tipping & Taxi Safety in Casablanca
Tipping your taxi driver in Casablanca is not mandatory, but rounding up the fare is a common courtesy and generally appreciated. Most local drivers will also round the final meter reading for convenience, saving you from dealing with small coins.
To avoid scams, check the average fare in advance for popular routes—especially from Casablanca Airport (CMN) to downtown—and consider using a navigation app like Google Maps to make sure the driver takes a reasonable route. This prevents drivers from taking unnecessarily long detours to increase the fare.
Always carry small change. A few dishonest drivers may try to claim you handed them a smaller bill (for example, insisting your 50 MAD note was only 10 MAD). When possible, count money in front of the driver and confirm the total. Avoid agreeing to a flat rate unless you know the typical price, as unmetered fares are often higher than the official metered price.
There is no official night surcharge in Casablanca—taxi fares are the same 24/7. Make sure the driver resets and activates the meter immediately when you get in. If they refuse to use the meter, politely insist or find another taxi.
Never get into unofficial taxis or accept rides from strangers approaching you outside the station or airport. Stick to the official taxi rank or use a pre-booked service for safety and fair pricing.
Remember, Casablanca taxi fares are per trip, not per passenger. If you are heading to a destination near the Old Medina or a pedestrian zone, specify the drop-off point clearly to avoid confusion or being dropped too far from your hotel.
For trips within Casablanca, you will not pay any tolls. Tolls only apply if you are traveling to another city via the highway (e.g., Rabat, El Jadida).
FAQ
How Much Do Taxis Cost in Casablanca?
Taxis in Casablanca are generally an affordable transportation option.
However, since petit taxis use a meter and traffic congestion is common, especially near tourist areas or during rush hours, the final fare can be higher than expected.
While scams are less frequent than in some international destinations, it’s still important to remain cautious to avoid being overcharged.
Always make sure the meter is activated at the start of the trip, and if you’re using a grand taxi, be prepared to negotiate the price clearly, as fares are not regulated and vary depending on distance and the number of passengers.
Do Taxis in Casablanca Accept Credit Cards?
In general, taxi drivers in Casablanca prefer cash payments.
Although some modern taxis may be equipped with card terminals, it’s unfortunately rare to find one that actually works—many drivers claim the system is out of order to avoid accepting card payments.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to ask your driver in advance and always carry cash in Moroccan dirhams (MAD) to avoid any inconvenience during your ride.
Do You Tip Taxi Drivers in Casablanca?
In Morocco, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers for their services.
Tipping is neither expected nor widely practiced, especially among locals. However, it’s common for drivers to round up the final fare in their favor, which can be seen as an informal or implied form of tipping.
If you feel that your driver provided exceptionally good service, you’re welcome to round up the amount or add a small extra tip, but this is entirely optional and at your discretion.