Getting There
Travel by: [ Road ] [ Rail ] [ Air ]
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| Part of the international Eurolines network, the formerly state-owned national operator CTM and a number of private companies offer long-distance coach services, linking Casablanca with destinations throughout the country. It is worth buying tickets in advance to ensure a seat. Train company ONCF operates fast, comfortable Supratours express buses that connect with its rail services. Ouled Ziane Gare Routière, 4km (2.5 miles) southeast of the city centre, is the main terminal for long-distance buses. You can access Casablanca with your own vehicle by driving down through France and Spain and catching the regular car ferry service that cross from Algeciras to Tangier or the Spanish North African enclave of Cueta in two hours. Four different ferry companies operate a total of 24 crossings daily and there is no need to book in advance. The minimum age for driving in Morocco is 21 and car rental in most places is rather expensive. Accident rates are high and driving in town can be manic but in open country the roads are generally well surfaced, well engineered and lightly trafficked. Maximum speed outside towns is usually 100kph (62mph). A 4-wheel vehicle is advisable for driving on the unpaved, gravelled pistes that access remote mountains and desert areas. Your driving licence and passport must be carried at all times. Keep your tank topped up - outside Casablanca fuel stations can be few and far between and are likely to keep odd hours. Emergency breakdown services: There is no nationwide breakdown service. However, the network of local garages and body-shops found in even the smaller villages has excellent mechanics who will usually manage to get you going again. |
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| Casablanca is served by reasonably fast, efficient and comfortable intercity trains, operated by the national rail company ONCF (tel: (037) 773 254; website: www.oncf.ma), from Tangier, Marrakech, Meknes and Fes that terminate at the Casa Voyageur station, 2km (1.25 miles) from the city centre. Rabat trains arrive at the downtown Casa Port station. First and second-class accommodation is available. The word ‘express’ usually refers to comfort levels rather than speed. Second-class fares are slightly more expensive than equivalent bus tariffs. Couchettes are available on night services. InterRail (tel: +44 0870 084 1410 in the UK; website: www.interrail.com) tickets are valid in Morocco but small supplements may be payable, while US-based EuroRail (tel: 1 877 257 2887 in the US or 1 800 361 7245/RAIL in Canada; website: www.raileurope.com) offers good value passes giving three or eight days unlimited travel on Moroccan railways. |
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| Aéroport Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) Casa-Oasis Tel: (022) 539 040 or 539 140. Website: www.onda.org.ma The main hub for international services into Morocco, Aéroport Casablanca Mohammed V is located 30km (19 miles) south of the city centre. Internal flights serve such destinations as Marrakech, Agadir, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, Fez and Oujda. Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, bars, banks, ATMs, bureaux de change, tourist information and car hire from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National. There is a business centre with Internet, fax and photocopying facilities in the main hall but no conference facilities. There is a reliable hourly train service operating into town between 0650 and 2250 daily. Change at Aïn Sebaa for connections to the four main railway stations. A shuttle bus operates between the airport and the CTM terminal, with 12 buses a day between 0730 and 0030. Cheaper than a standard taxi is a seat in a grands taxi, which takes up to six passengers on a pre-planned route. Regular taxis are also available. |
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