About the ride from Agadir to Casablanca
Say farewell to the coastal city of Agadir and head north to discover the sprawling port city of Casablanca.
This oft-ignored Moroccan gem is 290 miles (466.7 kilometers) from Agadir.
You have a few options when deciding the best way to get there.
You could hop on a quick flight, perfect for anyone on a tight schedule.
Maybe you want to take a public bus to experience a taste of local life.
Or you could hire a private car or minivan to streamline your journey.
What is Casablanca like?
Casablanca is a port city fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Although it's often skipped over by tourists using it to enter the country before departing for other Moroccan cities, it's well worth sticking around.
It is not as popular as its counterparts, so the tourist industry has not consumed the city. It retains an authentic feel, and locals don't acquiesce to tourists' every whim, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the city.
The city's enmeshment of French colonial and contemporary Islamic architecture makes it a fascinating city to uncover on foot. Follow your feet to discover unique sights, meet friendly locals selling their wares, and find the country's richest nightlife.
Four unforgettable activities in Casablanca
Spend your time in Casablanca exploring the city's countless treasures.
Keep these attractions at the top of your list:
Visit the Hassan II Mosque. The mosque was completed in 1993 and boasts some spectacular architecture. The magnificent building is built half on land and half over water with a glass floor that gives views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It's also one of the few mosques in Morocco that allows non-muslims to enter. Book a visit to climb up the 60-story minaret, the world's second highest, and see the awe-inspiring artwork crafted inside. More than 10,000 artists were employed to create marble carvings, intricate woodwork, and zellij mosaics.
Wander the Old Medina. You can't visit a Moroccan city without diving into the winding streets of its medina. Unlike the medieval walled cities of Fes and Marrakesh, this one is full of whitewashed buildings and cafes. Spend an afternoon discovering trinkets to take home and sampling local dishes at eateries.
Wander the Casablanca Corniche. This is the best spot in the city to watch the sunset. Meander down the palm-tree-lined promenade, which stretches for nearly two miles (3.2 kilometers), to find a good restaurant to people-watch from.
Explore the nightlife. It's not often that great nightlife and Morocco end up in the same sentence, but Casablanca has a burgeoning scene you'll love. Go dancing in one of the clubs, listen to some live music at a local bar, or have a drink with a view at a rooftop restaurant.
How do I get from Agadir to Casablanca?
You can choose between taking a flight, a bus, a car, or a minivan to reach Casablanca from Agadir.
By flight: The quickest way to get from Agadir to Casablanca
Hop on a one-hour flight from Agadir Airport to Casablanca to make short work of this journey.
Economy flights with Royal Air Maroc cost around $60 for a single ticket and depart a few times per day.
By bus: The most affordable way to get from Agadir to Casablanca
A bus is perfect for any budget-conscious travelers wanting to save cash to invest in excursions.
Tickets for these services start at $11 and increase as the amenities do. All buses have air conditioning. However, only some have bathrooms, TVs, food to purchase, WiFi, and reclining seats. Check for the amenities you want before you book.
Depending on how many stops it makes, the bus takes between five and eight hours to reach Casablanca.
Departure and arrival spots vary by operator, so try to pick one close to your hotel.
You are allowed one large bag (around 44 lbs/20 kg), and any additional luggage must be paid for directly to the driver.
By car: The best way for small groups to travel to Casablanca from Agadir
You should opt for a private car transfer if you are traveling with up to four people and want to avoid public transport.
The English-speaking driver will pick you up in an air-conditioned vehicle at your hotel in Agadir and drop you off at your hotel in Casablanca.
You're allowed one 44 lb (20 kg) piece of luggage per passenger.
This option starts around $204, which may sound like a lot, but it drops significantly once it's split amongst your group.
By minivan: The best way to get to Casablanca in a large group
If you are exploring Morocco in a group, consider booking a minivan to streamline your journey between these two cities.
Various companies operate services, including Simo Tour, Mythic Morocco Tours, Union Tours, Ride Transfer, Ait Moumen Transport, Morocco Private Transfers, and Carresa Group.
You can take a private minivan transfer or a shared minivan — both are air-conditioned to keep you cool in the Moroccan heat.
Private transfer
Prices for a private minivan transfer start at $440 with space for three to six passengers.
The drive to Casablanca takes just under five hours.
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Agadir and dropped off at your hotel in Casablanca.
You can book your departure at any time that suits you.
Shared transfer
To book a shared transfer, you'll need a minimum of three passengers to book the minivan. Prices start at $172 for three passengers and go up from there.
The driver will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at your hotel in Casablanca.
Amenities differ by operator — some offer WiFi, English-speaking staff, water, USB charger ports, and a luggage allowance of two bags per passenger.
The best things about the ride from Agadir to Casablanca
The drive between Agadir and Casablanca is not the most exciting because you'll be driving inland to reach your destination.
You'll see glimpses of the North Atlantic Ocean at the start before diverting to the main roads to get to Casablanca as quickly as possible.
It's a long drive, so bring lots to do to pass the time: read a book, listen to music, and pay attention as Casablanca edges into view.
When is the best time to visit Casablanca?
The best time to visit Casablanca is in the summer months when the city comes alive with sunshine energy. July and August do get busy, but you'll soon see why it's worth it to contend with the crowds to see Casablanca under the summer sun.
It gets hot, sometimes hitting 98°F (36.7°C), but the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean will soothe your woes.
Avoid visiting in the fall months because the city sees heavy rainfall, which often results in road closures.
How many days should I spend in Casablanca?
You should spend around two to three days in Casablanca to soak up the incredible atmosphere of this picturesque city.
A few days is enough time to hit the main sites before moving on to discover more of Morocco's gems.
Where should I go after Casablanca?
Keep heading up the coast to discover the country's capital, Rabat. You'll fall in love with its chaotic atmosphere and rich culture.
Alternatively, continue up to the tip of Morocco with a visit to Tangier or Tetouan.