Overview
Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and its commercial heart, an Atlantic-coast metropolis where Art Deco boulevards, French colonial facades and the immense Hassan II Mosque sit side by side. For UK travellers it is one of the easiest gateways into Morocco, with direct flights from London and a straightforward onward rail network to Rabat, Marrakech and Fez.
Best time to fly to Casablanca
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) bring warm, comfortable days and are ideal for sightseeing. Summers are hot but softened by an ocean breeze, while winters stay mild and a little wetter. Fares tend to rise around Easter, the summer holidays and Christmas, so for cheap flights to Casablanca aim for the quieter shoulder months and check the When to book chart above for current trends.
Airlines and routes
Royal Air Maroc and British Airways operate direct flights from London to Casablanca, and easyJet flies the route seasonally from Gatwick. Direct flying time from London is around 3 hours 15 minutes. From most other UK cities you will connect through a European hub - Air France via Paris, KLM via Amsterdam, TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon or Iberia via Madrid - which adds roughly two to four hours plus the layover.
Things to do in Casablanca
Casablanca rewards travellers who look past its business-city reputation, mixing grand architecture with a lively seafront.
- Hassan II Mosque: one of the world's largest mosques, built partly over the ocean, with guided tours open to non-Muslims.
- Old Medina: a walled tangle of lanes, artisan workshops and tea houses close to the port.
- Quartier Habous: the elegant 1930s new medina, known for its bakeries, olives and bookshops.
- Corniche and Ain Diab: a breezy seafront strip of restaurants, pools and beach clubs.
- Place Mohammed V: a stately civic square framed by Casablanca's finest Mauresque and Art Deco buildings.
At Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
The airport lies about 30 km south-east of the city centre. The simplest transfer is the ONCF train from beneath the terminal to Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port stations, running roughly hourly and taking 30 to 45 minutes. Official airport taxis are also available - agree the fare or ask for the meter before you set off - with a road journey of around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Casablanca
- Book roughly two to three months ahead for direct fares; prices tend to climb sharply in the final weeks.
- Choose midweek departures and avoid UK school holidays and the July to August peak.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to pinpoint the cheapest days to fly.
- Compare Royal Air Maroc and British Airways against one-stop options, as a connection through Europe can be noticeably cheaper.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), a closed currency best obtained on arrival, so carry some pounds or euros to exchange - cards are widely accepted in cities. No vaccinations are required for entry, but check the latest FCDO and TravelHealthPro advice before you travel.
