The Whole City Guide to Morocco’s Tangier. Is a trip to Tangier worthwhile? Where can I go and what can I do in Tangier? This comprehensive city guide includes advice on where to stay, dine, and how to travel about Tangier, as well as an overview of the city’s most fascinating attractions.
I have been fascinated with Tangier, Morocco, ever since I first visited. It’s still one of my favorite cities in the world today even though I only lived there for six months.
It offers all the qualities I have ever desired in a city: an air of exotic mystery, the most fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, and pristine beaches.
Tangier is also an unrestrained mashup of North Africa, Spain, Portugal, and France, making it the perfect cultural melting pot in my view.
One of the most international cities in Africa, this city receives daily ferries from Europe over the Strait of Gibraltar.
The Ultimate City Guide to Tangier was written by myself and my blogger, dancer, and blogger buddy Ruby Josephine, who has lived in this city in North Morocco for the last five years.
The greatest attractions and activities in the city, the top eateries in Tangier, the top riads and hostels, and other information are all included in this book.
ACTIVITIES TO DO IN TANGIER, MOROCCO
Tangier is a place where you may easily spend a few days without becoming bored. There are many interesting, colorful, and cultural places to see.
Here is a list of the city’s top attractions and activities to do. All of the locations are simple to see in a single day.
1: HAFA CAFE
Cafe Hafa is a must-see for anybody traveling through and is essentially an institution of old Tangier.
It is situated on a cliffside with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and proudly states at its entrance that it has been around since 1921.
In the afternoons, this outdoor café is usually always full of residents and visitors who are relaxing, playing cards, and performing music. The mornings are best if you want to go while it’s more peaceful.
In any case, it’s always the ideal spot to unwind with a typical overly sweet Moroccan mint tea and take in one of the city’s greatest vistas. A full glass of this tea, one of the most affordable in the town, only costs 7–10 dirham.
Even though it isn’t a restaurant, you can get a hot bowl of Bishara, a Moroccan soup prepared with fava beans and split peas and garnished with spice and olive oil.
My friends and I often stop at bakeries along the road to get pastries for an afternoon snack and carry them home to enjoy with our tea.
Old guys are also seen selling salted almonds and peanuts from the café for a few dirhams a bunch.
At the end of Rue Hafa, in the center of Merchan, a more residential neighborhood, the café is situated on a hilltop directly above the Kasbah.
Take a little cab to get there; just tell the driver you want to go to Cafe Hafa; everyone in the city knows where it is.
Depending on your starting point, you may alternatively walk. Be aware that the majority of the journey is uphill as it is a wonderful stroll through a quiet neighborhood.
2: PHOENICIAN TOMBS
The Phoenician tombs are situated halfway between Cafe Hafa and the Old Kasbah’s upper entrance.
Even though these tomb buildings are sometimes covered with water and trash, they are nonetheless fascinating and have a significant historical significance.
Fantastic views of the city and the harbor may be had from the top of the cliff where the tombs are situated.
If you have the leisure, head here around sunset, bring some beverages and snacks, and sit down for a bit. This is a popular spot for residents to unwind.
Spain’s Tarifa may be seen on a sunny day.
3: MAKE YOURSELF LOST IN OLD KASBAH
When visiting Tangier, getting lost in the ancient city is a necessity! The historic medina’s miles and miles of teeny, small, never-ending passageways between the buildings, where one may quickly get lost, are what make it so fascinating.
When I lived in Tangier, exploring the medina’s winding lanes was one of my favorite activities, so I highly recommend it if you want to get a true sense of the city.
Although it might be perplexing and perhaps intimidating, it’s all part of the journey.
Any ancient town is a pleasant place to just wander about. While I was residing there, I practice every day and went for walks in Tangier’s Medina. As opposed to other Moroccan towns like Marrakesh, it is clean and there is seldom any vendor harassment.
4: KASBAH MUSEUM
I, Ruby, first came upon the Kasbah Museum while doing rehearsals for a dance piece in the open structure hidden behind the museum’s gardens, not as an interested visitor.
I didn’t take a more conventional stroll about this magnificent building until over a year after moving there; I had been missing out.
Although I initially just knew that the gardens were beautiful, I can now confidently suggest the whole location as a fantastic place to visit.
Formerly called “Dar el Makhzen,” which loosely translates to “The Sultan’s Palace,” this museum housed Portuguese administrators from 1471 until 1661.
It now houses a collection of objects from archaeology and ethnography, most of which are from northern Morocco.
It is situated in the Kasbah and is readily accessible on foot or by small cab from any location in the city center. The admission cost is 20 dirhams per person, and it is open every day except Tuesdays from 10 am to 6 pm.
5: PETIT SOCCO
A smaller area surrounded by several cafés, boutiques, and galleries can be found directly between the Grand Socco and the harbor.
The Petit Socco is a well-liked spot to have a coffee at either the somewhat more contemporary Cafe Central or the venerable Cafe Tingis from the beatnik period.
There are more tucked-away stores and marketplaces to discover as it branches out into several little, meandering alleyways of the ancient medina.
6: AMERICAN LEGATION
A museum, cultural hub, and research library, the American Legation is home to a long history of diplomatic ties between the United States and Morocco. It also houses historical and artistic treasures.
In actuality, it was the first American public property outside of the US, and the refurbished structure has maintained its old colonial ambiance. It is at 8 Rue d’Amerique in the ancient medina, and entry is 20 dirhams.
Fun fact: Ruby’s husband, a Moroccan guy she met in Tangier, got down on one knee and proposed to her there, adding yet another little fragment of multicultural history to that spot. Here is a brief description of their Moroccan wedding.
7: The Grand Soco and Cinema Rif
The Grand Socco is known by several names, including Souk Ibarra if you’re a local, but its official name is Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947 in honor of King Mohammed V’s well-known speech in favor of Moroccan independence on April 9, 1947, of course.
Whatever name you give it, Tangier’s enormous open plaza is sure to serve as a landmark for travelers.
On one side of it is a sizable market that is a fascinating sensory and hectic site to explore, and across the roundabout is a towering gorgeous mosque.
The impressive Bab Fass is the entrance to the ancient medina and the staircase leading to the Kasbah. On the other side, you may have tea and people-watch from the café at Cinema Rif.
In the historic theater known as Cinema Rif, you may view both independent and popular movies. Additionally, it contains a café that is well-liked among Tangier’s youthful residents and artists.
Going there to have a cup of coffee or a drink of wine while taking in the nostalgic atmosphere of this artistic edifice is certainly worthwhile.
Even though the Grand Socco is always bustling with business, if you go there at night, you’ll see throngs of families out for a stroll and boisterous street vendors selling anything from clothing to cotton candy to snail soup (a specialty in Tangier- I dare you to try it).
Anywhere in the city may quickly get to this location on foot or by taxi.
8: GRAND SOCCO MARKET & BERBER FARMER MARKET IN TANGIER
Tangier boasts a few vibrant souks (markets) that are a treat for the eyes and nose, much like any other Moroccan city.
The indoor Grand Socco Market, which is part of the Grand Socco (see above), is the largest souk. Here, you may regularly purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, olives, herbs, etc.
In the vicinity of St. Andrew’s Church, an outdoor farmer’s market is conducted each Sunday and Thursday (see the section below).
The Berbers from neighboring villages go to Tangier to sell their wares, mostly farm-fresh produce.
Walking through these alleyways packed with all the fruits and vegetables available in Morocco is a colorful and hectic experience.
You may also purchase Tajines, antiques, clothing, and other old treasures on the plaza across from St. Andrew’s Church.
9: ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH
It may seem unusual to visit an Anglican church in Tangier, Morocco, but St. Andrew’s is a stunning, ancient sanctuary in the center of the busy city.
The graves of several historical personalities are located in the overgrown, blooming gardens of the graveyard, which was dedicated in 1905.
The renowned French painter Henri Matisse once painted the church when he was visiting the city in 1912.
Free admission is available at St. Andrew’s, and often the guard will show you through the grounds and church.
It is conveniently situated on Rue d’Angleterre, next to the Grand Socco, and is only a short stroll from the historic medina (the English Road).
10: TENOR CERVANTES
In the future, I want to completely refurbish this theater while preserving its gorgeous original art deco design so that I may host a dance performance there.
I’ll have to make do, though, with longingly admiring the deteriorating facade in the meanwhile.
The Spanish constructed the Gran Teatro Cervantes in 1913 which was formerly regarded as one of the most prominent theaters in North Africa.
However, owing to continuous conflicts between local leaders and the Spanish government, rehabilitation is now constantly halted. Due to this, the inside is off-limits to visitors; nonetheless, the outside is interesting to see and worth a snap.
At the Spanish Consulate in Tangier, you may always attempt to get authorization to access the theater. But before you find out whether you may access the Gran Teatro Cervantes, it can take at least a week and some cash.
The theater is situated on Rue Annual and is readily accessible on foot or by small cab from any location in the city center.
11: SOUR AL MAJIC
Sour Al Maâgazine, sometimes referred to as “Faro Square,” has long been the gathering spot for Tangier’s friends and, particularly, lovers. This well-known Tangier road has been the subject of several extremely lovely love ballads.
This street is always crowded with tourists in the summer as they take in the spectacular views of Tangier’s harbor and bay. Additionally, visitors appreciate the steady, gentle wind that blows in from the Mediterranean.
The Grand Socco and the entrance of the Old Kasbah are both about a 7-minute walk away from it, which is situated on Pasteur Avenue.
12: GRAND CAFE DE PARIS
One of Tangier’s oldest cafés, Gran Cafe de Paris, is associated with the city’s bohemian past.
Many well-known artists and authors, including Jack Kerouac, William Burrough, Paul Bowles, and Tennessee Williams, to mention a few, gathered here to sip coffee, smoke cigarettes, and talk about life and literature when the café opened in 1927.
The Bourne Ultimatum was partially shot in and near Tangier, and this café also makes a cameo appearance.
The cafe’s interior has an odd feel. Strangely motivating, the worn leather of the seats, the dark paneled walls, the stale scent of cheap cigarettes, and the sound of the rustling newspapers may all be.
You get the impression that you are in an ancient, secret “Gentlemen’s Club” since the servers are clothed in red coats (but women are allowed here as well).
THE BEST CITY TOURS IN TANGIER
Here are a few entertaining and educational city excursions you may take if you’d want to see Tangier on a more planned basis.
13: USE THE TANGER VILLE HOP ON HOP OFF THE BUS TO SEE TANGIER
Official Hop On Hop Off Buses are now available in Tangier, taking you to all the city’s attractions in a single day.
Between the ancient core of the city and the contemporary portion, these red double-decker buses operate every day from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October and from 9 am to 5 pm from November to March.
The bus has 11 stops, and you may get on and off at any time. The Tanger Ville Route’s detailed route may be seen below.
At any of the 11 stations, you may get on the bus. Each ticket costs 180 MAD and may be bought as you board the bus.
These tickets are also used on the Espartel Tour Route Bus and are good for 48 hours (see Day trips from Tangier below).
14: TANGIER SURFING WITH A LOCAL GUIDE
Additionally, there are options to see Tangier with a local expert. A native guide will lead you on the Tangier City Discovery Tour to all the interesting locations in and around the city, including the Hercules Caves (see below). Find out more details about this trip here.
THE BEST DAY TRIPS IN THE AREA AROUND TANGIER
You must take a day excursion to Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules if you have the time.
Both locations may be explored in one day, and I suggest walking the 5 kilometers between them along the stunning coastline known as “Robinson Plage.”
15: Cap Spartel
A cape called Cap Spartel is 14 kilometers from Tangier. At the cape’s extremity, which climbs to a height of 326 meters, there is a lovely lighthouse.
Spartel, Cap
What makes this location so unique? You get a stunning view of the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea converge on a bright day.
16:HERCULES’ CAVES
With its peculiar sea entrance, fashioned like a map of Africa, the Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) have become something of a symbol for Tangier.
14 kilometers west of Tangier, amid a vast ancient cave network, are the major caves.
The caverns are partially man-made and partially natural. The Atlantic Ocean’s waves created the natural portion, while the Berber people broke the stone wheels from the walls to create the man-made portion.
The caverns were first discovered about 2500 BC, and their name derives from the myth of Hercules since it is said that he rested here before beginning one of his 12 labors.
It costs nothing to enter the natural caverns to see the sea entrance fashioned like the continent of Africa. You must pay 5 MAD to enter the man-made caverns.
Despite being so inexpensive, I don’t believe it is worth it. The man-made caverns don’t offer anything unique unless you desire a photo with a monkey or parrot perched on your shoulder (see Common Scams in Morocco for more information).
17: HOW TO GET FROM TANGIER TO THE CAVES OF HERCULES AND CAP SPARTEL:
The Hercules Caves and Cape Spartel are relatively accessible. You may get there by taking any Petit Taxi in Tangier, which are the little blue cabs.
The driver will probably try to charge you 100 MAD, but you should be aware that a one-way trip to the Caves or the Cap costs 50 MAD.
The blue Hop On Hop Off Bus, which travels along the Espartel Route, is another option.
You may board and exit this bus at any stop along the route; it leaves from Socco Alto (which includes Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules).
You may use the same ticket on the Tangier Ville Route Bus for 140 MAD (see City Tours in Tangier).
You may also sign up for the Tangier City Discovery Tour, which visits both locations (see City Tours in Tangier).
You should first explore the Caves of Hercules before heading north along the coastline to Cap Spartel.
It just takes an hour to walk there and back, and it’s a lot of fun, particularly in the sun. You’ll pass across abandoned vacation homes, rocks, and caverns along the route.
18: COTTA’S RUINS
The caverns of Hercules and Cape Spartel are not far from the remains of Cotta, an ancient Roman town built in the second century.
The settlement’s inhabitants are thought to have made a living by making a type of fish sauce, as was the case with the town of Lixus (see 4. Ruins of Lixus), one of Morocco’s oldest continuously inhabited sites. Remains of a factory building, a temple, and some baths complexes have been discovered here.
Unfortunately, you can no longer see these remains since (according to legend) a wealthy Arabian sheik acquired the land around them, fencing them off and keeping visitors out.
19 . BORR JAL KAMRA
One of Asilah’s oldest historical buildings is the Al Kamra Tower, also known as the Borj Al Kamra. It was constructed in 1509, during Portugal’s rule of the city, and is a prime example of Portuguese architecture in Morocco.
The Portuguese governor of Asilah’s married daughter would live in this tower, which was constructed on the king of Portugal’s, Emmanuel I, instructions. He planned to construct a stunning and enormous structure so that his daughter, who was very loyal to his nation, could view Portugal from the shore of Morocco.
It took four years from the start of construction in 1505 to complete this architectural masterpiece, one of the city’s oldest historical monuments today.
Since Tangier and Asilah are only separated by 50 miles, getting it is relatively simple. You may take a train or a cab to get there.
Every four hours, Moroccan Railways (ONCF) runs a train between Tangier and Asilah. The price of a ticket ranges from 19 to 50 Moroccan dirhams, and the trip lasts 42 minutes. For 45 to 75 Moroccan Dirhams, you may also get there in a shared Grand Taxi (the huge beige ones).
Additionally, you may take a guided day trip from Tangier to Asilah that includes stops at Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves. Find out more details about this trip here.
20: LEXUS RUINS
An old Roman-Berber city called Lixus is situated in the Larache region. Megalithic stones discovered close to Lixus imply that the area was once inhabited by sun-worshiping people who had an understanding of mathematics and astronomy before becoming a Roman city.
Just off the highway lies the main entrance to the destroyed city. So yet, just a portion of the old city’s foundation has been uncovered.
Even though they are severely damaged and somewhat overgrown, the visible remains provide some indication of how large and significant this city once was, thus a visit is well worthwhile.
There is now no admittance charge, however, if a guardian is on duty, he or she will often be pleased to show visitors around the site in exchange for a modest tip.
Following the A1 motorway, Larache is situated 88 kilometers south of Tangier. From Tangier, you may travel by bus, cab, or rail to get to this city.
LOCATIONS IN TANGIER
You should spend at least one or two nights in Tangier as it is a city well worth seeing. It is a city full of historical buildings. Visiting Morocco and living in a Riad, a wealthy Moroccan home with an internal courtyard and fountains that were created with zellij, is one of the nicest experiences you can have (Moroccan tiles).
For tourists on a budget who want to save money so they may explore during the day and exchange tales with other backpackers in the common kitchen or bar in the evening, Tangier also has a variety of hostels.
There are several lovely mid-range guesthouses in the city if a Riad or a hostel is neither the best fit for you.
THE BEST BUDGET HOTEL IN TANGIER
Tanja Lucia Hostel is our top selection in Tangier.
Because this hostel is also an art gallery, there are many lovely artworks hanging on the walls in the lobby areas.
Since there are just four beds in each room, the dormitories are often considerably calmer than other hostels in the Tangier area.
The whole hostel is cleaned every morning by the employees, who take cleanliness extremely seriously. Every day, fresh linens are laundered and put on the mattresses.
All visitors to the hostel are also given shampoo and towels.
Because of their fantastic wifi, I remained there for over two weeks while finishing my online work. The ambiance was quite peaceful.
Additionally, Tanja Lucia boasts a large rooftop patio with views of some of the ancient city. This area of the hostel was my favorite and was the ideal spot to write on a sunny day.
Tanja Lucia is the greatest and most affordable hostel in Tangier if you’re searching for comfort and quality.
THE BEST GUESTHOUSE IN TANGIER
I heartily suggest a stay at the Dar Nour if you want the convenience of your private magnificent room and private bathroom right in the center of the historic Kasbah.
The proprietors, who I consider to be personal friends, made me feel very welcome throughout my whole time at their guesthouse in Tangier.
They are highly familiar with the area and can give you advice on all the finest restaurants and things to do while you are there since they have lived there as ex-pats for many years.
They also own “Le Salon Bleu,” a restaurant that is about five minutes away.
Every room at the Dar Nour features a private bathroom and shower as well as a fully distinct decor and environment.
After a long day of exploring the ancient city on foot, guests of the Dar Nour may unwind in the massage room or on the terrace with views of the beach. Every accommodation and public space on the resort includes free internet access.
Every morning, a typical meal of fruits, cakes, pancakes, and cheese is provided. The restaurant on the premises offers regional dishes, and a bar is open late.
Dar Nour is an essential need if you want an amazing stay when visiting Tangier!
The best hotels in Tangier
The city of Tangier is renowned for its beautiful architecture and intriguing past. The Riads are one particularly unique form of Moroccan structure that mixes both architecture and history.
They are customary Moroccan structures that first appeared during the Idrisid reign. In most cases, they feature inside courtyards with plants and fountains. Its use of zellij in its design is one distinguishing aspect of its construction (Moroccan tiles).
Without spending at least one night in a riad, no trip to Morocco would be complete. Here are a few of Tangier’s top riads.
Riad Mokhtar
The Riad Mokhtar in Tangier, which has a sun terrace and stunning sea views, is 5 miles from the Madina Tanger Supermarket (Marjane).
The riad has flat-screen TVs in each of the rooms. There may be a sitting space in some of the rooms. Some rooms provide views of the garden or the mountains. A private bathroom is provided in each room. Toiletries, slippers, and bathrobes are extras. Additionally, there is free WiFi available all across Riad Mokhtar.
Riad Mokhtar lies 7 kilometers from Cap Malabata. Ibn Battouta Airport in Tangier is 11 kilometers from the Riad and is the closest airport.
Riad Tingis and Dar Nakhla Naciria are two other Ryads in Tangier that are certainly worth seeing.
WHICH RESTAURANT TO GO TO IN TANGIER, MOROCCO 1.
The closest you can get to home-cooked Moroccan cuisine in the city is at this restaurant, by far. It’s a busy, neighborhood spot with plastic-wrapped tables and enormous bread baskets that are placed in front of you as soon as you take a seat.
Although they sometimes don’t have everything on the menu, the food is always fresh and tasty, and the servers are always on the go to keep up with the demand. Despite this, they are kind and accommodating.
A bowl of viscera costs just 7 dirhams, while a chicken tagine costs about 20 or 30. It is also absurdly inexpensive. When friends and relatives come to see me here, I always take them there.
A friendly greeting from the proprietor, Bachir, who often stands at the cash register, is a must. This establishment is situated on Rue Zyriabe, a popular street near Boulevard Mohammed V that is dotted with several neighborhood restaurants.
2: DAR NAJI.
This restaurant, which offers exquisite regional delicacies in an atmosphere akin to an Arabic lounge, is situated away from the main tourist attractions in a more residential area of the city.
Prepare to relax on worn-out couches under dim lighting while eating a slow-cooked lamb tagine, Friday’s special of couscous, or my personal favorite, r’fissa, a meal of chicken and bread that is true comfort food.
The price of a dinner is likewise on the lower end, ranging from 30 to 60 dirhams per person. To get to Dar Naji, which is at 11 Rue Ajroum, you may either walk or hire a small cab.
3: THE PETIT SOCCO BISTRO
This is the place to go if you want to sit down, have a satisfying, substantial dinner, and spend the day people-watching. This little but attractive cafe, which is close to the Petit Socco, serves Moroccan cuisine with a touch of French flare.
The food here has never let me down, and the proprietors are always kind and helpful. With the main meal costing between 60 and 80 dirhams, I would say it is in the middle of the pricing range for restaurants in Tangier.
ALCOHOL STORES IN TANGIER
Ruby learned where to obtain booze in Tangier, Morocco since she spent so much time there.
It may seem almost hard to obtain alcohol anyplace in the city if you’re looking for a bottle of wine or need some beverages to bring to a friend’s home. Do not give up.
There are various stores in Tangier that do offer alcohol, however, obviously being a Muslim nation and owing to legal constraints it may not be as widely available as in certain places.
However, remember that drinking in public is not permitted in Morocco and that becoming wasted outdoors is never a good idea. However, there are certain places you may purchase and drink a bottle in the comfort of wherever you are living or staying:
39 rue Ibn Rochd, CASA PEPE 1.
In addition to wine, beer, and spirits, this little store located off Mohammed V Boulevard also has a variety of imported goods from Europe, such as pig products if you’re craving bacon or ham.
La Fine Bouché, 24 Rue de Fes
Another shop that has imports, niche things, and booze (I usually get my natural peanut butter there since it’s my one-home indulgence).
3: THE RUE DE FES MARKET.
I’m not sure of the name of this shop, but it’s a little stand that sells sodas and alcoholic beverages of various types. It is located close to the right of the well-known neighborhood pastry business Alaska at the top of the street, between Avenue Belgique and Rue Mexique.
ACCESS TO TANGIER MOROCCO
1. Transportation From the Airport to Tangier
There is an international airport in Tangier, and several planes, particularly from Europe, land there every day.
Only a cab is available for transportation from Tangier’s airport to the city center. These taxis will be at the terminal’s exit and their rates will be set. It costs 100 MAD to go from the airport to the city center.
You may take a Petit Taxi (the blue ones) from any location in Tangier to go to the airport. Some taxi drivers may attempt to overcharge you, but you should be aware that the set fare to the airport is also 100 MAD.
2: Ferry Transportation to Tangier
An excellent way to begin your trip to Morocco is to take a ship to Tangier. I liked seeing the shore approach from the boat, and I was ecstatic when Tangier finally came into view.
Currently, two ferry companies transport passengers from Tarifa to Tangier and vice versa over the Strait of Gibraltar.
The Inter Shipping service operates up to 6 times each day with a length of 2 hours, compared to the FRS service’s maximum of 8 sailings per day.
Another wonderful approach to renewing your Moroccan travel visa is to take a boat to Spain and pass the Gibraltar Straight there.
Ferries from Tangier link Morocco with Spain, Italy, and France. They go to Tarifa, Algeciras, Malaga, and Barcelona in Spain, Genoa, and Savona in Italy, and Sete in France (France).
You may choose from up to 69 ferry crossings every day depending on the time of year offered by FRS, Inter Shipping, Balearia, Trasmediterranea, Grandi Navi Veloci, Grimaldi Lines, and AML.
3: HOW TO GET FROM CASABLANCA TO TANGIER
Since the majority of visitors will land and begin their stay in Casablanca, I thought it would be helpful to add directions on how to get between the two cities.
The best option to travel by bus from Casablanca to Tangier is with CTM, the top bus operator in Morocco.
I’ve taken many different companies on trips around Morocco, and I must admit that CTM offers far more comfortable buses while charging a little bit more than the competition.
It takes around 5 hours to travel between the two cities, and it will cost you between 120 and 190 Moroccan dirhams.
There is a direct bus that travels from Casablanca to Tangier. Buses run 24 hours a day, with four-hourly departures.
At the CTM bus stop on Rue Léon in Casablanca, you may board a bus (see map below). You may either purchase your ticket online or in advance at the bus terminal.
However, even if you purchase your ticket online, you will still need to pay for your baggage on the day of departure at the CTM office, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
You’ll arrive in Tangier at Place al Jamia al Arabia’s “Gare Routiere,” the city’s primary bus terminal (see map below). To get to the city center from there, hire a cab (see Getting about in Tangier).
ACCESSING TANGIER FROM CASABLANCA BY Vehicle If you possess a car or are renting one, the trip down the coast from Casablanca is undoubtedly a relaxing one. Tangier and Casablanca are separated by a 338.82 km drive. The journey to the northern city ought to take around three hours.
If you have the time and want the flexibility to stop along the coast and photograph fantastic views, driving from Casablanca to Tangier is an excellent choice.
Along the way, you’ll pass through many more stunning places, including Larrache and Rabat, the Moroccan capital (where you can visit the Ruins of Lixus). You can easily travel from Casablanca to Tangier by taking the A1 north along the coast.
Driving in Morocco is generally relatively safe on motorways and rural roads, although it may be difficult in major towns like Casablanca, Tangier, or Marrakech.
It may often seem incredibly hectic in big cities. When it comes to driving, there is undoubtedly a significant difference between cities, smaller towns, and rural locations.
Another thing to keep in mind is that stop signs and red lights may sometimes be located entirely on the far right of the road in big Moroccan cities, making them very easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. They may sometimes be partially obscured by tree branches.
TRANSPORTING BY TRAIN FROM CASABLANCA TO TANGIER
Taking the train is a fantastic additional means of transportation from Casablanca to Tangier. The amazing Moroccan scenery may be seen when traveling across Morocco by rail, which is also an affordable choice.
It’s fairly simple to purchase train tickets in person at the railway station in Morocco.
When you know the train you’re taking and have reviewed the ONCF website for costs and schedules, you may proceed to the Casablanca railway station to purchase your ticket.
When purchasing your ticket, be sure you have cash on hand since debit or credit cards aren’t usually accepted. There is a direct train that travels daily between Casablanca and Tangier. Five times every day, it departs.
The trip takes around 5 hours. To get to the old city after you are in Tangier, you must use a cab (see Getting around in Tangier in the section below).
TAXI OR CITY BUS IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IN TANGIER
As in the rest of Morocco, there are two kinds of taxis: Petits Taxis (little taxis) and Grands Taxis (big taxis).
The Petits Taxis are smaller vehicles that have a yellow side stripe and are painted ultramarine. They often charge 50% extra at night and are utilized for quick city trips.
Since there is never a scarcity of taxis in Tangier, always keep in mind that you may flag down one that is already full but has available seats.
Long trips from Tangier to the nearby villages and cities or from the airport to the city center are made in Grands Taxis. In Tangier, Grand taxis are mainly four-door, beige Mercedes from the 1980s without air conditioning.
The Grand cab is a popular shared taxi in Morocco; unless you pay for the whole vehicle (all 6 seats), it typically won’t leave the city until it is full.
When coming by boat, you may find them at the port, at the airport, in bus and rail terminals, and at the larger hotels in the cities.
The public bus is another alternative if you want to get to the city but don’t want to use a cab.
The timetables, costs, and bus routes for Tangier are all available on the Alsa website. As of April 2016, a ticket for one of the green city buses costs 3.5 dirhams, and there are several bus stations all across the city.
HOW TO GET TO TANGIER’S BUS STATIONS
There are two separate bus terminals in Tangier from where you may board a bus to go to nearby destinations.
The major bus station for Tangier, “Gare Routiere,” is located in Place al Jamia al Arabia, while the other is the CTM Gare Voyageurs (a new private bus station), which is approximately three miles from the city center.
Even though the first one (Gare Routiere) is situated in a very handy and central location, I still advise taking a bus or a cab to cover the additional distance to reach CTM Gare Voyageurs.
The quality and comfort of the buses at CTM Gare Voyageurs were of a far better level, even though the costs were about the same at both bus stations.
About 2 km south of the city center lies “Gare Routiere” in Place al Jamia al Arabia. Avenue Idriss 1er Tanger Morocco is the address of the place.
Due to its location and the somewhat lower cost of the buses, this bus stop may be rather crowded.
It is possible to get shared taxis going to nearby cities like the shared taxis for Chefchaouen here in addition to a range of bus companies all operating buses to various regions of the nation.
Although CTM Gare Voyageurs is not at a convenient location, the added comfort these buses provide justifies the additional distance.
The bus station is located just across from Morora Railway Station on the Route to Tetouan, approximately three miles from the city center. You may take a cab or bus number 10 on Avenue Pasteur to get there.
HOW TO GET TO TANGIER’S TRAIN STATION
You must go to one of Tangier’s railway stations if you wish to continue your journey to Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca, or any other Moroccan city with a train service.
There are two train stations within the city, one of which is called Tanger Ville and the other is called Morora. However, in our experience, Tanger Ville is far more efficient and quiet, making it the one you should go to if you want to take a train to Casa, Marrakech, Fes, or any other destination.
It has a little less charm now that it has been expanded to make room for the new high-speed train, but it is still quite convenient to get there from practically anyplace in the city since it is just a 7-minute cab trip from the harbor.
By using the railroad company’s Supratours shuttle or bus number 13 to go to the Tanger Ville station, you may also avoid getting a cab.
On the ONCF website, you can find all the pricing and schedule details for Moroccan trains. Once you know the train you want, you can purchase your ticket at the station.
It’s not always feasible to pay with a debit or credit card, so be sure you have cash on hand when purchasing your ticket.
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