Transportation in Casablanca

Casablanca moves on a mix of trams, trains, and red petit taxis that dart between the wide boulevards and the medina's narrow lanes. The tram is the cleanest option, two lines cut across the centre and western suburbs, with tickets bought from machines on every platform. Load a rechargeable card once and you skip the coin scramble. Trains link Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port to Rabat, Fès and the airport, while local commuter trains skirt the industrial south. For short hops, the little red taxis are everywhere. But they take only three passengers and run fixed urban routes. Flag one going your way and pay a fraction of what a private taxi would ask. First-timers should note that tram stops are announced in Arabic and French, keep an ear out for your landmark. At Casa-Voyageurs, ignore the unofficial "porters" who swarm arriving trains. Luggage carts are free and the exits are clearly signed. If you need the beach district, ride the tram to Aïn Diab terminus rather than wrestling with cross-town taxis at rush hour. For the airport run, the train is fastest and cheapest, departing from Casa-Voyageurs and Casa-Port roughly hourly. Buy your ticket upstairs before descending to the platform. Miss the last train and the white airport taxis are the only licensed option, insist on the meter or agree the fare before the trunk opens.