Can you see yourself covering every inch of Morocco by car? If you are planning a trip for several days, you need to consider travelling from Casablanca to Rabat and El Jadida by car. In fact, it is one of the country’s essential excursions.
Casablanca, Rabat and El Jadida are three coastal destinations that are well connected by road. The starting point is Casablanca, the country's largest and most populated city, although not the capital. It is an impressive cultural centre, with art deco architecture, lively neighbourhoods and the impressive Hassan II Mosque that opens onto the ocean.
The best routes to other parts of the country start in Casablanca. To the north, Rabat (the capital) is a quiet, elegant city, very different from the hustle and bustle of other Moroccan cities. To the south, El Jadida exhibits some of its Portuguese history, quiet beaches and is a good place to end the day.
Route from Casablanca to Rabat and El Jadida: the first stop
Our recommendation is to rent a car in Casablanca (at the airport) and start early in the morning. Take the A1 towards Rabat and you will reach the Moroccan capital in just one hour. It might surprise you to learn that this is one of the most peaceful and orderly capitals in North Africa.
Besides, getting around Rabat is quite easy and reaching it from Casablanca is too. If you are looking to get from Casablanca to Rabat and El Jadida on a day trip, public transport is not really an option. You will have much more time to take in its charms:
- The Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V: the most emblematic complex of the city, solemn and luminous at the same time.
- The Kasbah of the Oudayas: a white and blue neighbourhood overlooking the Atlantic, photogenic little streets and a quiet atmosphere.
- The Rabat Medina: smaller and less chaotic than others in the country, so it is highly recommended for your first contact with the culture and religion.
Head back to Casablanca for lunch
To get from Rabat to El Jadida, you have no choice but to back to Casablanca. For this reason, you can take the opportunity to have lunch at what was the starting point of this excursion. In fact, this city has a great gastronomic offering, ranging from authentic Moroccan restaurants to more modern ones overlooking the sea.
If you still haven't taken the time to get to know Casablanca, here are some of the essential stops, both on this this excursion and at any other time of the trip:
- Stroll along the Corniche, newly renovated and lined with seaside cafes.
- Visit the Hassan II Mosque if you have not already done so.
- Discover the art deco district around Boulevard Mohammed V.
El Jadida, Portuguese history by the Atlantic Ocean
Back on the road, this time head south on the A5. You will arrive in El Jadida, a 'hidden' jewel with a unique heritage, in about an hour. We recommend you check out:
- The Portuguese City: declared a World Heritage Site, with walls, bastions and a layout that takes you straight back to the 16th century.
- The Portuguese Cistern: surely the most photogenic spot, famous for its perfect reflection under the stone vault.
- The beaches of Sidi Bouzid: perfect for a cooling swim in the heat or a stroll at sunset.
Unlike Rabat or Casablanca, El Jadida is a quieter city with a more local atmosphere. For this reason, it is the ideal destination if you want to end the route by the sea and the country’s storied history. The roads are also in good condition and accessing the main points of interest is quite easy.
Why you have to go on this excursion on your trip to Morocco
Travelling from Casablanca to Rabat and El Jadida is easy, comfortable and definitely worth your while. The distances are short so it can be done in a day, although only by car, because with public transport you would lose a lot of time. The highways are modern, well connected and you can make as many stops as you like along the way.
And the best part is that you can organise the excursion any way you like. Depending on how long you are there, you can spend a full day in Rabat and another in El Jadida, as well as take more time to explore Casablanca and visit other nearby cities.
The next step is to hire a car with OK Mobility in Casablanca to travel around the country at your own pace. What’s more, you will also find branches in Marrakech and Tangier if you feel like discovering other places.
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