The short answer
Casablanca has two kinds of taxi. Red petit taxis carry up to three passengers inside the city; grand taxis, usually shared, run between towns and leave when full. At Mohammed V Airport the rank's fare is agreed on the spot and usually paid in cash, which is why many travellers pre-book a car with a fixed price.
Petit taxis: red in Casablanca
A petit taxi is a small car painted in its city's colour: red in Casablanca, blue in Rabat, light blue in Tangier and ochre in Marrakech. It works inside city limits only and carries up to three passengers. You usually hire the whole car; if a seat is free, the driver may pick up someone heading the same way. Some cities require the meter, and fares after 9 p.m. are generally higher. Ask for the meter, or agree the fare before you set off.
| Taxi | Where it goes | Passengers | How you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit taxi (red in Casablanca) | Inside the city only | Up to 3 | Meter where required, or agreed first |
| Grand taxi | Town to town, set routes | Shared seats, leaves when full | Per seat, or a price agreed for the whole car |
| Airport taxi rank (CMN) | From the arrivals kerb | One party | Agreed on the spot, usually cash |
| Pre-booked private car | Door to door, any distance | 1–17 by vehicle class | Fixed in writing, from 630 MAD / vehicle from CMN |
Grand taxis: shared, between towns
Grand taxis link cities with their suburbs and with other towns. Each one drives a more or less fixed route from its stand and leaves when every seat is sold. The classic car was an old Mercedes; since 2015 many have been replaced by seven-seat vans such as the Dacia Lodgy and the Mercedes Vito. You can also charter the whole car, at a price agreed before you leave.
At the airport: the rank or a pre-booked car
At Mohammed V Airport (CMN) the taxi rank is outside arrivals; the fare is agreed on the spot and usually paid in cash. A pre-booked private car is from 630 MAD per vehicle to central Casablanca, fixed in writing before you fly, with the driver inside arrivals holding your name.
Tipping taxi drivers
- City rides: rounding up is the norm.
- Help with heavy luggage: a few dirhams is a kind thank-you.
- A private driver: tips are welcome and never required.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What colour are taxis in Casablanca?
Petit taxis, the small city taxis, are red in Casablanca. Grand taxis, which run between towns, are usually larger cars or vans.
How many people fit in a petit taxi?
Up to three passengers. For more people or luggage, take two taxis or book a larger vehicle.
Do taxis in Casablanca use the meter?
Some Moroccan cities require petit taxis to use the meter, and fares are generally higher after 9 p.m. Ask for the meter or agree the fare before you set off. At the airport rank, the fare is agreed on the spot and usually paid in cash.
What is a grand taxi?
A shared taxi between towns: it follows a set route from its stand and leaves when full. You can also charter the whole car at a price agreed in advance.
How much is a car from Casablanca airport to the city?
A pre-booked private car is from 630 MAD per vehicle, fixed in writing, with a name-sign pickup in arrivals.