Rabat, Where History Meets the Atlantic

Rabat is well connected to the rest of Morocco by air, high-speed train, conventional rail and road.

For international travellers, Rabat-Salé Airport is the city's principal airport. The airport carries the IATA code RBA and sits in Salé, just outside Rabat.

Rabat also has one of Morocco's strongest rail connections. The Al Boraq high-speed service connects Rabat with Tangier and Casablanca, while conventional ONCF trains connect the capital with cities including Fez, Meknes, Marrakech and other destinations across the national network.

Road travel is also straightforward. Casablanca is around 87 km from Rabat, while Fez and Tangier are further along the national road and rail network.

For travellers building a Morocco itinerary, Rabat fits naturally between Casablanca and northern Morocco, or between the Atlantic coast and Fez.

Rabat-Salé Airport, IATA code RBA, serves the capital region. The airport is located in Salé rather than within Rabat itself.

Taxis operate directly outside the airport. The airport's current published fare information lists Rabat downtown at 150 MAD during the day and 200 MAD at night. Salé fares are listed at 100 MAD during the day and 150 MAD at night. Buses also operate according to flight schedules.

There is no railway station inside Rabat-Salé Airport. The nearest train station is approximately 8 km away in Salé.

For families, groups or travellers arriving with several bags, a private transfer gives you the simplest door-to-door option.

If your international flight does not connect conveniently with Rabat, Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca is another practical gateway. Casablanca's airport sits around 30 km from Casablanca, with onward rail connections towards Rabat.

Train connections

Rabat is one of the best-connected cities on Morocco's railway network.

The high-speed Al Boraq service connects Rabat with Tangier and Casablanca. Current Moroccan National Tourist Office information gives approximate journey times of 1 hour 20 minutes between Tangier and Rabat and 2 hours 10 minutes between Tangier and Casablanca.

Rabat also has conventional ONCF services connecting the capital with cities further south and east. The main stations include Rabat Agdal and Rabat Ville. Current ONCF information confirms both stations serve Al Boraq, Al Atlas and TNR services.

This makes Rabat particularly easy to combine with Casablanca, Tangier and Fez.

For longer journeys, check the current ONCF timetable before travelling. Departure times and service patterns change.

Rabat is one of Morocco's easier cities to explore without a car.

The historic centre, Medina and Kasbah of the Oudayas are well suited to walking. The city also has a tram network connecting Rabat and neighbouring Salé. The Moroccan National Tourist Office lists trams, taxis and buses among the main urban transport options in Rabat.

Petit taxis are blue in Rabat. They work well for shorter journeys around the city, while larger taxis and private transport are more useful for longer trips.

Walking is especially rewarding around the historic centre. You can move from the Medina towards the Kasbah, the Hassan Tower and the Bou Regreg waterfront without constantly arranging transport.

For places outside central Rabat, including the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel or destinations further along the Atlantic coast, private transport offers more flexibility.