Casablanca to Tangier: Guided Day Tour by Fast Train

Summary

Travel from Casablanca to Tangier for a day exploring the medina, Kasbah, and the wild Atlantic coast with a local guide

You’ll ride Morocco’s fastest train from Casablanca to Tangier and explore with a local guide who knows every shortcut in the medina. Wander ancient alleys, taste fresh figs or mint tea, stand above crashing waves at Cape Spartel, and step into legends at Hercules’ Cave — all with pickup included. It’s a day full of small surprises you’ll remember long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the high-speed train from Casablanca and Tangier felt like it was waiting for us — that first breath of sea air was sharp and salty, almost sweet. Our guide, Youssef, waved at us right outside the station (he had this blue scarf I kept noticing all day). He led us straight into the old Kasbah district. The walls looked sun-bleached but solid, and there were kids darting around with soccer balls while an old man sold figs from a wooden cart. I tried one — sticky-sweet, left my fingers tacky for ages.

The medina is honestly a maze. We followed Youssef through alleys where every turn smelled different: leather one minute, then mint tea or frying sardines. He pointed out a tiny door painted green — apparently it’s been there since Portuguese times? I wouldn’t have noticed on my own. At Place Souq Ad Dakhil we sat for mint tea (I spilled half of mine trying to pour it high like locals do — got teased for that). There was this low hum of voices everywhere, mixed with distant calls to prayer. It felt busy but not rushed.

Afterwards we drove up to Cape Spartel. The wind up there is wild — you can see where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean if you squint past the lighthouse glare. The Caves of Hercules were cooler than I expected (literally cold inside), and Youssef told some story about Hercules resting here after his labors. Not sure I bought it but the cave opening really does look like Africa if you tilt your head right. We ended up back in town just as the light started turning gold over the rooftops. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tangier's Historic Sites

• Visit Dar El Makhzen Museum
• Walk through Tangier Medina
• Relax at Place Souq Ad Dakhil
• Stroll Grand Socco Plaza
• Tour US National Historic Landmark
• See Ibn Battuta's Tomb
• Visit Cape Spartel
• Explore Caves of Hercules

Top questions

How long is the train ride from Casablanca to Tangier?

The high-speed train journey between Casablanca and Tangier takes about 2 hours each way.

Is hotel pickup included in Casablanca?

Yes, hotel or train station pickup and drop-off are included in both Casablanca and Tangier.

What sites are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit Tangier’s Kasbah district, old Medina, Place Souq Ad Dakhil, Cape Spartel, and the Caves of Hercules.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included; however, there are opportunities to buy food during stops in Tangier.

Will we have a local guide in Tangier?

Yes, a professional local guide leads your sightseeing tour in Tangier.

Is this day trip suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are entry fees covered?

The tour includes sightseeing but does not specifically mention entry fees; check with your provider if concerned.

How do we travel between sites in Tangier?

You’ll use an air-conditioned minivan for transport between attractions around Tangier.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip high-speed train tickets between Casablanca and Tangier, hotel or station pickup and drop-off in both cities, private transport by air-conditioned minivan within Tangier, and a guided sightseeing tour led by a professional local expert before returning home in comfort.