Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Casablanca → Rabat → Meknès
A1 toll motorway throughout. Meknès is less touristed than Fès — great overnight stop.
Meknès → Volubilis → Fès
Volubilis requires 2h minimum. Site opens at 9am. From Volubilis to Fès is 60km.
Fès full day
Park car. Walk the medina all day with guide.
Fès → Chefchaouen
N13 mountain road. Chefchaouen parking is outside medina — walk up narrow streets.
Chefchaouen → Fès → Midelt
Long drive — start early. Middle Atlas forests around Azrou are stunning. Fill fuel at Midelt.
Midelt → Merzouga
N13 all the way. Spectacular Ziz gorge. Last fuel in Erfoud (40km from Merzouga).
Merzouga → Todra → Ouarzazate
Wake at 5am for camel trek then depart 8am. Todra stop 1.5h.
Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
Ait Benhaddou 1.5h morning stop. Marrakech by afternoon.
Marrakech → Essaouira
Short drive, relaxed day. Atlantic seafood lunch in Essaouira port.
Essaouira → Casablanca
El Jadida is a worthwhile 30-min stop. CMN airport 30 km from Casablanca centre.
Key Stops Along the Route
| Stop | Km from start | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | 0 km | Start/end point. CMN airport. |
| Rabat | 90 km | Capital. 1-2h visit. |
| Meknès | 230 km | Imperial city, less crowded than Fès. |
| Volubilis | 280 km | Best Roman ruins in Morocco. Allow 2h. |
| Fès | 340 km | 2 nights. Largest medieval medina. |
| Chefchaouen | 540 km | Blue mountain city. 1 night. |
| Merzouga | 1100 km | Sahara dunes. 1 night desert camp. |
| Ouarzazate | 1420 km | Film city. Ait Benhaddou nearby. |
| Marrakech | 1620 km | 1 night. RAK airport option. |
| Essaouira | 1810 km | Atlantic UNESCO city. 1 night. |
Fuel Strategy
Fill at every major city. Critical stops: Midelt before Merzouga desert stretch, Erfoud for Merzouga, Ouarzazate before Atlas pass.
Safety Tips for This Route
- Keep rental contract and insurance documents in the car at all times
- Speed cameras are common on motorways — strictly 120 km/h
- Mountain passes can close Nov–March due to snow
- Police checkpoints at city entries are routine — carry all documents
What to Pack
- Passport copies
- All rental documents
- Cash (minimum 2000 MAD)
- Offline Morocco maps
- Power bank
- Water filter bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Casablanca to Casablanca?
The distance is approximately 1800 km. We recommend taking 10 days to enjoy the route with proper stops. Non-stop would take approximately 35 hours of driving.
What type of car do I need?
Recommended: SUV, compact, Duster. Difficulty is moderate. A standard rental car handles this route well.
When is the best time to do this trip?
Best: March, April, October, November. Avoid: July, August. Spring and autumn are generally ideal for this route.
What is the estimated budget?
Excluding car rental: 8,000 – 18,000 MAD per person (accommodation, food, entry fees). Add car rental from 150 MAD/day with Blue Mirage.