Quick Overview
Operated by ONCF (the National Railways Office), the Al Bidaoui train is undoubtedly the fastest, most reliable, and most economical transport tool connecting Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) to the bustling heart of Casablanca. In under an hour, for less than $6 (around 43 to 60 MAD), this metropolitan service lets you entirely skip the unpredictable highway traffic right outside Morocco's economic capital.
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1. Locating the Station at the Airport (CMN)
The train station, officially named "Aéroport Mohammed V", is fully integrated into the airport's infrastructure, which makes transitioning from boarding gate to rail exceptionally seamless.
How to get there from the terminals
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 2: The station is located on the underground level (-1) of the common area connecting these terminals. As you exit baggage claim, simply follow the highly visible "Train/ONCF" signs sporting the burgundy railway logo.
- The platform is accessible via escalators tailored for navigating with suitcases and heavy luggage.
Accessibility
Elevators easily connect the arrival halls all the way down to the underground station level, ensuring effortless transitions for passengers handling strollers, wheelchairs, or large amounts of luggage.
2. Fares and Ticket Classes
Unlike fixed flat-rate airport taxis, ONCF utilizes a varying fare system depending on which specific downtown station you decide to get off at, and the comfort class you select.
| Destination Station (Casablanca) | 2nd Class Fare | 1st Class Fare | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Voyageurs | 50 MAD | 63 MAD | Around 33 min |
| Casa Port | 60 MAD | 90 MAD | Around 45 min |
| L'Oasis | 50 MAD | 63 MAD | Around 25 min |
Generally speaking, 2nd class is perfectly adequate and spacious enough for a route this short, though carriages can fill up during peak rush hours. Choosing 1st class guarantees you an assigned seat and noticeably more personal space.
3. Schedules and Departure Frequency
The Al Bidaoui shuttle provides very stable consistency, ensuring air travelers an immediate fallback. Trains depart at a predictable, hourly rhythm.
Daily Time Slots
- First Airport train: Starting around 6:00 AM.
- Last Airport train: Departing around 10:00 PM.
- Interval: One departure approximately every hour.
Overnight Alert
- Between 10:30 PM and 6:00 AM, the rail service is entirely suspended.
- Vital alternative: If your flight touches down deep in the night, private shuttles (VTC) or the official airport taxis are your only remaining transfer possibilities.
4. Buying Tickets and Practicalities
It is mandatory to purchase your ticket before heading down to the platform and boarding. Tickets are not sold on the train itself (unless you wish to pay a heavy penalty fee to the inspector). Buying options multiply:
- At the traditional counter: Located right before the escalator, agents accept both cash (dirhams) and credit card payments. Taking a moment to withdraw from ATMs upstairs beforehand is highly advised (See our Moroccan currency guide).
- Via self-service kiosks: A few touch-screen machines offer rapid, autonomous credit/debit card purchases supported by a multilingual interface.
- Via the ONCF App or Website (m-ticket): Anticipate the rush by purchasing an electronic coupon using the ONCF Trafic mobile app, directly readable on your smartphone screen.
Luggage policy aboard the shuttle
Great news for heavily loaded global trotters: ONCF applies no official extra charge for excessive weight or large baggage dimensions specifically on airport shuttles. Entering the electric Bidaoui train, you can slot giant suitcases into the metallic racks located at either end of the carriage, and use suspended overhead parcel racks for briefcases and backpacks above your seats.
5. Stations Served and Connections
The true power of departing CMN by train lies in its capillary reach across Casablanca's pivotal hubs. Deciding where to get off significantly affects your itinerary depending on your hotel's ultimate location.
| Strategic Target stop | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Casa Voyageurs Station | Direct high-speed (Al Boraq) transfers towards Rabat, Kenitra, Tangier, and major Intercity connections towards Marrakech. Morocco's ultimate transit hub. |
| Casa Port Station | Extremely close to the Old Medina, the Marina Boulevard, and the downtown hotel districts. Very distinct modern architecture right by the waterfront. |
| Mers Sultan / L'Oasis Stations | Excellent drop points to intercept the sprawling Casablanca Tramway (T1/T2 lines), diving straight into dense residential and business districts. |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the train station located at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport?
The ONCF train station is located directly on level -1 of Terminal 1 at Mohammed V Airport (CMN). It is very easily accessible by following the visible burgundy "Train/ONCF" signs located in the arrival halls.
How much does a train ticket from the airport to Casablanca cost?
The ticket price is 50 MAD (dirhams) in 2nd class to reach Casa Voyageurs station, and 60 MAD for Casa Port. Fares are slightly higher if you opt for 1st class.
What are the train schedules connecting the airport and Casablanca?
Generally, trains (Al Bidaoui) run every hour. The first train leaves the airport around 6:00 AM, and the last train departs the airport around 10:00 PM. It is highly recommended to double-check schedules on the official ONCF website for holiday adjustments.
Which stations are served in downtown Casablanca?
The airport train mainly serves four stops in the metro area: L'Oasis, Mers Sultan, Casa Voyageurs (the main connection hub), and Casa Port (right in the center, near the old medina).