Moving Around Rabat Like a Local
Getting around Rabat is surprisingly simple once you know how the city flows. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Hassan or planning a quick escape to Casablanca or Tangier, here’s a short guide to moving around Rabat and beyond.
Small Taxis — The Blue Ninjas of Rabat
Every major Moroccan city has its own small taxis color. In Rabat, they are blue. Fast, tiny and always on a mission. They weave through traffic like they trained in a secret dojo, and somehow always know a shortcut you didn’t even know existed.
Small taxis in Rabat take up to 3 passengers and stay within Rabat only. They don’t cross to Salé or Temara.
Grand Taxis — The Social Roadtrip
Part car, part community meeting. You might sit next to a grandmother with shopping bags, a student revising, or someone who insists you eat an orange. It’s the “shared ride before shared rides existed.” Stretch your legs… if you can!
If you’re heading between cities, this is the classic option. Traditionally old beige Mercedes cars, they’re now being replaced by modern 7-seater minivans. You’ll find them around major transport hubs and along the main roads leading out of the city.
Bus — The Local Vibe Collector
A moving slice of everyday life. Not the most glamorous, not the fastest, but absolutely authentic. Ideal if you’re patient and curious, and if your phone battery is full.
City buses in Rabat are easy to catch because they run through all main avenues and neighborhoods. You don’t need a big “bus station”, just look for the blue-and-white bus stops along the streets.
Tramway — The Zen Capsule
Rabat’s tram is one of the city’s best conveniences. Air-conditioned, inexpensive, clean and gliding smoothly from Hay Riad to Salé, it’s the easiest way to avoid traffic and parking stress. You’ll find tram stops along major axes like Hassan, Madinat Al Irfane and the Bouregreg riverbank.
On Foot — Urban Hiking
Perfect for slow explorers and sidewalk philosophers. You’ll zig-zag around uneven pavements, cats on missions and the occasional mystery hole, but that’s the charm. Agdal and Hassan feel like they roll out a red carpet just for walkers.
Cycling — The Sunshine Glide
Flat city, blue sky, sea breeze… Rabat is secretly a cyclist’s paradise if you’ve got alert mode ON. Ride the bike lanes like a boss, wave at the motorbikes that decide to join you and enjoy the “I’m so healthy today” feeling.
You can bike almost anywhere, even through the Medina (except on very crowded days). For leisure rides, head toward the Corniche or Mohammed VI Avenue or out toward the forests south of the city.
For adventure lovers, there are countless off-road trails around the Green Belt near the Bouregreg or even further out toward Kénitra.
Train — The Cross-Country Cruiser
Three major stations serve the city : Rabat Ville (downtown, on Avenue Mohammed V), Rabat Agdal (Agdal neighborhood south of the center) and Rabat Hay-Riad (Hay Riad neighborhood).
You can reach nearly the whole country by train: Tangier via the LGV Al Boraq (fastest line), Casablanca, Marrakech, Fès, Oujda and more.
Airplane — The Cross-Country Cruiser
Rabat-Salé Airport is served by major carriers and sits just outside Salé. The local airport keeps it simple: quick check-ins, calm vibes and a refreshing lack of chaos. It’s flying without the drama.
You can reach the airport by bus (ALSA Shuttle Bus – AE line) from Rabat’s downtown train station (Gare de Rabat Ville) or Rabat’s Agdal train station (Gare de Rabat Agdal). It goes directly to the airport and runs several times a day.
You can also grab a grand taxi from anywhere in the city. It’s the fastest and most direct way – just say “Rabat Airport” and you’re on your way.
Another option would be the Tram + Taxi : There’s no tram directly to the airport, but you can take the tram to the nearest stop (Avenue Hassan II or Rabat Agdal), then grab a short taxi ride to the airport.