Few experiences capture Morocco’s ambition like a hassan ii mosque day tour. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the largest mosque in Morocco, one of the largest in Africa, and one of the very few in the country open to non-Muslim visitors. Thanks to the Al Boraq high-speed rail line, you can enjoy it as an express day trip from rabat to casablanca — door to door in a single day, with time left for the Corniche and the city’s other highlights.
This guide covers the train, the mosque, the best add-ons, a sample itinerary and practical tips.
Why the Al Boraq High-Speed Train?
The al boraq high speed train is Africa’s first high-speed rail service, operated by ONCF and linking Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca at up to 320 km/h. For this trip, the key leg is Rabat Agdal to Casa Voyageurs: about 50–60 minutes, compared with 1 hour 10 minutes or more by car or regular train. Trains run roughly hourly from early morning to late evening, with around 30 departures a day on the line. Fares are dynamic — expect roughly 69–119 MAD in second class and 99–169 MAD in first, though some sources quote higher; confirm when booking. Book on the ONCF website or app up to three months ahead, download the QR e-ticket and enjoy a reserved seat. From Casa Voyageurs, a taxi to the mosque takes about 15–20 minutes and costs roughly 25–30 MAD.
The Hassan II Mosque
The hassan ii mosque stands on Boulevard de la Corniche, right on the Atlantic shore in the Ain Diab district. Commissioned by King Hassan II and designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, it was built in the late 20th century by some 6,000 to 10,000 Moroccan artisans. Its minaret rises 210 metres — the tallest in the world — and a laser beam points from its summit toward Mecca. The prayer hall holds about 25,000 worshippers, with room for another 80,000 on the esplanade, making it the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the largest in Africa. Its celebrated features include a retractable roof that opens in about five minutes and a heated floor. A popular story claims a glass floor over the sea — the official site does not confirm it, so treat it as a myth.
Guided hassan ii mosque tours are the only way for non-Muslims to enter. Tours run Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 15:00, with an extra 16:00 slot in the warmer months; on Fridays the schedule is 09:00, 10:00 and 15:00 (plus 16:00 in summer). Each tour lasts about 45 minutes to an hour and is offered in Arabic, French, English, Spanish and Italian. Tickets cost around 140 MAD for foreign adults (some sources say 130 MAD — confirm on site), 70 MAD for students, and children under six enter free. Buy tickets at the on-site office only; there is no online booking. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — and remove your shoes before entering. Photography is allowed without flash.
Express Add-Ons: Things to Do in Casablanca
Beyond the mosque, there is plenty to fill a day. The best things to do in casablanca on an express visit include:
- Corniche Ain Diab — the seafront promenade right next to the mosque; lunch with ocean views.
- Quartier Habous — a charming quarter of white arcades and craft shops, about 20 minutes by taxi.
- Rick’s Café — a romantic re-creation of the bar from the film Casablanca; book ahead.
- Place Mohammed V — the grand administrative square with its Art Deco and Moorish buildings.
Pick two or three — the Corniche is practically on the mosque’s doorstep, so it fits any itinerary.
Sample Express Itinerary
Times below are approximate — confirm train and tour slots when booking.
- 08:00 — depart Rabat Agdal on Al Boraq.
- ~09:00 — arrive Casa Voyageurs; taxi to the mosque (15–20 minutes).
- 10:00 — guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque (45 minutes to 1 hour); explore the esplanade.
- ~12:00 — lunch on the Corniche Ain Diab.
- ~14:00 — one add-on: Quartier Habous or Place Mohammed V.
- ~17:00 — taxi back to Casa Voyageurs; return train.
- ~18:00 — back in Rabat.
Total: about 10–11 hours door to door. The 09:00 tour is the best slot — smallest crowds and the best light.
Practical Tips
- Book your train ahead on the ONCF app — seats are reserved and fares rise closer to departure.
- Aim for the 09:00 or 10:00 mosque tour; confirm times on site, as they shift around prayer times and seasons.
- Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered; women need not cover their hair.
- Carry cash in dirhams for taxis and tickets.
- Allow 15–20 minutes for the taxi between the station and the mosque.
Ready to Ride?
A hassan ii mosque day tour from Rabat is one of the easiest, most rewarding day trips in Morocco: a fast, comfortable train, a world-class monument and the Atlantic breeze of the Corniche — all before dinner.
Want to go deeper? Our 8-Day Imperial Cities & Desert Tour from Casablanca → starts with a look at the Hassan II Mosque before heading to Rabat, Meknes, Fes and the Sahara. Or extend the journey with the 10-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to Sahara Desert via Fes →, which includes the mosque and an optional interior visit.
We can customize a tour to match your needs — design your perfect itinerary.
