Getting to Asilah: Easiest Travel Options from Tangier

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  • Train is the most comfortable and convenient option.
  • Grand taxis offer flexibility but less comfort.
  • Buses are the cheapest but also the slowest option.
  • Staying at Riad Sultana provides a cultural and comfortable starting point.
  • Asilah is ideal for a day trip with plenty of experiences.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Asilah from Tangier?

Before diving into travel options, it helps to know why Asilah is worth the trip:

  • Historic Medinas: Asilah’s medina is quieter and less touristy than Tangier’s, offering a more relaxed atmosphere surrounded by stunning murals.
  • Beaches: Soft sandy beaches provide ideal spots for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Cultural Experience: Monthly art festivals and local crafts markets give a glimpse of Morocco’s creative spirit.
  • Gastronomy: Fresh seafood restaurants line the seaside, perfect for sampling local flavors.

Getting to Asilah is straightforward, letting you fully enjoy these experiences.

What Are the Easiest Ways of Getting to Asilah?

1. By Train – The Most Convenient and Comfortable Option

Taking the train from Tangier to Asilah is often considered the easiest way to travel. Moroccan trains operated by ONCF are punctual, affordable, and comfortable.

  • Duration: About 45 to 60 minutes
  • Departure Station: Tangier Ville Station (located near the city center)
  • Arrival Station: Asilah Station (just outside the medina)
  • Frequency: Trains depart approximately every hour throughout the day
  • Cost: Around 30-50 MAD (€3-5), making it budget-friendly

This option is highly recommended for solo travelers, couples, or anyone wanting a hassle-free journey. The scenic coastal views along the route make it even more enjoyable.

2. By Grand Taxi – Flexible but Less Comfortable

If you prefer more flexibility in timing and direct door-to-door service, the grand taxi (shared taxi) is available. These are usually older Mercedes vehicles that seat up to six passengers.

  • Duration: Roughly 45 minutes, depending on traffic and stops
  • Where to Catch: Tangier’s grand taxi station or arranged via your guesthouse
  • Cost: Around 70–100 MAD per person
  • Pros: Departures can be scheduled even if trains aren’t running, more personalized drop-offs
  • Cons: Less comfortable, can wait for the car to fill up, harder luggage space

Grand taxis are popular among locals and adventurous travelers but not ideal for those seeking ease and comfort.

3. By Bus – Cheapest but Slowest Option

Supratours and CTM also operate buses between Tangier and Asilah, mainly serving long-distance routes. If you’re on a strict budget and open to a slower ride, this works.

  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours due to multiple stops
  • Cost: Lowest of all options, around 25 MAD
  • Drop-off: Asilah’s main bus terminal, which is a short walk from the city center
  • Considerations: Less frequent than trains, less comfortable, may be crowded

This is less popular among tourists who prefer swifter transportation.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

  • Buy Train Tickets in Advance: You can purchase them online or directly at Tangier Ville Station. Be aware that trains fill up on weekends and holidays.
  • Travel Light: Especially if using grand taxis, luggage space is limited.
  • Plan Return Trips Early: Asilah is charming in the evenings but transport options reduce after dark.
  • Combine Your Trip with Exploring Tangier’s Kasbah: The Kasbah and medina are must-sees before you head south.

Staying in Tangier Before Your Trip: Why Choose Riad Sultana?

If your journey starts in Tangier, consider staying at Riad Sultana Tangier, a charming guesthouse nestled within the Kasbah Medina. This riad provides a peaceful oasis with traditional Moroccan architecture, beautiful terraces, and warm hospitality.

  • Location: Right in the heart of the Kasbah, making it easy to explore Tangier’s historical sites.
  • Atmosphere: Authentic and intimate, perfect for travelers seeking a cultural immersion before heading to Asilah.
  • Safety and Comfort: The medina area here is safe and quaint at night, adding to your travel ease.
  • Convenience: From Riad Sultana, it’s easy to reach Tangier Ville train station or taxi stands for your onward journey to Asilah.

Experience a seamless blend of culture, comfort, and convenience by staying at Riad Sultana while planning one of Morocco’s loveliest day trips.

Summary: The Best Way to Get to Asilah

  • Easiest & Most Comfortable: Train from Tangier Ville Station
  • For Flexibility: Grand taxi, but less convenient
  • Cheapest: Bus, but slower and less frequent

Make the most of your Northern Morocco trip by choosing the option that fits your style, and don’t forget to enjoy the charm of Tangier’s Kasbah at Riad Sultana before or after your day excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does the train journey from Tangier to Asilah take?
A: The train journey usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, making it a fast and convenient option.

Q2: Are taxis safe and reliable for traveling from Tangier to Asilah?
A: Yes, grand taxis are generally safe and reliable but not as comfortable or punctual compared to the train.

Q3: Is it possible to do a day trip from Tangier to Asilah?
A: Absolutely. Since the travel time is under an hour each way, Asilah makes for an ideal day trip.

Where is Riad Sultana located?

We are at 06 Rue Chorfa Jdid, in the heart of Tangier’s Old Medina, just minutes from the Kasbah, Grand Socco, and the Strait of Gibraltar viewpoints.