Which Morocco airport should you fly into? Complete guide matching airports to stadiums for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030.
Your Complete Aviation Strategy for Africa's Premier Football Tournament
Planning your journey to AFCON 2025 (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026) or FIFA World Cup 2030 in Morocco? Choosing the right airport can save you hours of travel time and hundreds of dollars. Morocco's six international airports serve the tournament's host cities, each offering unique advantages for football fans. This comprehensive guide matches airports to stadiums, compares transfer options, and provides insider tips for seamless match-day travel.
Quick Reference: Airports & Stadiums Matrix
| Airport Code | Airport Name | Nearest Stadium | Distance | Transfer Time | Best For |
|---|
| CMN | Mohammed V International (Casablanca) | Mohammed V Complex | 20 km | 20-30 min | Most international flights, hub connectivity |
| RBA | Rabat-Salé | Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex | 15 km | 20-25 min | Opening match, Final, quieter airport |
| TNG | Ibn Battuta (Tangier) | Grand Stadium of Tangier | 20 km | 20-25 min | Closest to Europe, semi-final venue |
| RAK | Menara (Marrakech) | Grand Stadium of Marrakech | 14 km | 20-25 min | Beautiful airport, quarter-final |
| AGA | Al Massira (Agadir) | Grand Stadium of Agadir | 25 km | 20-30 min | Beach destination, resort hotels |
| FEZ | Fès-Saïss | Grand Stadium of Fez | 18 km | 30-35 min | Cultural capital, fewer crowds |
Morocco's Aviation Infrastructure: AFCON 2025 Ready
Morocco operates 24 airports nationwide, with six major international gateways serving AFCON 2025 host cities. As part of the ambitious "Airports 2030" strategy, Morocco is investing MAD 28 billion ($2.8 billion USD) to expand capacity from 34 million passengers (2024) to 80 million by 2030—transforming the nation into Africa's premier aviation hub.
Key Upgrades for Football Fans:
High-speed Al Boraq train connections at major airports
Expanded terminals at Marrakech and Agadir (doubling capacity)
New Casablanca international terminal (40 million passenger capacity)
Enhanced ground transportation to all stadiums
Airport #1: Mohammed V International (CMN) – Casablanca
IATA Code: CMN
Location: 30 km south of Casablanca
Annual Capacity: 14 million passengers
Terminals: 3 (Terminal 1 for international, Terminal 2 domestic, Terminal 3 overflow)
Why Choose CMN?
Morocco's Largest Hub:
Most international connections (90+ destinations via Royal Air Maroc)
Major European carriers: Air France, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates
Western Europe focus: 57% of international seat capacity
Key routes: Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Milan
Best For:
Attending matches at Mohammed V Complex (Casablanca)
Multi-city tournament travel (excellent rail connections)
International fans from Europe, Middle East, Americas
Stadium Connection: Mohammed V Complex
Distance: 20 km
Transfer Time: 20-30 minutes
Stadium Capacity: 45,000
AFCON Matches: 6 group stage + Round of 16 + Third-place playoff
Ground Transportation from CMN
High-Speed Train (Al Boraq):
To Rabat: 45 minutes (for Opening/Final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex)
To Tangier: ~1 hour (for semi-final at Grand Stadium of Tangier)
To Marrakech: 2.5 hours (for quarter-final at Grand Stadium of Marrakech)
Station: Located between Terminals 1 and 2
Taxi to Mohammed V Complex:
Grand taxi (shared): MAD 25-33 per person ($2.50-3.30)
Private taxi: MAD 150-200 ($15-20)
Duration: 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
Tip: Negotiate fare before departure or insist on meter
Private Transfer:
Cost: $21-35 USD (pre-booked)
Benefits: Flight tracking, 60-min wait time, fixed rates
Recommended: AlloMyCab, Viator transfers
Car Rental:
Agencies: Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Budget, Enterprise
Cost: From $25/day for economy vehicles
Best for: Multi-city tournament travel
Airport Facilities
Duty-Free Shopping:
Three-gallery complex with perfumes, alcohol, cigarettes
Designer brands: Mont Blanc, Lacoste
Moroccan artisan products
Dining:
Café Verro, Pomme de Pain, Le Café
Multiple cafés in all terminals
Services:
Free Wi-Fi (select lounges)
ATMs and currency exchange
Tourist information desks
VIP lounges
Airport #2: Rabat-Salé (RBA) – Rabat
IATA Code: RBA
Location: 8 km northeast of Rabat
Annual Capacity: 1.5 million passengers
Terminals: 2 (16,000 m² main terminal)
Why Choose RBA?
Tournament Headquarters:
Opening Match venue (December 21, 2025)
Final venue (January 18, 2026)
Quieter, less crowded than CMN
Excellent rail connections to other host cities
Airlines:
Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, easyJet, British Airways, Air France, Ryanair
Key European Routes:
Paris: 3 hours nonstop
London-Gatwick: 3h 15min
Madrid: 1h 45min
Barcelona: 2 hours
Best For:
Attending Opening Match or Final
Avoiding Casablanca airport crowds
Easy access to capital city hotels
Stadium Connection: Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex
Distance: 15 km
Transfer Time: 20-25 minutes
Stadium Capacity: 69,500 (Morocco's flagship venue)
AFCON Matches:** Opening ceremony, Quarter-final, Semi-final, **Final
Ground Transportation from RBA
Bus (Budget Option):
Line: AE bus (Alsa City Bus)
Route: Airport → Gare Rabat Ville (central train station)
Duration: 40 minutes
Cost: MAD 25 ($2.50)
Then: Taxi to stadium (10-15 min, MAD 30-50)
Taxi:
Shared grand taxi: MAD 25-33/person daytime, MAD 33/person night
Private taxi: MAD 150 daytime ($15), MAD 200 night ($20)
To stadium: 20-25 minutes direct
Private Transfer:
Cost: $21-30 USD (pre-booked)
Benefits: Meet-and-greet, flight tracking
Airport Facilities
Compact & Efficient:
3 cafés/eateries
Duty-free shopping
Hudson News
Airport lounges with Wi-Fi
Clear signage (Arabic, French, English)
Airport #3: Ibn Battuta (TNG) – Tangier
IATA Code: TNG
Location: Southwest of Tangier
Annual Capacity: 1.25 million passengers (expanding)
Terminal Size: 12,000 m²
Runway: 3,500m (accommodates Boeing 747, Airbus A380)
Why Choose TNG?
Closest to Europe:
Shortest flight times from European cities
Morocco's largest stadium (75,600 capacity)
Semi-final venue (January 15 or 16, 2026)
20% year-over-year passenger growth (2024)
Airlines:
Air Arabia: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Cologne, London-Gatwick, Madrid, Paris-CDG, Rotterdam
Others: Air France (seasonal), British Airways, Ryanair, Transavia, easyJet
Best For:
European fans (shortest flights)
Attending semi-final at Morocco's largest venue
Combining Morocco with Spain (ferry connections)
Stadium Connection: Grand Stadium of Tangier
Distance: 20 km
Transfer Time: 20-25 minutes via A4 highway
Stadium Capacity: 75,600 (Morocco's largest)
AFCON Matches:** Group stage + Round of 16 + Quarter-final + **Semi-final
Ground Transportation from TNG
Taxi:
Cost: MAD 50-100 ($5-10) to central Tangier
To stadium: MAD 80-120 ($8-12)
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Available: 24/7
Private Transfer:
Similar pricing to other airports
VIP FBO services available for premium travelers
Airport Facilities
Modern Terminal (2008):
Duty-free shopping
Currency exchange and ATMs
Restaurants and cafés
Free Wi-Fi
Airport #4: Menara (RAK) – Marrakech
IATA Code: RAK
Location: 5-6 km from city center (Morocco's closest airport to city)
Annual Capacity: 9 million (expanding to 16 million by 2028)
Terminals: 2 connected terminals
Why Choose RAK?
Africa's Most Beautiful Airport:
Closest airport to city center in Morocco
$220 million expansion underway
Direct US flights (began fall 2025)
Excellent tourist infrastructure
Airlines:
Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia, Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia
Key Routes:
Paris (multiple airports)
London, Barcelona, Madrid
Brussels, Amsterdam
Direct USA flights (new)
Best For:
Combining football with tourism (UNESCO medina, souks)
Attending quarter-final at Grand Stadium of Marrakech
Luxury riad accommodations
Stadium Connection: Grand Stadium of Marrakech
Distance: 14 km
Transfer Time: 20-25 minutes
Stadium Capacity: 41,245
AFCON Matches:** 6 group stage + Round of 16 + **Quarter-final
Ground Transportation from RAK
Shared Bus:
Route: Airport → Central Marrakech
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Cost: A few dollars
Note: Fixed schedules, can be crowded
Taxi:
Official beige taxis (brown stripes)
To medina: MAD 40-60 ($4-6)
To stadium: MAD 60-80 ($6-8)
Tip: Ensure meter runs or agree price first
Hotel Shuttle:
Many riads/hotels offer complimentary or discounted airport pickup
Arrange in advance when booking
Private Transfer:
GetTransfer.com, Viator, local agencies
24/7 availability
Driver assistance with luggage
Airport Facilities
Three Shopping Galleries:
Duty-free: perfumes, alcohol, cigarettes
Moroccan handicrafts (Trésor El Mamoun)
Brands: Victoria's Secret, Hudson News, Lacoste, TimeBox
Dining:
Starbucks
Matsuri (sushi)
Paul (sandwiches/salads)
Segafredo (coffee)
La Table du Marché (local Moroccan cuisine)
Services:
Currency exchange and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi
Telecom shops (SIM cards, eSIM)
Airport #5: Al Massira (AGA) – Agadir
IATA Code: AGA
Location: 20 km southeast of Agadir
Annual Capacity: 3 million (expanding to 7 million by 2028)
Runway: 3,200m (accommodates Boeing 747)
Expansion: $220 million project (terminal: 75,000 m²)
Why Choose AGA?
Beach Resort Destination:
Atlantic coast location
Year-round sunshine (300+ days)
All-inclusive beach hotels
Relaxed atmosphere
Airlines:
Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Transavia, TUI Airways, Jet2.com
Key Routes:
easyJet: Basel, Geneva, London-Gatwick/Luton, Manchester, Nice
Ryanair: 20+ European destinations (Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona, Vienna)
Best For:
Combining football with beach vacation
Attending quarter-final at Grand Stadium of Agadir
Families seeking resort atmosphere
Stadium Connection: Grand Stadium of Agadir
Distance: 25 km
Transfer Time: 20-30 minutes
Stadium Capacity: 45,480
AFCON Matches:** 3 group stage + **Quarter-final
Ground Transportation from AGA
Taxi:
Cost: MAD 200-300 ($20-30) to central Agadir
To stadium: Similar pricing
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Private Transfer:
Pre-booked services available
24/7 availability
Tourist Support:
Help desk in arrivals area
French and English-speaking staff
Airport Facilities
Expanding Infrastructure:
Duty-free shopping
Restaurants and cafés
ATMs and currency exchange
Tourist information
Airport #6: Fès-Saïss (FEZ) – Fez
IATA Code: FEZ
Location: 13 km from city center
Annual Capacity: Expanding to 5 million by 2030
Why Choose FEZ?
Cultural Capital:
UNESCO World Heritage medina
World's oldest university (Al-Qarawiyyin, 859 AD)
Fewer crowds than major airports
Authentic Moroccan experience
Best For:
Cultural tourism + football
Attending Round of 16 matches
Avoiding tourist crowds
Stadium Connection: Grand Stadium of Fez
Distance: 18 km
Transfer Time: 30-35 minutes
Stadium Capacity: 45,000
AFCON Matches:** 3 group stage + **Round of 16
Ground Transportation from FEZ
Bus (Budget Option):
Line 16: Airport → Central bus/train station
Duration: 40 minutes
Cost: MAD 4 (~$1)
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Taxi:
Official red petits taxis: MAD 150 fixed rate to city center
Duration: 14 minutes to city, 30-35 min to stadium
Grand taxis: Available for multiple passengers
Important Note:
No ATMs at FEZ airport – carry cash (USD or EUR)
Airport Facilities
Essential Services:
Check-in counters
Dining options
Currency exchange (no ATMs)
Limited retail
Multi-City Tournament Strategy
High-Speed Rail Connections
Al Boraq Train Network:
Casablanca ↔ Rabat: 45 minutes
Casablanca ↔ Tangier: ~1 hour
Casablanca ↔ Marrakech: 2.5 hours
Strategy:
Fly into CMN (Casablanca) as main hub
Use high-speed rail for match-day travel
Return to CMN for departure
Benefits:
Single airport check-in/out
Avoid multiple airport transfers
Flexible match attendance across cities
Budget Multi-City Plan
Base: Casablanca (CMN)
Day 1-3: Rabat matches (45-min train)
Day 4-6: Casablanca matches (local)
Day 7-9: Marrakech matches (2.5-hour train)
Total transport: ~$50-80 for all trains
Luxury Multi-City Plan
Fly between cities:
CMN → RAK: 40-min flight
RAK → TNG: 1-hour flight
TNG → CMN: 1-hour flight
Cost: ~$150-300 total (domestic flights)
Visa & Entry Requirements for AFCON Fans
Passport Validity
Required: Valid passport with **3-6 months validity** beyond departure date
Must be undamaged and readable
Moroccan officials refuse entry for compromised documents
Visa-Free Entry
65 countries** enjoy visa-free entry for **90 days:
All EU nations
USA, Canada, Australia, Japan
Purpose: Tourism or business
AFCON eVisa (Free)
Eight African nations requiring travel authorization receive free eVisa via YALLA app:
Validity: September 25, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Application: Through YALLA app (see below)
The YALLA App: Your Digital Tournament Hub
Mandatory for ALL AFCON attendees:
Fan ID Creation:
Photo and ID details required
Needed for stadium access and ticket purchases
One Fan ID = one ticket per match
eVisa Application (if required):
Complete within same app
Free for AFCON fans from visa-requiring nations
Steps:
1Download YALLA app (Google Play / Apple App Store)
2Complete Fan ID with passport details
3Request eVisa (if required)
4Await approval
5Purchase tickets at tickets.cafonline.com
6Keep digital + printed copies
Airport Arrival & Departure Procedures
Critical: Print Your Boarding Pass
Moroccan airports do NOT accept digital-only boarding passes
Must carry physical printed boarding pass
Print at home or airport kiosks
Arrival Sequence
1Immigration/Passport Control
Present valid passport
Provide accommodation name/address
Receive entry stamp (required for hotels and exit)
1Luggage Safety Scan
X-ray screening upon entry
1Baggage Claim
Retrieve checked luggage
1Customs
Declare required items
Drones prohibited (will be confiscated)
1Exit to Ground Transportation
Departure Sequence
1Luggage Safety Scan (terminal entrance)
2Check-in (physical boarding pass required)
3Security Screening
4Passport Control (quick in mornings)
5Duty-Free & Departure Lounge
Budget Tips for Airport Transfers
Cheapest Options by Airport
CMN (Casablanca):
Grand taxi shared: MAD 25-33 ($2.50-3.30)
Train to Rabat: ~MAD 70 ($7)
RBA (Rabat):
AE bus: MAD 25 ($2.50)
Shared grand taxi: MAD 25-33 ($2.50-3.30)
TNG (Tangier):
Taxi to city: MAD 50-100 ($5-10)
RAK (Marrakech):
Shared bus: ~$3-5
Taxi to medina: MAD 40-60 ($4-6)
AGA (Agadir):
Taxi: MAD 200-300 ($20-30)
FEZ (Fez):
Line 16 bus: MAD 4 ($1) – Cheapest option in Morocco!
Taxi: MAD 150 ($15)
Money-Saving Strategies
Pre-Book Private Transfers:
Often cheaper than airport taxis
Fixed rates (no negotiation)
Flight tracking (no wait fees)
Share with Fellow Fans:
Split grand taxi costs (4-6 passengers)
Coordinate via AFCON fan groups
Use High-Speed Rail:
Cheaper than taxis for long distances
Casablanca-Rabat: ~$7 vs. $30+ taxi
Essential Booking Tips
Book Early
Airport transfers, rental cars, and ground transportation fill quickly during AFCON:
Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates
Pre-book private transfers for guaranteed service
Verify Your Airport
Match your airport to your primary stadium:
Opening/Final: RBA (Rabat)
Semi-final: TNG (Tangier)
Quarter-finals: RAK (Marrakech), AGA (Agadir)
Most matches: CMN (Casablanca) – best hub
Complete YALLA App Early
Fan ID + eVisa processing times vary
Apply well before early group matches
Keep digital + printed copies
Carry Cash
Small MAD denominations for taxis
USD or EUR for airports without ATMs (FEZ)
Credit cards accepted at rentals/organized transfers
Use Official Channels
Verified transfer operators only
Avoid unregistered taxis
Check reviews on TripAdvisor, Google
Airport Expansion Timeline (2025-2030)
Marrakech (RAK):
$220M expansion
9M → 16M passengers (by 2028)
Terminal: 142,000 m²
Agadir (AGA):
$220M expansion
3M → 7M passengers (by 2028)
Terminal: 75,000 m²
Casablanca (CMN):
New international terminal
40M passenger capacity
High-speed rail integration
30-min to Tangier, 50-min to Marrakech
Overall Capacity:
2024: 34M passengers
2030: 80M passengers
Morocco becomes Africa's premier aviation hub
Final Recommendations by Fan Type
First-Time Visitors
Best Airport: CMN (Casablanca)
Most international flights
Excellent rail connections
Easy multi-city access
European Fans
Best Airport: TNG (Tangier)
Shortest flight times
Closest to Europe
Morocco's largest stadium (semi-final)
Budget Travelers
Best Airport: FEZ (Fez)
Cheapest transfers (MAD 4 bus!)
Fewer crowds
Authentic experience
Luxury Travelers
Best Airport: RAK (Marrakech)
Beautiful airport
Luxury riad accommodations
Premium tourist infrastructure
Beach Vacation + Football
Best Airport: AGA (Agadir)
Atlantic coast resorts
All-inclusive hotels
Year-round sunshine
Opening Match & Final
Best Airport: RBA (Rabat)
Closest to flagship stadium
Quieter than CMN
Capital city experience
Yalla! Choose your airport and experience the magic of Moroccan football!
*Last Updated: November 30, 2025*
