Getting Around Al Hoceima
Al Hoceima is a small city on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, tucked between the Rif Mountains and the sea. Because it is compact and its main attractions — the beaches, the port, the seafront — cluster close together, getting around is generally simple and low-stress. The city is a known tourist destination despite its small size, and its income rests on fishing and tourism, so the areas visitors tend to frequent are well connected to the rest of town.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Al Hoceima has no rail, metro or tram network. There is no train station in the city and no urban rail system of any kind. Visitors should not plan on using trains to move around Al Hoceima or to reach it; the practical options are road-based transport and air travel.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Long-distance coach services are the main form of public transport linking Al Hoceima to the rest of Morocco. CTM coaches run twice daily from Casablanca, passing through Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Taza. This is a useful option if you are arriving from one of those cities rather than flying.
- CTM coaches: twice daily from Casablanca, via Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Taza.
- Tickets: buy directly from CTM for these intercity routes.
Within the city itself, the source material does not describe a formal urban bus network, so plan on walking or taking taxis for local trips.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
The reference material does not cover taxis or ride-hailing services in Al Hoceima, so no specific guidance can be given here. In practice, for a city of this size, taxis are the usual way to cover longer local hops, but you should confirm availability and fares locally on arrival.
Walking
Al Hoceima is a small, moderate-size city, and its best-known sights are close together. Playa Quemado, the town beach, sits right in the city and is also where fishers bring in their catch; it lies beneath the Mohammed V hotel. A quieter beach, Asfiha, is nearby. Because the main beach and seafront are within the town itself, walking is a practical way to reach them and to get between central points. Note that the city is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Rif, including Mount Tidghin, so the terrain around town is mountainous — expect some slopes rather than flat strolling everywhere.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Al Hoceima is served by Cherif Al Idrissi Airport, located southeast of the city. This is the airport to use if you are flying in.
- Airlines and routes: Royal Air Maroc operates several domestic flights from Casablanca, Tangier and Tetouan. Transavia operates the only international route, from Rotterdam/The Hague.
- Onward transfer: the airport sits outside the city, so you will need a ground transfer — typically a taxi — to reach your accommodation in town. The source material does not specify airport bus services, so arrange your transfer on arrival or in advance.
Practical Summary
- Fly in via Cherif Al Idrissi Airport if coming from Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan or Rotterdam/The Hague.
- Arrive by coach on CTM from Casablanca and other northern cities if you prefer overland travel.
- No trains, metro or trams — don't plan around them.
- Walk for the central beaches and seafront; the town is small and compact.
- Use taxis for longer local trips and for the airport transfer.