Rabat Salé airport — complete travel guide

Rabat Salé Airport — Complete Travel Guide

Rabat Salé airport (IATA code: RBA), located in the city of Salé approximately 10 km from central Rabat, is Morocco's second busiest international airport. It serves many European destinations including Paris, Brussels, Lyon, Madrid and Amsterdam, via airlines such as Air Arabia Maroc, Transavia, easyJet and Royal Air Maroc. This complete guide prepares you for every aspect of your time at this airport.

About the Airport

Rabat Salé airport is a modest-sized airport with a single main terminal handling both arrivals and departures. This layout makes it easier to navigate than Casablanca's Mohammed V airport. Queues are generally shorter and the atmosphere more relaxed.

Available Services

• Restaurants and cafes (Café Paul, fast food)
• Souvenir and Moroccan product shops
• ATMs (dirhams)
• Currency exchange offices
• Car hire (Hertz, Avis, Europcar)
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Pharmacy

Arriving at Rabat Salé Airport

On exiting the arrivals terminal, you have several transport options:

• Welcomorocco private transfer: Driver with sign, fixed price, air-conditioned vehicle. 15–25 min to central Rabat.
• Petit taxi: Available outside the terminal, metered fare, approximately 70–100 DH to central Rabat
• Grand taxi: For journeys to other cities (Casablanca, Fez, etc.)
• Bus: Urban lines available, less practical with luggage

Departing from Rabat Salé Airport

For a departing flight:

• Arrive at the terminal at least 2 hours before your flight
• Security checks are generally faster than at Casablanca
• Check-in is at desks or self-service kiosks depending on your airline
• Duty-free shops are available after security

Connections from Rabat to Other Destinations

Rabat Salé airport is a good starting point for reaching other Moroccan cities by private car:

• Rabat → Casablanca: 90 km, approximately 1 hour
• Rabat → Fez: 200 km, approximately 2h15
• Rabat → Marrakech: 330 km, approximately 3h30
• Rabat → Tangier: 340 km, approximately 3h30
• Rabat → Meknes: 140 km, approximately 1h45

Rabat: Tourist Highlights

If you have a few hours between your arrival and your next commitment, take the opportunity to discover Rabat:

• Kasbah of the Udayas: 12th-century fortress with Atlantic views
• Hassan Tower: Iconic monument of the capital
• Mohammed V Mausoleum: Architectural masterpiece in white marble
• Rabat Medina: Authentic and not overly touristy
• Chellah: Roman and medieval necropolis

Rabat Salé airport is an excellent alternative to Mohammed V airport for accessing northern Morocco. With a well-organised private transfer, your time at this airport will always be a pleasant experience.