Asilah, about 40 km south of Tangier, is a practical day trip by bus or road. Its old walled medina offers a reason to spend time in town, while the bus and driving options make it possible to plan a return to Tangier the same day.
- Distance: about 40 km south of Tangier
- Bus: about 1 hour, with a fare of about 20 dirhams
- Drive: about 45 minutes via the A5 national road, depending on traffic and road conditions
- For rail journeys, check the ONCF timetable before planning around a particular departure
Is Asilah practical as a day trip?
Asilah is close enough to Tangier for a day trip, with a drive of about 45 minutes via the A5 national road. The travel time can vary with traffic and road conditions, so leave room for flexibility when planning your day.
The bus takes about 1 hour, and reaches Asilah centre. From Appart Hotel Alia, Tanger Ville station is about a 10-minute walk, which can help you plan the start of a rail journey. For station details, including exits and the walk into Tangier, see how to use Tanger Ville station.
Taking the train from Tangier
Train times can shape how long you have in Asilah, so check the current ONCF timetable before setting out. Timetables change, and a listed departure should not be treated as a standing daily schedule.
Compare the available departures in both directions before choosing your plan. If you want several hours in town, make sure the onward and return times leave enough space between them for your visit. The Tanger Ville station guide can help you get oriented before boarding.
Bus and road options
The ALSA LI2 bus runs from Tangier toward Asilah along the national road, with regular service and a journey of about 1 hour. The fare is about 20 dirhams, and the travel guide recommends buying the ticket on the bus. You can also read about getting around Tangier by bus, taxi and on foot when planning your departure.
The bus reaches Asilah centre, but no specific boarding point in Tangier is given. Check the official site before you go for current service and ticket information. If driving, the route via the A5 national road takes about 45 minutes, subject to traffic and road conditions.
What to see in Asilah
Asilah’s old walled medina is its defining historic area, with much of it dating from the Portuguese occupation of the 15th and 16th centuries. Allow time to walk through the old town and take in its lanes and walls before heading back to the centre for your return journey.
The International Cultural Moussem began in 1978, with organizers including Mohamed Benaissa and painter Mohamed Melehi. That history is part of Asilah’s cultural story; confirm current event details locally if they affect your plans.
Planning your return to Tangier
Choose your return connection before you leave Tangier, then plan your time in Asilah around it. For a bus trip, remember that the service reaches the town centre; for the train, check ONCF’s current departures from Asilah. Leave enough time to get from the medina to your departure point.
Road travel time can vary with conditions, and bus and rail schedules may change. Check the operator’s information before travelling and keep your return plan flexible.
FAQs
How far is Asilah from Tangier?
Asilah is about 40 km south of Tangier.
How long does the bus from Tangier to Asilah take?
The ALSA LI2 bus journey takes about 1 hour and reaches Asilah centre.
How long is the drive from Tangier to Asilah?
The drive via the A5 national road takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
What is the main historic area to visit in Asilah?
The old walled medina is the town’s historic centre, with much of it dating from the Portuguese occupation of the 15th and 16th centuries.