Flights to Rabat Airport (RBA)

Discover Rabat

The airport that serves the capital of Morocco has a relatively small amount of carriers and flights, but you can nevertheless get to destinations throughout the world from here. There is additional seasonal service to Jeddah and Agadir during the final month of the Islamic calendar, which presently lines up with August of the Gregorian calendar. Royal Air Maroc and Saudia add service out of Rabat during the Hajj, when many pilgrims making their trip to Mecca get underway at those destinations.

Ryanair and Royal Air Maroc serve destinations throughout Europe from Rabat. Etihad Airways has regular flights to and from Abu Dhabi, and TUI fly Belgium has added service to Paris, Brussels and Charleroi.

When Are Fares to Rabat Airport Lowest?

As mentioned, you can expect peak traffic during the Hajj. The timing varies from year to year, however, as though the final month of the Islamic calendar is internally consistent, it does not sync with the Gregorian calendar and the starting date moves back 11 days each year. As of 2017, the start of this month is right around the end of August.

You'll see the most tourist traffic during summer as well, even though the weather is hot and uncomfortable (though Rabat is usually a bit cooler than the rest of the country due to strong ocean breezes). The best fares will likely be seen in fall and winter, especially now that the Hajj will not coincide with those seasons for many years.

Arriving at Rabat Airport

It isn't necessary for American citizens to have a visa to enter the country. Initial visits are restricted to 90 days without a visa, but it is possible to apply for an extension once in the country.

Rabat-Sale Airport is small, but modern. It has free WiFi, several different dining options, and two lounges. The Pearl Lounge is open 24 hours, and both lounges allow any ticketed passenger to pay for three hours of access.

Transportation from Rabat Airport

There is no direct rail service to this airport, but there is a dedicated express shuttle bus that connects to the Rabat train station. The bus departs 30 minutes after each flight arrival.

Private shuttles are also available that will bring you to various destinations in Rabat, as well as standard taxis. Rabat has many rental car chains such as Hertz and Avis, but most are located in the city rather than at the airport. Check with the local offices to see if they have a shuttle or offer free pickup.

There is one city bus (#2) that stops near the airport, but the stop is outside the facility and will probably prove too long of a walk if you're carrying luggage.

Things to Do in Rabat

Rabat has many great opportunities for sightseeing including the Kasbah of the Udayahs, the Hassan Tower, the gardens at Chellah and the mausoleum of Mohammed V.

The city also has a small beach, and more beaches are available to the south in Skirat and Temara. Rabat and Sale also have a number of luxury resorts, mostly located near the coast.