Wondering how to get from Marrakech airport to the city center? Yeah, I get it. Sometimes the most stressful part of my trip is figuring out how to get from the airport to my hotel in a new city.
I hate dealing with taxis and feeling like I am getting scammed because I don’t know how much a taxi should cost locally.
But, never fear! I have flown into Marrakech Airport (aka Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)) more times than I can count and know exactly how to get from Marrakech Airport to the Medina. FYI, the city center and Medina are 110% the same.
Just be aware that if you are staying in another area like Gueliz or Hivernage then these directions and prices may change slightly.
However, if you can book a hotel in the Medina. It’s honestly the best place to stay since there are a ton of cool riads here or traditional Moroccan-style buildings that you will love. They are so pretty and just ooze Moroccan awesomeness.
You’ll also be well-located near top Marrakech landmarks. So, you can quickly and easily see all that the city has to offer if you are short on time.
Anyway, enough chit-chat. Let’s dig into this guide on how to get from Marrakech Airport to the city. This way you don’t have to stress out upon arrival and can quickly get to your hotel.
You’ll also know how much a taxi from Marrakech Airport to the Medina should cost so that you don’t have to worry about getting scammed.
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Table of Contents
The Best Way to Get from Marrakech Airport to the City Center
If you are flying into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) then the best way to get from the airport to the city center is by bus or by taxi.
If you are on a budget in Marrakech then take bus #19 from the airport to the Medina since this will be the cheapest option.
However, if you have a ton of luggage or don’t want to wait around for the bus then take a taxi. There is an official taxi stand to your right as you exit the airport.
I would only order a taxi from this stand. If you try to book a taxi with a driver directly they will try to scam you and charge you way too much for your trip from Marrakech Airport to the Medina.
Local Tip: Many private transfers and taxis CANNOT drop you off right at your hotel if you are staying in the Medina.
Yeah, many of the streets in the Medina are super small and cars simply can’t fit on them. So, if you’re driver drops you off in the Medina and tells you to walk, don’t be alarmed.
This is normal. My driver recently did this and I only had to walk 10 minutes from that spot to my riad in Marrakech. This also happens a lot if you book day tours from Marrakech to other places like the Agafay Desert or the Atlas Mountains.
It’s also worth noting that there is no train that can take you from Marrakech Airport to the Medina. Your only options are by car, taxi, or bus.
Additionally, I would not rent a car in Marrakech since the roads can be very busy. Plus, much of the Medina is made up of small roads that are accessible by foot only. So, having a car is not useful in Marrakech.
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By Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Marrakech Airport to the city center since tickets cost just 30 Dirhams ($3.00) round trip and the ticket is valid for up to 14 days.
The bus runs daily from 6:00 am to 11:30 pm and the journey to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (4th stop) will take between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic and delays. Buses also depart every twenty minutes, so you won’t have to wait long.
Just know that you will need cash to buy a ticket and that you can buy your ticket as you board the bus. The bus stop is right outside the airport. However, type “Entree Aeoroport” into your GPS if you can’t find it.
The bus will also stop at the bus station near Bab Doukkala, head to Gueliz, and stop at the train station before heading back to the airport.
The bus is fairly easy to use and cheap. It can be challenging if it’s hot (no a/c) and you have a ton of luggage. I also would not use the bus if your hotel is in Gueliz since the journey will take a while.
Also, once in the main square, you will then have to walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa Square to your hotel. So, if you have a ton of stuff then a taxi might be a better option.
Local Tip: If you want an even cheaper option then you can take the #11 bus to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.
Tickets cost just 4 Dirhams and you must pay in cash as you board the bus. This is the cheapest way to get from Marrakech Airport to the Medina. This way you can spend your hard-earned cash on the best lunch in Marrakech.
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By Taxi
Towards the end of 2023, Marrakech Menara International Airport opened up an official taxi stand where you can book a taxi from the airport to your Marrakech hotel.
It was a huge relief because the price is set and you no longer have to worry about haggling with taxi drivers and paying way too much for your trip from Marrakech Airport to the city center.
In general, a taxi from Marrakech airport to the Medina should cost around 70 Dirhams ($7.00) during the day and 100 Dirhams ($10.00) at night. The journey will take between 15 and 25 minutes depending on traffic.
In general, a petit taxi can only fit around 3 people. However, you can always opt for a big taxi that can fit up to 6 people.
However, these taxis are shared and cost 17 Dirhams ($1.70) per person during the day and 25 Dirhams ($2.50) per person at night.
So, you will only be paying for your spot in the taxi unless you are in a large group and pay for all six spots.
To use the taxi stand, just wait in line and tell the person behind the counter your final destination when you get to the head of the line. They will charge you a set price and you can pay with cash or card.
You’ll then get a ticket/receipt that you present to the taxi driver so that they know where to go and that you paid. I have used the taxi stand and had absolutely no issues.
Whatever you do, DO NOT book a taxi with a driver directly. They will scam you and you’ll pay WAY too much.
Local Tip: If you are arriving at an odd time then you can pre-book a taxi in advance using the Kech Cab website.
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Private Transfer
Before there was an official taxi stand, a private transfer was a great way to get from Marrakech Airport to the Medina.
I booked my transfer through Central House and paid around 150 Dirhams ($15.00) so that I wouldn’t have to worry about getting scammed by taxi drivers.
Typically, you’ll book your transfer through your hotel when you make your reservation. You also have to send them your flight information so the driver knows when to expect you.
The driver will then put your name on a card and wait for you outside of Arrivals at the airport. Some drivers wait inside the airport but most of them will be standing in a second waiting area outside the airport, just behind a barricade.
There are usually a TON of drivers here. So, take your time and look through all the signs so that you don’t miss your driver.
In general, a private transfer is only worth it if you’re traveling with a group or have a ton of luggage. If it were me solo traveling Marrakech, I would just book a taxi at the official taxi stand since it’s a lot cheaper.
The only exception to this rule is if you are staying at a luxury Agafay Desert camp since the only way to really get there is with a private transfer.
That wraps up this guide on how to get from Marrakech Airport to the city center. I hope you feel less stressed and know how to get from Marrakech Airport to the Medina.
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