Taxis and transport apps

Getting around Marrakech relies on four complementary modes: walking in the Medina, petits taxis in town, grands taxis for trips outside the city and private transfers for the airport or excursions. Knowing which one fits your journey avoids most unpleasant surprises.

We do not publish any fares: prices vary with the time, the route and the season, and a figure copied from a blog has no official value. Always ask the price or for the meter before getting in, and have your riad, which knows the local routes, confirm ballpark figures.

Petit taxi: city journeys

Petits taxis are the city taxis: recognisable by their uniform colour and signage, they are generally limited to three passengers and do not leave the city. They suit trips such as Gueliz ↔ Medina, Hivernage ↔ Medina or out to the gardens.

They have a meter. Calmly ask for it to be switched on before getting in; if the driver prefers to quote a price, agree on it before setting off rather than on arrival. A higher night rate is common practice.

Grand taxi: out of town and groups

Grands taxis, often large saloons or people carriers, cover trips outside the city and intercity links. They run either as a private hire of the whole car or with shared seats.

They suit a group, bulky luggage or an outing to the Ourika Valley, the Atlas or Agafay. The price is negotiated before departure; always specify whether it is one-way or a return trip with waiting time.

Menara Airport: getting into town

The airport is close to the centre and the journey is short. There are three usual options: a taxi from the dedicated area, the shuttle or bus line serving the centre, and a private transfer booked in advance.

A private transfer is simplest with suitcases, a night arrival or accommodation in the Medina. For access arrangements, services and transport available from the terminal, refer to the airport authority (ONDA) rather than second-hand information.

City buses

A city bus network links the main districts and some outlying sites, with stops around the Medina and Gueliz. It is the cheapest option, but also the slowest and the most crowded at rush hour.

Routes and frequencies change: check with the operator or ask your accommodation rather than relying on a list of lines found online.

Private car with driver

For a day trip (Atlas, Ourika, Agafay, Essaouira, Ouzoud), a car with driver booked through your riad or a local agency offers the most comfort: one point of contact, a price fixed in advance and waiting time planned in.

Get the duration, stops, included waiting time and exact meeting point confirmed in writing.

Ride-hailing apps: be cautious

The availability and status of ride-hailing apps vary between Moroccan cities and change over time. We do not present any app as official, legal or universally available in Marrakech.

If you want to use one, check whether it actually works on the ground and, if in doubt, choose an official taxi or a transfer booked through your accommodation.

Walking in the Medina: the main mode

Inside the walls, walking is the fastest way to get around. Streets are narrow, pedestrian in practice, and shared with scooters and handcarts: keep to the side and listen behind you.

Cars do not enter the derbs. A taxi will leave you at the entrance to the neighbourhood, at a gate or on a square, never outside a riad tucked away down an alley.

Usual drop-off and pick-up points

• Jemaa el-Fna and its surroundings, for the whole centre of the Medina.
• The main gates: Bab Doukkala, Bab Laksour, Bab Agnaou, Bab El Khemis.
• Place des Ferblantiers, for the Bahia, the Kasbah and the Mellah.
• The Koutoubia, very easy to give to a driver.
• In Gueliz and Hivernage, pick-up normally happens right outside the address.

Luggage and accommodation on a pedestrian street

• Tell the riad your arrival time and ask for the exact drop-off point to give the driver.
• Many riads send someone to meet you there: ask for it explicitly, especially at night.
• A wheeled suitcase is awkward on cobbles: a backpack or an easy-to-carry case makes the last stretch easier.
• Handcart porter services are common; agree the price beforehand.
• Photograph the riad's door and note the derb's full name as soon as you arrive.

Useful phrases in French, Arabic and Darija

• "Mettez le compteur, s'il vous plaît" (please switch on the meter): most drivers understand French.
• Hello: Salam / As-salamu alaykum.
• Please: Afak.
• Thank you: Choukran.
• How much?: Bch'hal?
• Too expensive: Ghali bezzaf.
• Here is fine: Hna mezyan.
• Stop here: Wqef hna.

Everyday precautions

• Agree the price or the meter before getting in, never on arrival.
• Keep small change: taxis rarely have change for large notes.
• In the Medina, give a well-known landmark rather than an exact address.
• For an excursion, prefer booking through your accommodation over an offer made in the street.
• If there is a disagreement, stay calm and ask your riad for help rather than arguing.

Frequently asked questions

Read next

• First time in Marrakech
• Marrakech in 1 day on foot
• Exploring the Medina without stress
• Marrakech Medina: complete guide