If you are planning a trip to Marrakech, one of the first questions you will probably ask yourself is how to get from Marrakech Airport to the city centre. After landing, especially if it’s your first visit, the arrival can feel a little overwhelming. It’s usually hot, very noisy, and the bustle of the airport can hit you all at once. Having travelled to Marrakech many times, I’ve tried different types of transport, from the budget-friendly local bus, to taxis, to private transfers that pick you up right at the arrivals gate. Each option has its own perks depending on your travel style, budget, and where exactly you are heading, whether it’s the lively Medina, a riad hidden in the old town, or one of the five-star hotels in the newer districts.
Taking the Local Bus from Marrakech Airport
If you’re travelling light and want the cheapest way to reach the centre, the local airport bus is a good option. The Number 19 bus connects the airport with various stops across the city, including Jemaa el-Fnaa in the Medina. Tickets are very affordable, and you can usually buy them directly from the driver. The ride itself is an experience as you’ll get to see the city come to life as you drive in, with locals hopping on and off. It’s not the fastest way, but if you’re not in a rush, it’s an authentic and easy way to ease into Marrakech.
Tips for taking the bus:
- Carry small change, as drivers don’t always have enough to break larger notes. If it’s your first visit to Marrakech this might be a problem, as the ATM in the airport usually only gives you larger notes. However, there are plenty of shops around where you can break them.
- The bus usually runs every 30 minutes, but schedules can be flexible. Don’t worry if you just missed one as another will be along soon.
- If your hotel is not close to the bus stops, you may need to walk a little or take a short taxi ride at the end. Remember that the Medina is pedestrian (and motorbike) only, and if you book one of them, you will have to make your way on foot anyway.
- The bus is ideal during the day, but for very late-night or early-morning arrivals, other options might be more convenient.
If you are a budget-conscious traveller or you want a first glimpse of the city as locals see it, this is a great choice. I’ve taken the Number 19 bus a couple of times when I had only a small backpack and was in no hurry, but to be fair, I prefer the private transfer door to door.
Taxis from Marrakech Airport
Taxis are the most popular choice for many travellers, but they do come with a word of caution. Taxi drivers at Marrakech Airport can sometimes try to overcharge, especially if you are unfamiliar with the going rates. To avoid this, I recommend pre-booking a taxi at the official machine just outside the terminal, in the car park. The price is fixed and you pre-pay as you book the taxi, so there is no cash exchange with the driver. It saves you from negotiating in the heat while trying to manage your luggage. This is a new option at Marrakech airport and, in my opinion, a very welcomed one. The price from the airport to the hotels around Mamounia, where I stayed in Marrakech last October, is around 130 dirhams (approximately £10).
Tips for taking a taxi:
- Always head to the official taxi machine if you don’t want to haggle. The machine takes cards so don’t worry about not yet having cash.
- If you do negotiate with drivers directly, agree on the price before you get in the car.
- Keep in mind that taxis can’t always reach your riad’s doorstep inside the Medina. Expect a short walk through narrow alleys, sometimes with help from hotel staff or local porters.
- If your flight arrives late at night, taxis are available, but drivers may ask for a little extra. The pre-booked price removes this uncertainty.
I’ve taken taxis plenty of times to and from the airport. When you take a taxi from the Medina to the airport you have to negotiate and know the current rates, otherwise you will end up overpaying. And the prices have gone up. When I first visited Marrakech, in January 2023, the negotiated price was 40 dirhams. Only 2 years later, the price jumped to 100 dirhams. The taxis are reliable and a good middle-ground between cost and comfort as long as you sort out the price before setting off. Once you finish the negotiations, you will realise that the drivers are actually really nice chatty guys.
Private Transfers: The Stress-Free Option
For me, the easiest and most comfortable way of getting into Marrakech from the airport is booking a private transfer. A driver waits for you as you come out of the terminal holding a sign with your name, and you don’t have to worry about prices or finding the right stop. This option is a little more expensive, but if you’re arriving late at night, with children, or staying at one of the luxury hotels outside the centre, it’s well worth it. I’ve used private transfers a few times and always appreciated being able to relax straight after the flight without any hassle. All the private transfers I took had free WiFi and the driver made sure to call my hotel, so they know to expect me. This was very helpful on my first trip to Marrakech, when I booked a Riad in the Medina and I had no idea how to get to it at that late at night hour. The owner came to the nearest gate and we walked together to the Riad.
Tips for booking a private transfer:
- Arrange it in advance. I use GetYourGuide and never had an issue.
- Double-check that the price is fixed and includes everything (no surprise charges).
- This is the safest choice if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or if it’s your first time in Marrakech.
- For families with kids or travellers with mobility needs, this is by far the smoothest way to start your holiday.
Private transfers are not only practical but also a small luxury that sets a relaxed tone for your trip. After long flights, I’ve always found it a relief to know someone was waiting for me, ready to take me straight to my Riad or hotel. And to be fair, this is a very affordable option compared with other destinations around the world. A private transfer usually costs up to £20 booked online on GetYourGuide.
Which Option Should You Choose?
The best way to get from Marrakech Airport to the city centre really depends on your priorities:
- Bus: Best if you’re watching your budget and don’t mind a slightly longer journey.
- Taxi: Convenient and reasonably priced if booked at the official machine and not try to haggle.
- Private transfer: Stress-free, reliable, and worth the extra cost if comfort is your top priority.
I usually go for a private transfer because it’s affordable, reliable and door to door.
Extra Tips For Navigating Marrakech Airport And Arrivals
- Currency exchange: While there are ATMs and exchange desks at the airport, I find it easier to have a little cash ready in Moroccan dirhams before leaving the terminal, especially if you want to take the bus or a taxi. This tip however is only valid if you have been to Morocco before and have leftover dirhams. The currency of Morocco is closed and you can’t get dirhams outside of the country.
- SIM cards: I always buy an eSim ahead of time and activate it as soon as I land. The airport has free WiFi which is needed to activate the eSim. Click here to buy my recommended eSim for Morocco.
- Time to the city: Depending on traffic, the journey from the airport to the Medina is around 20–30 minutes by taxi or private transfer, and a little longer by bus.
- Hotel location matters: If you’re staying in the new city (Gueliz or Hivernage), taxis and transfers can usually drop you right at the entrance. If you’re in the Medina, prepare for a short walk with your luggage.
- Be aware of helpers: At the airport or near the Medina, some people might offer to carry your bags or guide you. While some are genuinely helpful, they usually expect a tip.
Final thoughts
The transport from Marrakech Airport to the city centre is straightforward once you know your options. Whether you take the local bus, a pre-booked taxi, or a private transfer, you’ll be in the Medina in no time. For me, having tried all three, I choose based on the circumstances of my trip. Sometimes it’s about saving money, other times about saving time or enjoying comfort.
Whichever way you decide, you’ll soon be wandering through the colourful souks, sipping mint tea on a rooftop terrace, or checking into your hotel, ready to start your Marrakech adventure. The journey from the airport is just the first step, and one that can set the tone for your whole stay.
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