How to Get From Marrakech Airport to the City (and Back)
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is located just a few kilometers from the city center. The drive takes about 20 minutes by car and a little longer by bus. Here’s how to get there.
After exiting the plane, you’ll first stand in line at immigration. The questions are standard: which hotel you’re staying at, where you’re coming from, etc. After clearing immigration, you’ll enter a large, beautiful arrivals hall. There are several ATMs where you can withdraw cash, and counters for all local mobile operators. SIM cards cost around €20 for 10GB. It’s better to arrange an eSIM in advance.
In the arrivals area, there are no greeters; all meetups are outside.
Bus: The Cheapest Option
Don’t be afraid to take the bus. Bus #19 is the express route from the airport to the city and back, operating in a loop. It stops at popular tourist areas — the medina, new districts, and hotels. Bus stops are marked on Google Maps. Check the map to see which stop is closest to your riad/hotel or where you plan to stay.
In Morocco’s public transport, payment is made directly to the driver (5–7 dirhams). You pay upon entering through the front door and receive a ticket.
The fare for bus #19 is 30 dirhams. Pay the driver in cash upon boarding. Don’t throw away your ticket. You can use it for a return trip to the airport within 15 days. The bus departs daily every 30 minutes. I’ve attached a photo of the schedule.
If someone at the stop tells you that the bus doesn’t run today, is closed, or only operates in the morning — you know what to do.
Taxi: For Those Who Prefer Comfort
Currently, all informal taxis have been removed from the airport grounds. Now, you can order a taxi at a special kiosk just outside the arrivals area.
Alternatively, you can book online at kech.cab. I recommend using this service for airport transfers, as it’s cheaper than asking the hotel reception. You can choose the date, time, and pickup location. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation via WhatsApp within 30 minutes with the taxi’s license plate number.
If you’re departing from the airport, it’s better to book a taxi through the kiosk. This way, you won’t have to worry about how much time you’ll spend on various formalities and whether the driver will wait for you. The price is the same at the kiosk and online, and there are always cars available.
The taxi kiosk is hard to miss — it’s on the right side as you exit. Staff at the taxi service speak English. You just need to provide your hotel or address. Payment is in cash.
A ride to Koutoubia or Jemaa el-Fna costs 80 dirhams. You’ll receive two receipts with the taxi’s license plate number. This is not the car’s number; it’s the taxi’s registration number.
The pickup point is across the road from the kiosk. Cross over, go up the stairs, and a helper will be waiting for you. Show your receipt, and they’ll point to your taxi. The driver is usually already waiting nearby. Everything is quick and well-organized: the kiosk staff sends a message to the driver via WhatsApp as soon as you book. Before boarding, check the license plate number. Give one part of the receipt to the driver upon boarding.
If you need to reach a riad deep in the medina, the driver will take you to the nearest point, and from there, you’ll navigate using Google Maps. For a regular hotel, you’ll be dropped off at the entrance. No scams — civilization is gradually reaching Morocco.
