Marrakech Travel Guide
Morocco
Morocco
Getting Around Marrakech
The best way to get around Marrakech is on foot. Sure, this is a big city, but most of the main attractions are clustered at or within walking distance of the medina. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a fun way to get from the medina to other parts of the city, consider taking a calèche (horse-drawn carriage). Or, you can take one of ALSA’s Tourist Buses to many popular Marrakech sights. Upon flying into Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and taking a train to the Marrakech Train Station or continuing on to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), located about 5 miles southwest of the medina, you can either take a taxi or an ALSA bus to the city center. Many hotels also offer airport shuttle services.
| On Foot | Getting around Marrakech on foot is relatively easy. Most of the Red City’s must-see sights can be found inside the walls of the medina. However, you may want to consider hiring a professional guide, as the medina’s winding alleyways can be tricky to navigate. While you’ll find many locals in Jemaa El Fna offering to show you around, these individuals tend to charge high fees, so opt for a more reputable guide through your hotel or from a local tour company. If you decide to venture out on your own, make sure to carry a comprehensive map or guidebook. Many of the street signs are in Arabic, and you could find yourself wandering aimlessly for hours (though that may not be a bad thing). |
| Bus | Public bus services are available through ALSA Marrakech, but there is no set schedule, and routes – which are available on ALSA’s Urban Itineraries page – can be confusing. If you decide to use this mode of transportation, expect most buses to operate daily every 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the line. One-way tickets cost 3 or 4 Moroccan dirhams (or less than 50 cents) for adults and kids 6 and older.A more convenient way to get around Marrakech is to use ALSA’s Tourist Bus system. This two-line network is designed with visitors in mind: The History Tour and Oasis Tour Tourist Buses can get you to and from the airport, and they’ll also carry you to Marrakech’s primary attractions, including Kouboubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden and the Saadian Tombs. You can purchase Tourist Bus tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours for 145 to 165 dirhams (or $15 to $18) per adult and 75 to 95 dirhams (about $8 to $10) for each child ages 6 to 14; children 5 and younger ride for free. Tourist Bus schedules vary by season, but both lines are generally available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. A map of Tourist Bus’ routes can be found on ALSA’s Tourist Bus Itineraries page.ALSA Marrakech |
| Calèche | You’ll spot these green horse-drawn carriages everywhere in the city, but you’re more likely to find an available one at Jemaa El Fna or outside Koutoubia Mosque. Not only are calèches fun to ride in, but they can also fit more people (up to six at a time) and generally cost less than taxis. Some routes have fixed prices, but use your haggling skills and agree on a price beforehand. Expect to pay about 120 to 180 dirhams (approximately $13 to $20) for each hour-long ride. Also, avoid calèches that don’t display a SPANA badge of honor, which the British animal rights group of the same name awards to drivers who properly care for their horses. |
| Taxi | Ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not available in Marrakech, but travelers have access to two types of taxis: petits taxis and grands taxis. Petits taxis are fairly small and calculate your fare using a meter (most of the time). Grands taxisare larger and generally have a fixed rate per route. Note that standard rates do not apply to taxis operating to and from the airport, so negotiate a fee with the driver before getting in. The trip from the airport to central Marrakech takes about 15 minutes and shouldn’t cost more than 70 dirhams (roughly $7.50), though rates can be as high as 150 dirhams (about $16) at night. You’ll also want to settle on a rate before the start of your ride in petits taxis without meters.Make sure your driver knows exactly where you’re going to avoid spending more than you anticipate. Some drivers will deliberately take you to the wrong hotel because they receive a commission from that property. Others will simply misunderstand you. To avoid confusion, clearly write down the name and address of your destination on a piece of paper. |
