If you’re wondering how to get from Marrakech Airport to downtown Marrakech, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several transport options available to suit different budgets and travel styles.
Marrakech Airport is located just 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city centre.
You can choose between the public bus (the cheapest option), a taxi (with fixed fares from the airport, although you’ll usually need to negotiate if you’re heading back to the airport from the city), or a private transfer (my personal recommendation for a hassle-free arrival).
For most travellers, flying into Marrakech-Menara Airport is by far the easiest way and most comfortable option to reach the city.
Located just southwest of the historic centre, the airport is Morocco’s second-busiest airport after Casablanca, welcoming more than 4 million passengers every year. Despite its importance, Marrakech Airport is relatively compact and easy to navigate. It has two terminals located next to each other, both operating 24 hours a day.
Below, you’ll find the best ways to get from Marrakech Airport to the city centre.
How to Get from Marrakech Airport to the City Centre
1. Bus, The Cheapest Way to Reach the City
The bus may not be the most comfortable option (don´t worry, it is comfortable enough), but it’s definitely the most affordable way to travel. Marrakech Airport is connected to the city by two bus services.
Route 19: Airport Shuttle Bus
Route 19, operated by Alsa, is one of the most popular ways to travel between Marrakech Airport and the city centre.
The bus stop is located near the car park entrance. If you’re arriving at Terminal 2, simply leave through the arrivals exit and walk past the taxi area. You’ll find the stop inside the airport parking area.
The shuttle stops at several key locations around Marrakech, including the Menara Gardens, the railway station, Bab Doukkala Bus Station, and the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square in the heart of the Medina.
The journey takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and buses generally run every 20–45 minutes. The service operates daily between 4:23 am and 11:30 pm.
A one-way ticket currently costs 30 dirhams (around €3), while a return ticket is available for 50 dirhams (around €5), making it excellent value for money.
One of the biggest advantages of the airport shuttle is its luggage storage, making it a practical choice if you’re travelling with large suitcases.
If I were on a budget this is the option I would go for.
Local Buses: The Cheapest but Least Convenient Option
If you’re travelling on a very tight budget, local buses are the cheapest way to get from Marrakech Airport to the city centre. However, they’re also the least comfortable and convenient option available.
Unlike the airport shuttle, the local bus stop isn’t located directly outside the terminal. To reach it, you’ll need to walk from the airport towards the main road leading into Marrakech.
After leaving the terminal, cross the airport car park and continue towards the road on the right-hand side. It can feel a little confusing if it’s your first time in Marrakech, but thankfully Google Maps makes it fairly easy to find.
Personally, this isn’t the option I would recommend, especially when the Route 19 shuttle bus offers a much easier and more straightforward journey into the city.
That said, if saving money is your top priority, the extra walk may be worth it. The fare for this short trip of just over 10 minutes costs no more than 4 dirhams (approximately €0.35), making it by far the cheapest transport option.
Several local bus routes stop close to Jemaa el-Fna Square, one of Marrakech’s main landmarks and an excellent starting point for exploring the Medina on foot.
Overall, local buses can be a reasonable choice if you’re travelling with light luggage, arriving during the daytime, and looking to keep costs to an absolute minimum. Otherwise, most travellers will probably find the shuttle bus or a taxi much more convenient.
Have you already booked your accommodation? If not, it’s worth spending a little time researching where to stay in Marrakech before making a reservation. The area you choose can have a big impact on your experience in Marrakech.
2. Taxi, A Comfortable and Convenient Way to Reach the City Centre
For many travellers, taking a taxi is the easiest way and most comfortable way to get from Marrakech Airport to the city centre, especially after a long flight.
The official taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal, making it easy to find as soon as you leave the airport building.
One thing that’s useful to know is that there are prepaid taxi counters located next to the arrivals exit. Here, you can pay for your journey before getting into the taxi, with fixed fares based on your destination.
These counters have been operating since 2023 and were introduced to eliminate the fare negotiations that Marrakech taxis were once famous for. After paying by cash or card, you’ll receive a receipt showing your assigned taxi number.
A journey to the Medina area typically costs between 100 dirhams and 150 dirhams (up to around €14). If you’re arriving late in the evening, keep in mind that night-time fares apply from 9:00 pm onwards, so prices may be slightly higher.
In Marrakech, as in the rest of Morocco, you’ll come across two different types of taxis: the Petit Taxi and the Grand Taxi.
The Petit Taxi is the standard city taxi. It can carry up to three passengers and is usually suitable if you’re travelling with just a small bag or hand luggage.
If you’re carrying larger suitcases or travelling with more people, a Grand Taxi is often the better choice. These larger vehicles can carry up to six passengers, although fares are generally higher.
It’s also worth remembering that taxis cannot enter much of the Medina, as many streets within the old city are pedestrian-only. Depending on where you’re staying, you may need to walk the final few minutes to your accommodation.
If you’re arriving at the airport, I strongly recommend using the official prepaid taxi counters. It’s the simplest way to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary discussions about the fare.
Elsewhere in Marrakech, taxis are supposed to use their meter, but in practice this doesn’t always happen. If the driver doesn’t switch it on, make sure you agree on a price before starting the journey and be prepared to negotiate if necessary.
Looking for ideas on what to do once you’ve arrived? Don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Marrakech, packed with attractions, local experiences, and must-see sights across the city.
3. Private Transfer, One of the Best Ways to Get from Marrakech Airport to the City Centre or Your Hotel
If you’re looking for the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and peace of mind, a private transfer is one of the best options available. Considering that prices start from just €15 – €16, it’s excellent value for money.
I particularly recommend this option if you’re arriving at night or staying somewhere inside the Medina.
Navigating the Medina for the first time can be surprisingly challenging. Its maze-like streets are easy to get lost in, and many accommodations are located along pedestrian-only streets, meaning regular vehicles often can’t get anywhere near the entrance.
One of the biggest advantages of booking a private transfer is that the driver will accompany you directly to the door of your accommodation. If you’ve never visited Marrakech before, this can save you a lot of time and confusion.
At around €15 – €16, the price is often comparable to what you might pay for a taxi (assuming you aren’t overcharged), but with the added benefit of a fixed fare and no need for bargaining or negotiating (that is specially the case when transfering from the city to the airport).
You’ll also appreciate being dropped off as close as possible to your accommodation. After a flight, dragging luggage through the busy streets of the Medina while trying to find your hotel is an experience most travellers are happy to avoid.
– Private transfers from Marrakech Airport to the city centre
4. Renting a Car
Renting a car can be a great option if you’re planning to take day trips from Marrakech independently or explore more of Morocco at your own pace.
At Terminal 1 of Marrakech Airport, you’ll find the desks of numerous car rental companies, making it easy to arrange a vehicle as soon as you arrive.
There are a few things worth keeping in mind before booking. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
In addition to a valid driving licence, you’ll usually need to present your passport, and the rental price will generally include the cost of mandatory insurance.
When it comes to driving itself, it’s fair to say that Moroccan roads can feel a little chaotic at times. Local drivers don’t always have the best reputation, and traffic conditions can be quite different from what many visitors are used to.
Extra caution is recommended when approaching roundabouts, and it’s best not to assume that other drivers will always respect the usual rules regarding right of way.
It’s also worth avoiding the narrow streets of the Medina by car whenever possible. Many of them are extremely tight, busy, and simply not designed for comfortable driving.
You can book your rental vehicle directly through the websites of the various companies operating at the airport or use one of the many car rental comparison websites available online to quickly find the best deals.