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 into the Ville Nouvelle, consider taking a calèche (horse-drawn carriage). Upon arriving at Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK), located about two and a half miles southwest of the city center, you can either take a taxi or the ALSA public bus. Many hotels also offer airport shuttle services.
| On Foot | Getting around Marrakech on foot is relatively easy. Most of the must-see sights can be found inside the walls of the Medina, and the fancy restaurants and thumping nightlife of the Ville Nouvelle is nearby along Avenue Mohammed V. However, you may want to consider hiring a guide, as the Medina's winding alleyways can be tricky to navigate. While you'll find many locals in Djemaa el Fna offering to show you around, we recommend booking a more reputable guide through your hotel. 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 |
There are public bus services in Marrakech, but there is no set schedule or route map. We recommend relying on the Marrakech Bus Touristique instead. Operated by Alsa, the Marrakech Bus Touristique was designed with visitors in mind: They can get you to and from the airport, and they'll also carry you to Marrakech's primary attractions. You can purchase tickets valid for 24 hours or 48 hours. Day passes cost 145 MAD (roughly $17 USD) for adults, and 48-hour passes cost 45 MAD (about $5 USD) more. Discounts are available for children. |
| Calèche | You'll spot these green horse-drawn carriages everywhere in the city, although you're more likely to find an available one at Djemaa el Fna or the Koutoubia Mosque. Not only are calèches fun to ride, but they can also fit more people (up to six at a time) and generally cost less than taxis. Most of the routes have fixed prices: For example, it'll cost around 50 MAD ($6 USD) traveling from Djemaa el Fna to the Guéliz neighborhood in Ville Nouvelle. You can also hire calèches by the hour for roughly 100 MAD ($12 USD), but make sure to double check your driver's rates. 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 | There are two types of taxis in Marrakech: Petits taxis and grands taxis. Petits taxis are fairly small and calculate your fare using a meter (most of the time). Grands taxis are 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 200 MAD (around $24 USD). Also, avoid spending more than you anticipated by ensuring your driver knows exactly where you're headed. Some drivers will deliberately take you to the wrong hotel because they're on commission (the hotel hopes that you'll stay there instead), while others will simply misunderstand you. To avoid confusion, clearly write down the name and address of your destination on a piece of paper. |
Entry & Exit Requirements
You will need a valid passport in order to enter Morocco, and you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. While in Marrakech, carry a photocopy of your passport (leave the real one in a secure location) in case local officials stop you to check your ID. To learn more, visit the U.S. State Department's website.
Plan Your Trip to Marrakech
