How to Get Around Marrakech (Transport & Tips)

Quick Summary

• Medina: Walk. No cars allowed in most parts.
• City Travel: Petit Taxis (Yellow). Always use the meter.
• Airport: Pre-book a transfer or take the airport bus (Line 19).
• Apps: Uber exists (sort of) but Careem and Roby are better apps here.
• Scams: Refusing the meter is the #1 tourist trap.

Introduction

Getting around is part of the adventure.

Getting around Marrakech is an adventure in itself. The city is divided into two distinct zones with different transport rules: the pedestrian-only Medina (Old City) and the drivable Guéliz (New City). Mastering the art of the "Petit Taxi" and knowing when to walk will save you money and headaches. Here is your practical guide to transport in the Red City.

1. Walking: The King of the Medina

In the Medina, walking is often your only option.

If you are staying in the Medina, you will be walking.

• Pros: You see everything. It's free.
• Cons: Motorbikes zoom past you in narrow alleys.
• Tip: Walk on the right side. Listen for the beep of scooters.

2. Petit Taxis (The Yellow Ones)

Petit Taxis are affordable and convenient if they use the meter.

These are for travel inside the city limits.

• The Rule: By law, they must use the meter ("Compteur").
• The Reality: Many drivers refuse to use it for tourists.
• The Fix: Hail a moving taxi (don't take one parked in front of a hotel). Ask "Compteur?" before getting in. If they say no, say "Merci" and find another.
• Cost: A ride within the city should rarely cost more than 20-30 Dirhams on the meter.

3. Grand Taxis (The Big Ones)

These are shared taxis for travel outside the city (e.g., to the Atlas Mountains).

• How it works: You pay for a seat, or you buy all 6 seats to have the car to yourself. Prices are fixed for popular routes.

4. Bus & Airport Transfer

• Airport Bus (Line 19): Reliable, clean, and cheap (30 DH round trip). It stops at Jemaa el-Fna and major hotels.
• Private Transfer: Highly recommended for your arrival. Finding your Riad in the Medina maze at night with luggage is stressful. Pay the 15-20€ for a driver to meet you.

5. Calèches (Horse Carriages)

Calèches offer a scenic, albeit slower, way to see the city walls.

• Purpose: Sightseeing, not efficient transport.
• Route: Usually around the city walls or to the gardens.
• Price: Negotiate hard. Agree on the price for the entire trip, not per person.

6. Transport Apps

• Careem: The Uber of the Middle East. It works well in Marrakech. You get a fixed price and no haggling.
• Roby: Another reliable taxi app.
• Heetch: Also available.

Insider Tips

• Small Change: Taxi drivers rarely have change for a 100 or 200 DH note. Keep 10 and 20 DH coins/notes for transport.
• Night Rates: Taxi meters increase by 50% after 8 PM. This is legal and normal.

Conclusion

Transport in Marrakech is cheap if you play by the rules. Walking is the best way to soak up the atmosphere, and for longer distances, the humble Petit Taxi is your best friend—as long as that meter is running.