Transports In Marrakech
In Marrakech, there are many means of traveling inside the city and outside, whether for work or leisure. Each of these has its own characteristics and is somehow different from the others. In this article, you will find an overview of the transportation network in Marrakech.
How to get around Marrakech
Walking
If you are to enjoy the city's hidden treasures, you need to think about walking. Many means of transportation do not reach the city's alleys. Besides, walking around is beneficial for maintaining good health.
During your walk through Marrakech, you should keep in mind some traffic rules to ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
- Stick to the right-hand side of the road
- Always give priority to two-wheeled vehicles.
- If you hear someone shouting balak (attention) in the background, it is advisable to move to the far side of the road and allow them to pass.
Local buses in Marrakech
Local buses in Marrakech are numerous and very affordable. A ticket typically costs about 4 Dhs. They have stops in most areas of the 'Red City'. Besides, most of them have a stop in front of Foucault Square near Jamaa el Fna. Other than that, local buses carrying numbers 1, 3 and 8 are the most useful to get to the bus station, the railway station and to Gueliz, the center of the new city.
You will also find ALSA buses, an excellent example of urban buses. ALSA buses have five stations, including the airport. A one-way ticket costs only 30 Dhs, and a two-way ticket costs 50 Dhs.
Taxis in Marrakech
Like all Moroccan cities, Marrakech has two main types of taxis, namely the 'big taxi' and the 'small taxi'. There are two types of 'big taxis' - old Mercedes and Kangoo. A 'big taxi' has a fixed number of seats, which is six seats. The price for one seat is normally displayed on the taxi's windshield, usually about 5 Dhs inside the city. A 'small taxi' can carry up to three passengers. Most of the small taxis are equipped with a taximeter. The fare typically starts at about 1.8 Dhs during the day and 2.7 Dhs at night. The lowest charge is 7 Dhs.
Other than that, you will also find the 'green taxi' (taxi vert). To book a green taxi, you simply have to call '05 24 40 94 94'. The fare usually starts at 15 Dhs during the day and at 20 Dhs at night.
Horse-drawn carriages in Marrakech
Horse-drawn carriages (or 'les Calèches') are beautiful, unique means of transportation in Marrakech. They are usually found in front of big hotels, on the Jamaa el Fna Square, Bab Doukkala and other places. A trip usually costs around 80 Dhs per hour, but it is essential to negotiate the price before getting into one of them.
Good to know:
The main stop for horse-drawn carriages is found in Foucauld square, but they operate everywhere else in the city.
Bike and car rental in Marrakech
In Marrakech, you can also rent a car, a motorcycle or a bike. You can rent a car at any car rental company for around 200 Dhs per day, depending on the car type. Renting a motorcycle or a bike is much cheaper, between 80 Dhs and 120 Dhs per day.
Tuk-tuk in Marrakech
The Tuk-tuk originates from Asia. These traditional modes of transportation are only available inside Medina. An hour tour in a Tuk-tuk could cost between 70 Dhs and 100 Dhs, depending on the client's negotiation with the driver.
Traveling outside Marrakech
Taxi
The 'big taxi' is the only taxi that can go outside Marrakech. For a 15 km to 20 km trip, for example, count around 120 Dhs.
Train
The train (or ONCF) is an excellent way to travel from Marrakech to another Moroccan city. The train station is located in the city center, at the intersection of Hassan II Avenue and Mohammed VI Avenue. The costs of trips vary according to different destinations.
The national bus
There is a wide network of national buses in Morocco. CTM buses, for example, are made for anyone who seeks a luxurious trip outside the city. These buses are clean and safe and are equipped with tablets so that travelers do not get bored. There are three CTM agencies in Marrakech - one inside the train station, one in Gueliz, and another one at Général Ameziane Street.
Tourist buses
There are many companies and agencies that offer tourist buses for outside trips. These buses are targeted only at tourists. 'Supratours' company, for example, offers super comfortable and well-equipped buses. A trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, for example, costs only 50 Dhs with Supratours. 'Amloul Transport' is another agency that offers nice minibusses for outside excursions.
Good to know:
For disabled people, it is better to choose a local bus inside the city and a CTM/Train outside the city.
