TL;DR (quick facts)
- Best overall: Pre-booked private transfer — fixed price, meet-&-greet, 24/7.
- Taxi: Fast, but agree fare first (expect ~100–200 MAD).
- Bus Line 19: Cheapest (30 MAD one-way), slower; stops at Jemaâ el-Fna & Gueliz.
- Distance/time: ~6–9 km; 15–25 min by car, traffic depending.
Why the right transfer matters
After a flight, queues and haggling are the last things you want. Choosing your transfer in advance means no surprises on price, name-board pickup at arrivals, and a smooth drop-off at your riad/hotel (many medina streets are pedestrian). For first-timers, this is the single change that turns arrival from stressful to effortless.
Transfer options (with prices & who they’re best for)
| Option | Time | Typical Price (2025) | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer (pre-booked) | 15–25 min | ~€15–€25 per car | Comfort, late flights, families | Fixed fare, meet-&-greet, 24/7 |
| Licensed Airport Taxi | 15–25 min | ~100–200 MAD | Budget but fast | Agree price before departure |
| Airport Bus – Line 19 | 30–45 min | 30 MAD one-way | Lowest cost | Stops at key hubs; luggage space limited |
| Hotel/Riad Pickup | 20–40 min | Varies | Convenience | Often pricier than booking direct |
Sources
Typical distance & time; Bus 19 existence/price; taxi cost ranges.
Option 1 — Private airport transfer (stress-free pick-up)
- Driver waits inside arrivals with your name
- Fixed price (no haggling), modern A/C vehicles
- Direct drop-off as close as possible to riads inside the medina
- Great for late-night arrivals and families with luggage
👉 Book in 60 seconds:
Option 2 — Licensed airport taxis (read this before you ride)
- Expect ~100–200 MAD depending on time of day/traffic/negotiation.
- Agree the fare before getting in; meters are uncommon from the airport.
- Keep small MAD notes; many taxis don’t take cards.
Tip:
If your riad is inside a pedestrian zone, ask the driver to drop at the nearest gate and call your host for a porter.
Option 3 — Airport Bus Line 19 (budget choice)
- 30 MAD one-way (or 50 MAD return); ~30–45 min to center
- Serves Jemaâ el-Fna, Gueliz, Train Station; good if your hotel is near a stop
- Light on luggage capacity; expect a short walk at the end
- Check live route/times before you go.
Option 4 — Hotel/riad pickup
- Super convenient if included in your room rate
- If priced high, compare with a direct private transfer (often cheaper)
Practical tips (save time & money)
- Pin your hotel entrance in Maps (medina lanes can be tricky).
- Message your flight number to the driver for delay tracking.
- For late arrivals (after 22:00), pre-book to avoid queues.
- Popular rideshare apps (Uber/Careem) don’t operate in Marrakech and s of Aug 2025 — plan on taxi or private transfer.
Suggested arrival plan (first 3 hours)
- Clear immigration & ATM for MAD cash.
- Meet your driver at arrivals (or head to taxi rank/bus stop).
- Check in, then take a sunset stroll to Jemaâ el-Fna and book tomorrow’s day trip.
FAQs — Marrakech airport transfers (concise answers)
How far is Marrakech Menara (RAK) from the center?
Roughly 6–9 km; travel time 15–25 minutes by car outside peak traffic.
How much is a taxi from the airport to the medina?
Plan on ~100–200 MAD depending on negotiation and time of day.
Is there a cheap bus from the airport?
Yes, ALSA Line 19 to Jemaâ el-Fna/Gueliz; 30 MAD one-way.
Do taxis take cards or euros?
Mostly cash in MAD. Some accept euros at poor rates; better to withdraw MAD.
Is Uber available in Marrakech?
Those providers are illegal on Morocco; use taxis or pre-booked transfer.
