Menara Airport (RAK) is unusually close to central Marrakech — only about 5–6 km from the medina — which makes the transfer one of the shortest and simplest of any major city airport. Even so, it is worth knowing your options, since the short distance does not always mean a short journey once traffic and the layout of the old city are factored in.
Bus number 19: the budget option
The number 19 bus is a dedicated airport line run by the local transport operator, connecting Menara Airport to Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square bordering the medina), Gueliz (the modern town centre) and the main train station. It is air-conditioned, reasonably comfortable, and by far the cheapest way into town. Buses run at regular intervals throughout the day, and the journey takes roughly 20–30 minutes depending on the stop and traffic.
Tickets are bought on board or at a small booth near the stop outside arrivals, and the fare is low enough that cost is rarely a deciding factor — the main trade-off is that you will likely need to walk a short distance from the nearest stop to your riad or hotel, since much of the medina is only accessible on foot.
Petit taxi: the classic way into town
Marrakech's small, government-regulated petit taxis (usually beige-coloured, licensed for up to three passengers) are a common and practical way to reach the medina or Gueliz from the airport. Officially, petit taxis should use the meter or a fixed, posted fare for the airport route — in practice, agreeing the price before you get in is standard practice and avoids any dispute on arrival. Journey time is typically 15–20 minutes to the edge of the medina, where you will usually need to continue on foot, since cars cannot enter most of the old city's narrow lanes.
App-based cabs
Ride-hailing apps operate in Marrakech with varying degrees of local pickup availability at the airport compared with petit taxis; where available, they offer the same advantage as elsewhere — a fixed price agreed before you travel, and no need to negotiate. If your app of choice is active in Marrakech, it is a straightforward and transparent alternative to a petit taxi, though petit taxis remain the more universally available option right outside arrivals.
Riad and hotel transfers
Because much of the medina is inaccessible by car, many riads offer a pre-arranged transfer that includes someone meeting you at the airport (or a nearby drop-off point) to guide you on foot through the lanes to your door — genuinely useful on a first visit, since the medina's alleys are famously easy to get lost in and street names are not always obvious. This service is often included or offered cheaply by riads precisely because independent arrival is so much harder in the old city than in a conventional street-addressed neighbourhood.
Choosing between the options
If your accommodation is in Gueliz or another car-accessible part of the new town, a petit taxi or app-based cab will take you close to the door. If you are staying in a riad in the medina, arranging a pickup or transfer through your accommodation is by far the easiest option — it avoids arriving at a random medina gate and trying to navigate on foot with luggage and no local guide. The number 19 bus is worth using if you are travelling light, on a tight budget, and comfortable with a short walk at the end.
Practical tips for arriving at Menara
- If staying in the medina, message your riad your flight details in advance — many will arrange or recommend a meeting point near the nearest accessible gate.
- Keep some Moroccan dirhams on hand, as small transport costs are usually paid in cash rather than by card.
- The airport is small enough that queues for taxis rarely take long, even at busy periods.
- If your next stop is Fes or Casablanca, note that both are usually reached overland by train or bus from Marrakech's main station, or from Gueliz coach stops, rather than directly from the airport.
If you are continuing your trip from Marrakech, see our guides to travelling from Marrakech to Fes and the Marrakech to Casablanca route, or our overland guide from London to Marrakech overland if you are approaching by train and ferry. For entry requirements, see our overview of entry requirements for Africa.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way from Marrakech Airport to the medina?
The number 19 bus is the cheapest option, running from the airport to Jemaa el-Fnaa and Gueliz in around 20–30 minutes. You will likely need to walk a short distance from the nearest stop into the medina itself.
How much does a petit taxi cost from the airport?
Fares are modest for the short journey, but it is best to agree the price with the driver before setting off, since the meter is not always used for airport pickups. Ask your riad for a typical current rate if you want a benchmark.
Can a taxi drive into the medina?
No, most of the medina's lanes are too narrow for cars. Taxis will drop you at the nearest accessible gate or square, from which point you will need to walk, ideally with directions from your riad or a local guide meeting you.
Should I arrange an airport transfer through my riad?
It is a good idea, especially on a first visit. Many riads offer an inexpensive pickup service that includes someone meeting you to guide you through the medina's lanes, which is far easier than navigating alone with luggage.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Menara Airport (Office National Des Aéroports) official site.
- Bus route and fares: local Marrakech transport operator, line 19.