Marrakech Airport → Medina: how to get to your riad

Good news: Marrakech-Menara Airport is very close to the city. It is about 6 km from Jemaa el-Fna Square, which is a 15- to 25-minute drive depending on traffic. The real challenge isn’t the distance, but the final stretch of the journey: most riads are located in the narrow streets of the medina, where cars can’t go. Here’s how to get to your riad from Marrakech Airport without any stress.

Before you set off: three things to prepare

• The exact address and meeting point of the riad. In the medina, addresses are hard to find. Once you’ve booked via Riadway, the riad will send you directions: the nearest gate (bab) or car park, followed by the walking route. Save these to your phone so you can access them offline.
• Your arrival time. Let the riad know via the messaging system in your booking, especially if you’re arriving late: someone can be there to meet you at the drop-off point.
• A few dirhams in small notes. Dirhams can generally only be bought in Morocco. There are cash machines in the arrivals hall: withdraw enough to pay for the taxi or bus, and a tip.

Option 1: a transfer organised by your riad (the simplest option)

This is the most convenient option, especially for first-time visitors or if you’re arriving at night. A driver will be waiting for you at the exit with a sign bearing your name, will drive you to the door closest to the riad, and often someone from the riad will then accompany you on foot with your luggage.

• Approximate price: often €15 to €25 per vehicle, depending on the riad and the time of day.
• How to book: ask the riad via the Riadway messaging service, providing your flight number.
• Advantage: price known in advance, no haggling, and no one gets lost in the narrow streets.

Option 2: a taxi outside the airport

The large beige taxis wait at the taxi rank, in front of the arrivals hall. They do not have meters for this journey: agree on the price before getting in.

• Approximate price: around 100 dirhams during the day to the medina, more in the evening (often with a surcharge after 8 pm). Reference fares are sometimes displayed at the taxi rank.
• Payment: in cash, in dirhams. Have the exact change ready.
• Tip: give the driver the name of the gate or drop-off point specified by your riad (for example, ‘Bab Doukkala’ or ‘Kasbah car park’), rather than the riad’s address, which taxis cannot reach.

Option 3: Bus 19 (the cheapest option)

Bus route 19 runs from the airport to the city centre, stopping near Jemaa el-Fna Square and passing through Guéliz and Bab Doukkala.

• Approximate fare: around 30 dirhams one way, 50 dirhams return (check on arrival).
• Timetable: generally from 6.00 am to around 11.30 pm, with services every 20 to 30 minutes.
• Payment: in cash, to the driver.
• Please note: there is limited space for luggage, and you’ll then need to walk to your riad. This is a good option if you’re travelling light and during the day.

What about ride-hailing apps?

Uber doesn’t operate in Marrakech. Other ride-hailing apps do exist, but their availability at the airport is irregular: don’t rely solely on them, especially in the evening.

The final stretch: from the medina gate to your riad

Cars cannot drive through most of the medina’s narrow streets. Your taxi or driver will therefore drop you off at a gate or a car park, and the rest of the journey is on foot, sometimes taking 5 to 15 minutes depending on the riad’s location.

• The safest option: ask the riad to come and collect you from the drop-off point. This is common practice and often free of charge.
• Porters: near the gates, porters with small carts will offer to carry your suitcases to the riad. Agree on the price beforehand; it’s usually a few dozen dirhams depending on the distance.
• Be wary of ‘guides’ who claim your riad is closed or that the street is blocked: follow the riad’s map or wait for the person they send.

Which neighbourhood is most convenient from the airport?

The airport is situated to the south-west of the city. The riads in the Kasbah are among the quickest to reach, and taxis can get close to them easily. Bab Doukkala and Riad Zitoun also have convenient access by car. Mouassine, in the heart of the souks, generally requires a slightly longer walk.

Our tips at a glance

• Arriving during the day, travelling light: bus 19, then a few minutes’ walk.
• Arriving at night, with your family or with lots of luggage: transfer organised by the riad.
• In between: a taxi at a price agreed in advance, right to the door specified by the riad.
• In all cases: let the riad know your arrival time and keep their map handy.

The prices shown are approximate figures recorded at the end of 2026: they may change, so please check them when you arrive. To plan the rest of your stay, also read How to find your riad in the medina and Where to eat in Marrakech.

Find your riad in Marrakech and book with a simple online deposit; the balance is payable directly at the riad.