10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TAXIS IN MARRAKECH

citylockma
Aug 18, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Jul 13

Visiting Marrakech is a unique experience. However, to make the most of your stay, it’s essential to understand how to get around the city. Taxis are one of the most common and convenient ways to travel in Marrakech.

But how can you recognize official taxis? What are the typical taxi fares? What common scams should you watch out for—and how can you avoid them?

All your questions answered right here!

RECOGNIZE OFFICIAL TAXIS
ARE TAXIS SAFE IN MARRAKECH ?
HOW TO BOOK A TAXI IN MARRAKECH ?
WHAT ARE THE TAXI PRICES IN MARRAKECH ?
DO TAXIS ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS ?
CAN WE NEGOCIATE THE PRICE OF TE RACE ?
ARE TAXIS AVAILABLE AT ALL HOURS ?
TAXIS ALTERNATIVE IN MARRAKECH ?
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF PROBLEM ?
COMMON TAXI SCAMS IN MARRAKECH ?

1. DIFFERENT TAXIS IN MARRAKECH : RECOGNIZE OFFICIAL TAXIS

In Marrakech, as in other cities in Morocco, taxis are divided into two main categories: petit taxis and grand taxis, each with distinct characteristics and uses.

🚕 "PETIT TAXI"

Petit taxis are easy to recognize. In Marrakech, they are yellow; in Casablanca, they’re red; and in Agadir, they’re orange.

They can carry up to 3 passengers and are equipped with a meter, ensuring regulated fares. They are only allowed to operate within city limits.

📌 Make sure the taxi you take has a working meter to avoid surprises when it’s time to pay.

🚖 "GRAND TAXIS"

Grand taxis are larger vehicles, typically Dacia Lodgys, used for longer journeys, such as intercity transfers or trips to rural areas.

Grand taxis can carry up to six passengers. Unlike petit taxis, you won’t usually find a meter—fares are based on the destination, not distance.

📌 Always agree on the fare before departure, especially for intercity trips. Rates are often displayed on the vehicle’s windshield.

2. ARE TAXIS SAFE IN MARRAKECH ?

Marrakech is a popular tourist destination, and taxis are generally safe. Before getting in, make sure to check the license number displayed on the car and ensure the driver turns on the meter.

📌 In Morocco, it’s not uncommon for a taxi driver to stop along the way to pick up other passengers, even if you’re already in the car. While this may seem unusual, it’s widely accepted and part of everyday life in Morocco.

3. HOW TO CALL A TAXI IN MARRAKECH ?

Taxis are everywhere in the city, and you just need to raise your hand to hail one. They’re very responsive to tourists, and it’s common for taxis to slow down or honk to catch your attention.

There are also mobile apps like “Roby” that allow you to book a taxi—though this requires you to have an internet connection.

Many taxi drivers in Marrakech speak French. If you have trouble communicating, it can be helpful to show your destination directly on a navigation app.

You can also ask your taxi driver to call your hotel directly. The reception staff will explain the route to the driver, which will make things easier for you.

4. WHAT ARE THE TAXI PRICE IN MARRKAECH ?

Getting around Marrakech by taxi is an affordable option… as long as you make sure the meter is running.

For rides in “petits taxis”, the base fare is 7 MAD (around €0.60), then between 2 and 6 MAD per kilometer (€0.20 to €0.60).

“Grands taxis” offer variable fares depending on the destination—for example, a trip from the city center to the Palmeraie costs around 100 to 150 MAD (€10 to €15). The price should be negotiated before the ride begins.

📌 Key takeaway:

Petit taxi = Make sure the meter is on

Grand taxi = Negotiate the price before getting in

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A TAXI FROM MARRAKECH AIRPORT ?

At Marrakech Airport, the taxi stand is located directly on the right as you exit the terminal. It is identifiable by its yellow and black colours and bears the sign " TAXI BOOKING kech.cab ". At the stand, you can enter your destination and pay in cash or by card, according to the fixed rate established for your destination.

📌 Taxi fares at Marrakech airport are calculated by zone. These zones are divided according to distance:

Zone 1 : M'Hamid, Prestigia. (- 3kms) 100 dirhams (€10)

Zone 2 : Gueliz & Hivernage (3 to 5 kilometres) at 110 dirhams (€11)

Zone 3 : Gueliz, Hivernage, Jemaa el Fna

(5 to 7 kilometres) 120 dirhams (€12)

Zone 4 : Medina (7 to 9kms) 130 dirhams (€13)

Zone 5 : Entrance Palmeraie (9 to 511kilometres) at 140 dirhams (€14)

Zone 6 : Palmeraie

(11 to 13 kilometres) 150 dirhams (€15)

📌 If you want to take a taxi from Marrakech airport to the city center, you can easily walk to the main road and stop a taxi. The metered fare will be applied, saving you up to 80% of the cost of your trip.

5. DO TAXIS ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS IN MARRAKECH ?

Most taxis in Marrakech are cash only . If you need to withdraw money, there are many ATMs around the city, so be sure to tell the driver that you don't have cash. They may stop at a counter.

In Marrakech, it is sometimes possible to pay for your taxi ride in euros, as some drivers accept them. In general, it is always recommended to have dirhams on you to facilitate payments.

6. CAN THE PRICE OF THE RIDE BE NEGOCIATED ?

With petit taxis, there’s no need to negotiate as long as the meter is used.

However, for grand taxis or specific trips (such as to the city center), it’s common to agree on the price before getting in.

7. ARE TAXIS AVAILABLE AT ALL HOURS ?

Taxis are available 24 hours a day in Marrakech, but they can be harder to find late at night, especially in less crowded areas. If you need to travel late, it's best to book a taxi in advance or ask your hotel to do it for you.

8. ALTERNATIVES TO TAXIS IN MARRAKECH ?

TAKING THE BUS

ALSA Bus: For getting around the city. You can also take ALSA Bus 19 to travel between the city center and the airport.

A shuttle runs every 30 minutes and costs 30 MAD (€3) per person, or 50 MAD (€5) for a round-trip ticket valid for two weeks.

SUPRATOURS Bus: For intercity travel.

RIDE-HAILING APPS

Ride-hailing apps are making their way into Morocco: Indrive, Heetch, and Careem offer affordable transportation options.

However, they are not yet fully legalized, and drivers can face penalties for using them.

For passengers, the risk of being fined is very low, but there may be issues in case of an accident, as the services operate in a legal grey area.

📌 If you choose to use these apps, be cautious:

Avoid using them late at night
Prefer booking official taxis via apps like Indrive
Make sure you have a reliable and unlimited internet connection to track your trip in real time and make calls if needed.

9. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF PROBLEM WITH A TAXI DRIVER ?

If you experience a problem or dispute with a taxi driver, be sure to note the taxi’s license number and report the incident to the Tourist Police, a special unit of the Moroccan police dedicated to assisting and protecting tourists in Marrakech.

📌 Tourist Police in Marrakech: +212 (0) 524 38 46 01

10. COMMON TAXI SCAMS IN MARRAKECH HOW TO AVOID THEM

In Marrakech, as in many major tourist cities, taxi scams can sometimes occur:

UNNECESSARILY LONG ROUTES

One of the most common scams is taking longer routes to increase the fare.

✅ To avoid this issue and ensure you only pay for the actual distance traveled, it’s recommended to follow the route in real time using a navigation app on your smartphone. Don’t forget your Pocket WiFi!

TOURIST AREA SURCHARGES

Avoid taxis parked in front of well-known hotels or tourist spots, as the fare for the same ride could double or even triple!

✅ Walk a few meters to a busier street and flag down a passing taxi instead.

NO METER RUNNING

The driver is required to activate the meter. However, you may come across drivers claiming that the meter is not working.

In this case, you have two options:

Engage in a discussion with the driver, reminding them that they are in the wrong and that you are within your rights to contact the Tourist Police (by calling +212 (0) 524 38 46 01).
Simply ask to get out of the taxi and wait for a more cooperative driver.