Visiting Marrakech is a unique experience, with its colorful souks, enchanting riads and captivating atmosphere. However, to fully enjoy your stay, it is essential to know how to get around the city. Taxis are one of the most common and convenient ways to get around Marrakech. Here is a complete guide to answer all your questions about taxis for your Marrakech vacation.
The different taxis in Morocco and Marrakech: recognizing official taxis
Are taxis safe in Marrakech?
How to book a taxi in Marrakech?
What are the current taxi prices in Marrakech? 🔎Taxis's airport price in Marrakech
Do taxis accept credit cards in Marrakech?
Can we negotiate the price of the race?
Are taxis available at all hours?
Are there alternatives to taxis in Marrakech?
What to do in the event of a problem or dispute with a taxi driver?
Common Taxi Scams in Marrakech and How to Avoid Them?
1. The different taxis in Morocco and Marrakech: recognizing 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.
Small taxis:
Petit taxis are easily recognizable. If you are on holiday in Marrakech, you will find yellow taxis, while in Casablanca the taxis will be red and in Agadir they will be orange.
These taxis, often compact cars like Dacia Logans , are designed to operate only within city limits . They can only carry three passengers at a time and operate on a meter , ensuring regulated fares. Small taxis are ideal for short trips around the city, such as going from one neighborhood to another or to a tourist attraction. 👉🏻 Make sure the taxi you take is equipped with a meter to avoid surprises when paying.
Large taxis:
Grand taxis, on the other hand, are larger vehicles, usually Dacia Lodgys , and are used for longer journeys, such as transfers between cities or trips to rural areas . In Marrakech, they are often white, but as with petit taxis, their color can vary from city to city. Grand taxis can carry up to six passengers . Unlike petit taxis, don't be surprised if you don't find a meter, the price is not set per kilometer, but per destination . This means that the fare must be negotiated before departure, especially for intercity trips. Fares are usually labeled on the windshield of the vehicles.
2. Are taxis safe in Marrakech?
Marrakech is a popular tourist destination, and taxis are generally safe . To ensure you are taking a licensed taxi, check if it has a license number displayed on the car. Licensed taxis are also equipped with meters. However, as in any large city, it is advisable to remain vigilant and follow a few common sense rules, such as avoiding getting into an unmarked taxi.
In Morocco, it is common to share a taxi with other passengers, a practice that may surprise foreign visitors. In fact, it is not uncommon for a taxi driver to stop along the way to pick up other pedestrians, even if you are already in the car. This habit is particularly common with small taxis, especially during rush hour or in areas where taxis are in high demand. Although this practice may seem unusual, it is widely accepted and part of everyday life in Morocco. If you prefer to travel alone, it is possible to ask the driver not to pick up other passengers, but this may involve refusal, especially if the request is made during the journey.
3. How to call a taxi in Marrakech?
It is easy to hail a petit taxi on the street, especially in tourist areas like the Medina or Guéliz. Petit taxis are everywhere in the city, and you just have to raise your hand to call one. If you prefer to plan ahead, you can ask your hotel or a restaurant to call a taxi for you. There are also mobile apps like "Roby" that allow you to book a taxi. If you do not have an internet connection during your stay in Marrakech, do not hesitate to discover our Pockets Wifi for an unlimited and economical internet solution.
In tourist cities like Marrakech, it is not uncommon for taxis to slow down on their own and honk their horns to get your attention and indicate their availability. In short, taxis are very responsive to the presence of tourists , and you will generally have no trouble finding one for your trips.
👉🏻 Many taxi drivers in Marrakech speak some English, especially those who regularly work with tourists. However, the main language is Moroccan Arabic (Darija), and French is also widely spoken. If you have difficulty communicating, it may be useful to show your destination directly on a navigation application. It is also common for the taxi driver to ask you to load the route onto your phone yourself if he does not know the address. This practice is generally widespread for finding your accommodation. Alternatively, you can ask your taxi driver to call your hotel directly. The reception service will take care of explaining the route to your driver and this will facilitate your exchanges.
4. What are the taxi prices in Marrakech?
Taxis in Marrakech are relatively affordable , especially by European standards. Petit taxis operate on a meter, with a starting fare of around 7 MAD during the day and 10 MAD at night. Make sure the driver starts the meter as soon as the ride begins. Grand taxis, on the other hand, do not use a meter, and the price should be negotiated before starting the ride. For example, a grand taxi ride from the city center to the palm grove typically costs between 100 and 150 MAD.
It is not mandatory to tip taxi drivers in Marrakech, but it is common to leave a few dirhams as a token of appreciation, especially if the service was good or if the driver helped you with your luggage. A tip of 5 to 10 MAD is usually sufficient.
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 " 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 (less than 3kms) at 100 dirhams (€10),
Zone 2 (3 to 5 kilometres) at 110 dirhams (€11),
Zone 3 (5 to 7 kilometres) 120 dirhams (€12),
Zone 4 (7 to 9 kilometres): 130 dirhams (€13),
Zone 5 (9 to 11 kilometres) at 140 dirhams (€14),
Zone 6 (11 to 13 kilometres) 150 dirhams (€15),
Zone 7 (13 to 15 kilometres) 160 dirhams (€16).
For your return to the airport from districts such as Guéliz or the souk, there is no ticket pre-sale counter. However, the rates remain the same as those applied at the airport for small taxis, with a capacity of three people.
👉🏻 Editor's Tip: 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 . Credit cards are not widely accepted, so make sure you have enough dirhams on you to pay for your ride. 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. However, this depends on the driver, and the exchange rate applied can vary. It is therefore crucial to specify before getting into the taxi if you wish to pay in euros, in order to ensure that the driver accepts this currency and to agree on the exact amount to be paid. This will avoid any misunderstanding or dispute at the end of the journey. In general, it is always recommended to have dirhams on you to facilitate payments.
6. Can the price of the ride be negotiated?
With small taxis, there is no need to negotiate if the meter is used . However, for large taxis or for specific trips (such as in the city center), it is common to negotiate the price before getting in. Make sure to agree on a price with the driver to avoid any misunderstandings upon arrival.
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. Are there alternatives to taxis in Marrakech?
In addition to taxis, Marrakech offers several alternatives for getting around. You can opt for public transportation that serves the entire city. Apps like Uber are not available, but there are similar services like " inDrive ". Unlike traditional transportation apps like Uber or Lyft, inDrive works on a unique model where passengers and drivers directly negotiate the price of the ride. After entering your destination into the app, you offer a fare, and nearby drivers can either accept or make a counter-offer.
inDrive is especially useful in a tourist city like Marrakech, where taxi prices can sometimes be subject to negotiation. The app allows you to know the approximate cost of the trip in advance, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or unexpected surcharges. In short, inDrive offers a modern and transparent alternative for getting around Marrakech, especially if you prefer to avoid in-person negotiations with taxi drivers.
9. What to do in the event of a problem or dispute with a taxi driver?
If you have a problem or dispute with a taxi driver, it is recommended to note the taxi's license number and report the incident to the tourist police , which is present in areas frequented by tourists. The Tourism Brigade is a special unit of the Moroccan police dedicated to the protection and assistance of tourists in Marrakech. The telephone number to contact the Tourism Brigade in Marrakech is +212 (0) 524 38 46 01. It is always advisable to have this number handy when traveling, especially if you plan to use taxis frequently in the city. If you have a problem or dispute, do not hesitate to call this number to get help and resolve the situation quickly.
You can also ask your hotel or a local for help. If you forget an item in a taxi, contact your hotel promptly to see if they can help you retrieve it.
10. Common Taxi Scams in Marrakech and How to Avoid Them
In Marrakech, as in many major tourist cities, taxi scams can sometimes occur.
One of the most common scams is the extended route to increase the price. Some unscrupulous taxi drivers may choose longer routes than necessary to inflate the fare. This can include detours, unsolicited stops or avoiding more direct routes.
To avoid this kind of problem and ensure that you only pay for the journey you actually made, it is advisable to follow the route in real time using a navigation application on your smartphone. 👉🏻 If you don't have an internet connection for your holidays in Marrakech, discover our Pocket wifi with unlimited connection for the whole family on our page.
If you suspect that the driver is taking a longer route or trying to increase the bill, you can use the app to report it and discuss the situation with the driver. This vigilance will not only help you avoid unjustified additional charges, but also feel safer during your travels.
Surcharges in tourist areas: Avoid taxis in front of hotels or tourist sites, as the price of the same trip could double or even triple. Instead, move a few meters towards a busier road and flag down a passing taxi.
No meter: The driver is required to turn on the meter. You will probably find drivers telling you that the meter is not working. In this case, you have two options: start a discussion with the driver to remind him that he is at fault and that you would be within your rights to call the tourist brigade (by calling +212 (0) 524 38 46 01). Or you can simply ask to get out of the taxi and wait for a more cooperative driver.
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