OZU /MOROCCO /MARRAKECH /GUIDE
Marrakech airport to the medina
1 h route2 stopsBest: The 19 bus leaves from outside arrivals every half hourUpdated July 2026
Six kilometres to the medina: this trip is short and cheap by definition. There are two ways out of Menara: the 19 bus, which loops to Jemaa el-Fna, and the taxi.
The only real complication is the taxi: here you agree the fare before getting in, always, and whoever lands exhausted at eleven at night negotiates worst. If you go for the bus, the stop is right outside arrivals.
The route, stop by stop
2 STOPS- 01
Bus 19: the airport loop
ALSA’s line 19 runs a loop: it leaves the airport, drops to Jemaa el-Fna (the heart of the medina, about 20 minutes) continues to the train station and returns to the airport. On the way back it also stops at Bab Doukala and in Guéliz. You catch it at the stop opposite arrivals and it runs every half hour. It’s cheap, direct and dodges any negotiation: if your riad is near the square, it’s the best option by a distance.
- 02
Taxi: haggle before you get in
The airport sits six kilometres away: a ten-minute ride. Airport taxis have fares posted at the rank, but in practice you negotiate, and you must do it BEFORE getting in and before your case goes in the boot.
Be polite and firm: if the price doesn’t work, the next taxi is right behind.
And mind your destination: cars don’t enter the medina, so you’ll be dropped at the gate in the wall nearest your riad, not at the riad’s door.
Frequently asked
How do you get from Marrakech airport to Jemaa el-Fna?
On ALSA’s 19 bus, which leaves from the stop opposite arrivals every half hour and takes about 20 minutes to the square. The alternative is a taxi: it’s six kilometres and you must agree the fare before getting in.
Do you have to haggle for taxis in Marrakech?
Yes, in practice: although fares are posted, the price is agreed before you get in and before your case goes in the boot. Be polite and firm. If it doesn’t work, the next taxi is right behind.
Will a taxi take you to your riad in the medina?
No: cars don’t enter the medina because the streets are too narrow. The taxi drops you at the nearest gate in the wall and the last stretch is on foot with your case. Many riads will send someone to meet you if you let them know.