Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
The complete 2026 guide: live flights, airport transfer to the city centre, prepaid taxi, bus L19, terminals, parking and services at Marrakesh airport.
ℹ️ Independent information guide. This site is not affiliated with the official Marrakesh airport or the ONDA — it simply helps you plan your trip.
Marrakesh Menara Airport: gateway to southern Morocco
The second busiest airport in Morocco after Casablanca, Marrakesh Menara International Airport (RAK / GMMX) welcomes close to 10 million travellers a year. Located about 6 km from the city centre on Avenue de Guemassa, it serves the red city, the Ourika Valley, the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay desert.
- Less than 15 minutes from Jemaa el-Fna square
- Dense connections to Europe, the Gulf and the rest of Morocco
- Modern terminals: shops, lounges, restaurants and free Wi-Fi
Marrakesh Menara Airport
Marrakesh airport flights: live departures & arrivals
Updated flight times, delays and gates for Marrakesh and every airport in Morocco.
Marrakesh airport to city centre: how to get there
Marrakesh airport is only 6 km from the centre. Bus L19, prepaid taxi, Uber or private transfer — here is every option to reach the medina, Guéliz or your riad.
Bus L19 (ALSA)
The official shuttle links the airport to Jemaa el-Fna, Guéliz and the train station every 20 min from 6am to 11:30pm.
Prepaid taxi
Since 2023 you pay at the taxi counter (card or cash): a fixed price by destination, no bargaining.
Private transfer / Uber
A driver meets you on arrival with a sign, or take an Uber (back in Morocco since 2025). Ideal with luggage.
Good to know: the prepaid taxi counter
Since 2023 a new system is in place: head to the taxi counter at the arrivals exit, give your destination and pay the fixed price (card or cash) before getting in. No more bargaining. Petit taxi (up to 3 people, in town) or grand taxi (more luggage, outside the city).
| Option | Time to centre | Indicative fare | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus L19 (ALSA) | ~ 25–40 min | 30 MAD | Tight budgets |
| Prepaid taxi | ~ 15–20 min | ≈ 100–150 MAD | Speed, fixed price |
| Uber / VTC | ~ 15–20 min | ≈ 120–220 MAD | Pay by app |
| Private transfer | ~ 15–20 min | ≈ 150–300 MAD | Comfort & luggage |
| Car rental | depends | from ~250 MAD/day | Excursions & freedom |
Indicative 2026 fares, subject to change (season, night rate, demand). Always check the price before you go.
What to do when you land at Marrakesh airport
A few simple steps for a smooth journey from the runway to your riad.
Passport control
Present your passport and entry form. Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Withdraw dirhams
ATMs and exchange desks in the hall. Keep cash for the taxi or bus.
Prepaid taxi or bus L19
At the taxi counter (fixed price) or the bus L19 stop right outside arrivals.
Get connected
Free Wi-Fi in the terminals, or an eSIM to be reachable straight away.
Marrakesh-Menara terminalMarrakesh Menara Airport terminals
Terminal 1, large and bright, handles most international flights: check-in, security, duty-free shops, cafés and lounges under an architecture inspired by Moroccan patterns.
Terminals 2 and 3 absorb the growth of charter and low-cost traffic. Bus L19 notably serves Terminal 2. The terminals are connected and easy to reach on foot.
Services and amenities at Marrakesh airport
From arrival to boarding, Marrakesh airport offers everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Free Wi-Fi
Wireless connection throughout the terminals.
Exchange & banking
Currency exchange desks and ATMs.
Luggage storage
Left-luggage service to travel light.
Duty-free shops
Duty-free, souvenirs and Moroccan products.
VIP lounges
Lounge areas to wait in comfort.
Accessibility & health
Reduced-mobility assistance and first aid.
Restaurants and cafés at Marrakesh airport
A bite before or after your flight? These are the main outlets at Marrakesh Menara Airport.
Bacha Coffee
The heritage Moroccan coffee house, a premium experience.
Starbucks
Coffee, drinks and snacks with free Wi-Fi.
Matsuri Sushi
Fresh sushi, premium Japanese restaurant.
Segafredo & Illy
Premium Italian coffee and Moroccan pastries.
La Table du Marché
Brasserie cuisine for a proper meal.
Pomme de Pain
Sandwiches and pastries to eat on the go.
Flights and airlines at Marrakesh airport
🇫🇷 France
Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Bordeaux…
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
London, Manchester, Birmingham…
🇪🇸 Spain
Madrid, Barcelona…
🇧🇪 Belgium
Brussels, Charleroi…
🇮🇹 Italy
Rome, Milan…
🌍 And beyond
Germany, Netherlands, the Gulf, domestic flights…
What to see in Marrakesh near the airport
Make the most of your stay to explore the highlights of the red city, minutes from the airport.
Jardin Majorelle
Yves Saint Laurent’s blue oasis, a must-see.
Excursions & desert
Atlas, Agafay, Ouzoud waterfalls: the best outings.
Jemaa el-Fna
The legendary square, alive day and night.
Marrakesh golf
The finest courses at the foot of the Atlas.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
An architectural jewel in the heart of the medina.
Getting around Morocco
Trains, buses, taxis and car hire explained.
Best time to visit Marrakesh: weather & seasons
Marrakesh can be visited year-round, but spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer is hot and dry, great for tight budgets; winter stays mild by day and pairs the city with the snowy Atlas.
| Season | Weather | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 20–28 °C, sunny | Ideal — peak season |
| Summer | 35–42 °C, very hot | Low fares, lively evenings |
| Autumn | 22–30 °C, mild | Great compromise |
| Winter | 18–20 °C by day, cool at night | City + Atlas skiing |
Marrakesh, the red cityDistances from Marrakesh airport
| Destination | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Jemaa el-Fna square | ~ 6 km | ~ 15 min |
| Guéliz (new town) | ~ 4 km | ~ 10 min |
| Jardin Majorelle | ~ 5 km | ~ 12 min |
| Agafay desert | ~ 30 km | ~ 40 min |
| Ourika Valley | ~ 40 km | ~ 1 h |
| Essaouira (coast) | ~ 190 km | ~ 2 h 30 |
Marrakesh airport: practical information
Parking at Marrakesh Menara Airport: options & rates
Run by the ONDA, the Marrakesh airport car park offers several options right by the terminals for every need.
Drop-off
To drop off or pick up a traveller in minutes, right in front of the terminal.
Short stay
Just outside the terminals, ideal for a few hours. Progressive hourly rate.
Long stay
The economical option to leave your car for your whole trip. Great daily rates.
Capacity & access
Over 1,000 car spaces plus dedicated bays for minibuses and coaches. The car parks sit a few steps from the arrivals and departures halls.
Practical tips for your airport visit
Arrive early
3 h before international, 2 h 30 before domestic, especially in high season.
Carry dirhams
Keep cash for the taxi or bus. Dirhams are only available in Morocco.
Taxi at the counter
Use the prepaid taxi counter for a fixed price, no bargaining.
Stay connected
An eSIM connects you the moment you land.
Beat the heat
Bring water and light clothing, especially in summer.
Tax refund & customs
Keep your receipts and respect customs allowances.
The number 19 shuttle bus: fare, times and stops
About 30 MAD one way, a departure every 30 minutes, and a stop at Jemaa el-Fna: travelling light, it is the best value at the airport.
For tight budgets and anyone without a large suitcase, the number 19 shuttle is a genuine alternative to a taxi. It is a city bus route that links the airport directly to the centre for a fraction of the fare.
A one-way ticket costs about 30 MAD, roughly 3 euros, and there is often a return ticket at a preferential rate valid for several days, which is worth having if you intend to take the shuttle back out. Buses run roughly every 30 minutes, generally from early morning until evening. Frequency and the first and last departures can vary, so as a precaution use the bus during the day and keep the taxi for a late arrival.
The stop is about a hundred metres from the terminal exit, usually behind the taxi rank: follow the signs, or simply ask for “bus 19”. If you are staying in the medina, the Jemaa el-Fna stop is the most convenient.
| Route 19 stop | What it serves | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Jemaa el-Fna | The heart of the medina | Riads in the old city, the most requested stop |
| Guéliz | The modern quarter, shops and restaurants | Hotels in the new town |
| Hivernage | The large hotels and the congress centre | Business stays and five-star hotels |
| Railway station | ONCF connections to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Fes | Anyone continuing by train |
| Bab Doukkala | The north-western gate of the medina | Accommodation in the northern old city |
Allow 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and your stop. Fares and times are indicative and should be confirmed locally. Once in town, our guide to getting around Marrakech covers the small taxis, the buses and walking.
Getting dirhams and a SIM card on arrival
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency: you cannot obtain it before arriving in Morocco. The airport is therefore the logical place to sort yourself out, and two things can be settled there in ten minutes.
Cash machines and exchange offices
The arrivals hall has several cash machines and exchange offices. Withdrawing directly from a machine generally gives a better rate than changing notes, but watch for any flat fee from your own bank. Draw enough for your first journey and a few expenses: 300 to 500 MAD is plenty to start with, and no more, since there are machines all over the city. Keep small notes for tips and for the bus, which does not easily give change on a large note. The detail on exchange and card payments is in our guide to money and payment in Marrakech.
SIM card and connectivity
Stands for the main Moroccan operators, Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi, are in the hall. You can buy a prepaid SIM with a data bundle there for a modest sum, on presentation of your passport, which is required to register the line. It is genuinely useful for navigation, ordering a car or contacting your accommodation. The airport also has free wi-fi, enough for a first message. To compare operators and the eSIM option, see our guides to the SIM card and internet in Marrakech and the eSIM in Morocco.
💰 The order that saves time
Cash machine first, SIM card second, transport last. Many travellers do the reverse, end up in front of a driver with no cash, and change money at the worst rate in the hall. European roaming does not apply in Morocco: without a suitable plan, mobile data gets expensive fast.
Airport taxis: what it costs and how to avoid the scams
Around 70 to 150 MAD to the centre by day, more at night. The price is agreed before you get in, not on arrival.
A taxi is the fastest and most flexible way into the centre. Official taxis wait at the rank directly outside the arrivals hall. In Marrakech the “petits taxis” are beige and serve the city itself.
The fare between the airport and the centre, whether the medina, Guéliz or Hivernage, is generally around 70 to 150 MAD, roughly 7 to 15 euros by day, and more at night when a surcharge applies. The price varies with the type of taxi, the number of bags and your willingness to negotiate. Reference fares are posted at the official rank: find them and use them, because that is the most effective argument available to you.
Agree the price before getting in
Or ask for the meter. Never set off without a clearly agreed fare: once you are moving, the conversation is no longer in your favour.
Refuse the touts
Anyone approaching you inside the hall offering a “special taxi” is not the official rank. Head outside, to the rank in front of arrivals.
Carry small notes
The “I have no change” move is sometimes used to round the fare up. Get small denominations at the cash machine first.
Be wary of the “closed” riad
A driver has no reason to redirect you to different accommodation. Confirm your booking before you travel and hold to it.
The medina is walked
The taxi drops you at one of the gates, since cars are banned from the lanes. That is normal, not a refusal to complete the journey.
Note the address before you land
Name of the property, the quarter, and the nearest medina gate. That is what prevents being dropped on the wrong side of the old city.
The situations worth knowing, at the airport and in town, are set out in our guide to safety and scams in Marrakech. Reckon on roughly 1 euro to 10 or 11 MAD.
Arrival step by step: police, baggage, customs
Depending on where your aircraft parks, you will disembark by jetway or onto the apron with a short bus ride.
There is no longer a landing card to fill in
This is the point on which a great many guides are out of date. The paper embarkation and disembarkation card was abolished at Moroccan airports on 16 September 2019: the passport is read electronically and there is no form to complete on board. Do, however, have the address of your first accommodation and your return date ready, as the officer may ask for them. The automated checks are explained in our article on biometric e-gates at Moroccan airports.
Passport control
The border police desks are on the same level as baggage reclaim. Queues can be long when several flights land together, particularly in high season: it is not the airport at fault but the simultaneity of tourist flights. Keep your accommodation confirmation accessible. Most European nationals need no visa for a tourist stay, but check the rules for your own nationality.
Baggage and customs
Once your passport is stamped, head for the belts; trolleys are generally available free of charge. Customs comes next, often without a systematic check: if you have nothing to declare, take the green channel.
The public hall
At the exit you emerge into the public hall, crowded with transfer drivers holding signs and with touts. Keep your course towards the official desks and do not follow anyone who approaches you unprompted. If someone is genuinely waiting for you, they will have a sign with your name on it.
On departure: check-in, security and duty-free
- Check-in. Present yourself at your airline's desks to drop hold baggage. Many low-cost carriers require online check-in beforehand: download your boarding pass before you leave, because some no longer issue a paper version at all.
- Security. This is where the wait is longest. Take out liquids and electronics as asked, and respect the 100 ml cabin rule.
- Border police. There is a passport check on departure too. Keep your boarding pass to hand: this is a third stop, and it is the one that travellers in a hurry forget to count.
- Duty-free. After security you will find duty-free shops — perfume, alcohol, souvenirs and Moroccan products such as argan oil and spices — along with cafés and restaurants. The offer on the arrivals side is distinctly thinner: see our guide to the restaurants at Marrakech airport.
Worth knowing about taxes. Airport taxes are, in almost every case, already included in the price of your air ticket. There is therefore nothing particular to pay on the spot when you leave, and any request to pay a so-called departure tax in the hall should put you on your guard.
How long to allow before your flight
Three hours for an international flight, two for a domestic one. The reason is not the size of the airport but the number of checks.
| Situation | Recommended margin | Why |
|---|---|---|
| International flight, high season | 3 hours | Security and passport control create queues when several flights leave in the same slot |
| International flight, low season | 2.5 hours | The same sequence, fewer people |
| Domestic flight (Casablanca for example) | 2 hours | No border control on a domestic flight |
| Low-cost carrier | Add 30 minutes | Desks close strictly on time and bag sizers are enforced |
| Early morning or late afternoon departure | Add 30 minutes | These are the two peaks of the day |
As for the journey, the airport is very close: allow 15 to 20 minutes by road from the centre. Still, anticipate rush-hour traffic and, if you are sleeping in the medina, the walk out to the taxi: it is that forgotten quarter of an hour that makes people miss flights.
Private transfers and ride-hailing: when they are worth it
If you are travelling as a family or a group, with a lot of luggage, or arriving late in the evening, a private transfer booked in advance is the most comfortable option. A driver waits in the hall with a sign bearing your name and takes you straight to your accommodation, or to the nearest medina gate. The price is fixed at the time of booking, which removes any negotiation on arrival: welcome after a long journey, and that is the real argument rather than any saving in time.
Many riads and hotels offer this service: you simply give them your flight number, and they adjust if the aircraft is delayed, which a taxi will not do. Expect 150 to 250 MAD, roughly 15 to 25 euros, so above the taxi fare.
As for ride-hailing apps, they do operate in Marrakech but coverage is variable, and pick-up at the airport itself can be limited or less smooth than a taxi or a transfer. Check availability in real time and have a fallback rather than relying on it for a night arrival. To compare the options across the country, see our comparison of airport transfers in Morocco, and to pick a well-placed neighbourhood, our guide to where to stay in Marrakech.
An independent guide: what this site is, and is not
ℹ️ We are not the airport's official website
moroccoairport.com is an independent travel guide. We are neither ONDA, the national airports office, nor the official website of Marrakech airport, and we sell neither tickets nor transfers. The times and fares quoted here are indicative and can change: for institutional information refer to the ONDA site, and always confirm with your airline before travelling.
Seven habits for a smooth start
- Note your accommodation's address, with the quarter and the nearest medina gate, before you land.
- Withdraw a little cash at the airport for transport and first expenses, without overdoing it.
- Keep small notes for the bus, for tips and for any porter.
- Always agree the taxi fare in advance, and ignore the touts.
- A local SIM or an eSIM makes you self-sufficient for navigation and bookings.
- Dress light but covering: in summer the heat hits as soon as you step off the aircraft.
- Arriving at night, prefer a booked transfer or an official taxi over the bus.
Once you are settled, the discovery begins: our guide to things to do in Marrakech, our three-day Marrakech itinerary and our Marrakech travel budget will help you plan the first days. If you arrive late or leave early, our hotels near Marrakech airport save an unnecessary trip across town.
Official sources: ONDA, Office National Des Aéroports for terminals and services; ONCF for rail connections from Marrakech station; the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale for the abolition of the disembarkation card on 16 September 2019. Information current in November 2026.
FAQ: everything about Marrakesh airport
Where is Marrakesh Menara Airport?
It is on Avenue de Guemassa, about 6 km southwest of central Marrakesh — 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fna square.
How do I get from Marrakesh airport to the city centre?
Take the L19 shuttle bus (30 MAD), a prepaid taxi (~100–150 MAD), an Uber, a private transfer or hire a car. The trip takes 15 to 40 minutes.
How does the taxi work at Marrakesh airport?
Since 2023 there is a prepaid taxi counter at the arrivals exit: give your destination and pay a fixed price (card or cash) before getting in. Petit taxis take up to 3 people in town; grand taxis suit groups and trips outside the city.
Does Uber work at Marrakesh airport?
Yes. Uber returned to Morocco in 2025-2026 and operates at Marrakesh airport, around 120–220 MAD to the centre depending on demand.
What is the Marrakesh airport code?
The IATA code is RAK and the ICAO code is GMMX.
How early should I arrive at the airport?
Arrive 3 hours before an international flight and 2 h 30 before a domestic flight, especially in high season.
Is there free Wi-Fi at Marrakesh airport?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in the terminals. For a connection the moment you land, an eSIM is recommended.
Does the number 19 bus really serve Jemaa el-Fna?
Yes. The number 19 shuttle links the airport to the centre and serves Guéliz, Hivernage, the railway station, Bab Doukkala and Jemaa el-Fna. A one-way ticket costs about 30 MAD, with a departure roughly every 30 minutes during the day, and the stop is about a hundred metres from the terminal exit.
How much is a taxi from Marrakech airport to the centre?
Generally 70 to 150 MAD, roughly 7 to 15 euros, by day, and more at night when a surcharge applies. The fare depends on the type of taxi, the number of bags and the negotiation. Agree the price before getting in or ask for the meter, and use the reference fares posted at the official rank.
Can you get dirhams and a SIM card at the airport?
Yes. The arrivals hall has cash machines, exchange offices and stands for the Moroccan operators Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi, where you can buy a prepaid SIM on presentation of your passport. As the dirham is a closed currency you will arrive with no local cash: 300 to 500 MAD is enough to start with.
Do you have to fill in a landing card on arrival?
No, not since 16 September 2019: the paper embarkation and disembarkation card was abolished at Moroccan airports and the passport is read electronically. A great many guides are still out of date on this. Do have the address of your first accommodation and your return date ready, as the officer may ask for them.
What is the difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?
Terminal 1, the newer and larger of the two, handles most international flights and the main low-cost carriers. Terminal 2 handles additional international services and some domestic routes. The two are linked by an internal corridor, three to five minutes' walk, and share the security and baggage reclaim areas.
Are airport taxes included in the ticket?
Yes, in almost every case airport taxes are already included in the price of the air ticket. There is nothing particular to pay on the spot when you depart, and any request to pay a supposed exit tax in the hall should put you on your guard.
Is a private transfer better than a taxi?
A private transfer, booked in advance at around 150 to 250 MAD, earns its cost for a night arrival, a group, a lot of luggage or a first visit. Its real advantage is not speed but the price fixed in advance and the fact that the driver tracks your flight number if you are delayed. For one traveller arriving by day, the official taxi is simpler and cheaper.
Is this the official website of Marrakech airport?
No. moroccoairport.com is an independent travel guide with no affiliation to ONDA or to the airport, and we sell neither tickets nor transfers. For institutional and official information refer to the ONDA website, and confirm times with your airline before travelling.
Guides to plan your trip to Morocco
Marrakesh Menara Airport location
Avenue de Guemassa, about 6 km southwest of central Marrakesh (~15 min from Jemaa el-Fna).