Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is only 6 km from the medina, 15-25 minutes by car. After passport control, get dirhams from an ATM, pick up a local SIM in the arrivals hall, then take a taxi (approx. 100-150 MAD), the airport bus or a pre-booked transfer.
Marrakech airport, officially Marrakech Menara Airport (IATA code RAK), is only about 6 km south-west of the medina, a 15-25 minute drive from most riads and hotels. After landing you go through passport control and customs, then reach an arrivals hall with ATMs, exchange counters and SIM card booths. From there you can take a taxi (approx. 100-150 MAD by day), the airport bus, or a pre-booked private transfer. This guide walks you through each step, with approximate prices and the local tips our drivers share with travelers every day.
Marrakech Menara Airport at a glance
Menara is Morocco's second-busiest airport after Casablanca and handles flights from across Europe, the Middle East and, increasingly, North America. Terminals 1 and 2 sit side by side in a modern building famous for its geometric, Islamic-inspired facade. The terminals are compact and well signposted, with free Wi-Fi, cafes and a pharmacy. The airport is run by ONDA, the national airports authority, whose website onda.ma shows live arrivals and departures.
| From RAK to | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time | Approx. taxi or transfer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medina / Jemaa el-Fna | 6 km | 15-20 min | 100-150 MAD taxi, 15-25 EUR transfer |
| Gueliz / Hivernage | 5-7 km | 15 min | 100-150 MAD taxi |
| Palmeraie | 18 km | 30 min | 200-250 MAD taxi, 25-30 EUR transfer |
| Agafay desert camps | 35 km | 45 min | approx. 35-50 EUR transfer |
| Imlil (High Atlas) | 65 km | 1h15 | approx. 50-70 EUR transfer |
| Essaouira | 190 km | 2h45 | approx. 90-130 EUR transfer |
Prices are approximate, per vehicle, and vary with season, time and luggage. Check them before travel.
Arriving at Marrakech airport: step by step
- Passport control: follow the signs for "Arrivées". Queues are the main variable. A single flight clears quickly, but several arrivals at once can mean an hour. Have your passport, the address of your first night, and your return ticket details ready. Check the entry rules for your nationality before you fly.
- Baggage reclaim: belts are just after passport control. Free trolleys are available.
- Customs: all bags are usually scanned on exit. Drones are not allowed without prior authorisation and are often confiscated, so leave yours at home.
- Arrivals hall: here you will find drivers holding name boards, ATMs, exchange desks, SIM booths and car rental counters.
Money at the airport: ATMs and exchange
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, so you normally get it on arrival. In the arrivals hall you have two easy options:
- ATMs: the simplest choice. Withdraw 1,000-2,000 MAD for the first days. Choose to be charged in dirhams, not your home currency, to avoid a poor conversion rate.
- Exchange counters: rates at the airport are reasonable, because exchange is regulated in Morocco. Bring clean euro, pound or dollar notes, and keep the receipt if you want to change dirhams back when you leave.
Small notes (20 and 50 MAD) are useful for porters and tips. Our Morocco currency and money guide covers cards, tipping and budgets in more detail.
SIM cards and internet on arrival
Maroc Telecom, Orange and Inwi usually have booths in the arrivals hall, and staff sometimes hand out free SIM cards that you top up with a data pack. You need your passport to register the SIM. A pack of roughly 10-20 GB often costs around 50-100 MAD (approx., check the current offers). If your phone supports eSIM, you can also buy one online before you fly. For coverage in the mountains and the desert, and a comparison of the operators, read our Morocco SIM card and eSIM guide.
Getting from Marrakech airport to the city
Taxis
Taxis wait outside the terminal. A board usually shows reference fares, but in practice drivers rarely use the meter for airport runs, so agree the price before you get in. Expect approximately 100-150 MAD to the medina or Gueliz by day, with a surcharge of about 50% after 8 pm. Note that a taxi will drop you at the nearest road, not at your riad door.
Airport bus
The airport bus (line 19) connects the terminal with Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia area and Gueliz hotels, roughly every 30 minutes during the day. A single ticket costs approx. 30 MAD. Check the current timetable and fare. It is cheap and practical with light luggage, less so if you arrive late or your riad is deep in the medina.
Pre-booked private transfer
For a first visit, and especially for late arrivals, families or riad stays, this is the option we recommend. Your driver tracks your flight, waits with your name, helps with bags and takes you as close to your riad as cars can go. A porter with a cart then takes your luggage through the lanes, usually for a tip of 20-50 MAD. Your riad often sends someone to meet you too. If you are staying in the medina, our guide to the best riads in Marrakech explains how access works by neighbourhood.
Departing from RAK: tips for your flight home
- Arrive early: allow about 3 hours for international flights. There is a security check at the terminal entrance, then check-in, passport control and a second security check.
- Leftover dirhams: change them before passport control. Choice is limited airside, and exporting dirhams is restricted.
- Liquids and souvenirs: argan oil and spices bought in the souks must follow liquid rules in hand luggage, so pack them in your hold bag.
- Timing: leave the medina 3.5 hours before departure in peak season, and allow more on Friday afternoons and during holiday periods.
Starting your Morocco tour from Marrakech airport
Many of our trips begin right at the arrivals hall. With a private driver in Morocco, the same person who meets you at RAK can take you to the Atlas, the coast or the Sahara over the following days. There is no need to arrange separate transfers. If you would rather leave the whole plan to a local team, our Morocco private tours include airport pickup and drop-off as standard.
Why a local team helps on arrival day
Flights to Marrakech often land late in the evening. In our experience, travelers who have someone waiting with a name board, cash advice and the riad's exact location start the trip relaxed rather than exhausted. You can find more background on the airport on Wikipedia.
Send us your flight number and accommodation, and we will arrange a meet-and-greet transfer, or a complete private itinerary that starts at RAK. Request your free quote and you will receive a reply within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Marrakech airport from the medina?
Marrakech Menara Airport is about 6 km south-west of the medina and Jemaa el-Fna square. By car the trip usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, and up to 30 minutes in heavy traffic. Remember that vehicles cannot enter most medina lanes, so the last few minutes to your riad are on foot, often with a porter for your bags.
How much is a taxi from Marrakech airport?
A taxi from RAK to the medina or Gueliz usually costs approximately 100 to 150 MAD by day, and around 50% more at night. Drivers seldom use the meter on airport trips, so agree the fare before getting in. A pre-booked private transfer typically costs around 15 to 25 EUR per car and includes meet-and-greet and help with luggage.
Can I buy a SIM card at Marrakech airport?
Yes. Maroc Telecom, Orange and Inwi usually have booths in the arrivals hall, and some hand out free SIM cards that you top up with a data pack. You need your passport for registration. Data packs are inexpensive, often 50 to 100 MAD for several gigabytes, but offers change, so compare them on the spot.
Should I exchange money before arriving in Marrakech?
Usually not. The dirham is a closed currency, and it is hard or impossible to buy abroad. The easiest option is an ATM in the arrivals hall, or an exchange counter, where rates are regulated and fair. Bring some euros, pounds or dollars in cash as a backup, and a card that works abroad with low fees.
