Marrakesh Menara Airport

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is Morocco's second busiest airport, located just 6 km southwest of the city center. Named after the nearby Menara Gardens, the airport is a major gateway for tourists visiting Marrakech and southern Morocco, including the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and coastal Essaouira.

The airport has two terminals housed within a single building:

• Terminal 1: The main terminal handling domestic and international flights. Renovated in 2008, it features modern Moroccan architecture with Islamic geometric patterns. The Royal Air Maroc lounges and most full-service carriers operate here.
• Terminal 2: Primarily used by low-cost carriers including Ryanair and easyJet. Ground transport exits, rental car desks, and some services are located here.

Ryanair is the largest operator at RAK with approximately 185 weekly departures, followed by easyJet and Transavia. The airport connects Marrakech to over 115 destinations across Europe, Africa, and North America, with 42 airlines operating from the facility.

Nearby Airports

Marrakech serves as the primary gateway to southern Morocco, but several other airports may be relevant depending on your itinerary:

Essaouira Mogador (ESU) - 183 km west

• Coastal resort town, limited seasonal flights
• Best for: Beach holidays, shorter drive than from Marrakech

Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) - 229 km north

• Morocco's main international hub, Royal Air Maroc base
• Direct flights to North America (New York, Montreal, Washington)
• Best for: Connecting to destinations not served from RAK

Agadir Al Massira (AGA) - 251 km southwest

• Resort destination, charter and low-cost carriers
• Best for: Beach holidays, Souss Valley

Marrakech Menara Airport is located 6 km southwest of the city center, with the famous Jemaa el-Fna square approximately 15-25 minutes away depending on traffic.

Typical travel times:

• Jemaa el-Fna / Medina by taxi: 15-25 minutes
• Gueliz (new town) by taxi: 10-15 minutes
• Train station by taxi: 15 minutes
• Essaouira by taxi: 2.5-3 hours
• Atlas Mountains (Imlil) by taxi: 1.5 hours

Important: Cars cannot enter the Medina's narrow alleys. Taxis drop passengers at the nearest gate (bab). Ask your riad for the closest gate and expect to walk the final stretch. Porters with carts may offer to carry luggage for MAD 20-50 (USD 2-5).

Taxi

Official beige airport taxis operate from the rank outside the arrivals hall. A taxi counter inside the airport offers fixed-price fares with card payment available.

Destination	Day Fare	Night Fare (after 20:00)	Time
Medina / Jemaa el-Fna	MAD 100-150 (USD 10-15)	MAD 150-200 (USD 15-20)	15-25 min
Gueliz (new town)	MAD 70-100 (USD 7-10)	MAD 100-150 (USD 10-15)	10-15 min
Train station	MAD 100 (USD 10)	MAD 150 (USD 15)	15 min
Essaouira	MAD 1,500-2,000 (USD 150-200)	Negotiate	2.5-3 hours

Tips:

• Use the taxi counter inside arrivals for fixed prices and card payment
• Negotiate fare before getting in if using the taxi rank
• Small taxis (petits taxis) are beige; grand taxis are larger and more expensive
• Night surcharge applies after 20:00

Rideshare Apps

Uber and Bolt do not operate in Morocco. Local alternatives include:

• Careem: Most established, works well in Marrakech
• InDrive: Bid-based pricing, can be cheaper
• Heetch: Available in major cities
• Yassir: Growing presence

Download apps before arrival. Note that surge pricing applies during peak periods.

Bus (Line 19 - Airport Express)

The ALSA-operated Bus Line 19 connects the airport to central Marrakech.

Route: Airport - Gueliz - Train Station - Jemaa el-Fna

Detail	Information
Fare	MAD 30 single / MAD 50 return (USD 3 / USD 5)
Return validity	2 weeks
Frequency	Every 20-30 minutes
Operating hours	06:30-23:30
Journey time	25-40 minutes to Jemaa el-Fna

Tips:

• Pay in cash (Moroccan dirhams) when boarding
• Bus stop is outside the arrivals terminal
• Keep your ticket for the return journey if you bought a round-trip

Other Local Buses

Budget bus routes 11, 12, 18, 20, and 33 also serve the airport for MAD 4 (USD 0.40), but are slower and less convenient than Line 19.

Note: There is no train or metro connection from Marrakech airport to the city center.

Marrakech Menara Airport offers over 1,500 parking spaces across three lots.

Facility	Capacity	Location
Parking 1	740 spaces	Near Terminal 1
Parking 2	460 spaces	Near Terminal 2
Parking 3	350 spaces	Overflow

Rates

Duration	Rate
Hourly	MAD 5 (USD 0.50)
Daily	MAD 60 (USD 6)
Weekly	Discounted rates available

Tips:

• 24/7 security and CCTV monitoring
• Book online for potential discounts
• Prices may vary seasonally

Dining options are available in both terminals, with more variety in the departure lounge after security.

Landside (Before Security)

• Paul: French bakery, coffee, sandwiches, pastries
• Small coffee kiosk: Basic refreshments

Airside (After Security)

• La Table du Marche: International and Moroccan cuisine, moderate prices
• Starbucks: Coffee, tea, light snacks
• Segafredo: Italian coffee, sandwiches, pastries
• Atlas Sky Cafe: Pizza, sandwiches, salads (Terminals 1 and 2)
• Cafe L'Univers: Traditional Moroccan dishes including tagine
• Illy Caffe: Premium Italian coffee
• Matsuri Sushi: Japanese cuisine
• Medina: Moroccan specialties
• AEROGLACE: Ice cream and refreshments

Budget tip: Airport prices are higher than in the city. If you have time before departure, eat in Marrakech. The Medina and Gueliz offer excellent dining at lower prices.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport terminals.

Detail	Information
Network names	"Menara Airport Free Wi-Fi" or "Wi-Fi-Aeroport-Marrakech"
Cost	Free
Registration	Email address required, accept terms
Speed	Adequate for messaging and browsing, not reliable for video calls

Tips:

• Connection may drop if you move outside the building
• Coverage includes restaurants and public areas
• Consider purchasing a local SIM for better connectivity

SIM card shops are located in the arrivals hall immediately after customs - impossible to miss. All three major Moroccan carriers have kiosks side by side.

Carriers & Pricing

Provider	Typical Tourist Package	Notes
Maroc Telecom	MAD 200 (USD 20) for 20GB data	Best rural/mountain coverage
Inwi	MAD 200 (USD 20) for 20GB data	Good urban coverage, often cheapest
Orange Morocco	MAD 200 (USD 20) for 20GB data	Strong urban network

Requirements: Passport required for registration (vendor will photocopy it)

Tips:

• All shops open from first to last flight and accept international credit cards
• eSIMs now available for tourists (as of 2025)
• Maroc Telecom recommended if visiting Atlas Mountains or desert (best rural coverage)
• City prices may be slightly cheaper, but airport is convenient
• Check balance: Maroc Telecom *555#, Orange #111#, Inwi *120#

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in landside and airside areas, available 24/7.

Currency

• Morocco: Moroccan Dirham (MAD or DH)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 EUR = 10.80 MAD, 1 USD = 10 MAD

ATM Tips

Detail	Information
Maximum withdrawal	MAD 2,000 per transaction (most ATMs), MAD 10,000 at airport
ATM fees	MAD 35 per transaction typical
Best strategy	Withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees

Important: Always choose to be charged in Moroccan Dirhams when prompted - never accept the ATM's "guaranteed" exchange rate.

Currency Exchange

Global Exchange counters are located in arrivals and departures, open 24/7.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw MAD from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut)
• Exchange only small amounts (EUR 40-50) at the airport for immediate needs
• Better rates available in the city (Hotel Ali, Western Union near Jemaa el-Fna)

Important: The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency - you cannot exchange it once you leave Morocco. Keep exchange receipts to convert leftover dirhams on departure.

Duty-Free

The main Dufry duty-free store is located in Terminal 1 after security, covering approximately 3,400 square meters.

Available products:

• Spirits, wine (including Moroccan wines like La Ferme Rouge)
• Perfumes and cosmetics (Victoria's Secret, Lacoste, Mont Blanc)
• Tobacco
• Confectionery

Important: Duty-free does not accept Moroccan Dirhams - pay with credit card or foreign currency only. The coffee bar accepts dirhams.

Hours: Vary by day - Monday/Wednesday/Friday 04:30-14:00; Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday/Sunday 04:30-22:00

Moroccan Goods

• Tresors El Mamoun: Moroccan handicrafts, carpets, leather goods, jewelry
• Traditional souvenirs: Argan oil, spices, ceramics

Tip: For authentic Moroccan crafts at better prices, shop in the Medina souks before heading to the airport.

Online Pre-Order

Pre-order duty-free items online at marrakech.shopdutyfree.com for pickup at the airport.

Priority Pass Lounges

Pearl Lounge (Terminal 1, 1st floor next to Duty Free)

Detail	Information
Access	Priority Pass, DragonPass, day pass (USD 35)
Hours	Sunday-Friday 06:00-22:00, Saturday from 07:00
Max stay	3 hours
Amenities	Moroccan and international snacks, soft drinks, wine, beer, WiFi, children's play area, smoking room, TV, magazines

Note: Reviews are mixed. Food selection is limited (Moroccan pastries, msemen, dates, mint tea), WiFi is good, and seating is comfortable. Check Priority Pass app for current availability as lounge status has varied.

VIP Services

ONDA offers premium Salon Convives de Marque VIP service for departing and arriving passengers, bookable through the airport website.

Hotels near Marrakech airport range from budget chains to city center options. Most visitors prefer staying in the Medina or Gueliz for the full Marrakech experience.

Near the airport:

• Ibis Marrakech Centre Gare: 6 km from airport, near train station, from MAD 400/night (USD 40)
• Ibis Marrakech Palmeraie: Near Palm Grove, pool, 20 min from airport

Luxury options (15 min from airport):

• Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa: 5-star, Atlas Mountain views
• Four Seasons Resort Marrakech: Premium luxury, extensive gardens

Note: There are no hotels directly at the airport terminal. For very early departures, consider staying in Gueliz (new town) which is closest to the airport.

Marrakech is Morocco's most popular tourist destination, known for its vibrant Medina, historic palaces, and as a gateway to the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time from Airport	Route
Jemaa el-Fna	15-25 min	Taxi MAD 100-150
Majorelle Garden	15 min	Taxi MAD 80-100
Bahia Palace	20 min	Taxi to Medina, then walk
Koutoubia Mosque	15 min	Taxi MAD 100
Atlas Mountains (Imlil)	1.5 hours	Private taxi/tour
Essaouira	2.5-3 hours	Private taxi or bus

Medina Tips

The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow alleys, busy souks, and traditional riads (guesthouses). Getting there from the airport:

1. Take taxi to your riad's nearest gate (bab)
2. Contact riad in advance - many offer meet-and-greet service
3. Walk the final stretch or use a porter for luggage
4. Keep your riad's contact number handy - alleys are confusing

Common arrival gates: Bab Laksour, Bab Taghzout, Bab Doukkala

Day Trip Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Not recommended - stay at airport or nearby Gueliz
• 6-hour layover: Quick taxi to Jemaa el-Fna, see the square and souks
• Full day: Explore Medina, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden
• Extra days: Atlas Mountains day trip, Essaouira coastal town, Sahara Desert (2-3 days)

Morocco Travel Tips

• Bargaining: Expected in souks - start at 30-50% of asking price
• Tipping: MAD 10-20 for small services, 10% in restaurants
• Language: Arabic and French widely spoken, English in tourist areas
• Cash: Essential for souks, small restaurants, taxis
• Dress code: Modest clothing respectful in the Medina
• Riads: Traditional guesthouses with courtyard - book for authentic experience
• Petit taxis: Metered within city, always ask driver to use meter