How to Take a Taxi in Marrakech: A Complete Guide for Travelers

The first time I tried to take a taxi in Marrakech, I thought it would be simple wave, hop in, pay, done. But Marrakech has its own rhythm, and like everything in this vibrant city, even a taxi ride can turn into an adventure.

My First Taxi Experience on how to get a taxi in Marrakech

I was standing near Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous square, with the sound of drums, storytellers, and the smell of sizzling street food all around me. I raised my hand, and within seconds, a small beige car pulled up. The driver leaned out the window, smiling, and asked, “Où?”—French for “where?”

I named my destination, a riad tucked into the Medina, and that’s when the real lesson began.

The Art of Negotiation

In Marrakech, many taxi drivers don’t automatically use the meter. Instead, they prefer to agree on a price before starting the ride. As a first-time visitor, I didn’t know this, and I almost paid double the normal fare. Luckily, a local passerby noticed and whispered the going rate. I smiled, repeated the price in French, and the driver laughed, nodding in agreement.

From then on, I learned the golden rule: always agree on the fare—or ask for the meter—before you get in.

Small Taxis vs. Big Taxis

Another surprise was discovering that Marrakech has two types of taxis:

Petit taxis – small beige cars used for short trips inside the city. They’re metered, but drivers may “forget” to switch it on unless you ask.

Grand taxis – larger cars, often shared, that travel longer distances between cities or to the airport. Prices here are negotiable and usually agreed upon per seat.

Knowing the difference made my rides smoother and saved me money.

Tips I Wish I Knew Beforehand

Over time, I picked up a few tricks that every traveler should know:

Carry small bills and coins. Drivers rarely have change.

Ask locals about average fares. Hotel staff or shopkeepers are usually happy to help.

Be polite but firm. Bargaining is part of the culture smile while negotiating.

Consider ride apps. Services like Careem (similar to Uber) work in Marrakech and give you fixed prices if you prefer avoiding negotiation.

More Than Just a Ride

Taking a taxi in Marrakech isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the cultural experience. Some of my best conversations in Morocco happened in the back of a taxi, from learning about a driver’s favorite football team to getting tips about hidden restaurants only locals know.

By the end of my trip, I realized that taxis weren’t something to stress about. With a little patience, a smile, and a sense of humor, they became one of the most memorable parts of my journey.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Marrakech, don’t be nervous about taxis. They might seem confusing at first, but once you understand the rhythm negotiate, smile, and enjoy the ride you’ll discover they’re as much a part of the adventure as the souks, palaces, and deserts.