Getting a Taxi in Marrakesh: How to Avoid Scams and Navigate Like a Local
Marrakesh is my hometown, and I’ll admit it—foreign visitors really need to understand how things work here before booking their flights. Everything in Morocco is different, sometimes challenging, and entirely new to many travelers. From navigating the souks to hailing a taxi, scams can be a common issue, and if you don’t pay attention to the details, you might end up paying more than necessary.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to pick up a taxi in Marrakesh, recognize scams, and avoid them for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
Types of Taxis in Marrakesh
Petit Taxis
Small, beige-colored cars (brands like Fiat or Dacia Logan), ideal for short trips within the city. These carry up to three passengers and are required to use a meter within city limits. They operate 24/7.
Grand Taxis
Larger than Petit Taxis, these can travel within and outside Marrakesh, holding more passengers. Perfect for airport transfers, day trips, or intercity rides, Grand Taxis generally use fixed or negotiated fares instead of meters. They typically operate between 8 AM and 10 or 11 PM, outside marrakech and 24/7 within the city.
How to Recognize a Legitimate Taxi
Licensed taxis in Marrakesh are color-coded and have visible identification. Both Petit and Grand Taxis in Marrakesh are beige. Always check for a meter in Petit Taxis.
Best Practices for Hailing a Taxi
Use Official Taxi Stands:
In major locations like Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the train station, and the airport, you’ll find official taxi stands:
- Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: Find taxis along the main street between Jemaa el-Fnaa and Koutoubia, right in front of the KFC. Just search for “KFC Koutoubia” on your phone’s map.
- Train Station: Head outside to the front entrance, but ignore touts who ask if you need a taxi. Walk a few meters beyond the entrance, and you’ll see the line of taxis.
- Airport: To avoid common airport scams, book your taxi directly from the office inside the airport, set up specifically to prevent haggling and hassle.
Be Aware of Night Rates:
Taxi fares are higher at night, with meters charging double the daytime rates, so don’t be surprised if a nighttime trip costs more.
Hail Taxis Anywhere:
In Marrakesh, you can hail a taxi wherever you are. Just raise your hand, and a taxi will usually pull over. If you find a driver you like, ask for their phone number—you can call them directly for future trips (they may ask for a bit more than the meter price).
Should You Use the Meter or Negotiate? (Pro Tip)
Before getting into the taxi, ask how much it will cost to reach your destination (show them the destination on your phone map). If they say they’ll use the meter, that’s fine—hop in and let it run. If they quote a price, offer half. If they agree, great. If not, act as though you’ll find another taxi; they’ll likely call you back and accept a compromise of adding 10-25% to your offer. If they refuse, politely ask them to use the meter or look for another taxi, as this might be a scam.
Common Taxi Scams and How to Avoid Them
Using the above negotiation tip will help, but here are other common scams to watch for:
- Overcharging on Tourist Routes: For popular routes (like Majorelle Garden or the Medina), some drivers inflate fares. Knowing the average cost for these routes can help you recognize overcharging.
- Picking Up Extra Passengers: Though rare for tourists, some Petit Taxi drivers may add a third passenger if you’re alone or with one other person. This can increase the total fare due to extra stops or a longer route. By negotiating the fare upfront, you ensure you’ll pay the agreed price, regardless of additional stops or detours.
Handy Tips for a Smooth Taxi Experience
- Research Average Fares: Check common fares for routes like the airport or popular attractions. Attached table can help you get an idea of fair prices.
(Table).
- Learn Basic Darija (Moroccan Arabic) Phrases: A few local words can go a long way. Simple phrases like Salam (hello), Shukran (thank you), and Bzaf! (too much!) can make a good impression. (visit this post if you want to learn advanced moroccan dialect)
Carry Small Bills: Drivers sometimes “lack change” if you only have larger bills. Carry smaller denominations, and if you need change, ask the driver to stop at a nearby store, where you can buy something and get smaller bills.
Alternatives to Taxis
Taxi Vert :
For a smoother experience, I recommend using Taxi Vert services. In Marrakesh, you can simply call one of these numbers (all works):
05-24-29-69-70
05-25-20-00-25
06-60-36-94-94
06-45-46-49-59
06-00-99-22-66
and a dispatch operator will arrange for a taxi to pick you up. There’s a fixed service fee of 15 MAD (a bit more at night) plus the standard metered fare.
Before getting in, check for the Taxi Vert sticker on the windshield—this indicates it’s an official Taxi Vert cab, and the driver is required to use the meter. This option adds a level of convenience and transparency to your journey, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more reliability.
Indriver APP:
For more transparency, try an app-based ride service like In-Driver, which works like Uber and offers upfront pricing without negotiation. You can choose from a variety of car options, including motorbikes if you’re up for a fun ride. Marrakesh also has a budget-friendly bus system for those open to public transit.
Note:
The price might be lower here than taxi, but that dosn’t mea that taxi is scamming you.
Taxis Outside Marrakesh
Only Grand Taxis can travel outside Marrakech, and they charge per seat. If you’re traveling alone or with one other person, you’ll need to pay for all six seats to leave immediately or wait until the taxi fills up with other passengers. This option can be a bit pricey but offers comfort and convenience for traveling in a group.
Grand Taxis are ideal for trips to areas near Marrakech, like the Ourika Valley or Toubkal Mountain, typically costing around 300 DH ($30) for the full fare.
For travel within large cities, I don’t recommend Grand Taxis unless you’re with a group of five or six.
Otherwise, solo travelers or couples may find it more economical and efficient to use trains or bus services like CTM and Supratours. These buses are comfortable, quick, and reasonably priced for intercity travel between destinations such as Marrakesh, Agadir, Casablanca, and Tangier. (See this blog post for more information on these options.)
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