How to get from Marrakech Airport to City Centre by Bus: Beat the Taxi Rip Off

We went back and forth from Marrakech airport many times, once to pick up the car, and another time for flights. This guide is for you to save money when going from Marrakech airport to the city centre by bus. A taxi will rip you off, but the bus takes you exactly in the same place for nearly nothing.

It was very confusing for us at first, but we got it right, and we are here to guide you through. The number 11 takes you everywhere for 4dh, alternatively, the shuttle for 30dh.

Anyway, this guide is all about where to take the bus, timing, how to pay and more. The perfect way for backpackers in Marrakech to get around.

Why Take the Bus?

We picked the bus because it’s crazy cheap—only 4 Moroccan Dirhams (about £0.33 cents). It’s very easy, with stops near the heart of the city like Jemaa el-Fnaa and right in front of the airport entrance.

Also, unlike taxis or private transfers, it’s a real slice of local life, no tourist fluff. Seriously, skip the taxi scams and save your dirhams for mint tea and street food. As backpackers, this is the experience we look for, away from the easy ways.

Bus #11 and #12 Route

Buses 11 and 12 go along the same route. Both stops at the Koutoubia Mhamid 9 bus stop cost the same 4 Dh to get from the centre to Marrakech airport and return. Both have the same five stops: Sofitel, Menara Mall, Jardin Menara, Bouakaz and then Airport and vice versa.

Compared to the Airport Shuttle bus, there are fewer stops. The Bus 19 from Jemaa El-Fna Square to the Airport (last stop) has 7 stops and stops at the railway station. It takes longer for the same route and costs 30 Dh.

Where to catch the bus at Marrakech Airport

The bus stop toward the Medina of Marrakech is right outside the airport arrivals. You need to walk about 10 minutes to the main road; don’t expect flashy signs.

There are two stops next to each other. Do not expect huge signs. It’s just a pole.  Really just a spot where locals gather, on the side of the busy Avenida Guemassa. We have the map above with the exact two bus stops.

There are no shades at the bus stops, so embrace it. The bus #11 will eventually arrive. It felt a bit chaotic at first, but there were a couple of locals waiting. So we knew it was the right spot.

Where to get the bus in Marrakech city centre

The bus stop in Marrakech city centre is right next to Koutoubia Minaret, on Avenida Mohammed V. The bus stop is named Mhamid 9. Again, it’s just a pole in front of the seating benches, kind of an unmarked bus stop. Gather with locals, and flag the bus when arriving.

Tips: The opposite bus stop is the one you need to take to reach the CTM bus station or the Supratour terminal.

What to Expect on the Ride

Buses in Morocco are the old-style Alsa buses that were once used in Spain. We experienced those when living in Malaga. The bus isn’t shiny, nor either quiet. It doesn’t have the AC, but warm air is coming from the small window.

Hope that there is no traffic, as it is generally quick. The ride is about 10 minutes (20 in peak times), covering just 5 stops. It’s actually shorter than the shuttle bus, which costs 30 Dh.

If you have never taken a bus in Morocco, prepare for the ride. Drivers in Morocco don’t give s**** about you, and go around pretty sharp corners, or brake heavily. Hold tight.

The bus gets crowded and noisy, sometimes a bit bumpy, but that’s the vibe of Marrakech itself. It drops you near Jemaa el-Fnaa and the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, or on the main road, 7 minutes walking from the departure terminal at the airport (700 metres).

If you are staying near Medina, like we did, it’s the best transport option.. It’s not a luxury shuttle, but it throws you straight into the city’s buzz.

ALSO READ | Marrakech Spices Souk guide

Tickets and Stops

Hop on board and pay your ticket. Easy as that. In Marrakech, as well as throughout Morocco, you buy your ticket from the driver on the bus. The ride from the city centre to Menara Airport costs only 4 MAD.

Check more info about the tariffs for buses in Marrakech. Have small bills or coins ready—no card machines here. Don’t expect stops to be announced or English spoken. Locals help you out; we had a kind guy who let us know where to get off.

We also leaned heavily on Google Maps to track our location and figure out when to jump off. Having your hotel address written in Arabic can be very helpful when asking for directions or showing the driver.

READ MORE | Morocco Budget Guide

There is no local bus at night

The local bus numbers #11 and #12 don’t run at night, so you need to take an alternative. The Marrakech Airport shuttle bus (Line 19) operates from 6.30 AM to 11.30 PM, every 30 minutes. It takes you to Jemaa El-Fnaa Square. The ticket costs 30 MAD, or 50 MAD for a return. You’ll pay on board this as well.

If you are arriving in Marrakech after 11.30 PM or before 6 AM, the only alternative is to take a taxi (60 to 80 Dirhams) or a private Van for 80 DH (£7) per person. You can book it in advance here.

Tips Box: Making Your Bus Ride Smooth

• Grab a local SIM card at the airport for data. Alternative: Read our guide for the best e-SIM in Morocco. More convenient than local SIM cards.
• Follow the locals waiting outside arrivals—that’s usually your pick-up point.
• Keep your hotel address in Arabic handy for the driver or locals.
• Ignore pushy touts offering private rides; they’re pricier and unnecessary.
• Hold tight to your belongings; the bus ride is lively and crowded.

Comparing Options: Bus vs Taxi Costs

Transport Type	Approximate Cost (MAD)	Convenience	Best For
Bus #11 and #12	4 MAD (£0.30)	Very Convenient	Budget travelers, backpackers
Taxi	60 MAD + (£5+)	Good	Late arrivals, group travel
Pre-booked Shuttle	80 MAD (£7)	Good	Perfect for couples and late arrivals

The bus saves you money but expect a rougher ride with less comfort. Taxis are faster and comfier, especially late at night, but they’ll cost you a lot more.

Final Thoughts from Our Morocco Journey

It might seem hard to catch a local bus in Marrakech. However, it has become our routine to get out of our comfort zone, experience authentic local life everywhere we go.

We did that in Thailand, Vietnam, and you name it. We saved at least £20 by taking the local bus instead of a taxi or shuttles. With this exact money, you can pay for a full food tour of Marrakech Medina. 

Not only did the local bus drop us off right in the centre of Marrakech. We walked only about 5 minutes (through the crowds) to get you to our riad. 

Every dirham saved on transport was one more to spend on mint tea, street crepes, and all the quirky treats around town.

We’d take that bus every time. It’s a tiny adventure, and a brilliant intro to the heart of Marrakech’s vibrant street life.