Taxis in Morocco: Navigating the City with Petite and Grand Taxis

The Petite Taxi: Your City Companion

These smaller, often brightly colored cars (their color varies by city – think yellow in Marrakech, red in Fes, light blue in Rabat, and so on) are your best friend for getting around within city limits.

• Who it’s for: Ideal for individuals, couples, or small groups (up to 3 passengers). If you’re a group of four, you’ll need to split into two taxis or look for a larger “van-style” petite taxi, if available.
• How they work:
  • Hailing: You simply flag them down on the street.
  • The Meter (Compteur): Petite taxis should use a meter (compteur in French, often pronounced “counter” in Darija). This is crucial! Always insist the driver turns it on at the start of your journey. If they refuse or claim it’s “broken,” it’s often a tactic to charge a flat, inflated rate. Politely insist or, if they persist, try to find another taxi.
  • Shared Rides: Don’t be surprised if the driver picks up other passengers heading in the same general direction. You’ll only pay for your seat, making it very economical. If you want an exclusive ride, you’ll generally pay a bit more (negotiated upfront).
• Fares: Fares are usually very affordable. A short ride within a city like Marrakech might cost between 7 to 20 dirhams ($0.70 – $2 USD). Rates increase by about 50% at night (usually after 8 PM or 9 PM, depending on the city).
• Key Tip: Learning a few basic Darija phrases like “Wash l’compteur khdam?” (Is the meter working?) can be incredibly helpful. Always confirm the meter or agree on a price before starting the ride.

The Grand Taxi: For Intercity Journeys and Beyond

Grand taxis are larger, older sedans (often Mercedes) or minivans. They serve as shared long-distance transport between cities, towns, and sometimes key points within a large city’s outskirts.

• Who it’s for: Travelers going between cities (e.g., Marrakech to Essaouira, Fes to Meknes), or to distant suburbs/rural areas where petite taxis aren’t permitted.
• How they work:
  • Designated Stands: Grand taxis typically operate from specific taxi stands or gares routières (bus stations) in each city, rather than being hailed on every street corner. You’ll often find a “manager” at these stands who helps organize passengers.
  • Shared Seats: You pay for a seat, not the whole car. A grand taxi will usually wait until all seats (up to 6 passengers, sometimes 4 in the back and 2 in the front beside the driver) are filled before departing. If you’re in a hurry, you can “buy” the empty seats, but this will significantly increase the cost.
  • Fixed Routes/Prices: Each grand taxi often has a fixed route or destination. Prices per seat are generally fixed for popular routes, but it’s always good to confirm before you get in.
• Fares: While more expensive than a petite taxi for a similar distance, they are very economical for intercity travel compared to hiring a private car. For instance, a seat from Marrakech to a nearby town might be 50-70 dirhams ($5-$7 USD).
• Key Tip: Be prepared to wait until the taxi fills up, especially on less popular routes or at off-peak times. Negotiating a full car hire (if you want private transport) is done upfront.

General Taxi Tips for Morocco:

• Cash is King: Always pay in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD). Drivers rarely accept cards.
• Bargain Politely: If a meter isn’t used, negotiating a fair price is common practice, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Marrakech. Start lower than what they ask and meet somewhere in the middle.
• Safety First: Taxis are generally safe. Drivers are monitored by local police. If you feel uncomfortable, you can always exit the taxi.
• Have Your Destination Ready: Knowing the name of your destination (or a nearby landmark) in Arabic or French will greatly assist your driver.

Whether zipping through ancient medinas or cruising across scenic landscapes, taxis in Morocco offer an authentic and often adventurous way to experience the country’s vibrant pulse. Embrace the journey, and don’t be afraid to engage with your driver – it can often lead to interesting insights and friendly exchanges!