Bus 19 between Marrakech Airport and the centre
Thirty dirhams to reach Jemaa el-Fna: the cheapest way in from RAK, and it works well — provided you land before 11 pm and can carry your own bag.
How it works
Line 19, run by ALSA, links Marrakech Menara Airport to Jemaa el-Fna. The stop is outside the terminal and clearly signed, and the ride takes about twenty minutes with a few intermediate stops, including in Gueliz.
A ticket costs MAD 30 one way and MAD 50 return, the latter valid for around a fortnight — which makes it the better buy if you come back the same way. Buy from the driver or at the kiosk, in cash.
Departures run roughly every thirty minutes, between 6 am and 11.30 pm. Timings vary by season and traffic: check the board at the stop.
When it is the right choice
- You land during the day, between 8 am and 9 pm.
- You travel as one or two people, with a bag you can carry without effort.
- Your accommodation is near Jemaa el-Fna or in the southern medina.
- Budget is the main criterion: MAD 30 against MAD 100–150 by taxi is a real difference.
When not to take it
Bus 19 becomes a bad idea in several situations, and it is better to know before dragging a suitcase to the stop.
After 11.30 pm it no longer runs — and a large share of low-cost flights land precisely then. With two suitcases or a small child, boarding, stowing bags and the final walk become a chore. And if your riad is not near the square, you will add ten to twenty minutes on foot through the lanes, with your luggage, often after dark.
Four people on the bus: MAD 120. A grand taxi or a transfer for the same group: MAD 150 by day, or €27 for a vehicle seating up to seven, door to door. The gap becomes trivial, and the comfort is in another league.
For the return to the airport
The bus runs back from Jemaa el-Fna at the same frequency. It is a fair option for a midday flight. For an early departure, however, the first bus at around 6 am leaves no margin if your check-in closes early: book a transfer the night before instead.
Frequently asked questions
How much is bus 19 in Marrakech?
MAD 30 one way and MAD 50 return, the latter valid for around a fortnight. Payment is in cash, to the driver or at the kiosk.
What are the bus 19 times at Marrakech Airport?
Departures roughly every thirty minutes, between 6 am and 11.30 pm. Times vary by season: check the board at the stop, which is just outside the terminal.
Where does bus 19 drop you in Marrakech?
At Jemaa el-Fna, with a few intermediate stops including Gueliz. It does not serve your accommodation: if your riad is away from the square, expect ten to twenty minutes on foot through the lanes.
Does bus 19 run at night?
No, the last departure is around 11.30 pm. Since many low-cost flights land later, it is often unusable on arrival: plan a taxi or a booked transfer.
Is bus 19 worth it for a group?
Rarely. For four people the bus comes to MAD 120, against MAD 150 for a grand taxi or €27 for a private transfer seating up to seven, door to door. The price gap becomes minimal and the comfort is not comparable.