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Marrakesh Menara Layover Guide (RAK)

What are you looking for in RAK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Marrakesh Airport (RAK) is an international airport located in Marrakesh, Morocco. It’s situated about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city center. The airport first opened in 1942. Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s most iconic cities, known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and bustling souks. It’s also a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, along with its lively markets and beautiful gardens.

Can you leave Marrakesh Airport (RAK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers may exit Marrakesh Airport during layovers by passing immigration. Travelers from visa-exempt countries can enter visa-free for up to ninety days; others must obtain a Moroccan visa or eVisa in advance. Confirm transit visas if required and carry onward flight confirmation. Ensure your passport remains valid beyond your stay. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Jemaa el-Fnaa Experience Jemaa el-Fnaa’s vibrant square filled with storytellers, musicians, food stalls, and snake charmers, offering a sensory feast of Moroccan culture and street cuisine in the heart of Medina. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)
• Bahia Palace Wander through the opulent Bahia Palace’s intricately decorated rooms, stunning zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and serene courtyards surrounded by fragrant orange trees and lush gardens. Official site (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)
• Koutoubia Mosque Admire the Koutoubia Mosque’s majestic 12th-century minaret rising above palm-shaded gardens, symbolizing Marrakech’s spiritual heritage and offering picturesque views of the city skyline at sunset. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)
• Jardin Majorelle Discover Yves Saint Laurent’s vibrant Jardin Majorelle, featuring exotic cacti collections, cobalt-blue pavilions, tranquil water features, and the Berber Museum showcasing North African art and design. Official site (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)
• Explore the Souks Lose yourself in Marrakech’s bustling souks, wandering narrow alleys lined with spice merchants, leather artisans, colorful textiles, and handcrafted ceramics, perfect for haggling and discovering authentic Moroccan souvenirs. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)
• Saadian Tombs Explore the hidden Saadian Tombs’ ornate mausoleums nestled within lush gardens, featuring exquisite marblework and intricate mosaics dating back to the reign of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)
• Traditional Hammam Rejuvenate with a traditional hammam ritual, indulging in steam baths, black soap exfoliation, and relaxing clay mask treatments in an atmospheric riad setting steeped in Moroccan wellness traditions. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)
• Rooftop Terrace Dinner Savor authentic tagine, couscous, and sweet mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Medina’s labyrinthine rooftops, illuminated at dusk for a magical Moroccan dining ambiance. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: taxi 15 min or bus 19, ~30 min)

Things to Do in Marrakesh Airport (RAK)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Marrakesh Menara Airport offers a handful of lounges where travelers can unwind. The Atlas Lounge provides comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, hot meals, beverages and free Wi-Fi. Access is by business-class ticket, lounge membership or pay-per-use. Quiet zones and charging stations help you relax before departure, and shower facilities refresh tired passengers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Just outside the terminal, the ONOMO Airport Hotel delivers modern rooms, a restaurant, bar and 24-hour front desk, ideal for short stays. Budget options are available in nearby Palmeraie and Hivernage districts, with free shuttles or taxis. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to secure best rates and convenient access. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Inside the departures hall, limited reclining seats and rest zones allow brief naps. Power outlets and soft lighting make staying comfortable for a few hours possible. The airport also has designated quiet areas near gate B and C. Do note that overnight stays are unofficial and services may close late at night, so plan accordingly.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Simply select “RAK_Free_Wifi” and register via SMS or email to enjoy up to two hours of free access. Afterward, paid packages can be purchased for extended usage. Connection speeds are moderate, suitable for browsing and email, but may be slower during peak periods.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple kiosks inside arrivals sell Moroccan SIM cards from operators like Orange and Maroc Telecom. Prepaid packages include data, calls and texts at competitive rates. eSIMs are also offered by international providers online, activated before arrival. Remember to bring an unlocked device and your passport for registration. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis are black with an orange roof sign. Fares to the city center are fixed at approximately MAD 70–100, depending on time and luggage. Taxis operate 24/7; ensure the meter is running or agree on the fare beforehand. Shared taxis (“grand taxis”) offer cheaper per-seat rates but depart only when full.

Train: There is no direct train station at the airport. The nearest station is in the city center, accessible by taxi or bus. From there, ONCF trains run regularly to Casablanca, Rabat and Fès. Ticket bookings, schedules and fare details are available on the official ONCF website. (more info)

Bus: Local city buses operated by Alsa connect the airport to central Marrakesh. Bus line 19 runs every 30 minutes from early morning until midnight, stopping at major hotels and Jemaa el-Fna square. Tickets cost around MAD 30. For intercity coaches, CTM and Supratours serve the airport area. (more info)

Shuttle: Shared airport shuttles offer door-to-door service to major hotels. Runs are pre-bookable online or at the airport’s transfer desk. Prices start at MAD 80 per person and vary by destination. Shuttles operate according to flight arrivals, ensuring minimal wait times and group travel savings compared to private taxis.

Car rentals: International and local operators such as Avis, Hertz and Budget have desks inside arrivals. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs, with optional extras like GPS and child seats. Drivers must present a valid license, passport and credit card. One-way rentals are possible but may incur additional fees. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking garages are located opposite the terminal. Rates start at MAD 10 per hour for short stays and MAD 50 per day for long-term lots. Covered parking is available for higher fees. Payment machines accept cash and credit cards; validation machines near exits stamp your ticket to apply the correct rates.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport does not currently offer official luggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers must use nearby downtown services or luggage delivery companies. Many hotels will store bags before check-in or after check-out for a small fee. Plan accordingly if you need secure storage between flights. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Marrakesh Airport (RAK) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks