Taxis in Essaouira
Everything you need to know about taxis in Essaouira The taxi is the most widely used means of transport for getting around Essaouira. Fast, affordable and available throughout the day, it makes it easy to reach the different neighborhoods of the city, the nearby villages, or even Essaouira-Mogador Airport. Unlike many Moroccan cities, Essaouira's small taxis are not equipped with a meter. Fares are fixed and known to locals, which makes getting around simple and transparent once you know the going rates. In this guide, discover how taxis work in Essaouira, the usual fares, as well as the different solutions for your journeys. Small taxis in Essaouira Small taxis handle trips within Essaouira as well as to certain nearby villages such as Diabat or Ghazoua. They are easily recognizable by their blue color and can carry up to three passengers. In Essaouira, small taxis often operate as shared taxis. If one or more seats are available, the driver may pick up other passengers heading in the same direction. Small taxi fares Trips within Essaouira For all trips within the city, the fare is 8 DH per person. Whether you are alone, with one other person, or with two others, the price remains 8 DH per passenger. It is also possible to get into a taxi that is already occupied if there are still available seats. In this case, you will also pay 8 DH per person to your destination. At night, a slight surcharge applies and the fare rises to 9 DH per person. Taxi between Essaouira and Diabat Diabat is located just a few minutes from downtown. If you wish to book a private taxi, the fare is 30 DH, whether you are one, two, or three people. For the return trip to Essaouira, it is common to use a shared taxi when an available vehicle passes through the village. The fare is then 10 DH per person. Taxi between Essaouira and Ghazoua Small taxis also serve Ghazoua. The fare for a private ride is 30 DH during the day, regardless of the number of passengers (up to three people). In the evening or at night, the fare is generally 40 DH. To return to Essaouira, you can take a shared taxi at a rate of 10 DH per person, depending on available vehicles. Grand taxis Grand taxis allow you to reach towns and villages outside Essaouira. They notably serve routes to: Sidi Kaouki Moulay Bouzerktoun Tafedna Marrakech Agadir Safi Casablanca Rabat Marrakech Airport Grand taxis can be shared among several passengers or booked entirely privately. For long distances, it is recommended to ask for the fare before departure. Taxi between the airport and Essaouira Upon every flight arrival, grand taxis wait for travelers in front of the terminal at Essaouira-Mogador Airport. The trip to downtown takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The fare is 150 DH to reach Essaouira. If you prefer to travel in a vehicle reserved exclusively for you, it is also possible to book a private driver. The price generally varies between 200 DH and 400 DH, depending on the type of vehicle and your destination. Day taxi and night taxi Taxis operate throughout the day in Essaouira. In the evening and at night, some fares may be slightly increased, particularly for small taxis. If you need to reach the airport very early in the morning or late at night, it is advisable to book your driver in advance. Payment Taxis in Essaouira are paid for in cash, in Moroccan dirhams. Credit card payments are generally not accepted. It is therefore recommended to always carry some cash with you. Our tips Even though the fares are well known to locals, it is always best to confirm the price before departure, especially for trips outside the city. If you are traveling with family, with several bags, or if you would like a more comfortable service, a private driver can be an excellent alternative. For long distances, also compare grand taxi fares with those of buses or private transfers to choose the solution best suited to your budget. Frequently asked questions Do taxis use a meter in Essaouira? No. Essaouira's small taxis do not have a meter. Fares are fixed and known to drivers. Can you share a taxi? Yes. Small taxis often operate as shared taxis when there are available seats. Can you pay by credit card? No. Payments are made almost exclusively in cash. Do taxis run at night? Yes. Taxis are available during the day as well as in the evening, with a slight surcharge on certain trips. Can you book a taxi in advance? Yes. Hotels, riads, and transport agencies can book a taxi or a private driver for your trips. Why choose a taxi in Essaouira? The taxi is undoubtedly the simplest means of transport for exploring Essaouira. Fares remain affordable, drivers know the city perfectly, and the main tourist sites are easily accessible. Whether you want to reach your accommodation, visit Diabat, head to Ghazoua, or catch a flight at the airport, taxis offer a fast, practical, and economical solution to make the most of your stay in Essaouira.