Morocco price guide
How much does small taxi (petit taxi) cost in Morocco?
A standard Petit Taxi ride in Morocco costs 10–30 MAD ($1–$3 USD) for city trips, with an official minimum meter fare of 7–8 MAD and a mandatory +50% legal night surcharge after 20:00 (or 20:30 depending on the city). Drivers are legally required to use the taximeter (compteur). In high-tourist areas where drivers demand inflated flat fees (50–100 MAD), decline the quote and hail a moving taxi on a main street or use ride-hailing apps like inDrive or Careem.
Quick reference
per ride
Price examples
Typical amounts in MAD
Fares are calculated by digital meters based on distance traveled and idle traffic delays. Below are realistic daytime metered prices for common urban routes:
Petit taxis cannot legally exit city borders or carry more than 3 passengers. For airport pickups, official rank boards quote fixed flat rates (70–100 MAD in Marrakech; 300–400 MAD in Casablanca for Grand Taxis) rather than meters.
Hail a Petit Taxi along main avenues by waving your hand. Before closing the car door, say 'Compteur, s'il vous plaît' (Meter, please). If a driver refuses to start the meter and insists on a high flat rate, walk away and hail the next passing cab. Drivers routinely pick up additional passengers traveling in the same direction; each passenger or party pays their own separate metered fare.
Daytime meters start at a base rate of ~2.50–3 MAD and increase per kilometer plus time spent idling in traffic. Surcharges apply for nighttime service (+50% after 20:00) or telephone phone-dispatch requests ('Taxi Vert', which adds a 15 MAD dispatch fee).
Distance traveled and heavy urban traffic congestion
Day vs. Night shifts (+50% legal night tariff applies after 20:00)
City municipality regulations (e.g., strict meters in Casablanca/Rabat vs. 7 MAD flat rate in Essaouira)
Airport origin/destination (Official fixed airport tariffs apply at terminal ranks)
Shared passenger rides (Multiple passengers joining mid-route pay independent metered totals)
Petit Taxis are the fastest way to get between train stations, bus stops, and Medina gates. Each city uses a specific color: Red (Casablanca, Agadir), Ochre/Beige (Marrakech), Blue (Rabat, Chefchaouen, Essaouira), Yellow (Fez), and Turquoise (Tangier). Having your destination pinned on Google Maps helps cross any language barrier with drivers.
A useful rule when comparing private guide prices
Always state 'Compteur, s'il vous plaît' before getting into the car.
Carry small cash banknotes (10, 20, and 50 MAD) and coins; drivers rarely have change for 100 or 200 MAD notes.
Understand the 3-passenger capacity limit: groups of 4 must take two Petit Taxis or hire a Grand Taxi.
Do not be alarmed if the driver picks up another passenger heading in your direction this is standard legal practice in Morocco.
Round up the fare to the nearest 2 to 5 MAD as a standard local tip (e.g., pay 20 MAD on an 17.50 MAD meter).
The 50% nighttime surcharge after 20:00 is an official municipal law, not a tourist scam.
If drivers around tourist hubs refuse to use the meter, use apps like inDrive, Heetch, or Careem to get transparent pricing.
Budget 30–60 MAD ($3–$6 USD) per day for 2 to 3 typical city taxi rides. Keep small coins ready in your pocket so you can pay metered amounts without waiting for change.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
A few practical questions travelers may have before choosing or paying for this in Morocco.
What should I do if a taxi driver charges me more than expected?
First check whether the meter was used and whether you are travelling at night, since some cities apply a higher night tariff. If the price is clearly higher than expected and there is no meter, you do not have to accept the ride. For short trips, it is usually easier to thank the driver, walk away and take another taxi rather than argue over the fare.
What if a taxi driver refuses to use the meter?
If meters are normally used in the city, you can ask the driver to turn it on before leaving. A simple 'le compteur, s'il vous plaît' is enough. If the driver refuses and wants to charge a price you are not comfortable with, you can decline the ride and take another taxi. This is especially useful around busy tourist areas where fixed prices are more commonly offered.
Why won't a small taxi stop for me in Morocco?
A taxi may pass without stopping because it already has passengers, is heading in another direction, or the driver does not want to take the particular route. This can happen more often when the streets are busy or traffic is heavy. Don't take it personally in most cities there will be another taxi shortly. Move to a taxi stand or a less crowded street if you are having trouble finding one.
Are small taxis more expensive at night in Morocco?
In many Moroccan cities, metered petit taxis have a higher night tariff, commonly around 50% more than the daytime fare. The exact hours can depend on the local taxi regulations, so do not assume that the same switch time applies everywhere. In places where the night tariff is used, it should be reflected in the meter rather than appearing as a completely separate price invented at the end of the journey.
What time does the night taxi fare start in Morocco?
The night tariff commonly starts around 8 PM and can continue through the night, but the exact hours are not necessarily identical in every city. If you are travelling in the evening, check the local taxi rules or watch the meter rather than assuming that a higher fare is automatically incorrect.
Can a small taxi pick up another passenger during my ride?
Yes, this can happen with petit taxis. Small taxis may pick up another passenger who is travelling in a similar direction, depending on the city's local system. This is normal in Morocco and does not necessarily mean that your fare has changed. If you want a private ride, ask the driver before starting the journey.
