Is the Marrakech Train Station Far from the Medina?
Quick answer
Marrakech’s main train station (Gare de Marrakech) is in the Gueliz new town, about 3 km from the medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa — roughly a 10–15 minute petit taxi ride. It is not walkable with luggage, but taxis are cheap and plentiful; agree the fare or insist on the meter.
Arriving or leaving Marrakech by train, it helps to know the station is not in the old town. Here is the lay of the land.
It is close and easy to connect.
Where the station is
Gare de Marrakech, the modern main railway station, sits in Gueliz, the new town, about 3 km from the medina and the Jemaa el-Fnaa area where most riads are. It is a smart, well-equipped station (cafés, shops) on the ONCF network, with services to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier (via connections) and Fes.
It is also near the bus station (Supratours is adjacent), handy for onward travel.
Getting to/from the medina
A petit taxi from the station to the medina takes about 10–15 minutes and is cheap — insist on the meter or agree the fare first (it is a short, low-cost ride). With luggage, a taxi is the obvious choice; the walk (around 30–40 minutes) is doable for light packers but not ideal in the heat.
Remember many riads are down car-free medina alleys, so the taxi drops you at the nearest gate and you walk the last stretch (riad staff can help with bags) — note your riad’s nearest bab in advance.
Tips
Have small dirham notes for the taxi (drivers rarely have change for big notes), and your riad’s name, address and nearest gate written down. If you booked a transfer, the driver may meet you at the station. The airport, by contrast, is closer to the medina (~15 minutes / ~6 km).
For onward train travel, the station is easy to reach by taxi from anywhere in the city; arrive a little early and keep your ticket and passport handy.
Key takeaways
- Gare de Marrakech is in Gueliz, ~3 km from the medina/Jemaa el-Fnaa.
- A 10–15 minute petit taxi; not ideal to walk with luggage.
- Insist on the meter/agree the fare; carry small notes.
- Riads are down car-free alleys — note your nearest gate.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Marrakech train station from Jemaa el-Fnaa?
About 3 km — a 10–15 minute petit taxi ride. It is in the Gueliz new town, not the medina, so a taxi is the easy way with luggage.
Can you walk from Marrakech train station to the medina?
It is around 30–40 minutes on foot — doable for light packers but not ideal with luggage or in the heat. A cheap petit taxi (10–15 minutes) is the usual choice.
How much is a taxi from Marrakech station to the medina?
It is a short, cheap ride — insist on the meter or agree the fare first (a low amount). Carry small dirham notes for change.
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