What Is a Grand Taxi in Morocco?
Quick answer
A grand taxi is a shared, older Mercedes (usually cream/beige) that runs fixed intercity and town-to-town routes for a set price per seat — typically packed with six passengers. You can also hire the whole car privately for day trips or transfers by paying for all the seats.
Morocco has two kinds of taxi, and mixing them up causes confusion. The grand taxi is the long-distance workhorse — cheap, characterful and a genuine local experience, if a snug one.
Here’s how the system works.
Grand taxi vs petit taxi
Petit taxis are small, colour-coded city cabs (a different colour per city) that run short hops within a town for up to three passengers, ideally on the meter. Grand taxis are larger, older Mercedes (often cream or beige) that run fixed longer routes between towns and from town to outlying areas.
Petit taxis can’t legally leave the city limits; grand taxis cover the intercity gaps where trains and buses don’t.
How shared grand taxis work
Grand taxis run set routes from designated stands and leave when full — traditionally six passengers crammed in (two in the front passenger seat, four in the back). You pay a fixed price per seat, which is very cheap. You may wait for the car to fill, or pay for empty seats to leave sooner.
It’s an authentic, economical way to reach places off the train network — just expect a tight squeeze and no seatbelts in the back.
Hiring one privately
You can charter a whole grand taxi (“course” / private hire) by paying for all six seats — useful for day trips (e.g. to the Ourika Valley or between nearby towns), airport runs, or when you want to leave now and not share. Always agree the total price before setting off.
For longer multi-day trips or comfort, a proper private driver/tour vehicle is better; grand taxis shine for short, cheap intercity hops and local day trips.
Key takeaways
- Grand taxi = shared older Mercedes on fixed intercity routes.
- Set price per seat, leaves when full (usually six passengers).
- Petit taxis are small in-city cabs; grand taxis cover the gaps.
- You can hire the whole car privately — agree the price first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a petit and grand taxi in Morocco?
Petit taxis are small city cabs (up to three passengers, on the meter) that stay within town. Grand taxis are larger shared Mercedes running fixed intercity routes for a set price per seat, or hireable privately.
How much does a grand taxi cost?
Shared grand taxis charge a low fixed price per seat for the route. To go privately, pay for all six seats. Always confirm the fare before departing.
Are grand taxis safe?
They’re a normal, widely-used way to travel, though they’re often crowded with no rear seatbelts and drivers can be fast. For comfort and longer trips, a private driver is better.
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