Visiting Marrakech – What you should know before you go – Part 2

The modern train station receives daily services from Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier. If you have time and money to spare, you can take the Eurostar from London to Paris, and then the daily TGV service to Algeciras in Spain. From Algeciras it’s a ferry ride to Tangier before you get on the local service. Just be careful as there are no public lavatories in Marrakech and the station has the only free facilities.

The national bus company, CTM, runs locally and out of town and is probably the best. Tour companies also run buses between Marrakech, Essaouira and many other destinations.

You will hear much talk about Grands taxis, these are just shared taxis that gather on Marché du Mellah and at the gare routière. They connect Marrakech with Casablanca, Fès and Essaouira. Alternatively, you can hire a normal taxi and get it to take you wherever you want; just make sure they turn on the meter.

You can drive your own car as there are frequent ferry services operating between France, Spain and northern Morocco. A motorway connects Tangier with Marrakech and then continues on to.

As far as Passports & visas are concerned Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand only need a valid passport to visit Morocco and have no need of a visa. You will be able to stay for three months, but only if your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of arrival. If your time in the country will exceed the three months, then you must get an extension from the central police station.

You should take out normal travel insurance but a health policy is a must before travelling to Marrakech. There are no reciprocal health agreements between Morocco and the EU countries, and if you fall ill you will have to pay the doctor’s bills. You will also want the best private hospital not the state-run versions.


When you want to decide what time of year to go there are a few things to bear in mind. Marrakech is warm all year round, although during January and February you do see some rainfall and the temperatures drop during the nights. The summer heat is at its most oppressive in July and August. The best times to visit are therefore March to June and September to December. The peak tourist season is Easter and Christmas/ New Year. If you plan on a visit then be sure to make reservations well ahead in order to secure a room.