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City Guide - Marrakech - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport The national company CTM (tel: (04) 434 651; web site: www.ctm.co.ma), is the main provider of urban bus services within Marrakech, which leave from Marrakech's central bus station, located on Bab Doukkala. There are also many private lines that operate throughout the city from the central bus station. CTM services are reliable and operate from early morning until late at night (around 0600-2400), with night buses running on the more popular routes. However, buses can be very crowded. Single fares are paid to the driver and cost no more than Dh4 for journeys between Guéliz and the medina. Additional charges of about Dh3 are made for luggage. Grand Taxis, Petit Taxis and Calèches Quicker and only a little more expensive than the buses are the grand taxis, large cars that carry up to six people for a fixed fare. Generally keeping to specific routes, the taxis leave - when full - from the bus station, from Djemmaa-el-Fna, and from the Post Office in Guéliz. Petit taxis are saloon cars that are required to be metered but seldom are. Prices are best agreed in advance with an average price of around Dh10 rising to Dh15 at night, and drivers expect a 10% tip. In addition to the above is the calèche, a horse-drawn carriage carrying up to five people. Again, prices should be agreed in advance. For five people this should not cost much more than a petit taxi. Calèches line up near the Koutoubia, the Badi Palace and the more expensive hotels. For specified trips, grand taxis and calèches are required by law to display prices. All three can be hired for tours of the city. Grand and petit taxis can be hired for day trips outside the city. Limousines Limousines can be hired from Ramsis Services, Résidence Firdaous, 11 Rue Med El Bequal, Guéliz (tel: (04) 434 819; fax: (04) 434 821; web site: www.maroc-evasion.com/rak/ramsis/ramsis.htm). Rates are Dh2000 for an eight-hour tour for two people. Driving in the City With so many transport options available, driving is not necessary for getting around Marrakech. Accident rates are very high, especially around the medina where people and cyclists are apt to move out suddenly in front of you. After dark, the dangers increase since it is legal to drive cars and ride bicycles without lights at up to 20kph (12mph). Parking in Guéliz can be found at any of the big hotels or off the Avenue Muhammad V. In the medina, spaces are available at the Djemmaa-el-Fna outside the Foucauld Hôtel and in the car park beside the CTM Hôtel. Car Hire The major car hire companies can be found in Guéliz. These include: Avis, 137 Avenue Muhammad V (tel: (04) 433 727; web site: www.avis.com), Hertz, 137 Avenue Muhammad V (tel: (04) 434 680; web site: www.hertz.com), Europcar, 63 Boulevard Zerqtouni (tel: (04) 431 228; web site: www.europcar.com) and Always, Complex Kawkab, Centre Guéliz (tel: (04) 446 797; fax: (04) 430 938). Hire fees are subject to 19% government; visitors should make sure that this has been added to the agreed price. Rates start at around Dh600 per day for a four-door saloon. Although smaller local companies can undercut this by up to a half this is often reflected in the condition of their cars. However, one to try is Concorde Cars, 154 Avenue Muhammad V (tel: (04) 439 973). Drivers must be over 21 years to hire a car and be in possession of a full national driving licence. Third-party insurance is automatic on renting a car. Bicycle & Scooter Hire A popular alternative is the bicycle or moped. Bicycles can be hired from Hôtel de Foucauld, Avenue El Mouahidine (tel: (04) 445 499), the Hôtel Ali Rue Moulay Ismail (tel: (04) 444 979), at a cost of around Dh100 per day. Mopeds can be rented from Marrakech Motor, 31 Boulevard El-Khattabi (tel: (04) 448 359), where prices start at Dh200 per day. |