From Ouarzazate Airport to the City by Taxi or Hire Car

Ouarzazate Airport (IATA code OZZ) is one of the easiest arrivals in Morocco. The terminal is small, queues are short, and the town starts just beyond the perimeter fence: most hotels and guesthouses are 5 to 10 minutes away by car. Taxis wait outside for incoming flights, several car rental companies have desks on site, and you can be at your accommodation within half an hour of landing. Here is everything worth knowing before you fly in.

Where Ouarzazate Airport is

The airport lies on the northern edge of Ouarzazate, between the town and the open plain that leads towards the High Atlas. It is run by ONDA, Morocco's airports authority, and handles a modest number of flights each week. Because it is so close, you will often see planes landing from the residential districts north of the centre, such as Hay El Massira.

For reference, our own address in Hay El Massira is about 2 minutes from the terminal by car, and downtown Ouarzazate is about 3 minutes further. Kasbah Taourirt, at the eastern end of Avenue Mohammed V, is around 5 to 10 minutes from the airport depending on traffic. You can see exactly where we are on our location page.

Flights and airlines serving OZZ

Ouarzazate is not a big hub, so it pays to plan around the schedule. In general terms:

• Royal Air Maroc connects Ouarzazate with Casablanca, which is the usual route if you are flying in from elsewhere in the world. Allow a comfortable connection time in Casablanca.
• Low-cost carriers have operated direct routes from France and Spain in recent seasons, typically a few times a week. These routes are often seasonal and can be added or dropped from one year to the next.
• There is also a short domestic link to Zagora at times.

Because routes change often, please check current schedules directly with the airlines before planning your trip. If there is no convenient flight, the most common alternative is to fly into Marrakech and travel over the Tizi n'Tichka pass by car or coach (see below).

What to expect when you land

The arrival process is quick because there are rarely more than one or two flights at a time. Expect this sequence:

1. Passport control (international arrivals). Have the address of your accommodation ready, as you may be asked for it on the entry form or at the desk.
2. Baggage reclaim, usually a short wait.
3. Customs, then straight out into a small arrivals area with car rental desks.
4. Outside, taxis and drivers holding name boards wait in front of the building.

Do not expect the facilities of a large airport: there may be a café and a few services, but shops are minimal and opening hours depend on flights. Everything else you need is in town, a few minutes away.

Getting from the airport into town

Petit taxi

Petits taxis are the small city cabs that serve Ouarzazate. They carry up to three passengers and are the simplest way into town. From the airport, drivers rarely use the meter: the fare is a fixed amount that is higher than an ordinary town ride. That is normal. The golden rule is to agree the price before you get in, and to have small notes in dirhams. If you are unsure what is fair, ask your accommodation before you fly; a quick WhatsApp message is all it takes.

Grand taxi

Grands taxis are larger cars used mainly for travel between towns. They take more passengers and luggage, so they are useful for a family or a group of four or more. You can also hire one privately to go straight from the airport to Aït Ben Haddou, Skoura or further afield. Again, agree the total fare clearly before setting off.

Rental car

Several international and Moroccan rental companies have desks at the airport. Renting here makes sense if you plan to explore the region: Aït Ben Haddou, the Fint oasis, Skoura and the Dades valley are all much easier with your own car. Book ahead in spring and autumn, inspect the car for existing damage with the agent, and check the fuel level. If you are staying in town, ask your accommodation whether parking is available; at our residence, there is free private parking with a night security guard.

Pre-booked transfer

Private transfer companies and drivers can meet you with a name board. This costs more than a taxi but removes the need to negotiate, which some travellers appreciate after a long journey or a late arrival.

Cash, SIM cards and first practicalities

Money

The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, so you generally cannot buy it before you travel. Taxis only take cash. There is usually an ATM at the airport, but it is wise not to rely on a single machine: carry a backup card, and if you can, bring a little euro cash that can be exchanged in town. Avenue Mohammed V has many bank ATMs and exchange offices.

Phone and data

The three Moroccan networks are Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi. Travellers report that SIM sellers at the airport are not always present, so do not count on buying one the moment you land. Shops and authorised resellers in the town centre sell prepaid SIM cards with data, and you will need your passport to register it. Many accommodations, including ours, offer free Wi-Fi, so you can message ahead and sort out a SIM the next morning. Phones that support eSIM can also be set up before departure.

Timing your arrival

Evening arrivals are common. Check your accommodation's check-in hours in advance; ours runs from 14:00 to 22:00, so if your flight is delayed, simply let the reception know on WhatsApp. Late at night, there are fewer taxis around, which is another reason to agree arrangements before you land.

Travelling on by road or bus

To and from Marrakech

The N9 crosses the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, which tops out at around 2,260 metres. Ouarzazate to Marrakech is about 200 km and takes around 4 hours without long stops, more if you stop for photos (you will). The road is in good condition but winding, so allow extra time in winter, when snow can occasionally close the pass for a few hours. Our Marrakech to Ouarzazate road guide covers the bus, the private driver option and the best stops on the way.

Coaches from town, not the airport

Morocco's two main coach companies, CTM and Supratours, both serve Ouarzazate, with routes to Marrakech, Zagora, Tinghir, Errachidia and Merzouga among others. They depart from their own offices in town (the CTM office is on Avenue Mohammed V), not from the airport, so take a taxi there first. Book a day ahead in busy periods, either online or at the counter.

Towards the desert and the valleys

Heading east, the N10 takes you past Skoura (about 40 km) towards the Dades valley (about 2 hours) and on to Merzouga (about 360 km, 6 to 7 hours). Southwards, the N9 follows the Draa valley to Zagora. If the Sahara is your goal, our guide to the road from Ouarzazate to Merzouga covers routes and stops.

Making the most of your first evening

Because the airport is so close, even a late afternoon flight leaves time for a first walk. Head to Kasbah Taourirt for the golden light on its earthen walls, then have dinner on Avenue Mohammed V or around the Place Al Mouahidine. If you have arrived tired with children, an apartment with a kitchen and room service means nobody has to go back out. Tomorrow, the classic first day trip is Aït Ben Haddou, and our 2 to 3 day Ouarzazate itinerary shows how to organise the rest of your stay.