Traveling Morocco: An Affordable Adventure?

Morocco is a beautiful country to visit, from its chaotic yet wonderful cities to its peaceful mountains and beaches. But is it expensive to travel there? The answer is: it depends.

Morocco is a very cheap country for many European visitors, who can fly directly to the country for less than $100 USD with budget airlines. For those travelling from North America, websites like Secret Flying and Skyscanner can help find affordable flights.

Accommodation in Morocco is also very affordable. In popular cities like Tangier and Fez, you can find dorm beds for as little as $5-$10 per night. If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, a double room in a well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse will cost around $40 per night. For a luxurious experience, you can rent out beautiful riads, which are traditional Moroccan houses with interior gardens, for $80 and upwards.

When it comes to transportation, Morocco offers various options to suit any budget. Trains are the most comfortable way to travel between cities, with first-class tickets still reasonably priced. Buses are cheaper and better connected, though slower and less comfortable. Car rentals are also a popular option, with small economy cars being a cheap way to explore the country.

Food in Morocco is generally inexpensive. Street food and local eateries offer tasty meals for as little as $1-$2. A typical Moroccan meal consists of lamb or chicken tagine with couscous, served with mint tea. Alcohol, however, can be expensive and hard to find, as it is not commonly consumed in this Islamic country.

So, while Morocco can be very budget-friendly, costs can vary based on your travel style and preferences. Luxury riads, gourmet restaurants, and certain tours can quickly increase your expenses. It's always advisable to check current prices and exchange rates before travelling.

Transport: Trains, buses, taxis, and car rentals are all affordable ways to get around Morocco

Morocco is known for its efficient and affordable public transportation system. Here are some transport options to consider when travelling around the country:

Trains

Morocco has a well-developed railway network that connects major cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes. Train travel is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $30 depending on the distance and class of service. For example, a train from Marrakech to Casablanca can cost between 90 and 140 Dirhams. The trains offer beautiful views of the Moroccan landscapes, and tickets can be purchased directly at the train station or online.

Buses

Buses are a popular and inexpensive way to travel between cities in Morocco. There are various bus companies offering comfortable and modern buses with competitive prices. CTM and Supratours are two reliable bus companies with extensive routes and departure times. The bus fare from Casablanca to Marrakech, for instance, is only 90 Dirhams. Bus stations can be busy and chaotic, but it's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Morocco and offer convenience and comfort, especially for short rides within cities. You can find two types of taxis: "petit taxis" for intra-city travel and "grand taxis" for longer inter-city journeys. It is common for grand taxis to be shared, and they usually wait to fill up all the seats before departing. Taxi rates vary, but for short rides within city limits, expect to pay between 10 and 15 Dirhams. It is recommended to agree on a price with the driver before starting your journey.

Car Rentals

Renting a car in Morocco gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path locations. Car rental prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration, but you can expect to pay around $30 to $50 per day for a basic car. Additionally, gasoline is relatively inexpensive in Morocco, making road trips an affordable option.

Morocco's affordable transportation options make it easy to explore the country on a budget. Whether you choose trains, buses, taxis, or car rentals, you can get around Morocco without breaking the bank.

Food: Meals are generally cheap and street food is widely available

Morocco is a very affordable travel destination, with meals being generally cheap and street food widely available. Couscous and tajine are the most common foods sold on the streets. You can always find $1 USD eats everywhere, especially in the souks (open-air markets).

Moroccan food is delicious, with tagine, couscous, and harira being local favourites. Food is extremely inexpensive in Morocco, and you can easily get by spending around $12-15 per day. Most accommodations in Morocco offer a free breakfast that usually comprises fried eggs, olives, fresh bread, honey, and delicious fruits.

If you're staying somewhere that doesn't offer breakfast, there are still plenty of cafes and restaurants around that will be offering local foods to eat, and you can expect to spend around $2 for a simple breakfast of pastries, jam, and honey. On average, you can expect to pay $5 for lunch while in Morocco, which is often tagine, couscous, or harira. These local eats are delicious, filling, and criminally inexpensive. If you venture outside of the tourist-filled medinas, you can even score a tagine for as little as $3. In the more popular parts of town, you’ll be looking at around $8.

Dinners are slightly more expensive than lunches but still offer great value for money. You can expect to spend between $4 and $8 for your evening meals when travelling in Morocco.

Morocco is an Islamic country, and alcohol is both expensive and hard to find. A small glass of beer can cost around $4. A half-litre bottle of water is $0.50, although it is recommended that you travel with a refillable water bottle and refill it with Morocco's tap water. If you're a coffee drinker, you'll be looking at paying $1.50 for a cappuccino.

Groceries are also inexpensive. Some typical prices of essentials include:

• Loaf of bread: $0.40
• Kilogram of tomatoes: $0.50
• Litre of milk: $0.70
• Kilogram of potatoes: $0.45
• Kilogram of chicken thighs: $4.20

Accommodation: Hostels, guesthouses, riads, and camping are all budget-friendly options

Morocco is a budget-friendly destination for travellers, with a range of affordable accommodation options. Here are some tips for finding budget-friendly stays in Morocco:

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for budget-conscious travellers, offering cheap and comfortable accommodation. In popular cities like Tangier, Fez, and Marrakech, you can find dorm beds starting from $5 per night. These hostels often have excellent reviews and provide a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers.

Guesthouses

If you're looking for more privacy and comfort, guesthouses are a fantastic choice. You can find twin or double rooms in guesthouses, homestays, or Airbnb rentals starting from $12 per night for two people. This option is perfect if you're travelling with a partner or friend and want your own space.

Riads

Riads are traditional Moroccan houses or palaces with interior gardens and unique architectural designs. While they can be more expensive, starting at around $60 per night for two people, they offer an authentic Moroccan experience. Riads range from budget-friendly options to luxurious accommodations, so you can find one that fits your budget.

Camping

Camping is a popular and budget-friendly option during the warmer months, especially in the pristine countryside of Morocco. You can pitch your tent almost anywhere for free, but commercial campgrounds are also available for a small fee. Well-maintained budget campsites can be found near most major cities, offering amenities like hot showers and electrical hookups.

Flights: Budget airlines offer inexpensive flights to Morocco from Europe

Morocco is a very cheap country to visit, especially for European travellers, who can often find budget flights for less than $100 USD.

Budget Airlines

Budget airlines that offer flights to Morocco from Europe include:

• Air Arabia
• Air Berlin
• Easyjet
• Germanwings
• Norwegian
• Ryanair
• Transavia
• Vueling

Flights from the USA to Morocco are also available for under $1000 USD with airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines and Vueling Airlines.

For those travelling from somewhere other than Europe, it is often cheaper to find an inexpensive flight to Europe and then book a point-to-point ticket with a budget airline for the second leg of the journey.

It is also worth noting that ferries from Spain to Morocco are available for those who would like to add an extra element of adventure to their journey.

Activities: Some activities, like museum entries and guided tours, are reasonably priced

Morocco is a budget-friendly destination for travellers, with activities to match. Some activities, like museum entries and guided tours, are reasonably priced.

For museum lovers, entry fees are generally low, with some museums offering free entry. For example, the entry fee to the Jardin Majorelle or Hassan II Mosque is free or has a small entrance fee of around $5.

Guided tours are also reasonably priced. A day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Africa, costs just $20 for a 10-hour tour.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, there are plenty of options available. A guided tour of the Sahara Desert, including camel rides and camping under the stars, costs around $95 for one night and $112 for two nights.

Morocco also offers free activities for budget-conscious travellers. Exploring the medinas, or traditional markets, in cities like Fez and Marrakech is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture without spending a dime.

With its diverse range of activities and experiences, Morocco has something for every traveller, regardless of budget. Whether you're looking for free activities or willing to splurge on luxurious guided tours, Morocco has you covered.

Frequently asked questions