The fes airport to city journey is about 15 km and normally takes 20–30 minutes by taxi or transfer. Bus 16 costs roughly 4–5 MAD and takes around 40–60 minutes. ONDA currently lists 120 MAD for Fes airport taxis. Medina visitors may need to walk from the nearest vehicle-accessible gate.

The fes airport to city trip seems easy but your accommodation location can change the best option. Bus 16, an airport taxi or a pre-booked transfer are all available to travelers. Your choice will depend on the time of your arrival, the luggage you have and whether you are staying in Ville Nouvelle or inside Fes el-Bali.

Our local team knows the ins and outs of airport arrivals and drop-offs in Medina. Getting to the final kilometer requires more planning than driving the 15 km from the airport at Fes-Saïss.

What is the easiest way from Fes airport to city?

Usually the easiest way to get from the fes airport to the city is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. Both options leave directly from Fes-Saïss Airport and there is no need to change transport with luggage.

Central Fes is about 15 km from the terminal. Depending on traffic and where you are going, a normal drive to the road will take between 20 and 30 minutes.

Fes medina or city center

Hotels in Ville Nouvelle usually have direct access to the road. Getting to Fes el-Bali is a little different as many of the streets inside the Medina are blocked off to normal car traffic.

Your driver or taxi can drop you off at the nearest accessible gate. Then you walk the last bit to your riad.

See the Fes transport page for more information on transport in the wider Fes area.

Local tip: Before leaving the airport ask your riad for their recommended vehicle drop-off gate.

Is Bus 16 from Fes Airport worth taking?

If you want to get from the airport to the city and price is more important than speed, Bus 16 is useful. Recent transport info indicates a fare of about 4-5 MAD per person.

The journey usually lasts 40–60 minutes. This means the bus will be far slower than a direct taxi or private transfer.

Where does Bus 16 pick up in Fes?

Bus 16 does not go directly into Fes Medina but passes through the railway-station area in Ville Nouvelle.

This could be useful for travelers staying close to Fes train station. Medina visitors usually need another taxi or additional transport after leaving the bus.

The exact frequency of departures is not regularly published. Don’t count on a close connection on Bus 16 after evening flights.

Local tip: Bring small Moroccan dirham notes or coins, and have a taxi option in case the bus is late.

How does a Fes Airport taxi work?

Taxi is one of the easiest ways to get from fes airport to city without pre-booking. Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal at Fez-Saiss Airport.

According to ONDA for Fes-Saïss Airport, the airport taxi service is available 24 hours a day.

Fez is currently 120 MAD on ONDA. That’s around €11, £9 or $12.

How Much Should You Pay

Confirm the fare before you get in the vehicle at the airport. It makes sense to double check the one way amount since ONDA's current page uses strange phrasing around the Fes fare.

You can read the full guide to Fes Airport taxi prices before you arrive.

Also show the driver your riad address for accommodation in the Medina. The driver may have to use a gate close to the riad entrance.

Local tip: Save your hotel location offline, as mobile data may not work right after you land.

Should you pre-book a Fes Airport transfer?

For first-time visitors, families and late arrivals, a pre-booked transfer makes the journey from Fes airport to the city easier. Your flight number, arrival time and destination can be coordinated prior to landing.

This spares you the trouble of trying to find transport or explain a complex Medina address after collecting your luggage.

Medina drop off and airport pick up

A driver can meet you at the airport and drive you right to your hotel or the nearest practical access to the Medina.

It takes 20-30 minutes to reach central Fes. If your riad requires a final walk inside Fes el-Bali, your total journey will be longer.

If you are staying outside the medina, see also our guide to Fes Airport to Ville Nouvelle and city hotels.

Local tip: Make the pick-up easier by sending the riad name, flight number and your WhatsApp contact before you leave.

Common mistakes to avoid

Small mistakes can make a fes airport to city transfer more difficult than it has to be.

Have an accurate Bus 16 departure: schedules are subject to change. Have another transport option ready.

Your riad name only. Ask the property which Medina gate drivers should use.

If you get into a taxi without agreeing the fare, agree/confirm the fare before you leave.

Expect to have direct access to the Medina doors. Many streets in Fes el-Bali cannot take cars.

Ignoring arrival time: the choices of transport are different after a late flight than after a midday flight.

Easier option: pre-booked airport transfer

If you like to organize your transport from the airport to the city before you fly, MarHire offers pre-booked airport pick-ups at a fixed price, meet and greet service, flight coordination and 24/7 WhatsApp support.

If you want, you can organize your trip through the Fes private-driver service.

FAQ: Fes Airport transport

How much is the taxi fare from Fes Airport to city center?

Fes is currently listed at 120 MAD on ONDA, which is about €11, £9 or $12. The airport fare page can be a bit confusing, so make sure you double check the one-way price with the driver before leaving the terminal.

Is there a bus from Fes airport to the town?

Yes, Bus 16 is a low cost fes airport to city connection. Recently the cost of transport is around 4-5 MAD. The journey is approximately 40–60 minutes long and usually terminates in the railway-station area rather than directly in Fes Medina.

How far is the airport from Fes city center?

Fes-Saïss Airport is a good planning distance from Fes center at about 15 km. The drive usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Travel times may be longer due to traffic or if your accommodation requires a Medina gate drop off and walk.

Can a taxi take me all the way to my riad in Fes Medina?

Not always, no. In Fes el-Bali, normal vehicles have access to many lanes. Usually your taxi will drop you at the nearest convenient gate or road entry point. Before you arrive, ask your accommodation which entrance will be easiest for you to use.

Our recommendation

If you’re on a budget and traveling from Fes airport to the city then take the Bus 16. For first time visitors and families, a transfer may be preferable. Airport taxis are best for flexibility. Self-drive visitors should check on parking before going into central Fes.

Before they touch down, MarHire travelers can book a private driver in Fes.