Marrakech Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Routes, Stops & Passes

How the Hop On Hop Off Bus Works in Marrakech

The Marrakech hop on hop off service operates two main routes covering over 15 stops across the city. Buses generally run from early morning around 9am until the evening, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes depending on the season. The main Red Route focuses on cultural and historic attractions around the medina, while the Palm Grove Route stretches north toward the famous Palmeraie area with its luxury resorts and palm-lined avenues. Travellers can board or leave the bus at any stop as often as they like, making it simple to plan their day around markets, monuments, and museums without the need for taxis or long walks in the heat.

Top Stops and Attractions

• Jemaa el Fna – The beating heart of Marrakech, this vast square fills with food stalls, musicians, and storytellers, especially lively in the evening when the air fills with music and spice.
• Koutoubia Mosque – The city’s most recognisable landmark with its 12th-century minaret standing 77 metres high, visible from nearly every part of the city.
• Majorelle Garden – A cool and colourful oasis once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, famous for its cobalt blue villa and exotic plant collections.
• Menara Gardens – A peaceful retreat west of the city, with an olive grove, reflecting pool, and mountain views offering calm away from the bustling souks.
• Palmeraie – The lush palm oasis north of Marrakech, dotted with camel rides, golf courses, and luxury hotels, perfect for a break from the urban energy.

Why It’s Worth Taking

The hop on hop off bus in Marrakech is more than simple transport; it gives travellers an elevated view over the terracotta rooftops, vibrant markets, and dusty lanes that can be hard to navigate on foot. The open-top design offers a refreshing breeze as you pass through contrasting worlds — from the ancient medina packed with craftsmen and spice sellers to the modern boulevards lined with cafés and boutiques. It allows you to experience how old and new Marrakech merge, while learning from the multilingual audio commentary about Berber traditions, architectural influences, and the city’s royal past. For photographers, the high seating position provides unmatched perspectives of the Atlas Mountains shimmering on the horizon.

Planning Tips

• Start your day early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid heavy crowds around Jemaa el Fna and Majorelle Garden.
• If you choose a 48-hour ticket, plan the first day around the Red Route’s medina stops and reserve the second for the Palm Grove area and outer gardens.
• Bring a hat and water, especially in summer, as the open-top deck can get hot under the midday sun.
• Combine the bus tour with short walks through the souks or a guided visit to Bahia Palace, both easily accessible from central stops.
• Check the timetable during Ramadan or local holidays, as operating hours can be slightly reduced.

Tickets and Access

Tickets are available in 24-hour or 48-hour formats, valid from the moment you first board the bus. They can be purchased online or directly from the main stops such as Jemaa el Fna or near the Koutoubia Mosque. Buses feature recorded audio guides in several languages including English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, providing cultural insights throughout the journey. Most vehicles are accessible for wheelchair users and have shaded areas on the lower deck for comfort. Frequent travellers often recommend sitting upstairs for the best views but keeping sunscreen and a bottle of water handy. With unlimited travel between the routes, you can hop off to explore the medina’s narrow alleys, then hop back on when ready to move on to the next landmark.

The hop on hop off bus in Marrakech offers a relaxed way to explore major landmarks at your own pace, combining comfort, flexibility, and scenic views — ideal for first-time visitors who want to make the most of their time in Marrakech.