Ridesharing is not exactly straightforward in Marrakesh, but I found a workable solution with an app called inDrive.
Ridesharing In Marrakesh: A Practical Guide
Popular ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, and even Careem (the regional alternative) are not available in Marrakesh. To make matters worse, the taxi mafia is strong and it is one of those places where you can expect to barter over pricing, even when a meter is present.
But you’re not totally out of luck. I used an app called inDrive that was like a de facto Uber. It worked well–just like Uber actually–where you could summon a car and track its status as it approached. Unlike Uber, you could negotiate the price as well.
Both cars and motorcycles were available.
Here’s the thing. InDrive is not a recognized rideshare service in Morocco. It’s actually illegal, meaning both drivers and riders subject themselves to fines by using it (and to be clear, I found out about this after my trip).
Taxi drivers have been known to harass and even attack both drivers and passengers on inDrive, which they view (rightly so) as a threat to their livelihoods. Unlike Uber or Lyft where there is general insurance that protects riders and drivers, this is not the case here. Based on the number of drivers, though, it is also a very popular app.
Twice I used a motorcycle and was not even offered a helmet… folks, that’s not wise (stick to the car), but I have to admit it was thrilling to weave through traffic on a motorcycle with the with the hot air bowing on you.
And wow, it was hot…
I found the drivers friendly, no less professional than the official taxis, and it was cheap…$2-3 for a ride across town. Cars did not have A/C, but neither did official taxis…
I’ve long been a critic of taxi mafias and so while I may not have used this service repeatedly if I knew it was illegal, I love apps like this that put willing drivers and passengers together…it is solving a supply/demand problem.
Is there a risk? Yes. Would I use it with my family? Probably not. But for me, traveling solo, it was a lot of fun.
Have you used the InDrive app in Morocco or any other nation?
top image: I rode across town without a helmet on that motorcycle…
This is part of my Return To Morocco trip report.
Used it in Kathmandu, where it is legal, and it worked very much like Uber – except for a slightly greater number of rides cancelled by drivers en route.
I find it amazing how strong the criminal element in this industry is, especially in the Caribbean. Even in the USVI, theoretically a legitimate place, I was told if Uber or Lyft ever tried to open they wouldn’t get any drivers because they know they would be harmed or even killed by those who “run” the industry.
*top image: I rode across town without a helmet on that motorcycle.*
This should be the headline. You might have been unaware it was an illegal operation, but you are not stupid. Next time just pay the taxi mafia.
I got on without thinking much about it, but as we were weaving through traffic and I was holding on for dear life, I knew I had made a mistake and prayed…vowing not to make the same mistake again.
Extra prayers of thanks.
I was so annoyed by the taxi mafia in Marrakech. I ended up taking the bus to the airport for 30 Dirhams. Here’s what I wrote (a few years ago, so prices may be different)
Marrakech Airport Bus 19 costs 30 Dirhams. Contrast that with the Marrakech airport taxi cost – which is SUPPOSED to be 15-20 dirhams, if you can find a taxi driver that will use the meter (AKA the local price). From what I read, you’re lucky if you can find one that will take you from Marrakech airport to the city center for SIXTY Dirhams (4 times the cost) and usually you’ll get charged 100 Dirhams, and even more if you have more bags or are traveling at night.
Is it illegal for the rider to use it, rather than just for the driver? After all, the app is downloadable within Morocco. A friend recently went to Marrakech and used the app with no issues. In fact, one of the cars that responded within the app was a taxi that ended up bringing the family to the airport on departure, in the middle of the night. On arrival in Marrakech, before later downloading the app on recommendation of the local condo host, the friend walked with his family, at night, from the airport to the condo, instead of paying the “official” taxi rate at the airport. Marrakech has good sidewalks, outside the city center.
We mostly used grab in most places in Asia. Aside from the cost the convenience of getting picked up with a designated time and locked in drop off makes it too easy.
Riding on the back of a Moto taxi is brilliant. Sure it’s dangerous but it’s such a great way to see a city. Wind blowing etc. most of the grabs have a spare helmet these days