Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), officially known as Aéroport Marrakech Ménara, is an international airport serving Marrakech, the capital city of the Marrakesh-Safi region in Morocco. Marrakech, also known as Marrakesh in French, is a typical city break destination that is very popular with European visitors. It is currently the second most important airport in Morocco, after Casablanca Mohammed V Airport.
Marrakech-Menara airport is one of the main gateways to the city of Marrakech, located in southwest Morocco. Just 6 kilometers from the city center, the airport covers an area of 28,000 square meters.
Historical Significance
During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command as a hub for cargo, transiting aircraft and personnel.
Terminals and Capacity
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) offers two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These two terminals are interconnected, often giving the impression of a single terminal. A third terminal has been built. The air terminals (1 and 2) are 22,000 m2 and designed to handle 2,500,000 passengers per year. The existing T1/T2 offer a space of 42,000 m2 and have a designed capacity of 9 million passengers/year. The separate freight-terminal has 340 m2 covered space. Menara Airport has two passenger terminals housed in one large building. Nevertheless, the buildings are rather small so there is no risk of getting lost.
Terminal 1 is a flight gateway for both international and regional travel. The architecture is modern bright and provide an excellent selection of services for the passenger. Terminal 3 is the latest addition to the airports expansion. This also serves domestic and international arrivals and departures. VIP Terminal is located adjacent to the VIP lounge.
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Facilities and Services
Marrakech-Menara airport offers excellent airport facilities. The airport offers essential services such as check-in counters, baggage reclaim, customs, as well as various facilities for passenger comfort.
At the airport, travelers can enjoy a range of facilities designed to enhance their comfort and convenience. The airport has several lounges where passengers can relax, enjoy free Wi-Fi and savor refreshments. When it comes to dining, a variety of options are available, from cafés serving traditional Moroccan cuisine to international fast-food outlets, catering for all tastes. Shopping enthusiasts can explore the duty-free boutiques, where a selection of products, from luxury items to travel essentials, is on offer.
Global Exchange has two offices located in the terminal and are open 24 hours a day. Also there is an ATM in the arrivals hall. The Moroccan dirham is the official monetary currency of Morocco. Alcohol can be bought and consumed at the airport at the designated areas. However, only licenced vendors can sell alcohol. Smoking is only allowed outside the entrance of the terminal buildings.
Whether arriving or departing, passengers at Marrakech's main airport have access to a variety of parking options. Marrakech-Menara airport offers parking to ensure a seamless experience for its travelers.
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Transportation
The easiest option is to take a taxi from the airport to the centre. The average fare for 2024 is approximately €5.00 during the day and €7 at night. Depending on the time of day and traffic you can expect to pay a little extra. If you want a hassle-free journey from the airport to your hotel, book a private airport transfer service. If you land in the evening and you are staying in the medina of Marrakech, this option is even more appealing since it is truly difficult to find your way around the historic centre. The cars cannot access the winding streets of the medina and leave you at the entrance, meaning that you have to find your way with your baggage in the dimly lit streets of the city.
Regular airport bus transport is available from Marrakech to the airport, along with affordable taxi transfers. There are a number of buses that take you from the Marrakesh Menara airport.
Yes, there are a number of car rental desks at both Terminals at the airport. All the popular car rental agents have a presence at RAK airport. They include Buget, Hertz, Avis and Sixt to name a few.
Marrakech: The Red City
Marrakech is located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. It is known a the Red City. It is also known as Bahja (land of joy). Both descriptions are well adept for this stunning Moroccan city. This oasis city in between desert and mountains brings together the old and the new, the colour and spice, to make Marrakech an extraordinary historical and vibrant city to visit. Its heritage goes back for centuries. Its cultural influence extended to the East into Africa and North into Spain, especially Andalucia. Marrakech with it ancient Medina is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the early part of the 20th-century the French took over Marrakech and Morocco as a colony. However in 1956 the country gained its independence from France. Since then Marrakech has opened its door to tourist from all over the globe. Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) is the gateway to this culturally rich and diverse city.
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Hotels
The city offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Lovers of luxury can opt for prestigious establishments such as the Royal Mansour Marrakech or La Mamounia, offering sumptuous rooms, refined cuisine and prime locations near the medina. For an intermediate budget, there are hotels like the Radisson Blu Marrakech or the Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura offer an excellent compromise between comfort and proximity to the main attractions.
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