Landing at Fes–Saïss Airport (FEZ) and trying to reach the Medina, Ville Nouvelle or Ifrane can feel confusing the first time. Taxi drivers shout different prices, some people mention a bus, and maps don’t always reflect real traffic in 2025.
This guide gives you realistic travel times and typical price ranges from Fes Airport into the city and up to Ifrane, plus how this fits with taxis, buses, private transfers and rental cars.
Table of Contents (Checklist)
1) Fes–Saïss Airport: where you land and how it’s set up
2) FEZ → Fes Medina & Ville Nouvelle: travel time and prices
3) FEZ → Ifrane: mountain road timing & when a rental car helps
4) Taxi vs bus vs private transfer vs rental car
5) 2025 price expectations: avoiding overpaying
6) Night arrivals, luggage & winter driving toward Ifrane
FAQ
1) Fes–Saïss Airport: where you land and how it’s set up
Fes–Saïss Airport (FEZ) sits to the south of the city, connected by the N8 road and local routes that lead directly into Fes and toward Ifrane. The airport is managed by Morocco’s national airport operator, which lists terminals, access and basic passenger information on its official page for FEZ:
ONDA – Aéroport Fès–Saïss
From arrivals you’ll exit into a compact public area, with:
a taxi rank outside,
some parking areas,
and, depending on time of day, access to the shuttle bus that links the airport with the city.
From here you decide: straight to Fes Medina / Ville Nouvelle, or directly toward Ifrane if you’re going up to the Middle Atlas.
2) FEZ → Fes Medina & Ville Nouvelle: travel time and prices
Distance & real travel time
From Fes–Saïss Airport to central Fes (Medina gates or train-station area):
Distance is roughly 13–15 km.
By taxi, expect around 15–25 minutes in normal traffic.
By bus + short taxi, total can be 40–60 minutes once you include waiting and the last short ride into the Medina.
Remember that if you stay inside the Medina, no car can drop you at your riad door. You’ll usually be dropped at a gate or accessible square, then:
walk 3–10 minutes through alleys, or
ask your riad to send someone with a handcart for luggage.
Typical 2025 price levels
Prices move with fuel and local regulations, but most up-to-date guides and traveler reports point to:
Taxi FEZ → Fes city / Medina gate: around 150 MAD as a standard reference fare, sometimes a little more at night or with extra bags.
Airport bus (shuttle) → train station area: low fixed price per person (often quoted in the single-digit dirham range), then you add a petit taxi or short walk.
For pre-booked private transfers, prices are higher than a regular taxi but sold per car, not per person. In exchange, you get:
name sign at arrivals,
flight tracking,
and a clear meeting point and vehicle category confirmed before you land.
3) FEZ → Ifrane: mountain road timing & when a rental car helps
Ifrane is the cool mountain town of the Middle Atlas, known for chalet-style buildings, snow in winter and fresh air in summer. It’s one of Morocco’s main resort areas, with forests and lakes around it. A good neutral overview is here: Ifrane – Britannica
Distance & travel time from Fes Airport
From Fes–Saïss Airport to Ifrane:
The road distance is generally around 60–70 km, depending on your exact route into the mountains.
Realistic driving time is about 1h–1h15 in normal conditions.
If you first head FEZ → Fes city → Ifrane, add your city segment on top of that.
Why many travelers choose a rental car for Ifrane
Ifrane and the surrounding region (Azrou, cedar forests, viewpoints) are spread out, so:
A taxi or private transfer is fine for a one-way trip,
but if you plan to explore for a couple of days, a rental car becomes very practical.
With a rental car from Fes airport or city you can:
drive up to Ifrane on your own schedule,
visit Azrou, forest areas and viewpoints,
return to Fes or continue your road trip without buying multiple long taxi rides.
In winter, remember this is a mountain route: snow and ice are possible, so daylight driving and calm speed are important.
4) Taxi vs bus vs private transfer vs rental car
Taxi
Best for: simple airport–city transfers when you don’t want to think too much.
Pros:
quick and direct to Medina gates or Ville Nouvelle,
no luggage hauling on and off buses,
easy to grab on arrival.
Cons:
you still have to walk inside the Medina,
you must agree the fare before getting in,
not ideal for going all the way to Ifrane unless pre-negotiated.
Bus
Best for: solo or budget travellers with light bags and flexible time.
Pros:
very cheap,
goes straight to the train station / Ville Nouvelle area.
Cons:
less convenient with big luggage or late arrivals,
doesn’t go into the Medina, so you still need a small taxi or a walk.
Private transfer / chauffeur
Best for: families, first-time visitors, late-night flights, business trips.
Pros:
meet-and-greet with your name,
fixed price agreed in advance,
direct to a clear Medina gate, hotel or riad meeting point,
can continue straight towards Ifrane if arranged like that.
Cons:
higher cost than a standard taxi,
should be booked before your trip.
Rental car
Best for: combining Fes + Ifrane + regional trips and wanting total flexibility.
Pros:
you control your timetable and stops,
very practical for day trips and multi-day circuits,
can become cheaper than multiple private transfers if shared by 2–4 people.
Cons:
you drive into and out of Fes yourself,
parking near the Medina needs a bit of planning,
winter road conditions to Ifrane require extra care.
5) 2025 price expectations: avoiding overpaying
To keep things simple, think in broad 2025 ranges:
Taxi FEZ → Fes city / Medina gate:
around 150 MAD is a common reference fare mentioned across traveler reports and info sites, with small variations for night or extra luggage.
Airport bus / shuttle:
a small fixed fare per person (local-level pricing), making it the cheapest option.
Private transfer:
priced per vehicle, usually in euros when booked online; higher than taxi, but with better comfort, clearer communication and often flight tracking.
Rental car:
daily rate varies by category and season; for a short stay, compare 1–3 days of rental with the cost of taxis or transfers to/from Ifrane and around Fes.
To avoid overpaying at the curb:
confirm the price before entering any taxi,
ask clearly if the amount is per car or per person,
for transfers and rentals, lock in written confirmation of price and conditions before you travel.
6) Night arrivals, luggage & winter driving toward Ifrane
Night or very early arrivals
If you land late:
buses might not be running or may be less frequent,
taxis are still there, but it’s more comfortable to have a pre-booked transfer,
sharing your flight number helps the driver adjust to delays.
For tired drivers, it can be smarter to:
sleep one night in Fes, then
pick up a rental car the next morning before driving to Ifrane.
Luggage and group size
With large suitcases or winter gear, taxis and private transfers are simpler than a bus.
For 3–4 people, a single private transfer or rental is often better value than multiple taxis.
Winter driving toward Ifrane
Ifrane’s altitude means:
colder temperatures,
a real chance of snow and ice in winter,
more fog and lower visibility than in Fes.
If you’re driving:
avoid night-time mountain driving if you’re not used to it,
check weather before leaving,
keep some warm clothes and water in the car, just in case.
In summer, the same road becomes one of the best escapes from Fes heat: cooler air, forests, and picnic stops.
FAQ
How long does it really take from Fes Airport to the Medina?
Usually 15–25 minutes by taxi in normal traffic. By bus plus a small taxi from the station, plan closer to 40–60 minutes total.
Is Ifrane realistic as a same-day trip from FEZ?
Yes. With around 1–1h15 of driving each way and an early start, you can comfortably visit Ifrane and nearby nature spots and return the same day, especially in good weather.
What’s the cheapest way from FEZ into town?
The airport shuttle / bus is the cheapest, but it stops near the train station. For door-to-gate simplicity near the Medina, a taxi is more practical.
Are taxi fares fixed from the airport?
There are reference fares, but drivers sometimes ask for more. Always confirm the total price before you get in and don’t be afraid to say no if it sounds unreasonable.
Should I rent a car immediately at the airport or later in Fes?
If you’re going straight to Ifrane or starting a longer road trip, an airport pickup is convenient. If you only need a car for one or two days in the mountains, many travellers prefer to sleep in Fes first and collect the car the next morning.
Is private transfer worth it for late arrivals or families?
Often yes: you get a fixed price, someone waiting with your name, help with luggage and direct drop-off at your gate or hotel, which is especially valuable if you’re tired, travelling with kids, or arriving in winter.
Same prices and offers