Getting Around Tangier. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Bus System Overview

Tangier operates a public bus system. There is no metro or tram netoperate in the city. ALSA Al Baida serves as the main bus operator, managing metropolitan and suburban routes that link various parts of Tangier. These buses offer an affordable way to travel, providing a glimpse into daily local life.

Bus routes cover most of the city, connecting major neighborhoods, the city center, and the primary by bus and train stations. Transportation hubs include Place de France, Grand Socco, and the area around the Tanger Ville train station. Find route maps are available at bus stops, online on the ALSA website, or via the ALSA mobile application.

Ticketing & Frequency

Single ride tickets purchased directly from the bus driver upon boarding.
Fares are inexpensive, typically ranging from 4 to 7 MAD.
Buses operate from early morning (about 6:00 AM) until late evening (10:00 PM-11:00 PM).
Major lines see buses every 10-20 minutes during peak hours.

Accessibility Notes

Newer ALSA buses may have some accessibility features. Overall public transport accessibility for mobility challenges can be limited, especially on older models or at certain stops.

Navigation Tips

Utilize online maps with public transport layers. Confirm your destination with the driver or a local passenger if unsure about a route. Always possess small denominations of Dirhams ready for bus fares.

Pre-paid Cards

For frequent users, pre-paid cards like the Alsa Card are available and offer slight fare discounts.

Important Bus Hubs

City Center Connections

Place de France serves as a central hub for many routes.
Grand Socco is another point for bus transfers and routes.
The area around Tanger Ville train station connects to several bus lines.

Online Resources

ALSA website provides detailed route information and schedules.
ALSA mobile application for real-time tracking and planning your route.
Consult these before travel for efficient bus usage.

Bus Operating Hours

Start Time

Around 6:00 AM

End Time

10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Peak Frequency

Every 10-20 minutes

Off-Peak

Less frequent service

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are a popular and convenient mode of transport in Tangier, supplemented by newer ride-sharing options.

Licensed Taxi Options

Petit Taxis: Small, light blue cars (Tangier). Operate within city limits, metered. Require the meter (compteur). Max 3 passengers.
Grand Taxis: Larger, beige Mercedes. Operate fixed routes or for inter-city travel (shared/private hire). Negotiate price for private hire.
Hailing: Petit taxis hailed on street. Grand taxis have designated stands (bus stations, major squares).
Fares: Petit taxis 7-20 MAD (day), 50% higher at night. Grand taxis shared 10-30 MAD; private negotiable. Cash payment only.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Ride-sharing Apps: Careem (transparent pricing), InDriver (propose fare).
Safety Tips: For petit taxis, ensure meter use. For shared taxis, be aware of surroundings.
Airport/Station Taxis: Collective taxis at TNG (100-150 MAD fixed price). Petit/Grand taxis at train/bus stations.
Traditional taxis are prevalent and often more readily available on the street.

Taxi Safety Guidelines

Always insist on the meter for petit taxis; politely find another if refused.
Keep an eye on your belongings in shared grand taxis.
For long-distance private hire, negotiate price clearly and confirm vehicle condition.

Ride-sharing apps offer journey records and driver details for added security.
Be wary of unsolicited taxi offers, especially at transport hubs.
Agree on the final fare before beginning your journey, especially for grand taxis.

Taxi Fares & Payment

Petit Taxi Day

7-20 MAD for brief trips.

Petit Taxi Night

50% higher rates after 20:00.

Grand Taxi Shared

10-30 MAD per person, fixed routes.

Rental Options

For those seeking independence, renting a vehicle yields flexibility in exploring Tangier and its surroundings.

Car Rental Requirements

Driver Age: 21-25 years old (varies by agency).
License: Valid home country license held for 1-2 years.
IDP: International Driving Permit highly recommended, often required.
Deposit: Credit card for security deposit needed.

Rental Companies & Booking

Global Brands: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt.
Local Agencies: Numerous options at airport and in city.
Booking: Advance booking suggested for availability and better rates, especially high season.
Documents: Carry vehicle registration and insurance documents at all times.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Rules

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Zero-tolerance for drinking and driving.

Speed limits enforced.

Road Network

Main roads and highways are generally well-maintained. Toll highways link major cities.

Secondary roads vary in quality.

City Driving

Can be congested. Medina areas are pedestrian-only. Paid parking lots available.

Navigation via GPS or apps recommended.

Other Rental Considerations

Motorcycles & Scooters

Less common for rental.
Not generally suggested for tourists due to chaotic traffic and safety.
Limited options from area-specific shops.

Bicycles & Specialty Vehicles

No widespread bicycle sharing programs.
Limited bicycle rentals from some hotels or specialized shops (mainly for leisure).
Tuk-tuks, jeepneys, or similar specialty vehicles are not common in Tangier.

Road Safety Concerns

Driving can be aggressive in Morocco.
Be aware of pedestrians, donkey carts, and unmarked speed bumps.
Night driving outside major urban zones is not recommended due to poor lighting and obstacles.
Heavy traffic volume and aggressive driving styles can present hazards.

Rural roads can be narrow, winding, and less well-maintained.
Maintain a defensive driving approach at all times.
Morocco has stringent traffic laws; always comply.
Zero-tolerance for driving under the influence.

Walking & Cycling

Exploring Tangier on foot or by bicycle yields unique perspectives and access to areas inaccessible by vehicle.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Medina: Historical heart, exclusively pedestrian, ideal for exploring alleys and souks.
Kasbah: Also pedestrian, offering scenic walks and impressive views.
Corniche (Waterfront Promenade): Excellent for walking, jogging, and cycling with sea views.
New City (Ville Nouvelle): Wider sidewalks, more pedestrian-friendly than older parts.

Walking Tours & Cycling Safety

Walking Tour Options: Numerous local guides offer tours of Medina, Kasbah, historical sites.
Self-guided tours are achievable with maps and guidebooks.
Bicycle Infrastructure: Limited dedicated infrastructure. Cycling on busy roads can be hazardous.
Safety: Corniche features a dedicated cycle path, which is safe and pleasant for recreational cycling.

Medina Mazes

Perfect for pedestrian exploration and discovering hidden gems.

Corniche Rides

Enjoy cycling along the waterfront promenade on dedicated paths.

No-Go Areas

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night. Cycling on busy main roads is not recommended.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Water Transport

Tangier City Tour: Hop-on-hop-off service covering major attractions (Cap Spartel, Caves of Hercules).
Audio guides in multiple languages for convenience.
No regular boat taxi or water transportation for city commuting.

Other Transport & Accessibility

Cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local systems are not available.
Accessibility: Limited in older city parts (Medina, Kasbah) due to terrain, stairs.
Private taxis or adapted vehicles can be arranged through tour operators or hotels for mobility needs.

Helpful Tip

When taking a petit taxi, have the name of your destination written in Arabic or French to avoid any misunderstandings with the driver.

For more detailed public transport navigation, download offline maps and bus route applications before you start exploring.

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