Getting Around Fes. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Fes offers public bus services, though they do not operate within the medina itself. These local buses, operated by ALSA Fes, connect the Ville Nouvelle (New City) with areas just outside the medina walls and various other neighborhoods.

Tourists typically use them for reaching destinations outside the medina, rather than for moving within its car-free confines. Fes does not have a tramway or metro system.

Bus Details

Route maps are available at major bus stops and some terminals. The main bus hub in the Ville Nouvelle is near the train station.
Ticketing: Pay cash directly to the driver upon boarding. Have exact change or small denominations. Fares are very low, typically MAD 4-7 per ride.
Hours: Buses generally operate from early morning (around 6 AM) until late evening (around 10-11 PM). Frequency varies by route.
Accessibility: Public buses in Fes are generally not wheelchair accessible. Older model buses and crowded routes make them challenging for mobility needs.

Bus System

Local buses connect the Ville Nouvelle and areas just outside the medina walls.

Affordable Fares

Bus fares are very low, usually ranging from 4-7 MAD per ride, making them a budget-friendly option.

Medina Walking

For tourists exploring the medina, walking and using taxis are more practical and time-efficient than buses.

Tips for Efficient Navigation

General Advice

Walk and use taxis; often more practical and time-efficient for tourists focused on the medina.
If needing to reach points in the new city or areas beyond medina gates, buses can be useful.
Ask your riad or hotel staff for advice on specific bus lines and routes.

Planning Bus Use

Have exact change or small bills ready for bus fares.
Take time to understand bus routes; they vary by destination and frequency.
Consider buses for destinations truly outside easy walking or taxi range for specific purposes.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Petit Taxis

Small, red cars, max 3 passengers, operate within city limits.

Grande Taxis

Larger, often beige/white, for inter-city travel or shared fixed routes.

Fares & Payment

Typical fares MAD 15-30 for short trips. Always in cash, small denominations preferred.

Ride-Sharing

Careem and inDriver apps used, but less common than in Marrakech/Casablanca.

Rental Options

Renting a vehicle in Fes offers flexibility for exploring outside the city, but it comes with specific considerations.

Car Rental Information

Requirements: Valid national driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are highly recommended. Passport and credit card for deposit.
Minimum Age: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 or 23 years old with at least one year of driving experience.
Companies: Major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) and local operators have offices at Fès–Saïs Airport and in the Ville Nouvelle.
Procedures: Book online in advance for best rates. Inspect the vehicle for damage before accepting and ensure it is noted on the agreement.

Driving & Parking

Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100 km/h national, 120 km/h highways.
Road Conditions: Main roads are well-paved. Within the medina, roads are narrow, winding alleys, which are pedestrian-only.
Parking: Impossible within Fes el-Bali (medina). Public paid parking lots are located outside the medina gates (e.g., near Bab Bou Jeloud or Bab Ziat).
Night Driving: Not recommended outside major cities due to poor lighting, lack of road markings, and unlit vehicles/obstacles. Speed traps are common on highways.

Other Rental Options

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Less common in Fes. Not recommended for navigating the dense medina.
Bicycle Sharing/Rentals: Fes lacks formal bicycle sharing. Some riads or tour operators offer rentals for specific excursions outside the medina.
Specialty Vehicles: Donkeys and mules serve as traditional transport for goods within the medina; not for tourist rental.

Tour Buses: Fes does not typically feature hop-on-hop-off bus services. Organized tour buses are mainly for day trips from Fes or inter-city travel.
Boat/Water Transportation: Not applicable to Fes; it is an inland city with no significant navigable waterways for public transport.
Cable Cars/Funiculars: None of these transport systems exist in Fes.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

Fes el-Bali (Old Medina) is a pedestrian-only zone. The Ville Nouvelle has wider sidewalks and more pedestrian-friendly streets.

Walking Tours

Guided tours are recommended for navigating the medina. Self-guided tours are possible with offline maps, but getting lost is easy.

Cycling Safety

Limited bicycle infrastructure. Cycling within the medina is impractical. Main city roads can be hazardous due to heavy traffic.

Accessibility & Restricted Areas

Fes el-Bali: has considerable challenges for travelers with mobility issues due to uneven, narrow, and stepped streets. Largely inaccessible for wheelchairs.
Ville Nouvelle: More accessible with wider sidewalks and smoother roads.
Private transfers: Consider hiring private transfers for tailored assistance if you have mobility needs.

No-Go Areas for Pedestrians/Cyclists: Certain alleys in Fes el-Bali can be very narrow or extremely crowded.
Always be aware of donkey and cart traffic; they have right of way in tight spaces.
Some residential areas are not of tourist interest and might be less welcoming to visitors.

Transportation Insight

Navigating Fes is an integral part of its charm. Embrace walking in the medina for an authentic experience.

For destinations beyond, understanding taxi dynamics and public transport options ensures smooth travel.

Getting Around Fes