White vs Blue Taxis in Tangier: Which One to Choose?

If you are landing in Tangier for the first time, you will immediately notice two types of taxis in the streets of the city: light blue vehicles (with a yellow stripe) and larger white vehicles (often Dacia vans or classic Mercedes cars).

These are Petits Taxis (small taxis) and Grands Taxis (large taxis). Understanding the difference between the two is essential for getting around efficiently and affordably in Tangier.

1. Petits Taxis (The Blue Taxis)

Blue taxis are the local equivalent of classic urban city cabs in Europe.

• Color: Light blue with a yellow stripe.
• Capacity: Maximum 3 passengers (legally).
• Operating Area: Exclusively within Tangier city limits. A petit taxi is not permitted to travel outside the urban municipality of Tangier. Therefore, it cannot take you to Asilah, Cap Spartel (sometimes tolerated with a surcharge), or Chefchaouen.
• Airport Rules: Note that blue petits taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport (because the airport is outside the strict urban zone). They can drop you off there from downtown, but they will leave empty.
• Pricing: They are strictly required to be equipped with a meter (taximeter). The base flag drop is minimal (often under 2 MAD), and an average ride within town costs between 10 and 30 MAD (€1 to €3). A 50% nighttime surcharge applies (generally after 8:00 PM in winter and 9:00 PM in summer).

The Golden Rule: Always insist that the driver turns on the meter. If they refuse claiming it is broken, step out and take the next one.

2. Grands Taxis (The White or Cream Taxis)

Grands taxis operate as intercity shuttles and designated airport taxis.

• Color: Generally white (historically classic Mercedes W123 models, now replaced by 7-seater Dacia Lodgy vans).
• Capacity: Up to 6 passengers (2 in the front, 4 in the back).
• Operating Area: They can travel anywhere: airport, outside the city, distant beaches, and intercity routes (Tangier-Tetouan, Tangier-Asilah).
• Airport Rules: These are the only taxis officially authorized to wait outside the Tangier Airport terminal to pick up passengers.
• Pricing: Unlike petits taxis, they do not have meters. The fare is fixed or must be negotiated before departure.

How Does a Grand Taxi Work?

There are two ways to use a grand taxi:

1. Shared Mode (“Collectif”): This is the preferred transport method for Moroccans for long distances. The taxi only departs when it has its 6 passengers. You pay only for your individual seat (for example, 35 MAD for Tangier to Asilah). It is very budget-friendly, but requires waiting for the vehicle to fill, and seating is snug.
2. Private Mode (“Course”): You purchase all 6 seats for yourself. It departs immediately and drops you exactly where you want. This is the standard procedure when taking a grand taxi from the airport.

Tangier Airport: Official Fares

If you take a Grand Taxi outside Tangier Airport, prices are regulated by an official board:

• Airport -> Tangier City Center: Official ONDA regulated rate of 100 MAD (€10) daytime (from 05:30 to 22:30) and 150 MAD (€15) nighttime (from 22:30 to 05:30).
• Airport -> Asilah: Around 200 MAD.

Our Advice: Check the official price board outside the terminal, confirm the fare with the “courtier” (taxi dispatcher), and do not accept inflated quotes. If you prefer complete peace of mind, book a private transfer online prior to your flight.