Major city · Morocco
Meknesمكناس
Give Meknes one night as a quieter base for Volubilis and Moulay Idriss; the medina is small and the imperial monuments take half a day.
Meknes is Morocco's fourth imperial city, built by Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, and sits 40 minutes by train from Fes. It sees far fewer tour groups than Fes or Marrakech, and prices are lower. Most travellers use it as a one-night stop to reach the Roman ruins at Volubilis and the pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss, both about 30 km north.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MAD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (inland heat, 34°C (93°F)+), Ramadan daytime closures (check dates)avoid Jul–Aug (inland heat, 93°F (34°C)+), Ramadan daytime closures (check dates)
- Airports
- FEZ · CMN
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- North Africa ↗Plan links between North African countries by air or by ferry via Europe; the only regularly usable land borders for visitors are Tunisia–Algeria and Morocco–Mauritania via Western Sahara.
- North Africa ↗Book Saharan nights (dunes, desert camps, oasis tours) between October and April; from May to September desert day temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and many tours stop.
- Morocco ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Moroccan consulate or official government sources before booking; visa exemptions depend on nationality.
- Morocco ↗The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency: you normally obtain it on arrival (ATMs, exchange desks) and change leftovers back before departure, keeping exchange receipts.
- Morocco ↗Do not bring a drone without prior authorisation: drones are routinely confiscated at customs.
- Morocco ↗During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in the street in daylight; tourist restaurants and hotels still serve.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Meknes19 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Meknes, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).Morocco-wide
- SIM or eSIMMaroc Telecom, Orange and inwi sell tourist SIMs at airports and shops with a passport; 20–50 GB costs about MAD 100–200.Morocco-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated in cities but most visitors drink bottled; carry water in the south.Morocco-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10%.Morocco-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Morocco-wide
- SafetyMeknes is calmer than Fes or Marrakech and has fewer touts.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and restaurants; squat toilets in older cafés and on the road.Morocco-wide
- Emergency numbers19 police · 177 Gendarmerie (rural) · 15 ambulance and fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckFriday midday prayers slow business; many shops shut on Eid holidays; museums often close one day a week (usually Tuesday — check).Morocco-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportFEZ Fes–Saïss Airport (About 1 h by road; most arrivals use Fes or Casablanca (CMN) then train.).
- Getting aroundPetit taxis (small blue cars) are the practical option: minimum fare about MAD 5, expect a 50% surcharge after 20:00.Petit taxis (small blue cars) are the practical option: minimum fare about MAD 5, expect a 50% surcharge after 8:00 PM.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or mint tea in a caféMAD 8–20
- Sit-down mealSet menu on Rue GhanaMAD 40
- BeerBottle beer in a barMAD 15–45
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekMAD 100–200
- Museum or sight ticketHeri es-Souani entryMAD 70
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMAD 70
- Mid-range bedRiad or hotel double room, a night, per roomMAD 500
- High-end bedRiad or hotel double room, a night, per roomMAD 900
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MAD 300 · Mid MAD 600 · High MAD 1,200
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- FEZ Fes–Saïss Airport (About 1 h by road; most arrivals use Fes or Casablanca (CMN) then train.) · CMN Casablanca Mohammed V (Train to Meknes about 3 h 15 min with a change at Casa-Voyageurs or direct services (check).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (9 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Meknes: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Petit taxis (small blue cars) are the practical option: minimum fare about MAD 5, expect a 50% surcharge after 20:00. The ville nouvelle and the medina are both walkable and linked by a bridge over the dry Oued Boufekrane. Local buses are cheap but crowded and hard to navigate without Arabic or French.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Volubilis
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Grand taxi from the stand near Gare Meknès-Amir Abdelkader, or a shared tour; about 30 km (19 mi) northGrand taxi from the stand near Gare Meknès-Amir Abdelkader, or a shared tour; about 19 mi (30 km) north
Roman mosaic floors and arches on an open hillside; go early, there is little shade.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
goDoor to door: About 40 min each way
Same grand taxi or tour as Volubilis; the two are 5 km (3.1 mi) apartSame grand taxi or tour as Volubilis; the two are 3.1 mi (5 km) apart
Hill town with a viewpoint over the plain; pair it with Volubilis in one half-day.
Fes
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train from Gare Meknès-Ville, about 40 min
Frequent services; easy to combine the two cities in one trip.
Ifrane and the Middle Atlas
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5 h to Ifrane
Bus or grand taxi south via Azrou
Cedar forest and cooler air; better as a night in the mountains than a rushed return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Medina (around Place Lahdim)
Riads and the walkable monuments; quiet at night, narrow lanes.
Ville Nouvelle / Hamrya
Hotels, cafés and the main avenue; 10–15 min walk or a short taxi to the medina.
Near Gare Meknès-Ville
Convenient for early trains; little else within walking distance.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- MAD 250–450 excl. bed
- Mid
- MAD 450–900 excl. bed
- High
- MAD 900+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Riad or hotel double room1 × 1 night × MAD 500 | MAD 500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MAD 600 | MAD 1,200 |
| Grand taxi to Volubilis and back, per car1 × MAD 400 | MAD 400 |
| Petit taxi across town, one trip1 × MAD 10 | MAD 10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MAD 150 | MAD 300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MAD 241 |
| Trip total≈ MAD 1,326 per person per day, bed included | MAD 2,651 |
2026 estimate in dirham; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or mint tea in a café | MAD 8–20 |
| Tagine or couscous in a budget restaurant | MAD 30–60 |
| Set menu on Rue Ghana | MAD 40 |
| Bottle beer in a bar | MAD 15–45 |
| Heri es-Souani entry | MAD 70 |
| Medersa Bou Inania entry | MAD 60 |
| Prison Kara entry | MAD 60 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | MAD 100–200 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bab Mansour and Place Lahdim have been closed for reconstruction for years: check locally before you plan around them.
- Dar Jamai Museum and Borj Belkari Museum have been closed for renovation since 2018: check before visiting.
- The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is free but closes to non-Muslim visitors on Fridays.
- Guides and touts are far fewer than in Fes, but agree any grand-taxi fare before you get in.
- Summer afternoons inland are hot; do the granaries and basin in the morning.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 19
- Gendarmerie (rural)
- 177
- Ambulance and fire
- 15
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
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Meknesمكناس
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
لهاد العنوان عافاكTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police19
- Gendarmerie177
- Ambulance and fire15
- From a mobile112
Embassy
Most embassies are in Rabat; the US and UK have embassies there, and France and Spain have consulates in Fes and Casablanca (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Petit taxi minimum fare: about MAD 5, +50% after 20:00about MAD 5, +50% after 8:00 PM
- Train Meknes → Fes: about MAD 20, 40 min
- Train Meknes → Rabat: about MAD 69, 2 h 15 min
- Grand taxi Meknes → Volubilis: about MAD 200 each way per car
Say or show
- السلام عليكم — Hello / Peace be upon you (as-salaam alaykum)
- شكرا — Thank you (shukran)
- بشحال هادا؟ — How much is it? (bechhal hada)
- غالي بزاف — Too expensive (ghali bezzaf)
- فين المدينة القديمة؟ — Where is the medina? (fin lmedina lqdima)
- لا، شكرا — No, thank you (la, shukran)
Meknes has no airport; arrive by train from Fes, Rabat or Casablanca.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Meknes. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (inland heat, 34°C+), Ramadan daytime closures (check dates) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for FEZ and CMN: last train times field-checked, grand-taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Place Lahdim and the medina, the imperial granaries and basin, the ville nouvelle.
- Place pages with verified opening status for Bab Mansour, Place Lahdim, Dar Jamai and Borj Belkari, plus eat pages with last orders.
- Volubilis and Moulay Idriss day-trip fixture with taxi fares and return options.