Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Beni Mellal gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from BEM to the city takes roughly 50 minutes by Taxi / Grand Taxi, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at BEM:
First, verify that you can enter Morocco — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi / Grand Taxi takes about 50 minutes into Beni Mellal, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — MAD is the currency here. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting to Beni Mellal from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Grand Taxi | ~50 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~70 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi / Grand Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How to Spend Your Time in Beni Mellal
For a layover visit to Beni Mellal, we’d suggest Ain Asserdoun Spring and Kasbah Ras el Ain. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Beni Mellal. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at BEM, check out Beni Mellal Airport Duty-Free & Souvenirs or General Waiting Area to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near BEM
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Beni Mellal: Restaurant Le Louvre and Restaurant L’Orchidée. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Beni Mellal Airport Cafe or Airport Kiosk & Snacks. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Beni Mellal layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$7 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$22 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Beni Mellal, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Beni Mellal Airport
Specific locker facilities at BEM aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Beni Mellal itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BEM, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Beni Mellal itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Morocco that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at BEM
Long overnight layover? Your options at BEM include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Morocco also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Beni Mellal count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BEM. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.