If you’ve got a layover in Zagora, don’t let it go to waste sitting at OZG. The city, in Morocco, is within easy reach — roughly 30 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of OZG:
- Can you legally enter Morocco? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the MAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some MAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Zagora
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the 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.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Zagora layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$7 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$22 |
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Zagora, here are two things worth checking out:
“Timbuktu 52 Days” Sign is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Tinfou Dunes Excursion is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside OZG — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Waiting Area Relaxation
- Desert Landscape Viewing
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Zagora: Restaurant Bab Sahara and Restaurant Dar Pacha. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for OZG Airport Cafe & Snacks or Desert Brew Coffee Point. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Bag Storage Near OZG
Specific locker facilities at OZG aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Zagora itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and OZG is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Zagora and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Taking a Break at OZG
Long overnight layover? Your options at OZG 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 Zagora count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave OZG. 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.