Getting Around Safi: An Overview
Safi is a port city on Morocco's Atlantic coast, and getting around it is generally straightforward once you understand the handful of options available. The city splits into the medina (the old walled quarter), the ville nouvelle (the modern city), and outer districts, and how you move between them depends largely on whether you're staying local or heading further afield. There is no metro or tram system here, and no ride-hailing apps to fall back on, so your practical choices come down to walking, local buses, and two kinds of taxis.
Rail Connections
Safi is served by ONCF, Morocco's state-owned rail company, which operates a train station in the city. This is your link to the national rail network rather than a way of getting around town. If you're arriving by train, expect to continue your journey into the medina or your accommodation by taxi or local bus.
Local Buses
The city's local bus network covers the medina, the ville nouvelle, and the outer districts, making it a workable option if you're comfortable with a bit of improvisation.
- Fares are fixed and inexpensive, paid in cash either to the driver or to a conductor on board.
- Buses generally run from early morning until around 9–10 PM.
- They can be crowded at peak hours, and there is no widely published, tourist-friendly route map. In practice, locals are often happy to help you work out which bus you need.
- The main bus depot, the Gare Routière, is the hub for intercity services, with major stops also found in the Ville Nouvelle.
Taxis: Petit and Grand
Taxis are the most practical way for a visitor to cover short distances, and there are two distinct types.
Petit taxis are the small blue cars you'll see around the city. They operate within Safi only.
- They are officially metered, but drivers may decline to use the meter for tourists. Insist on "le compteur," or agree on a price before you set off.
- Fares are modest for short and moderate journeys, and night fares after 8 PM are typically higher.
- A petit taxi carries up to three, sometimes four, passengers.
- They are available throughout the day and into the night.
Shared (grand) taxis are the larger, usually cream-coloured Mercedes vehicles that run fixed routes between urban areas and neighbourhoods.
- They depart only when full, typically with six passengers, and are found at designated stands.
- Fares are fixed per person rather than metered.
- All taxi fares, in both petit and grand taxis, are paid in cash in Moroccan Dirhams.
Use licensed taxis only. If you feel uncomfortable, note the licence plate or photograph it, and avoid unofficial drivers who approach you.
Ride-Hailing and Car Rental
Uber and Careem are generally not available in Safi, so traditional taxis are the realistic option for on-demand transport. Car rentals are mainly found at the large airports, and an International Driving Permit is required. Driving in the medina is impractical and parking is difficult. Motorcycle and scooter rental is uncommon, so ask locally if you're interested. There is no public bike-sharing scheme, though some hotels and surf camps lend bicycles to guests.
If you do drive, note that Morocco drives on the right, speed limits are enforced, seat belts are mandatory, and mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Moroccan driving is often described as aggressive, with sudden stops and lane changes, and pedestrians, animals, and mopeds all sharing the road. Comprehensive insurance is worth arranging if you rent.
Walking and Cycling
Walking is the best way to experience much of Safi, particularly the historic core.
- The medina is best explored on foot, with narrow alleys free of vehicle traffic and souks to wander through.
- The corniche, a promenade along Safi Beach, is popular for evening strolls.
- Pottery Hill, with its steep streets and pottery workshops, is also visited on foot.
- Organised walking tours are uncommon, but self-guided exploring works well and local guides can be hired.
Cycling is challenging here: bicycle infrastructure is limited and traffic is heavy. Quieter side streets and the corniche are safer for riding. Take care on main roads and at roundabouts, as drivers may not yield to pedestrians, and some unlit medina alleys are less secure after dark.
Accessibility
Public buses and petit taxis are generally not wheelchair accessible, and the medina's paths are uneven. Travellers with mobility needs should arrange private transfers or taxis in advance.
Other Transport Options
There are no hop-on-hop-off tour buses in Safi; most tours are private and arranged through local operators. There are also no organised tourist boat taxis or water buses, since the port is a working commercial fishing harbour, though informal fisherman trips may occasionally be possible.
Getting Into the City from the Airport
Safi has no airport of its own. Three international airports serve the city and sit at roughly comparable distances from it:
- Casablanca (CMN) to the north
- Essaouira (ESU) to the south
- Marrakech (RAK) to the east
Because none of these airports is in Safi itself, plan on a longer onward journey by road or rail rather than a quick taxi hop. Car rental desks are concentrated at these larger airports, which makes picking up a vehicle on arrival a practical way to reach the city if you intend to drive during your stay.
Practical Tips
- Carry cash in Moroccan Dirhams — buses and both types of taxi run on cash, and you won't be able to rely on card payments or apps.
- Agree on your taxi fare or insist on the meter before departure to avoid disputes.
- Build your day around walking in the medina and corniche, and use taxis or buses for the ville nouvelle and outer districts.
- Allow extra time on the roads: traffic is busy, driving styles are assertive, and pedestrians, animals, and mopeds share the same space.