With over four million passengers passing through every year, Marrakesh Menara Airport is one of the busiest in north Africa and a popular starting point for both leisure and business travellers. Originally used as a military base during WWII, today it’s a busy air passenger and cargo hub connecting with international destinations all over the world. 

Welcome to Tokyo, a mesmerising Asian mega-metropolis where high-tech meets antiquity with effortless grace.

The city started life as a small fishing village to become a 17th-century shogun powerhouse. Today it is Japan’s cultural, educational, commercial and governmental hub. Book a flight to Tokyo to experience a unique blend of cultural riches.

With over four million passengers passing through every year, Marrakesh Menara Airport is one of the busiest in north Africa and a popular starting point for both leisure and business travellers. Originally used as a military base during WWII, today it’s a busy air passenger and cargo hub connecting with international destinations all over the world. 

It is located approximately four miles southwest of the city centre, making it convenient and easy to get to. 

Passengers flying from Marrakesh with Qatar Airways will enjoy a warm and friendly welcome and an efficient service provided by attentive and professional staff, making the start of your journey a pleasant one.

Transportation and parking

It is easy to drive to the airport by following the Avenue Guemassa, which leads directly to the airport. During morning and evening rush hours traffic can be heavy, particularly around Boulevard Al Yarmouk, so allow a little extra time for your journey. 

Bus number 19 runs every 20-30 minutes from the medina to the airport, but note that buses can be a little infrequent during weekends.

Journey time is around 30 minutes, and the bus stop is approximately a half mile walk from the airport. Taxis are plentiful, but it is best to get your hotel reception or concierge service to pre-book them for you, and agree the price before you start your journey. 

Car parking at the airport is quite limited, with around 200 spaces that fill up very quickly. It may be best to make alternative parking arrangements and travel to the airport by taxi.

Arriving at Marrakesh 

Passengers flying from Marrakesh with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal T1 International Departures hall.

For a fee, a special VIP service is available, the Salon Convives de Marque, which includes access to a VIP lounge, assistance with ‘formalities’ such as check-in and boarding, and a priority boarding service. 

As with all airports, security is very tight, so allow up to two hours before your flight is due to board to check-in and go through security checks. 

Facilities and amenities

Facilities at the airport range from a florist and a gift shop selling crafts and trinkets, through to the usual banking and currency exchange desks. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, and a subscription option is available for passengers who use the airport frequently, such as business travellers. 

A restaurant and café provide meals and snacks, and there are also Duty Free shops, a prayer room, and assistance for disabled and wheelchair-bound passengers on request.

While most people will constrain their visit to Narita purely to travel to and from the airport on the way to nearby Tokyo, the town itself does have plenty to offer visitors who are willing to stop and look around. Book a flight to Narita with Qatar Airways and you could discover this interesting little destination for yourself, before you head to the bright lights of Tokyo.

Charming and with plenty of traditional Japanese character, Narita is a relatively tranquil location that gives visitors a taste of the real Japan. The people are friendly and welcoming, and are happy to show tourists willing to interrupt their journey to the capital around their little town. Nearby attractions make this off-the-beaten-track location well worth exploring.

Tourist attractions

The town is known for its ancient buildings, and one of the best is the Naritasan Shinshō-ji Temple, the site of which dates back to the 10th century. Classical pagodas and tranquil gardens are complemented by a European style garden too, making it an interesting fusion of two distinctly different cultures.

To really understand a little more about Japanese culture, take a trip to Boso No Mura, a living museum dedicated to the culture of the Japanese people. It includes a reconstructed traditional Japanese street, burial mound and a samurai residence. The centre hosts festivals and events celebrating the native culture of Japan’s islands too.

The Museum of Aeronautical Science is about 15 minutes by bus from the airport, while at the northern end of the runway you’ll find a surprisingly tranquil spot, Sakura-no-Yama Hill. This is a great spot to watch the aeroplanes take off and land, and during the spring the cherry trees turn this peaceful little park into a riot of colour.


Travel Considerations

Flights to Narita with Qatar Airways land at Narita Airport, Japan’s largest international air transport hub. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Narita please check the visa and passport requirements.