Everything you need to know about flights, airlines, arrival dates and airport transfers for the Sahara Expedition.

Planning to join the Erasmus Fun Sahara Expedition?

Getting to Marrakech is easy, with direct flights from many European cities and several affordable options operated by low-cost airlines.

Here are the most important things to know:

• ✈️ Fly to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

• 📅 Arrive on the first official day and leave on the final day

• ↔️ You can arrive one day earlier or stay one night longer

• 🏨 An extra night costs €25 per person, per night

• 🚐 Airport transfers on the official travel dates are included

• 🕐 You can choose your own flight times

• 👥 Participants do not need to travel together
  
  

📅 Which Travel Dates Should I Choose?

Normally, you should book your arrival flight for the first official day of the expedition and your return flight for the final official day.

You can find all confirmed Sahara Expedition dates here:

https://erasmus.fun/trips/sahara

Participants arrive from different countries and at different times. You do not need to choose the same flight as the rest of the group.

Whenever possible, we recommend:

• Arriving during the morning or early afternoon on the first day

• Choosing a return flight that allows you to enjoy as much of the final day as possible

• Comparing flights on the days immediately before and after the expedition

🏨 Can I Arrive Earlier or Stay Longer?

Yes!

If you find a cheaper flight or a more convenient schedule, you can:

• Arrive one day before the expedition begins

• Stay one additional night after the expedition finishes

An extra night at the accommodation costs:

€25 per person, per night

This option can help you save money on flights, avoid inconvenient arrival times and enjoy more time in Marrakech.

Extra nights are subject to availability, so please contact us before booking your flight. Our team will confirm the accommodation and explain the transfer arrangements for your chosen dates.

Please note that the included airport transfers apply on the official arrival and departure days of the expedition. If you travel outside these dates, contact us before booking so we can confirm the available options.

💡 Compare Flights on Different Dates

Don’t search only for flights on the official expedition dates.

We recommend comparing:

• Arrival on the official first day

• Arrival one day earlier

• Departure on the official final day

• Departure one day later

A flight on the previous or following day may be considerably cheaper. Even after adding the €25 extra night, the total cost can still be lower.

For example:

• Flight on the official date: €120

• Flight one day earlier: €70

• Extra night: €25

• Total with the extra night: €95

In this example, arriving one day earlier would save you €25 and give you more time to explore Marrakech.

Always compare the complete cost before deciding.

Direct Flights to Marrakech from Europe

Below you can find the main direct connections between European cities and Marrakech.

What If There Is No Direct Flight from My City?

If your city does not have a direct flight on the expedition dates, you have three main options.

Check a Nearby Airport

A short bus or train journey to another airport may give you access to a direct and more affordable flight.

For example:

• Northern Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, Vigo or Santiago de Compostela

• Southern France: Toulouse, Bordeaux, Marseille or Barcelona

• Netherlands: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Brussels, Charleroi or Düsseldorf

• Northern Italy: Milan Malpensa, Bergamo, Turin or Bologna

• London: Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Heathrow or Southend

Book a Connecting Flight

You can also reach Marrakech with a connection through cities such as:

• Madrid

• Barcelona

• Lisbon

• Paris

• London

• Casablanca

If you book separate tickets, leave enough time between flights. The second airline is not normally responsible if you miss your connection because the first flight is delayed.

Arrive One Day Earlier

If the best flight is available on the previous day, you can arrive one day before the expedition.

An additional night at the accommodation costs:

€25 per person, per night

You can also stay one additional night after the expedition if the return flight on the following day is cheaper or more convenient.

Extra nights are subject to availability. Contact us before booking your flight so our team can confirm the accommodation and transfer arrangements.

Compare Different Travel Dates

Don’t search only for flights on the official expedition dates.

Compare:

• Arrival on the first official day

• Arrival one day earlier

• Departure on the final official day

• Departure one day later

Sometimes a flight on the previous or following day can be considerably cheaper. Even after adding the €25 extra night, the total cost may still be lower.

It also gives you more time to explore Marrakech before or after the Sahara Expedition.

ESNcard Discount with Ryanair 🎓

If you have a valid ESNcard, you may be eligible for Ryanair’s special Erasmus offer.

Eligible ESNcard holders can receive:

✅ 10% discount on four one-way international flights or two return flights

✅ One free 20 kg checked bag with each eligible flight

The complimentary checked bag can make a significant difference to the final price of your journey.

How to Use the Ryanair ESNcard Discount

1. Register your ESNcard at ⁠ESNcard.org.

2. Complete your ESNcard profile and add your valid card number.

3. Create or log in to your myRyanair account.

4. Open the Erasmus section in your myRyanair dashboard.

5. Enter your personal and ESNcard information.

6. Make sure your name and details are identical on both platforms.

7. Wait for your ESNcard to be validated.

8. Book through the dedicated flight search