Getting around
Marrakech to Essaouira: Coach, Private Transfer or Day Trip
How to travel from Marrakech to Essaouira: coach times, private transfers, driving yourself and whether a day trip is worth it.
By Winds of Morocco Editorial TeamPublished September 15, 20262 min read
Quick answer
The simplest way from Marrakech to Essaouira is a CTM or Supratours coach, which takes around three hours with several departures a day. A private transfer or rental car takes a similar time but lets you stop at argan cooperatives. A day trip is possible, but with about six hours on the road, staying one or two nights is far more rewarding.
On this page
Essaouira is the most popular coastal escape from Marrakech, and the journey is straightforward. There is no railway line, so you will travel by road through argan country to the Atlantic.
By coach: CTM or Supratours
Both major coach companies run between Marrakech and Essaouira, with journeys of around three hours. Supratours departs from its station next to Marrakech railway station; CTM uses its own terminal. Coaches have assigned seats and luggage holds.
- Book a day or more in advance in high season and on weekends.
- Arrive early to check in luggage, for which there may be a small fee.
- In Essaouira, coaches arrive close to the medina; porters with carts can take luggage to your riad.
By private transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your accommodation and drops you as close to your Essaouira riad as a car can go. The driving time is similar to the coach, but you can stop along the way, for example at an argan oil cooperative.
By rental car
The road is well maintained and easy to drive. Park outside the medina in Essaouira, where there are guarded car parks near the gates. A car is useful if you plan to continue along the coast to Sidi Kaouki or Agadir.
Is a day trip worth it?
Many tour operators sell Essaouira as a day trip from Marrakech. It works if you are short on time, but you will spend around six hours on the road and have only a few hours in town, usually in the middle of the day. Staying overnight lets you see the fishing port in the morning and the ramparts at sunset.
Summary
| Option | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Coach (CTM, Supratours) | About 3 hours | Independent travelers on a budget |
| Private transfer | About 3 hours plus stops | Families, groups, flexibility |
| Rental car | About 3 hours plus stops | Continuing along the coast |
Planning your stay? Read our Essaouira travel guide for the best areas and things to do.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Marrakech to Essaouira?
CTM and Supratours coaches between Marrakech and Essaouira take around three hours. Check each company's current timetable, as departure times vary by season.
Is there a train from Marrakech to Essaouira?
No. There is no railway to Essaouira. Supratours coaches, run by the ONCF group, provide the road connection from Marrakech.
Sources
- Supratours coaches · Supratours (ONCF group)
- CTM coach network · CTM
By
Winds of Morocco Editorial Team
The Winds of Morocco editorial team researches, writes and updates our guides, checking practical details against official and reputable sources.
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