How to Get to Essaouira from Marrakech (Without Overpaying)
Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most accessible coastal towns, sitting just 2.5 to 3 hours west of Marrakech. But the price difference between transport options is huge — you could pay 70 MAD (€6.50) on a local bus or 800+ MAD (€75) for a private transfer. This guide breaks down every option so you pick the one that fits your budget and comfort level.
Quick Comparison: All Transport Options
| Transport | Price (MAD) | Price (€) | Duration | Frequency | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supratours Bus | 140 | €13 | 2h45 | 7/day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CTM Bus | 120-140 | €11-13 | 3h00 | 1-2/day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Local Bus (SATAS) | 70-90 | €6.50-8.50 | 3h30-4h | Several/day | ⭐⭐ |
| Shared Grand Taxi | 100-120 | €9-11 | 2h30 | When full | ⭐⭐ |
| Private Grand Taxi | 600-800 | €56-75 | 2h30 | On demand | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Day Trip (Viator) | 400-900 | €37-85 | Full day | Daily | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rental Car | 250-400/day | €23-37/day | 2h30 | Flexible | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Option 1: Supratours Bus (Best Value)
Supratours is by far the most popular choice for budget travellers, and for good reason. Run by Morocco’s national railway company (ONCF), these modern coaches offer air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a reliable schedule.
Key Details
Price: 140 MAD (€13) one way
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Departures: 7 buses daily from 7:45am to 7:00pm
Departure point: Supratours station, next to Marrakech train station (Gare de Marrakech)
Arrival: Supratours station in Essaouira, Bab Marrakech area
How to Book
You can buy tickets at the station on the day, but morning departures (7:45am and 9:00am) sell out fast — especially on Fridays and during holiday weekends. For guaranteed seats, book online through ONCF Voyages or via 12Go which accepts international credit cards more reliably.
Budget tip: The Supratours station in Marrakech is right next to the train station. If you’re arriving by train from Casablanca or Fez, you can walk straight to the Supratours counter and connect to Essaouira within the hour.
Option 2: CTM Bus
CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is Morocco’s other premium bus operator. Their Essaouira service is less frequent than Supratours but equally comfortable.
Price: 120-140 MAD (€11-13)
Duration: About 3 hours
Departures: 1-2 buses daily (typically morning departure at 8:30am)
Departure point: CTM bus station, Bab Doukkala area, Marrakech
CTM buses depart from a different station than Supratours — make sure you go to the CTM station near Bab Doukkala, not the train station. Tickets can be booked at ctm.ma.
Option 3: Local Bus (SATAS) — The Cheapest
If you’re counting every dirham, SATAS and other local bus companies run the cheapest services at 70-90 MAD (€6.50-8.50). The trade-off: older buses, no guaranteed air conditioning, more stops along the way, and a journey time of 3.5 to 4 hours.
Local buses depart from the Gare Routière (main bus station) in Bab Doukkala. You can’t book online — just show up, find the Essaouira window, and buy a ticket. Departures are frequent throughout the day.
Budget tip: This is a great option if you’re flexible on time and want to save the 50-70 MAD difference for a nice seafood lunch in Essaouira instead.
Option 4: Shared Grand Taxi
Grand taxis (large shared Mercedes sedans) are a quintessential Moroccan experience. They seat 6 passengers (yes, six) and leave when full — no fixed schedule.
Price: 100-120 MAD per person
Duration: About 2.5 hours
Departure: Grand taxi stand near the bus station, Bab Doukkala
The downside: you might wait 30 minutes to an hour until enough passengers show up. The upside: it’s faster than the bus and you get an authentic local experience. If you’re travelling with a partner or friend, you’ll fill the taxi faster.
Option 5: Organized Day Trip
If you want a hassle-free experience with a guide, a day trip from Marrakech combines transport with sightseeing. Most include hotel pickup, a guided tour of Essaouira’s medina, free time for lunch, and return transport.
📌 Book Essaouira Day Trips
→ Full-Day Trip from Marrakech — From €37, includes guided medina tour
→ Essaouira & Mogador Island Tour — From €45, includes boat ride
→ Day Trip with Cooking Class — From €65, includes market visit and lunch
Budget tip: Day trips are more expensive per person, but if you’re short on time and want a guided experience, they actually save you the cost of separate accommodation. Compare: bus round trip (280 MAD) + one night riad (200-400 MAD) = 480-680 MAD vs. a day trip at 400-500 MAD all-in.
Option 6: Rental Car
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility, especially if you want to stop at Sidi Kaouki or explore the argan cooperatives along the road.
Price: 250-400 MAD/day (€23-37) for a basic car + fuel (~150 MAD for the round trip)
Duration: 2.5 hours via the N8 highway
Parking: Free parking available outside Bab Sbaa and near the port
Rental agencies cluster around Marrakech train station and the airport. Book online in advance for better rates — local walk-in prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Important: The road from Marrakech to Essaouira (N8) is a well-maintained two-lane highway. Driving is straightforward, but watch out for slower trucks on the winding sections through the hills.
Getting from Essaouira Airport
Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) receives flights from several European cities, mainly via Ryanair and Transavia. The airport is 16 km south of the city center.
Airport to city transport:
| Option | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Grand taxi | 150-200 MAD (entire car) | 20 min |
| Shared grand taxi | 30-50 MAD/person | 20 min |
| Hotel shuttle | Often free (check with your riad) | 20-25 min |
Budget tip: Many riads offer free airport pickup if you book directly. Always ask when reserving your accommodation.
Arriving in Essaouira: Getting to Your Riad
All buses arrive near Bab Marrakech, the main eastern gate of the medina. From here, most riads in the medina are a 5-15 minute walk. No taxi needed.
If you have heavy luggage, a porter with a handcart can take your bags through the narrow medina streets for 20-30 MAD. You’ll find them waiting near the bus station and at Bab Sbaa.
For more on where to stay once you arrive, check our guide to budget riads in Essaouira and our hostel and budget accommodation guide.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Essaouira?
The cheapest option is a local SATAS bus at 70-90 MAD (€6.50-8.50). However, most budget travellers prefer Supratours at 140 MAD (€13) for the significantly better comfort and shorter travel time.
How long does it take to get from Marrakech to Essaouira?
By bus, it takes 2 hours 45 minutes (Supratours) to 4 hours (local bus). By car or grand taxi, it’s about 2 hours 30 minutes via the N8 highway.
Can I do Essaouira as a day trip from Marrakech?
Yes, and it’s very popular. Organized day trips start at around €37. If going independently, take the earliest Supratours bus (7:45am), arriving by 10:30am, and catch the last return bus (usually around 5-6pm). That gives you 6-7 hours to explore. See our one-day itinerary for how to make the most of it.
Do I need to book bus tickets in advance?
For Supratours, yes — especially for morning departures and weekend travel. Book online at oncf-voyages.ma or 12go.co. For CTM, booking a day ahead is enough. For local buses, just buy at the station.
Is it safe to drive from Marrakech to Essaouira?
Yes, the N8 highway is well-maintained and the route is straightforward. The main considerations are slower vehicles on hilly sections and occasional fog near the coast in the morning. Driving at night is not recommended as some stretches lack lighting.