The transfer from Marrakech airport to Essaouira is done mainly by long-distance bus (Supratours or CTM) or by direct private transfer: expect roughly 175 to 195 km of road and 2 h 45 to 3 h 30 of travel via the N8 national road and then the R207. One key point to remember right away: no regular bus departs directly from the airport terminal. From Marrakech-Menara Airport (code RAK), you must first reach the city of Marrakech (about 6 km, 15 to 20 minutes) to catch a Supratours or CTM coach, unless you book a private transfer or a grand taxi, which can pick you up directly at the terminal. There is no train to Essaouira: the ONCF railway line stops at Marrakech.
In brief: the essentials of the Marrakech airport – Essaouira trip
- Distance: about 175 to 195 km by road (N8 towards Chichaoua, then R207 towards Essaouira).
- Duration: 2 h 45 to 3 h 30 depending on traffic and mode of transport.
- Supratours bus: around 140 MAD per person, up to 7 departures a day, drop-off at Bab Marrakech, at the gates of the Essaouira medina.
- CTM bus: around 100 MAD, 2 to 3 departures a day, modern bus station.
- Direct private transfer: around 800 to 1,500 MAD per vehicle, pick-up at the terminal, door-to-door.
- Grand taxi: around 600 to 1,000 MAD for the whole ride (bargaining essential).
- Train: none to Essaouira.
- From the airport: buses do not leave from the terminal; you must first reach the centre of Marrakech.
Distance and route: how far is Essaouira from Marrakech airport?
Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) sits about 6 km south-west of Marrakech city centre, only a few minutes from the medina. Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage port city, lies on the Atlantic coast. By road, the distance between the airport and Essaouira ranges from 175 to 195 km depending on the exact route and your arrival point in the city. As the crow flies it is only about 157 km, but no road links the two cities in a straight line.
The classic route follows national road N8 westwards to Chichaoua, then branches onto the R207, which drops down towards the Atlantic and Essaouira. This two-lane road crosses farming plains, argan-tree hills (where you can sometimes spot the famous goats perched in the branches) and a few villages where buses make a short stop. The road is generally in good condition, but the final section is winding; travellers prone to motion sickness should sit at the front and come prepared.
Do you have to go through the city of Marrakech?
This is the central question of any transfer from Marrakech airport to Essaouira, and the answer depends on the mode you choose. The Supratours and CTM coach companies do not serve the airport terminal: their departure stations are in the city. So if you want to take the bus, you must first leave the airport, reach the centre and then board.
- Supratours departs from its depot behind the ONCF railway station in Marrakech, on Avenue Hassan II, in the modern district (Gueliz).
- CTM also has a bus station in the new town.
To reach these stations from the airport, you can choose between a petit taxi (fare of about 70 to 100 MAD, negotiated or metered), the city bus on line 19 (airport-city shuttle) or a pre-booked transfer. Conversely, a private transfer or a grand taxi booked in advance picks you up right outside the terminal and drives you without a change of vehicle all the way to your riad in Essaouira: this is the smoothest option if you arrive with luggage, as a family or after a night flight.
Good to know: if your flight lands late in the day, check the last bus times before relying on this option. After the final departure, only private transfer and grand taxi remain available.
The transfer options to Essaouira in detail
1. The Supratours bus (the most convenient on arrival)
Supratours, a subsidiary of the ONCF (the national railway office), has historically been the most popular company for this route. It offers up to seven daily departures from Marrakech to Essaouira, with times spread from morning to early evening. The indicative fare is around 140 MAD per person, with a small supplement of about 5 MAD possibly applying per piece of checked luggage. The stated duration is around 3 hours, with a break of about twenty minutes halfway. The coaches are air-conditioned.
The great advantage of Supratours is the arrival point: the bus drops you off right in front of Bab Marrakech, the eastern gate of the Essaouira medina. You are then just a few dozen metres from the pedestrian historic centre, which saves you an extra taxi to reach your accommodation. Booking online in advance is strongly advised in high season (summer, long weekends, school holidays), as seats sell out quickly.
2. The CTM bus
CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is the other major national coach operator. On the Marrakech-Essaouira route, it usually offers two to three departures a day, at a fare of around 100 MAD, sometimes a little less. The level of comfort is comparable to Supratours (air-conditioned vehicles, numbered seats, luggage hold). The main difference is the drop-off point in Essaouira, at the bus station, slightly away from the medina: allow a short petit-taxi ride to reach the centre. Online booking is also available and recommended.
3. The direct private transfer from the airport
The private transfer is the most comfortable and fastest option. A driver waits for you outside the terminal, holding a name sign, and drives you non-stop to the door of your accommodation in Essaouira. The fare is generally between 800 and 1,500 MAD per vehicle (not per person), depending on the vehicle category, the number of passengers and the season. For a group of three or four, the cost per head becomes very competitive against the bus, while offering door-to-door service, air conditioning, child seats on request and flexible timing. It is the preferred choice for families, late arrivals and heavily laden travellers.
4. The grand taxi
Grand taxis (usually beige or cream in Marrakech) handle intercity connections. For Essaouira, you can negotiate a full “private” ride directly at the airport or in the city, for an indicative amount of 600 to 1,000 MAD depending on your bargaining skill, the time and the season. You can also share a grand taxi (seat by seat) from certain Marrakech stations, which greatly reduces the cost, but departure only happens once the vehicle is full (six passengers) and comfort remains basic. Always agree on the price before getting in and confirm that it is a direct trip to Essaouira.
5. The train: an option that does not exist
Unlike other Moroccan connections, there is no train to Essaouira. The ONCF railway network serves Marrakech, but no line continues to the Atlantic coast of Essaouira. Any train-based solution would therefore be limited to reaching Marrakech by rail, then switching to bus, taxi or private transfer for the final stretch. For a direct trip from the airport, forget the train.
Comparison table of Marrakech – Essaouira transfer options
| Option | Indicative fare | Duration | Departs from airport? | Drop-off in Essaouira |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supratours bus | ~140 MAD / pers. | ~3 h | No (station in city) | Bab Marrakech (medina) |
| CTM bus | ~100 MAD / pers. | ~3 h | No (station in city) | Bus station |
| Private transfer | ~800-1,500 MAD / vehicle | ~2 h 45-3 h | Yes, at the terminal | Door of accommodation |
| Grand taxi (private) | ~600-1,000 MAD / vehicle | ~2 h 45-3 h | Yes, if negotiated | As agreed |
| Train | None | – | – | – |
How long does the trip take and when should you leave?
The travel time between Marrakech airport and Essaouira is about 2 h 45 to 3 h 30. The private transfer and grand taxi are the fastest, as they do not stop; the bus adds a break of about twenty minutes plus the time needed to reach the station from the airport. Adding the airport-city trip (15 to 20 minutes), the wait at the station and the 3 hours of road, a bus transfer from landing can easily amount to 4 hours in total, against about 3 hours door-to-door.
| Stage | Bus (Supratours/CTM) | Private transfer / grand taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Airport → Marrakech station | 15-20 min + wait | 0 (direct pick-up) |
| Road Marrakech → Essaouira | ~3 h (with break) | ~2 h 45-3 h |
| Drop-off → accommodation | 0-15 min depending on line | 0 (door-to-door) |
| Realistic total | ~3 h 45-4 h 15 | ~2 h 45-3 h |
Practical tips for a smooth transfer to Essaouira
- Book the bus ahead in high season: Supratours and CTM sell out on long weekends and in summer. Online booking guarantees your place and a numbered seat.
- Carry cash: luggage supplements and petit-taxi fares are often paid in cash (dirhams). An ATM is available at the airport.
- Confirm the taxi price before boarding: for a grand taxi, agree on the total fare and on the direct nature of the trip.
- Arriving late? Choose a pre-booked private transfer: you will avoid hunting for a night bus or taxi with your luggage.
- Anticipate motion sickness: the final section towards Essaouira is winding. Sit at the front and stay hydrated.
- Pedestrian medina: Essaouira’s old town is closed to traffic. Whatever your mode of transport, the last part of the trip to a medina riad is often done on foot or with a luggage cart.
- Always check the official schedules: frequencies and fares change from one season to the next.
If you are still unsure which mode best suits your travel profile, our comparison of airport transfers in Morocco reviews the advantages of each solution city by city. And if you are thinking of driving part of your stay yourself, see our guide to car rental at Morocco’s airports.
Renting a car to reach Essaouira yourself
Driving from Marrakech airport to Essaouira is entirely feasible: the N8 and then the R207 are well signposted and traffic remains reasonable once you leave the Marrakech conurbation. This option offers total freedom (photo stops at argan-oil cooperatives, detours to beaches) and becomes economical for a couple or a family. In return, you have to deal with parking in Essaouira (guarded car parks on the edge of the medina, since the old town is pedestrian) and with sometimes brisk driving on the national roads. The main international and local agencies are present at the Marrakech-Menara terminal. To plan your route towards other regions, our article on Zagora airport usefully rounds out the picture of southern Moroccan connections.
Arriving in Essaouira by plane: the air alternative
Essaouira has its own airport, Essaouira-Mogador Airport (code ESU), located about fifteen kilometres south of the city. However, there is no commercial flight linking Marrakech to Essaouira: the two cities are too close to justify a domestic route. If you arrive at Marrakech-Menara from abroad, the road therefore remains the only way to reach Essaouira. Flights to Essaouira-Mogador generally come from a few European cities on a seasonal basis. To find out which carriers serve Morocco, see our list of airlines flying to Morocco.
Which transfer mode should you choose by traveller profile?
There is no universal “best” solution for a transfer from Marrakech airport to Essaouira: the right choice depends on your budget, your landing time, the size of your group and your tolerance for the unexpected. Here is how to decide quickly according to your situation.
- Solo traveller on a tight budget: the bus is unbeatable. At around 100 to 140 MAD, you reach the Essaouira medina for a fraction of the price of a taxi. Just allow for the trip and the wait to reach the Marrakech station.
- Couple or small group (2 to 4 people): the private transfer becomes very cost-effective, since the price is fixed per vehicle. Divided by three or four, it almost matches the bus fare while offering door-to-door service and time saved.
- Family with children: favour the private transfer with child seats on request. You avoid changes of vehicle, luggage handling and waiting at the station with tired children.
- Night or late arrival: book a private transfer in advance. After the last bus, hunting for a reliable night taxi with luggage is stressful and open to fare inflation.
- Flexible backpacker: the shared grand taxi from Marrakech is the most economical option after the bus, provided you accept waiting for the vehicle to fill and minimal comfort.
- Independence lover: the rental car leaves you free to stop where you like (argan cooperatives, beaches) and becomes economical with several people.
On the road: the stages of the trip to Essaouira
Once out of Marrakech via the Safi road and then the N8, the landscape changes fast. You first cross the Haouz plain, arid and dotted with olive groves, before reaching the Chichaoua region about halfway, known for its carpets and its saffron. It is often there, or a little before Essaouira, that the coaches make their twenty-minute break: a chance to stretch your legs, have a mint tea and use the toilets.
The second half of the trip, on the R207, crosses the famous argan-tree region. You skirt argan-oil cooperatives (often run by women) where private cars readily stop for a tasting and to buy cosmetic or food products. As you approach Essaouira, the air cools under the Atlantic’s influence and the trade winds make themselves felt: the windy “city of winds” lives up to its nickname. You finally glimpse the ochre ramparts and the fishing port before entering the town. Those driving should keep in mind that the medina is pedestrian: you have to park in the guarded car parks just outside the ramparts, notably near Bab Marrakech and along the seafront.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can you catch a bus directly at Marrakech airport for Essaouira?
No. Supratours and CTM buses leave from their stations in the city, not from the airport terminal. You must first reach the centre of Marrakech (about 6 km, 15 to 20 minutes) by petit taxi, city bus or transfer. Only private transfer and grand taxi can pick you up directly at the terminal.
How much does a transfer from Marrakech airport to Essaouira cost?
Expect around 140 MAD per person on the Supratours bus, around 100 MAD on CTM, 600 to 1,000 MAD for a private grand taxi and 800 to 1,500 MAD for a private transfer (price per vehicle). Fares vary by season and are given as a guide.
How long does the trip take?
The road takes about 2 h 45 to 3 h 30 depending on the mode and traffic. By bus, add the 20-minute break and the time to reach the station from the airport; by private transfer, door-to-door is around 3 hours.
Is there a train from Marrakech to Essaouira?
No. The ONCF railway network stops at Marrakech; no line serves Essaouira. Bus, private transfer and grand taxi are the only overland options.
What is the distance between Marrakech airport and Essaouira?
By road, the distance is about 175 to 195 km via the N8 and then the R207. As the crow flies it is only about 157 km, but no direct road links the two cities.
Should you book the bus in advance?
It is strongly recommended in high season (summer, long weekends, holidays). Online booking on the official Supratours and CTM sites guarantees your place and a numbered seat, especially on the very popular morning departures.
Where does the bus drop you off in Essaouira?
Supratours drops off right in front of Bab Marrakech, at the entrance to the pedestrian medina: you are a few metres from the historic centre. CTM drops off at the bus station, a little farther out, from where a petit taxi will take you to the centre.
Which option should you choose with children or a lot of luggage?
The private transfer is the most comfortable: pick-up at the terminal, child seats on request, door-to-door with no change of vehicle. For a group of three or four, the cost per head stays reasonable against the bus.
In summary
For a transfer from Marrakech airport to Essaouira, you have three main solutions: the bus (Supratours, very convenient as it drops you at the gates of the medina, around 140 MAD; or CTM, around 100 MAD), the direct private transfer (800 to 1,500 MAD per vehicle, door-to-door) and the grand taxi (600 to 1,000 MAD as a private ride). Expect about 175 to 195 km and nearly 3 hours of road via the N8 and then the R207. Remember that buses do not leave from the airport terminal: you must first reach the centre of Marrakech, whereas private transfer and grand taxi pick you up directly at the terminal. Finally, no train serves Essaouira. Match your choice to your budget, your arrival time and the number of travellers, and always check the official schedules and fares before you leave, as they are subject to change.
Official sources
- Supratours – official schedules and booking
- CTM – Compagnie de Transports au Maroc
- ONCF – National Railways Office
- Moroccan National Tourism Office – Visit Morocco
- ONDA – National Airports Office
The fares, schedules and distances mentioned are given as a guide and are subject to change. Check the up-to-date information with the companies (Supratours, CTM) and official sources before you travel.
Photo credit
Illustrations : « Essaouira Citadel » — Ahmed.magdy (CC BY-SA 4.0) ; « Koutoubia minaret, Marrakech » — Schorle (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
