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How to get from Essaouira to Marrakech
There is no train to Essaouira, so the trip to Marrakech is by road, about 2 h 30 to 3 h on the N8. The comfortable, cheap choice is a CTM or Supratours coach; a grand taxi or private transfer is faster and more flexible.
Best option: Bus. CTM and Supratours coaches are cheap, air-conditioned and run several times a day between the two cities.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus CTM and Supratours coaches from Essaouira to Marrakech (Supratours next to Marrakech railway station) | about 2 h 45 to 3 h 15 | several a day | about MAD 80–110 | Book a day ahead in high season; a small fee is charged for large bags. |
| taxi Shared grand taxi from Essaouira's taxi stand, or a private transfer booked through your hotel | about 2 h 30 | grand taxis leave when full; private transfers at any time | shared about MAD 100–150 per seat; private transfer about MAD 700–1,200 per car | Agree the price before you leave. |
| car N8 road via Chichaoua (about 190 km) | about 2 h 30 to 3 h | fuel only, no tolls on the N8 | Watch for police speed checks and slow traffic in villages; parking is not allowed inside Marrakech's medina. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Supratours is linked to the national railway, ONCF, and its Marrakech stop is by the train station.
- Argan cooperatives are along the road; organised tours often stop at them.
- Essaouira's coach stations are outside the medina walls; it is a short taxi or walk with luggage.
- Keep small change for luggage fees and tips.
Common questions
Is there a train from Essaouira to Marrakech?
No. Essaouira has no railway. Supratours, the coach company linked to the national railway ONCF, runs road connections that meet the train network in Marrakech, so you can buy combined tickets to other cities. Otherwise use CTM coaches, a shared grand taxi or a private transfer. All go by road on the N8, taking about 2 h 30 to 3 h.
What is the cheapest way from Essaouira to Marrakech?
The coach is the cheapest comfortable option, at about MAD 80–110 one way with CTM or Supratours. A seat in a shared grand taxi costs a little more and leaves when full. A private transfer is the most expensive but splits well between a group and picks you up at your riad or hotel.
Can I visit Essaouira as a day trip from Marrakech?
Yes, many agencies sell day tours, and you can do it on your own by coach. Expect about 3 h each way, leaving you around five or six hours for the medina, the port and the beach. It is a long day; if you can, stay a night to enjoy the town once the day visitors leave.
Do I need to book the bus in advance?
In busy periods such as holidays and summer, book a day or two ahead, as coaches can fill up. You can buy tickets at the CTM and Supratours offices or online. Outside these times you can usually buy on the day. Arrive 30 min early to check in luggage, which costs a small fee.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.