Marrakesh to Essaouira: All the Ways
The windswept coastal town of Essaouira is one of the easiest and most popular escapes from Marrakesh - about 190 km and 2h30 to 3h west. Here is how to make the trip.
| Option | Time | Rough price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supratours bus | ~2h45 | 80 - 100 Dhs | Value, reliability (book ahead) |
| CTM bus | ~3 h | 80 - 100 Dhs | Comfort |
| Private transfer | ~2h30 | 700 - 1200 Dhs/car | Door to door, argan stops |
| Shared grand taxi | ~2h30 | 70 - 100 Dhs/seat | Flexibility |
| Organized day trip | full day | 200 - 400 Dhs | No planning |
The Buses (Best Value)
Supratours (run by the railway, departing near the train station) and CTM are frequent, comfortable and cheap - the standard choice. Book Supratours a day ahead in high season; it is popular. See our bus guide.
Day Trip vs Overnight
Essaouira deserves an overnight if you can - the medina at dusk and the morning fishing port are magic. But it works as a long day trip too, often bundled with a stop at an argan oil cooperative and the famous goats-in-trees photo op on the road. It also features in our longer itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Marrakesh to Essaouira?
About 2h30 to 3h by road, covering roughly 190 km on a good, mostly flat route through the argan country.
Is Essaouira a good day trip from Marrakesh?
Yes - it is one of the best. An overnight is better to enjoy the medina and port at their quietest, but a full day works well.
What is the cheapest way to get to Essaouira?
The Supratours or CTM bus at roughly 80-100 dirhams, or a shared grand taxi seat for a similar price.
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