Best Ways: How to Get from Marrakech to Essaouira
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Marrakech to Essaouira? Essaouira is one of the best places to visit in Morocco, so don’t miss it on your Morocco Itinerary. You can take a day trip to Essaouira, but for the best experience, spend at least 2 days in this charming city.
Getting to Essaouira may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Essaouira by bus, taxi, rental car, or private transfer.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get to Essaouira, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a taxi or bus ticket costs.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT
How far is Marrakech from Essaouira?
The distance between the two cities is about 180 km, which is 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport. There is no train connection between the two cities.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
Read our → Essaouira Guide
Buy an eSIM and data package for Morocco.
Menara Airport to Essaouira by Car
You can easily rent a car at Marrakech Menara Airport or in the city. The car rental costs will be different when you travel to Morocco in high season or low season and rent a car in advance or at the last minute. But you will spend around 15-20 USD daily for a standard car with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability.
During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals.
Drive from Marrakech to Essaouira
The best route is to take the N8 to Chichaoua and then follow the R207 to Essaouira. The road is well-maintained and asphalted. The drive time is usually 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. There are often police checkpoints on the road, so always wear your seatbelt and obey the speed limit!
Day Trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one city to another, join a group or private tour that includes a transfer. On the way to Essaouira, they stop at the Marjana Argan Oil Cooperative. Then you can enjoy your free time (5 hours) to explore the beautiful coastal city.
The tour price includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, and an English/French-speaking guide.
Marrakech to Essaouira by Taxi, Private Transfer
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Essaouira is by taxi. The journey takes 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic.
Wondering how much is a taxi from Marrakech to Essaouira? A taxi ride to Essaouira will cost between 800-1000 MAD (80-100 USD), depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.
There are two types of taxis in Marrakech: Petit and Grand taxis. Petit taxis are only allowed within the city and can carry up to 3 passengers. Grand taxis can also take you to popular destinations outside the city, such as Agafay, Essaouira, and Casablanca. The Grand taxi can carry up to 6 passengers.
Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. Taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money (MAD) or EUR.
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Essaouira, which costs 102 USD, and 4 pax are allowed.
Marrakech to Essaouira by Bus
The cheapest way to get to Essaouira is by public bus. Mogador, CTM, and Supratours operate regular bus services to Essaouira. Most buses depart from Marrakech bus station (Bab Doukkala), about a 10-minute taxi ride from Jemaa el-Fna square. A taxi to Marrakech bus station costs around 20-30 MAD (2-3 USD).
The bus tickets start from 9 USD.
The travel time is approximately 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Buses depart several times a day between 07:00 and 14:45. We recommend you arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Marrakech to Essaouira Bus Timetable
- 07:00-10:00
- 08:00-11:00
- 08:30-11:30
- 09:00-11:45
- 09:00-12:00
- 09:05-12:05
- 10:45-14:45
- 12:00-15:00
- 13:00-16:00
- 14:45-17:45
Bus timetables are subject to change, so we recommend booking online or asking locals for the current schedule!
Take care of your valuables, as minor thefts or pickpockets may occur on public transport!
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
Marrakech to Essaouira by Minivan
One of the best and most popular ways to get to Essaouira is by air-conditioned minivan. The journey time takes 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic. A shuttle minivan from Menara Airport/City to Essaouira (any hotel) starts from 20 USD.
Get Minivan Tickets through 12Go or Bookaway.
Where to Stay in Essaouira
Most people take a day trip to Essaouira, but for the best experience, spend 2-3 days in the city. Essaouira has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Marrakech
- Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
- Mid-Range: Sakkan or Riad Ksar Fawz & Spa
- Budget: Riad Paradis Blanc
Recommended post → Best Riads in Marrakech
Best hotels in Essaouira
- Luxury: Hotel Le Médina Essaouira
- Mid-Range: Riad Kafila or Riad Marosko
- Budget: Hôtel Mechouar Plaza
More Travel Guides about Morocco
- The Best Morocco Itinerary for 10 Days
- 5 Best Things to Do in Essaouira
- 15 Epic Things to Do in Marrakech
- The 13 Best Riads in Marrakech
- 7 Best Things to Do in Fes
- 11 Best Riads in Fes for All Budgets
- 7 Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen
We hope our post on how to get from Marrakech to Essaouira will help you plan your next trip to Morocco. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
RECOMMENDED POSTS
7 Best Things to Do in Chefchaouen, Morocco
The Best Morocco Itinerary for 10 Days (2024)
