In this article, we explain the pros, cons, and practical information about transportation options in Morocco from Marrakech to Essaouira, the Moroccan Atlas Mountains (Mgoun, Toubkal), and finally the desert near Merzouga: buses, private drivers, guides, taxis, travel agencies, and Moroccan transportation companies. Which option is the most convenient?

Traveling to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech: guide or taxi?

In the Atlas Mountains, there are two truly magnificent climbs to undertake: Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in the Maghreb (4,167 m); or Mgoun, which is less well-known and less touristy (4,008 m). You can opt for a multi-day trek; a family hike; or a one-day ascent of Toubkal—if you’re an early riser and in decent shape!

You can climb Toubkal on your own, but for Mgoun, a guide is essential. If you’re planning a trek lasting more than one day, hire a guide who knows the area. They’ll handle the logistics (transport from Marrakech, homestays, mules, meals, etc.). To find reputable independent guides, complete with reviews from past clients, click here!

If you’d like to hike Toubkal independently in a single day, you’ll need to head to the small village of Imlil, 64 km from Marrakech. To get there from Marrakech, take Route S501 to Asni, then Route 6038 to Imlil. It’s also possible to travel there from Agadir, Taroudant, Ijoukak, Ouirgane, and Asni by any type of car or bus, as the road is in good condition and paved.

Since there are no buses, we recommend taking a “Grand Taxi” from the Bab El Rob station. If you’re not sure where to find it, ask locals or a “small taxi” driver.

Note that in Morocco, there are two types of taxis: “small taxis” in cities and “Grand Taxis” for longer distances. These are often old Mercedes or Peugeot models. Contrary to what one might imagine, “Grand Taxis” aren’t always more comfortable than buses. Because to make the trips profitable, drivers tend to cram 5 to 7 people into the same vehicle for a 4.5-hour drive!

Once you arrive in Imil, the road isn’t very well signposted, but ask the locals and they’ll point you in the right direction. If you’re traveling with family, we strongly recommend hiring a local guide.

Getting to Essaouira from Marrakech: the bus is still the most convenient option!

There are several ways to get to Essaouira. However, generally speaking, we recommend taking the bus for this type of trip and avoiding travel agencies. Once you arrive, you can explore the city with a local guide if you’d like!

The easiest way is therefore to take an air-conditioned bus for about 6 to 7 euros per person, one way. We recommend two companies in particular: Supratour, which departs from the train station (not the bus station—be careful!); and CTM, which departs from the CTM station 500 meters from the train station. Note that it is possible to get to these stations from the airport. Take bus #19 for 30 dirhams per person or a taxi for 60 dirhams for two.

Online booking is not available for these buses. If possible, try to book your one-way tickets the day before and purchase your return ticket directly at the station. There are several departures throughout the day, 7 days a week; the trip takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

At the bus station, at counter #7, you can also take a bus with locals for 50 dirhams per person. However, the bus is not air-conditioned and stops at every village, making for a 3.5-hour trip… Finally, you can take a taxi, but it’s more expensive: expect to pay 700 dirhams for two for the one-way trip.

Traveling to the Desert with a Driver

If you’d like to visit the desert—and specifically the Erg Chebbi dunes—you can also contact a guide who will handle the arrangements for your trip. To find the best guides, click here!

Merzouga is the starting point for many excursions into the Moroccan desert. If you go through a local guide, transportation from Marrakech will be provided by private car.

If you want to travel to Merzouga independently from Marrakech, it’s practically impossible to do so in a single day using public transportation. At best, you’ll need to go via Ouarzazate, then Erfoud, and finally Merzouga over several days…

To get there from Marrakech, we therefore recommend taking the Supratour bus; the trip takes about 12 hours. Along the way, you can stop in Ouarzazate to rest and explore!

As a last resort, you can rent a car, but the drive is very long; and you risk ending up with a poor-quality vehicle, so be cautious!