Planning a trip to Essaouira, the pearl of Morocco’s Atlantic coast? Whether you’re attracted by its historic ramparts, its windy beaches popular with surfers or its bohemian ambience, the first step is to organize your arrival!
Plane, bus, car… Find out our practical advice and the different options for reaching Essaouira according to your travel preferences.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
How to get to Essaouira: quick answer
There are several options for getting to Essaouira:
- By plane:Essaouira-Mogador airport, about 15 minutes from the city center, is the ideal gateway. However ,Marrakech-Menara airport, about 3 hours away, handles more international flights. Another alternative is Agadir-Al-Massira Airport. It all depends on where you’re from! See available flights.
- By bus: several companies(CTM, Supratours) provide daily bus services to Essaouira from Marrakech (approx. 3h), Agadir (approx. 3h), Casablanca (approx. 6h) and other Moroccan cities.
- By car: National roads in good condition link Marrakech (the N8) and Agadir (the N1) to Essaouira via a journey of around 3 hours. It’s easy to rent a car in Morocco. Cabs also provide transfers between the main towns.
To reach Essaouira from Marrakech airport, we recommend you book a private transfer in advance for greater comfort.
Our map of Morocco will help you find Essaouira:
- Marrakech – Essaouira = 3h
- Agadir – Essaouira = 3h
- Casablanca – Essaouira = 5h
WHERE TO STAY IN Morocco
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The most beautiful riads in Morocco
Select by city:
Option 1: by plane
- Essaouira has its own airport,Essaouira-Mogador Airport, about 15 minutes from the city center. It mainly handles charter flights and seasonal connections, notably from a number of European cities in high season.
- Marrakech-Menara Airport (3 hours by car) may be a better option for reaching Essaouira by air. It hosts many direct flights from major European cities, the Middle East and Africa, all year round.
- Finally,Agadir-Al Massira airport, also around 3 hours away, can be an interesting alternative depending on your departure city.
- From Marrakech and Agadir airports, you have several options: bus (CTM or Supratours), private transfer, cab or car rental.
- See available flights.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
Option 2: by bus
The bus is a popular and economical option for getting to Essaouira. They are generally comfortable, air-conditioned and equipped with reclining seats. Remember to book your tickets in advance in high season.
- The main companies are CTM, the most comfortable and punctual, more info here. And Supratours, a subsidiary of ONCF, the national railway company, more info here.
- From Marrakech: approx. 3h drive, with regular departures throughout the day.
- From Agadir: approx. 3h drive along the Atlantic coast, with spectacular scenery.
- From Casablanca: approx. 6h direct, or 5h with a changeover in Marrakech.
- Essaouira’s bus station is a 10-minute walk from the medina. Small blue cabs are also available to take you there.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 3: by car
Driving to Essaouira lets you discover Morocco’s superb landscapes at your own pace. The main roads are in good condition and well maintained. The most comfortable way to get around, in our opinion!
- From Marrakech: approx. 3 hours via the N8 national road, a pleasant drive through plains and hills planted with argan trees, the source of argan oil.
- From Agadir: approx. 3 hours via the N1 national road, along the Atlantic coast with superb views.
- From Casablanca: approx. 5 hours via the A7 freeway, then the N1.
A vehicle will also enable you to discover Essaouira’s surroundings at your own pace: the wild beaches of Sidi Kaouki, the argan oil cooperatives, or the fishing village of Moulay Bouzerktoun. Car rental is easily accessible from airports and major cities.
Parking in Essaouira is relatively straightforward. Several parking lots are available close to the medina, including the Bab Doukkala parking lot and the Bab Marrakech parking lot. Allow around 10-20 dirhams for a few hours. Informal parking lot attendants will also look after your vehicle in the streets for a small tip (5-10 dirhams). The medina itself is pedestrianized.
DISCOVER Essaouira
Getting around Essaouira
Getting around Essaouira is particularly easy thanks to the city’s compact size:
- The medina and its lively alleyways can only be discovered on foot. This fortified town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is entirely pedestrianized and can be easily explored in a very short time.
- If you don’t have a car, you’ll have easy access to Essaouira’s main beach, just below the ramparts, as well as to the fishing port and the Skala de la Kasbah.
- Blue cabs are ubiquitous and very affordable for short distances. Make sure the meter is on, or negotiate the fare before you get in. Expect to pay around 10-20 dirhams for a trip around town (excluding the medina).
- To reach more distant beaches such as Sidi Kaouki (25km to the south) or Diabat (5km to the south), it is advisable to have a car, take a cab ororganize an excursion.
- A few pay parking lots are available on the outskirts of the medina. In high season, we recommend arriving early for easy parking.
Other means of transport in and around the city:
- Rent a bike or scooter: several agencies along the beach or in the medina offer this service for exploring the corniche and surrounding area at your own pace.
- Organized excursions: many service providers offer outings to the sand dunes, nearby beaches or the desert and Atlas mountains.
- Horse-drawn carriages: for a romantic ride along the waterfront or to the port.
- Quad biking and buggies: a popular activity for discovering the beaches and dunes around Essaouira.
- Horse and camel: in the southern part of the beach, horse and camel rides are available.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
