How far is Essaouira from Marrakech
How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?
Set on Morocco’s breezy Atlantic coast, Essaouira stays imprinted upon a traveler’s heart. The scent of grilled sardines oozing from the medina, the calls of gulls soaring above the ramparts, and the soulful notes of Gnawa music wandering in the air—there is an irony in the name Essesouira that calls for a seal of charm. If you have a base in Marrakech, you are all lucky: This beautiful little beachside retreat is just a few hours off. How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?
I lived in Marrakech and Essaouira on opposite ends of the spectrum, with my yonder-footed days spent traveling back and forth. Hence, in this article, I am going to walk you through everything you need to know: the distance between Essaouira and Marrakech, how long each option takes, and what to expect from each mode of travel. There will also be some personal tips about the routes, the likely scenery, and what to pack for the experience.
Calling Essaouira for either a quick weekend escape or an actual,” day trip, lies well within the realm of real possibilities from Marrakech. So, let’s get into the distance, choices, and necessary travel time so in planning, you will be fully-fledged.
Where is Essaouira, and how far is it from Marrakech?
Essaouira graces Morocco’s Atlantic coast, roughly 190 kilometers (118 miles) west of Marrakech. Though the two cities may look close across the map, the road linking the two weaves semi-arid plains, small Berber villages, and stretches of argan forests (yes, those very ones with goats perched on them sometimes!).
If you are not in a hurry, an average trip might take about two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours; if hurried, it might be a little less. The road, however, is not hurried: relaxing and scenic, offering a peaceful change from Marrakech’s chaotic buzz.
According to the transport mode, approx. timings are:
1-Private transfer or by own car: 2.5 to 3 hours
2-Bus CTM or Supratours: 3 to 3.5 hours
3-Guided day tours: Usually with several stops included, so consider it a full-day tour
Best ways to get from Marrakech to Essaouira
1. Private Transfer (Most Comfortable & Time-Efficient)
If you value comfort, flexibility, and convenience, I recommend giving private transfers from Marrakech to Essaouira a try. I’ve chosen it very often when in the company of visiting friends or family, and it made the whole trip effortlessly easy.
The best rated private transfer to Essaouira gave us an exceptional experience: they picked us directly from our riad in Marrakech. The vehicle was fully air-conditioned and, on the way, the driver stopped at a cooperative run by local women producing argan oil.
Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
Cost: About €90–€120 per car, not per person (good for small groups)
Pro Tip: Here you can book the private transfer beforehand so you can reserve the best time for your day trip.
2. Bus (Cheap & Easy to Use)
In case you have a tight budget, the Supratours or CTM bus is a good choice. While living in Morocco, I’ve taken the bus over and over; both companies are reliable, safe, and comfortable.
Supratours is a tad more traveler-friendly as their Marrakech terminal is just next to the main train station. Essaouira’s bus station is also most conveniently located just outside the medina.
1-Tickets: The cost shall be about 80–110 MAD ($8–$11 USD)
2-Schedule: Multiple departures daily
3-Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours
4-Where to buy: You can buy CTM tickets here and you can buy Supratour tickets here.
Do book your tickets well ahead of time during peak seasons (precisely the weekends in the spring and summer), as they really do sometimes sell out.
3. The Rental Car (Great for Road Trippers)
If you like the freedom to cruise and don’t mind navigating through Morocco, that’s certainly an option. The road running from Marrakech to Essaouira is well-paved, mostly level, and easy to drive. You will also be free to stop at roadside shops, mesmerize in small towns, or spot a goat climbing an argan tree!
1-Route: From Marrakech, take the N8 to merge onto the R207.
2-Drivingtime: Approximately 2.5-3 hours
3-ParkinginEssaouira: Parking is available just outside the medina gates.
My recommendation is to rent from a local provider like Locatmane or AirCar, or compare options on Discover Cars for the best rates.
4. Guided day tours: for the first-timers
If it is your first time in Morocco or if you’re short on time, guided day trips allow you to enjoy Essaouira without any stress of planning. Most tours offer hotel pickup, a visit to argan oil cooperative, free time in the medina, and a return to Marrakech later in the evening.
A full-day group tour to Essaouira was both economical and well-paced, leading to a memorable visit.
Duration: Full day (around 11 hours)
Price: $25–$35 Put aside cash, per person
Advance booking: Places fill up fast, especially in the high season.
What to Expect on the Journey
Whichever choice you might have, the route between Marrakech and Essaouira offers some truly unique views. In times past, I found the landscapes affectingly calm—with rolling plains, camel herders, olive groves, and, of course, argan trees. And if you really stand to gain a stroke of good luck, please take a chance on seeing goats climb these trees for their nutty snack.
Take water and snacks along with a scarf or sweater even in summer—the Atlantic breeze in Essaouira tends to be cooler compared to dry heat in Marrakech.
Can that Be Done as a Day Trip from Marrakech?
Definitely—just a very long day! Supposing you leave Marrakech at about 8 a.m., you should be in Essaouira by 11 a.m. That allows around five to six hours to wander in and around the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll the Skala de la Ville (Old Sea Walls), pop into some local art galleries, eat fresh seafood at Chez Sam, or just watch the kite surfers over the bay.
If that is your preference for a stress-free day trip, this guided Essaouira tour that includes hotel pickup will take care of everything for you.
But if you can stretch your stay an extra night, I highly recommend it. The actual enchantment of Essaouira is felt post-sunset, when crowds thin, seagulls quiet, and streets glow with subdued amber lantern light. I have stayed over at Riad Baladin, and it remains one of the coziest.
Summary: Distance from Essaouira to Marrakech.
To wrap up:
1-Distance: 190 km (118 miles)
2-TravelTime: 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on mode of travel
3-The most comfortable: Private transfer to Essaouira
4-The most budget-friendly: CTM or Supratours bus
5-The most hassle-free: Essaouira guided day trip
Whether it is a day in the ocean breeze you are looking for or an apartment for a week away on the beach, Essaouira is closer than you think. It’s one of my favorite places in Morocco—and once you are there, you will see why.
