How Much is the Bus from Marrakech to Essaouira
How Much is the Bus from Marrakech to Essaouira?
Ah, the trip to Essaouira. Wind-whipped beaches, a UNESCO-protected medina, and fresh seafood by the ton so that a pescatarian will weep with joy. But getting there is the first order of business. And no, you’re not entering on a magic carpet—although if you happen to be one hell of a negotiator. So, just how much do you pay for a bus ticket from Marrakech to Essaouira? Let us discover, would we?
The Trip: A Tale of Two Cities (and One Bus)
First, let’s talk logistics. Marrakech and Essaouira are approximately 190 kilometers away from each other—somewhere between a 2.5 to 3-hour drive (depending on the driver’s fondness for the accelerator). There are transport options: take a private driver, rent a vehicle, or catch a bus.
Spoiler notice: your wallet’s best friend will be the bus. Consider it the middle child of public transport—least favored, yet completely dependable when you require it.
The Cost: Not What You’d Expect
So, how much is a ticket for this life-altering, soul-reviving trip? You’re likely steeling yourself for a whopping figure such as the price of a good Marrakech hotel room. But no, the bus trip is really cheap! Expect to pay about 80 to 100 MAD (about 8 to 10 USD). That’s cheaper than your average avocado toast, and certainly cheaper than your previous “just one more drink” in the pub. Seriously, it’s an affordable way to avoid having to choose between a trip to Essaouira and your weekly shopping.
Now, remember, this is for the regular bus service. If you’re feeling a little fancy and want to upgrade to the “VIP” (read: slightly roomier seats and the faintest whiff of air conditioning), the price might creep up to 150 MAD (about 15 USD). But unless you’re planning on hosting a cocktail party in your seat, the standard option will do just fine.
Bus Operators: Choose Your Adventure
There are a few bus operators who undertake the journey from Marrakech to Essaouira. CTM and Supratours are the two front-runners with reasonably good service provided by air-con buses, quite a reliable schedule, and not-too-uncomfortable seating.
CTM is known for being a bit more “business class,” while Supratours is often hailed as the underdog with more laid-back vibes. Either way, you won’t be thrown into a rusty old minivan that smells like a combination of sunscreen and regret.
A Few Handy Tips Before You Board
1- Book in advance: If you’re traveling during peak season (say, when the entire world decides to escape the heat), booking your ticket in advance is a good idea. You can buy your ticket online or at the bus station.
2- Bring snacks: The bus ride is long enough to work up an appetite, but not so long that they serve meals (spoiler: they don’t). Grab some snackies to munch, or you will be fantasizing about the next road-side snakery vending grilled kebabs.
3- Appreciate the view: The road trip from Marrakech to Essaouira is breathtakingly beautiful with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and ocean glimpses in the distance. It’s a gratis tour of Morocco with every bounce along the road.
The Verdict
It’s affordable, it’s sensible, and you’ll get you from one amazing place to another without spending a fortune. What’s not to like? Just ensure you’ve got your snacks, your tunes, and a decent book.
