About the ride from Casablanca to Essaouira
Famous for being Morocco's windy city, Essaouira is the perfect escape from the heat, chaos, and endless traffic in Casablanca.
This wind isn't just brilliant at alleviating the relentless heat; it also makes this coastal town one of the best places in Morocco to learn kite surfing, windsurfing, and wing foiling.
Those looking for a more relaxing trip can wander the ancient medina, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, and fill their evenings with the infectious rhythm of Gnawa music.
People claim that places feel alive. This couldn't be truer for Essaouira, with its vibrant energy and traditions flowing through its narrow streets.
Excited to wave goodbye to big city vibes? There are three ways to get from Casablanca to Essaouira in Morocco:
Bus
Minivan
Car
The journey takes 4-7.5 hours, depending on your chosen transport. The minivan and car are the fastest, while the bus is the cheapest.
There are plenty of departures, with some form of transport leaving every hour of the day. You can also choose between shared and private transportation.
Continue reading to learn more about the journey from Casablanca to Essaouira, plus how to fill your time when you arrive in Morocco's windy city.
Fun things to do in Essaouira
Some people fly through Essaouira like the wind, only visiting for the day from Marrakesh or Casablanca. Don't make the same mistake. There's plenty to keep you entertained!
Check out some must-do things in Essaouira:
Explore the medina. Whether you plan to or not, you'll inevitably end up wandering through the medina at some point. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts stunning historic architecture, vibrant markets, and artisan workshops. Head up to the brilliantly preserved city walls for impressive views of the ocean crashing below you.
Visit the Port and Fish Market. This is one of Essaouira's most iconic sites. Watch as the fishermen bring their daily catch to the market for sale. Get involved and buy some fresh seafood, which you can grill at a nearby stall.
Go windsurfing or kitesurfing. Essaouira is one of the best places in Morocco for wind sports. Many schools offer courses that take you from a complete novice to somebody comfortable on the water. Wing foiling is becoming popular, too!
Relax on Essaouira Beach. You'll find a vast expanse of golden sand just outside the medina. When the wind isn't too strong, the beach is a wonderful place to relax, go for a dip, and read a book.
Listen to Gnawa music. Essaouira is renowned for its vibrant music scene, particularly Gnawa music, a traditional form with roots in West Africa. Visit local cafes or catch a live performance to experience the soulful rhythms and unique instruments. Within a few songs, everyone will be up dancing, so prepare to get involved!
How to get from Casablanca to Essaouira
There are three ways to get from Casablanca to Essaouira in Morocco: by bus, minivan, and car.
By bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Casablanca to Essaouira, with tickets starting from $12.
The journey takes 5-7.5 hours, depending on the bus company you book. CTM Bus, one of Morocco's largest bus companies, offers the fastest journey.
There are dozens of departures scattered throughout the day.
Buses depart from their company's office or bus station — CTM Bus Station Casablanca or Pullman Du Sud Office — and arrive at their own station, too.
All buses have air conditioning, and some CTM buses have charging points, reclining chairs, and WiFi (subject to availability).
Note: Some CTM bus tickets only include a 7 kg (15 lbs) handbag. If you have any larger luggage, you'll have to pay an additional 5 MAD ($0.50) when checking in or boarding the bus.
By minivan
Minivans are pricier than buses, with tickets starting from $58 per person, but they should get you there faster — only four to five hours.
Private and shared minivans are available from Casablanca to Essaouira.
Like the private transfers, the shared minivans offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, but this could add some time to your journey if there are lots of passengers.
If you want to avoid this hassle and extra time, opt for a private minivan. Prices start at $175 per minivan, fitting four to six passengers, depending on the company you pick.
Minivans offer air conditioning and a comfortable ride.
By car
Consider booking a private car if you don't need a whole minivan but still want a private transfer.
Prices start at $215 per car and fit a maximum of three people.
Car travel is comfortable and fast from Casablanca to Essaouira — only four hours. It also offers air conditioning, complimentary water, charging points, and an English-speaking driver.
What to expect from the journey from Casablanca to Essaouira
The road from Casablanca to Essaouira runs parallel to the coast, but don't expect sea views to keep you entertained. The scenery will mainly be the countryside and farmland, which isn't particularly exciting.
There are no toilets onboard the transportation from Casablanca to Essaouira, but the buses should make stops along the way.
If you're in a minivan or car, your driver will make stops, too. Otherwise, you can always ask for a toilet break.
When is the best time to visit Essaouira?
With 300 days of sunshine, Essaouira is a year-round destination. Still, some months are better than others — mainly because of the wind.
The best time to visit is March to June and September to November. During these months, temperatures range from 16-26°C (61-79°F), making it an ideal time for walking around the medina and exploring the nearby countryside.
The summer, July to August, is the busiest time in Essaouira. While the rest of Morocco is sweltering, this windy city keeps a moderate average of 28°C (82°F). Just be aware that if you plan to lay on a beach all day, it may not be the best time — they're the windiest months. Great for kite and windsurfing, but not so great for beachgoers.
December to February are Essaouira's coldest months, averaging around 19°C (66°F). This is also when you'll see the most rain. It's still an excellent destination for some winter sun, but it may not be hot enough for some.
How many days should you spend in Essaouira?
Most people recommend staying 2-4 days in Essaouira. This gives you ample time to explore the medina, chill on the beach, and soak up the culture and tradition.
This isn't long enough for some, and they stay in Essaouira for a week or more. It's a great base to learn kitesurfing or windsurfing while living in a spectacular Morrocan coastal town.
Where should you visit after Essaouira?
After Essaouira, if you haven't already, head to Marrakesh, the cultural capital and thriving city that Morocco is best known for.
Prepare to be transported back into the chaos of bustling souks and keen local sellers. It feels like a world away from the quieter coastal town. Yet, it can take as little as two hours to get from Essaouira to Marrakesh.