Distance 169 km (105.6 miles) | |
Price range US$7-US$221 | |
Ride Duration Range 2h-4h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 23:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
To get from Essauouira to Marrakech, you will want to take a bus or shuttle, both of which are very affordable. There are no trains or airplanes that make the transport. Marrakech is a sightseeing fortress; there are palaces, mosques, and gardens to visit and take pictures of. You can study its deep culture and walk around the city and spend money at its many shops and marketplaces. The two best months to go for weather are May and September when it’s not only dry but temperatures are most pleasant.
Fastest bus: 2h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$7
To get from Essaouira to Marrakesh, travelers can take the bus, hop in a luxury minivan, or drive in a private taxi or rental car.
Although the 181.2-kilometer (112-mile) journey isn’t the most exciting experience, it’s worth getting a window seat on the bus to watch the world go by. The road runs straight through various towns and villages, offering an ideal opportunity for people-watching.
Depart from Essaouira Station and arrive at the central Marrakesh Station to immerse yourself in the chaotic beauty of Marrakesh’s magnificent city center.
Whether you take a slow drive in a private car with plenty of rest stops and privacy, ride the standard bus, or grab a luxury minivan, you’ll fall deeper in love with Morocco’s sweeping beauty as you edge closer to the once-imperial city.
It’s hard to pick what Marrakesh is most famous for because it has dozens of gems to discover.
This historical and cultural treasure centers around the medina, with a sprawling network of hidden gardens, mesmerizing palaces, ancient tombs, and fragrant souks (marketplaces). Between the ancient wonders, there are dashes of modernity identified by luxury shops, hipster coffee shops, and fancy spas lining the chaotic streets.
Home to everything from epic palaces, hammams, charming riads, and delicious restaurants, you’ll never run out of things to do in Marrakesh.
There is no shortage of excitement on offer in this bustling city. You’ll find plenty of treats simply wandering the chaotic streets, but keep these top sites in mind when building your perfect itinerary:
Cool off from your journey by visiting a hammam: These public baths are fantastic social hubs where you’ll be immersed in local life.
Pro tip: There are local and tourist hammams, so do your research to ensure you adhere to the customs.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakesh was built in the 12th century. Flanked by stunning gardens, it’s an epic piece of architecture you’ll think of long after you leave.
Sample all the best dishes on offer: Marrakesh is where some of the best Moroccan cuisine is in the country. Try as much as you possibly can! And buy some spices to recreate dishes at home.
Explore Djemaa el-Fna Square: Get a taste of Morocco’s artistic roots while exploring this vast square where street vendors sell delicious delicacies, acrobats perform their best tricks, and fortune tellers look into your future (for a fee, of course).
Wander the Bahia Palace: This sprawling palace showcases mesmerizingly beautiful floor mosaics. Spend an afternoon meandering through its halls and learning about its fascinating history.
Take a street food tour: Morocco has a delicious cuisine you’ll regret not trying, and Marrakesh is the perfect destination to sample the best it offers. Book a tour to guarantee food safety and discover off-the-beaten-track spots.
There is no such thing as too much time in this wondrous city, but if you’re tight on time, two or three days is plenty to enjoy a taste of its wonders.
In a few days, you can take in all the top sites, sample delicious Moroccan food, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
You could also stay up to a week and use the city as your jumping-off point for day trips.
There are three ways to travel the 181.2 kilometers (112 miles) between Essaouira and Marrakesh: by bus, minivan, private car, or rental car.
Including any transfers or stops, the journey will take between 2.5 and 3.5 hours.
Opting for the bus to navigate between these two cities is the cheapest option.
The bus will depart from Essaouira Station and arrive at Marrakesh Station.
Bus classes are usually described as standard, comfort, tourist, and express.
Standard class refers to a bus with upright seats and usually more seats per vehicle. They aren’t roomy, and the seats don’t recline much.
Comfort class includes a reclining seat and a little more legroom. Some even come with extendable leg rests.
Tourist buses will have similar facilities and may come with a USB charger point, but don’t rely on it!
Express buses may have standard or comfort-style seating; it will depend on the operator.
Benefits of the bus include:
Ample luggage allowance thanks to the storage space below the seating area.
Fairly spacious, even on a standard bus.
Air conditioning.
Some services will include WiFi access.
Rest stops for food, drinks, and toilet breaks.
Pro tip: Bring a portable charger because few buses have USB charger points.
A minivan is more luxurious and a little faster than the bus, taking about 2.5 hours to cover the distance between Essaouira and Marrakesh.
Booking a minivan will include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
Many travelers also book these for direct transport to and from the airports in Essaouira and Marrakesh.
Benefits of the minivan include:
Flexible pick-up and drop-off times.
WiFi access.
Charger points.
Air conditioning.
Some have TVs in the seats for entertainment.
Rest stops for food, drinks, and toilet breaks.
When traveling in a group, you might want to opt for a private car or a rental car to split the cost.
Although the cost will be higher, this method of transportation gives you control over your departure time and the number of rest stops on the way.
The journey between Essaouira and Marrakesh isn’t the most exciting of odysseys. You’ll stay on one motorway the whole way to the city, enjoying somewhat monotonous views of the desert rolling by.
However, you’ll also get glimpses of local towns and villages, so keep an eye out for a look into the daily life of the average Moroccan.
Sit back and relax as the three-hour journey winds through the remote countryside. The sand slowly dissipates until the chaotic medina of Marrakesh welcomes you to its border.
Travelers looking to visit Marrakesh should aim to visit in the spring and autumn when the temperatures are pleasantly warm but without the intensity of the summer sun beating down.
It’s when you’ll find delightful daytime temperatures of between 77°F (25°C) and 95°F (35°C) that drop to between 59°F (15°C) and 77°F (25°C) at night.
Visit in May or September for the best, most tourist-friendly weather. These months also enjoy the lowest rainfall.
After embracing Marrakesh’s chaos, it’s time to enjoy a city with a more tranquil pace of life.
Head to Morocco’s chief port city, Casablanca.
Famed for its scenic beaches and a blend of rich history and modern progress, it’s an ideal spot to balance sightseeing with sunbathing. Luckily, it hasn’t been overrun with tourists yet either, so you’ll get an authentic taste of local life.
Essaouira - Any hotel
Gare Routiere d'Essaouira
Supratours Essaouira
CTM Bus Station Essaouira
Essaouira Airport (ESU)
Marrakesh - Any hotel
Marrakesh Bus Station
Supratours Marrakesh
CTM Bus Station Marrakesh
Marrakesh Airport (RAK)
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