Essaouira is a popular seaside town and is a quick trip from several cities in Morocco. The easiest way to reach Essaouira is by car. A private transfer is a great choice, as most guests will stay in the medina, where parking is not possible.
For those looking to include Essaouira and the desert on an upcoming trip, consider this grand tour of Morocco. Another option is this tour taking you through Chefchaouen, the High Atlas Mountains, and Essaouira.
From Marrakech
Duration: 2.5 hours
It takes roughly two and a half hours to drive the 111 miles (180 km) between Marrakech and Essaouira. For most travelers, a private transfer is the best option. This option allows you to enjoy the scenery of the High Atlas Mountains, and even to see Mount Toubkal, the second-highest peak in Africa.
Driving in Marrakech can be a unique challenge, but for determined travelers, there are plenty of rental car agencies outside of the medina.
Several bus companies operate daily trips departing every few hours. Halfway through the journey, buses make a stop at a restaurant with very basic bathrooms. Most buses serving tourists have air conditioning, but no WiFi or amenities.
From Agadir
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
The coastline between Agadir and Essaouira is one of dramatic cliffs and panoramic Atlantic views. The best way to get between the two cities is by car, either a rental car or private driver.
Though the 108 miles (175 km) drive can be done in approximately 3 hours, you will likely want to stop many times along the way. Planning for 5 hours is a more reasonable time to enjoy the trip leisurely.
If you take the N1 heading north, you’ll soon be driving through cliffside towns. Taghazout is a relaxed yet up-and-coming beach town with plenty of surfers; it’s an ideal place to have lunch or a Moroccan tea. Further along the coast is a town famous for their fruit — Tamri, also called Banana Village — is surrounded by banana plantations.
If a car is not an option, there are buses departing Agadir daily for Essaouira. It takes roughly 4 hours for them to arrive.
From Casablanca
Duration: 4 hours and 15 minutes to 7.5 hours
Essaouira is just 231 miles (372 km) south of Casablanca and can be reached in 4 hours and 15 minutes by car on the A1 Highway. One hour into the trip, make a stop to see the Portuguese influence in the seaside city of El Jadida.
Several buses per day travel between the two cities and the buses take between 6 and a half to 7 and a half hours to arrive in Essaouira. There is a stop midway at a restaurant serving traditional Moroccan fare. Due to the unnecessarily long travel time, this is the least recommended way to make the trip.