Essaouira is about 190 km from Marrakech by road, a trip of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. You can drive, or take a bus: Supratours and CTM both run buses between Marrakech and Essaouira.

How far is Essaouira from Marrakech?

About 190 km by road, which takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Essaouira is on the Atlantic coast, in the Marrakech-Safi region.

Is there a bus from Marrakech to Essaouira?

Yes. Two companies run buses between Marrakech and Essaouira, in both directions: Supratours and CTM. Timetables and fares change, so check them with the bus company when you plan your trip, and make sure the departure time you read is Moroccan time (see the section on the clock below).

Which airport should you fly into?

Most visitors fly into Marrakech (RAK) or Agadir (AGA) and continue to Essaouira by road. Essaouira also has its own airport, Essaouira-Mogador (ESU), about 15 km from town, but it has only a limited number of flights.

How far is Essaouira from Agadir and Casablanca?

  • Agadir: about 170 km by road, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Casablanca: about 350 km.

Check your clock: Morocco is on UTC+0

Since 20 September 2026, Morocco has been on UTC+0 (GMT) all year round. Some older phones, laptops and apps still run on an out-of-date time-zone database and show Moroccan time as UTC+1, one hour ahead. Before you rely on your phone for a bus departure or a lesson time, check that it shows UTC+0 for Morocco, and update it if it does not.

In short

  • Marrakech to Essaouira: about 190 km by road, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Bus: Supratours and CTM; check times and fares with them directly.
  • Flights: most visitors fly into Marrakech (RAK) or Agadir (AGA). Essaouira airport (ESU) is about 15 km from town, with a limited number of flights.
  • Other cities: Agadir about 170 km (2.5 to 3 hours), Casablanca about 350 km.
  • Time: Morocco is on UTC+0 all year since 20 September 2026.

Once you are in Essaouira, you will find Essaouira Watersports, an IKO-certified school, at 11 Av. Princesse Lalla Amina, Essaouira 44000 (WhatsApp +212 690 255 062). Book a lesson before you arrive.