Fes to Merzouga tickets
Fes to Merzouga Trip Overview
Merzouga to FesDistance 340 km (212.5 miles) | |
Price range US$ 35-US$ 618 | |
Ride Duration Range 7h-9h 45m | |
Earliest Departure 23:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a bus from Fes to Merzouga
Fastest bus: 9h 45m
Cheapest bus: US$ 35
About the ride from Fes to Merzouga
Spanning over nine million square kilometers, the Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, and Morocco is lucky enough to have a slice of this arid and fascinating landscape.
Many assume that to witness the glorious golden dunes themselves, they'll need to join a tour. That's not true!
Merzouga is the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The small village in southeastern Morocco is home to some incredible accommodations – desert camps and luxury hotels – making it the perfect jumping-off point. Some of them even have pools…in the middle of the desert! How crazy!
Use Merzouga as your base to explore the desert and learn about daily desert life for the Berber and Arab communities that call this harsh environment home.
Ready to take on this adventure? There are two ways to cover the 460 km (287 miles) between Fes and Merzouga — by bus and minivan.
It's no small distance that you're attempting to conquer here, so expect the journey to take at least seven hours. The fastest option is a minivan.
As you leave Fes, you might be pleased to say goodbye to the busy streets and chaos. The desert offers a chance to embrace silence and tranquility.
Five incredible things to do in Merzouga
Assumably, you've come to Merzouga for one reason — to experience the immense and powerful Sahara Desert. So, it's no surprise that most of the top things to do in Merzouga involve exploring it.
Here are some activities you shouldn't miss:
Go camel trekking. The desert and camels go hand in hand. When we imagine the vibrant orange dunes, there are probably some camels impressively making their way across them. You can ride one yourself, taking in the unbelievable views as you bounce along between the humps.
Take a 4x4 desert safari. If you're after some adrenaline, these 4x4 adventures will have you holding on tight as they race and ricochet across the dunes. Having four wheels allows you to explore more of the desert, visiting remote villages, oases and hidden desert lakes.
Take a shot at sandboarding. Even if you're a pro at snowboarding, sandboarding is a whole different ball game. After a surprisingly exhausting climb to the top of a dune, attempt to cruise back down on a board. Novices can do it seated on the board, while those confident enough can try their luck surfing it while standing up. It's a lot of fun!
Sleep in a desert camp. Merzouga isn't a day trip destination. Spend at least one night in a traditional desert camp where you'll enjoy tasty Moroccan cuisine around a campfire, listen to local music and sleep in a desert tent.
Treat yourself to desert luxury. There are some really dreamy accommodations in Merzouga. If you have the budget, treat yourself to a stay in one of these luxury hotels or camps. Swimming in a pool in the middle of the desert is a unique experience you won't forget any time soon!
How to get from Fes to Merzouga
Let's dive into the two ways you can get from Fes to Merzouga.
By minivan
A minivan is slightly faster than the bus, usually taking 7-8 hours, but the journey can take up to 10.
Expect to pay a little more than the bus, with shared minivan prices starting at $37 per person. Those who want more privacy and convenience can hire a private minivan, which costs $420 for the whole vehicle and can fit a maximum of five passengers.
Another great thing about the minivan is that it offers door-to-door service. You'll be picked up from your hotel in Fes and dropped off right outside your hotel in Merzouga. It couldn't be easier!
There are plenty of minivan departures, with at least one leaving every hour of the day. This allows you to pick whether you'd like to make it a day or night trip.
Thankfully, all minivans offer air conditioning to save you from the scorching Saharan heat. Additionally, some of them have reclining seats, charging points, and even complimentary water.
By bus
If you'd prefer to fall asleep in Fes and wake up in Merzouga, consider taking the bus. One daily departure leaves at 8:30 p.m. and arrives at 6:15 a.m.
It is a slightly longer journey than the minivan, taking just under 10 hours, but if you manage to get some sleep, the trip should fly by.
The bus leaves from Supratours Bus Station in Fes and arrives at Supratours Merzouga. It's a comfortable option with air conditioning and reclining seats.
All passengers are allowed one big bag and one hand luggage. Expect to pay an extra fee at the bus station for additional luggage.
Tickets start around $33.
What to expect from the journey from Fes to Merzouga
Traveling from Fes to Merzouga is probably going to be one of your longest trips in Morocco.
While the idea of the desert sounds captivating, hours of driving through the same scenery can get a little boring. Make sure to have something to keep you entertained for the long journey, like music, podcasts, movies or a book. Or opt for overnight transport and sleep the entire time!
Both the bus and minivan make stops along the way to grab something to eat, stock up on snacks and go to the bathroom.
When is the best time to visit Merzouga?
Let's start with when you shouldn't visit the Sahara Desert — the summer. July and August are scorchers! Temperatures can reach 47°C (117°F), where you essentially start cooking as soon as you step out of the shade.
Visit Merzouga any time outside these months, and the temperatures will be much more pleasant. Average temperatures during the day hover around 20-25⁰C (68-77°F), but they can drop to freezing at night during the winter months of November to February.
Make sure to bring some warm clothes if you're visiting in these months!
How many days should you spend in Merzouga?
Getting from Fes to Merzouga takes a lot of time, so you'll probably want to recover before embarking on another long trip to your next destination.
If your Moroccan itinerary is tight and you can't afford too much time for your butt to recover, two days gives you enough time to watch a sunrise and sunset in the desert, plus go on a few adventures.
Some turn their trip into a relaxing holiday, making the most of the luxury camps and peacefulness of the Sahara Desert.
Where should you visit after Merzouga?
When you've got your fill of the desert, most people either head back to Fes or continue their Moroccan adventures to the popular city of Marrakesh.
Prepare yourself for the contrast in vibes, as Marrakesh is one crazy but beautiful city. There aren't many cities as alive as this one, bursting with color and welcoming people, flavors and smells.
The journey from Merzouga to Marrakesh is a long one, too. Expect to be traveling for 7-12 hours.
Companies Operating from Fes to Merzouga
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Fes to Merzouga
Based on 635 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Fes to Merzouga
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Popular stations and stops in Fes and Merzouga
Departure stations in Fes
Arrival stations in Merzouga
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Fes to Merzouga
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Who are the service providers on this route?
MINIVAN: Bacha Way Travel | Ait Moumen Transport | Marrakech City Life | VisiTrip
BUS: Supratours
CAR: Morocco Green Ride
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