About the ride from Marrakesh to Agadir
Leaving the chaotic energy of Marrakech for the ocean-scented air of Agadir is like hitting the reset button. The coastal city's laid-back beach scene and European vibe is the ideal location to unwind after days of getting lost in the serpentine souks, dodging motorbikes, and soaking up the madness of the Red City.
Buses are the go-to option for most travelers — they're affordable, frequent, and surprisingly comfortable.
If you prefer more privacy, minivans and private cars also take on the 154 miles (248 km), which takes two to four hours on Morocco's well-driven roads.
With multiple departures daily, you can choose whether to set off bright and early or cruise into Agadir just in time for sunset by the beach.
Cool things to do in Agadir
You're at the beach, so the most important thing for you to do is relax. After Marrakesh, you're going to need it.
Soak up the sun at Agadir Beach. Agadir's miles of golden sand are the perfect spot to relax, catch some waves, or just soak up the Moroccan sun. Feeling active? Rent a surfboard or try jet skiing. When hunger strikes, grab the daily catch from one of the beachfront restaurants.
Hike to the kasbah for epic views. Take a short hike up to the ruins of Agadir's old kasbah for panoramic vistas of the city and Atlantic coastline. Go at sunset. Be on the lookout for some cheeky locals offering camel rides along the way.
Get lost in Souk El Had. Agadir's main market is packed with spices, rugs, handcrafted goods, and street food stalls. It's a must-visit. It's a breeze after the sensory overload of Marrakesh's souks. Don't forget to haggle — it's an Olympic sport in Morocco.
Take a surf trip to Taghazout. This laid-back surf town is just a short ride away and a dream for wave chasers. If you're a seasoned surfer, you can rent a board. If you're a newbie, there are plenty of surf schools to get you standing on a board, even if it's only briefly.
Chill at a hammam. Treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan hammam. When in Rome, right?
These bathhouses offer deep scrubs, steam rooms, and massages to leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more adventures. They are the perfect way to unwind after a few days on the road, and your skin has never felt as good as after a Moroccan exfoliation treatment. They mean business.
How to get from Marrakesh to Agadir
There are three overland ways to travel between Marrakesh and Agadir: Bus, car, and minivan.
Below, we dive into the details so you can pick which one makes the most sense for your travels.
Bus: The most affordable way
Duration: 2.5-4.5 hours
Starting price: $7
Buses depart Marrakesh from the early morning hours until well into the night. The duration variance depends on the traffic getting out of town and the number of stops.
Not all buses depart from the same place. Most start at the Marakesh bus station, but some leave from their offices throughout the city. Pay attention to those fine details when you book.
Also, show up 30 minutes before departure to make your life easy and avoid the stress of finding the right bus in a hurry.
All buses arrive at the Agadir Bus Station or the Gare Routiere de Voyageurs Agadir in French.
Each operator has its own luggage allowance rules. Most allow one large bag to go under the bus and one small carry-on to sit with you. But if you have more, you will be charged a small fee of 5-10 MAD ($0.50-1).
All buses are air-conditioned.
Private car: Riding in style
Duration: Two hours
Starting price per vehicle: $95
Ride in style with door-to-door service. You'll get picked up from your hotel in Marrakesh and dropped off at your accommodation in Agadir. No need to think about a thing. This is a private ride for you and your traveling crew.
The price is per vehicle, and most SUVs take between three to four passengers, so you'll get to split the cost. When you work it all out, it's not that much more than a bus. And the perks are pretty sweet: it's only two hours, you get to pick your departure time, it's door-to-door, and you can stop along the way when you feel the need.
Minivan: Best if you're in a small group
Duration: 2-4 hours
Starting price per vehicle: $99
If you decide to travel by minivan, you have two choices: shared and private.
A shared minivan has a minimum of three people. If you are a solo traveler, see if any of your new hostel friends want to make the trip with you. Tickets cost around $33 per seat.
If you are traveling with more than three people, hiring a private minivan might be more practical. Prices start around $111, which is split between your group.
Even with the shared minivans, you'll be picked up at your hotel or the Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and dropped at your new abode in Agadir. But you'll also have to pick up other passengers, which accounts for some of the time variance, as does city traffic.
When is the best time to visit Agadir?
Head there from March to May and September to November for dreamy beach days and outdoor activities without the crowds. It's when the weather is pleasantly warm, and the daytime temperatures range from 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C).
If you go during the summer (June through August), it's hot but tolerable due to the ocean breezes; however, it's peak tourist season. So be prepared.
How many days should you stay in Agadir?
Agadir is about chilling out. So stay as long as you can to achieve the maximum level of relaxation. No less than three days, and as long as your schedule and budget allow.
Where to go after Agadir?
For a quick hop somewhere off the beaten path, check out Aourir (Awrir), also called "Banana Village" due to its abundance of, you guessed it, banana plantations. It's only 7.5 miles (12 km) north, so you'll be there in no time. It's an authentic village with local markets that show a different side of Morocco.
From there, head to Essaouira for its relaxed coastal and boho vibe. It's about a three-hour drive north and is ideal if you want to learn to kite surf and explore the UNESCO-listed Medina.