Distance 126 km (78.8 miles) | |
Price range US$7-US$143 | |
Ride Duration Range 3h-5h 1m | |
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.
Fastest bus: 3h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$7
A vacation in Ouarzazate will make you feel like you’re in a movie. Literally.
Known for being the setting in shows and films like Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Gladiator, and The Mummy, Ouarzazate has been nicknamed “The Hollywood of Africa.” But while visiting the Atlas Film movie studios is a star-studded attraction in Ouarzazate, you will also want to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the Morrocan Sahara Desert.
Before you can relax in the oasis, you must first navigate from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate. While you have a few options, save yourself some money and enjoy the scenic ride by taking one of the many daily buses available. It’s the most affordable and convenient way to travel.
On your journey, you will get to look beyond the roads and see the Sahara up close, along with the infamous Todra Gorge.
Although you will find lots of sand, you won’t find any beaches or palm trees near Ouarzazate.
But you will discover breathtaking scenery that will have you taking out your camera every chance you get.
Situated south of the High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is the “door to the desert,” with jaw-dropping red-pink buildings and kasbahs that overlook the rugged landscape.
It’s also a hotspot for history and architecture lovers.
Pro tip: Kasbahs are widespread in Morocco and are present in almost every village. They are large fortresses where leaders lived and defended the city when it was under attack. Today, they are more of a tourist attraction, built high on a hill overlooking the city. |
You’ve probably heard of the Sahara Desert and wondered what it was actually like. Sign up for a Sahara tour once you get to Ouarzazate and take an oasis adventure through the desert.
It’s a good idea to bring some water with you; the movies don’t lie about the Sahara Desert.
Speaking of movies, Atlas Film Studios is the world’s largest film studio (by acreage) and a must-visit, especially if you’re a Game of Thrones or Gladiator fan. Some of the scenery from this studio will look quite familiar, and if you’re a Star Wars fan, it’s where they filmed the scenes from Tatooine.
Architecture is also in the spotlight in Ourzazate, so experience famous landmarks like the Taourirt Kasbah and Old Synagogue up close.
Fun fact: Over 100 productions have been shot in Ourzazate. Besides the ones already mentioned, movies like Jewel of the Nile, Cleopatra, The Hills Have Eyes, Spy Game, and The Nativity Story have all been filmed here. |
The distance between Marrakesh and Ouarzazate is 79 miles (127 km), so you won’t have to worry about using up an entire day to travel.
The three main travel options are bus, car, and minivan. Factoring in traffic, it can take three to five hours to get from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate.
If you want to save money, going by bus is your best bet.
There are numerous daily departures, and the overall travel time is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Tickets start as low as $11 per person.
Pro tip: Be sure to check ahead to see where the bus departs. Operators depart at different places. |
Different buses have different amenities, so be sure to check when you are booking.
Possible amenities include: |
Air conditioning |
One bag per passenger (weight allowance and handbag maximums vary) |
Reclining seats |
TV |
WiFi |
Charger port |
Depending on traffic, you can get to Ouarzazate in approximately three hours.
There are numerous daily departures, with prices starting at $39. You can arrange a pickup anytime between 00:00 and 23:00.
There is a minimum of two people per minivan. Unless you have a larger group and choose a private minivan.
Most minivans include: |
Air conditioning |
English-speaking staff |
Baggage allowance varies by operator |
WiFi |
USB charger |
If you would rather go in a private car than a minivan, you can arrange a pickup at the Marrakesh Menara Airport or your hotel. Drop-off is at your hotel in Ouarzazate.
Since this is a private ride, you can choose your departure time throughout the day.
The total travel time is between three and four hours.
If you’re not one for extreme heat and crowds, enjoy more pleasant conditions in the spring or fall months.
The summer may be prime tourist season, but the scorching heat is not the most pleasant experience. Temperatures from June to August can exceed 100°F (38°C).
Instead, you are best off reserving your trip in the spring or fall. April and May see daytime highs in the 80s°F (upper 20s°C), while September and October can range anywhere between 80°F and 90°F (upper 20s°C to low 30s°C).
Nights can get cool, so it’s best to bring a jacket.
With the exception of July, nights in the desert can get quite cool, so it’s a good idea to pack a jacket. Also, be sure to bring some money with you for transportation.
Of course, a camera is a must. There are many attractions in Ourzazate, including the famous locations where some award-winning movies were filmed.
Marrakesh - Any hotel
CTM Bus Station Marrakesh
Marrakesh Bus Station
Supratours Marrakesh
Marrakesh - Any hotel in the city center
If you’re thinking of embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, here are a few golden rules for you to live, work and travel by.
Not sure what to pack for the long bus ride you have coming up? Here`s with a short list of things you can`t forget to take with you.
The World Economic Forum said that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Here are 4 tips on how to use less plastic when traveling.
Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.
