Distance 279 km (174.4 miles) | |
Price range US$24-US$181 | |
Ride Duration Range 4h-7h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 00:00 | |
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: 7h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$24
Straddling the line where civilization meets the mighty Sahara, Merzouga is the gateway to those famous overnight desert stays that absolutely must be part of your Morocco itinerary.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of golden dunes, starry nights and moody camels, you’ll eventually want to return to modern life. But before you do that, there’s a desert city you won’t want to miss — Ouarzazate.
If your first impression of Ouarzazate leaves you thinking it looks more like a movie set than an actual city, that’s for good reason. Several blockbuster films have been filmed in the area, and there are even a few local movie studios where you can learn more about its outsized role in popular cinema.
If you’d like an exciting yet easy transition from the desert to the city, spending some time here is a fantastic option.
Whether you travel by minivan or bus, the half day of travel will be well worth it.
Though not as famous as such tourist classics as Casablanca or Marrakesh, Ouarzazate is not without its attractions. Here are some of the best:
Visit a movie studio: This remote outpost was the filming location for famous movies like Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and episodes of Game of Thrones. The Atlas Film Studio is the largest in the world, while the smaller CLA Studio is right in town. A kilometer away from Atlas Studios is the set of the Kingdom of Heaven, a full-scale desert city set from the 2005 film of the same name. It will make the perfect backdrop for your Sahara selfies.
Take in the sunset (or sunrise) from Ait Ben Haddou: Just a half hour outside of town, this dreamy city of earth-colored buildings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must-see. At the rising and setting of the sun, the city’s colors are picture-perfect. Have an authentic desert experience exploring the rooms and alleyways of this former stronghold along an ancient caravan route.
Rock the local kasbah: If you’d like to soak in genuine North African architecture without leaving town, all you need to do is head to Kasbah Taourirt — the city’s main attraction. This old fortress from the 19th Century is surrounded by historic houses around a central courtyard. Partially in ruins and partially restored, it’s worth stopping by, if only to take a few pictures.
Visit a real-life oasis: Only eight kilometers outside of town (5 miles) is the Fint Oasis. Much like several of its neighbors, Fint Oasis has starred as a film location in several popular movies and TV shows. Visit on a tour or by 4x4 for a fun side trip.
Ouarzazate lies 354 kilometers (220 miles) by road nearly due west of Merzouga.
On the ride, you’ll scroll past a backdrop of dry desert valleys and small dusty towns on a lonely road through the boonies of Morocco.
There isn’t much to see along the way, and your arrival at Ouarzazate will likely be a relief — especially if you sat through the extra hours by taking the bus.
The good news is that, at this point, you are phasing in – though not yet fully returning – to the modern world with all its conveniences. Dust included at no extra charge!
In this wild corner of southern Morocco, the only way to get further off the beaten path is to ride your own camel.
Fortunately, your options for getting between Merzouga and Ouarzazate aren’t so primitive.
Your options include making the trip by minivan or taking a ride on the bus. There is a difference in price and travel time, but either way, there will be much less spitting!
Here’s a breakdown of your choices:
Minivans are the quickest of the two options, making the run in about four hours, including stops. Prices start at around $74 per person.
Departures generally run all day, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding an operator with a minivan that fits your schedule. Keep in mind that there is often a minimum number of passengers (usually three) for a departure to take place, so be sure to check with the individual operator if you’re traveling solo or as a couple.
You can expect to have an English-speaking driver and air conditioning. Some minivans include extras such as reclining seats, charging ports, and, when available, WiFi. Luggage is generally limited to one large bag (20 kg) per passenger.
All minivans will allow for restroom breaks along the way. With an average ride lasting four hours, you will want to make generous use of these opportunities to stretch your legs and empty your bladder.
With minivan service, you can get picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Merzouga and Ouarzazate.
Bus service is available between Merzouga and Ouarzazate. However, the travel time is closer to 7.5 hours — 3.5 hours longer than you’d spend in a minivan. The upside is that a bus ticket is less than half the price of the cheapest minivan (about $25), leaving you a little more cash to live it up in Ouarzazate.
There’s usually just one departure a day, so you’re stuck with the schedule they give you.
On board, you can expect air conditioning and TV in terms of amenities. Bring a light jacket or sweatshirt if being in the A/C for that long leaves you chilled.
One large bag (up to 23 kg) and one handbag per passenger are included in the price. Extra bags can be brought on for an additional charge.
Pickup and drop-off will be at the operator’s offices in each city.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Ouarzazate.
Between March and May, as well as September to November, the weather is at its most pleasant, and the crowds are not too intense.
Summer will bring higher temperatures, making your time in the desert much less comfortable.
And you might also be surprised how chilly the desert can get on a winter’s night.
Two days would be enough time to see (and explore) both Ait Ben Haddou and the Atlas Film Studios at a normal pace. You could blast through in one day if you’re really pressed for time, but while you’re here, you might as well soak it all in before moving on to Marrakesh and points beyond.
Planning your trip can cause a great deal of travel anxiety. Here are four technologies that can help overcome this problem.
The world is too big and beautiful for us to stop traveling and exploring everything it has to offer, so discover how to become a more sustainable traveler.
5 brilliant ways to turn your mobile into the best travel buddy ever… especially if you`re traveling alone and start to feel a bit lonely.
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.
