Despite being only three hours away on the same stretch of coastline, Agadir and Essaouira are two completely different cities (you can learn more about what sets them apart in my Agadir vs Essaouira article). But it’s precisely this difference that makes both worth visiting, particularly if you want to experience the Morocco of the past and its historic architecture, as well as its modern beachside culture.
It’s for this reason many travellers ask me how to get from Agadir to Essaouira or what I think is the best way of getting from Essaouira to Agadir. The other reason is the fact that Agadir Al Massira Airport receives far more international flights than Essaouira, making it a logical gateway to southern Morocco. For some people, it may be cheaper (or more convenient) to fly into Agadir and travel overland to Essaouira than to get a connecting flight to Mogador Airport.
In this article, I'll detail how to get from Agadir to Essaouira, including by bus, grand taxi and private transfer. I’ll also explain the advantages of renting a car and embarking on a road trip along the coastline, as well as booking a full-day guided tour from Agadir to Essaouira. Lastly, I’ll explain why flying is the least favourable option for getting from Agadir to Essaouira, both in terms of cost and the time involved.
What is the distance from Agadir to Essaouira? It's 185 kilometres along the N1 or just over three hours drive.
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Here are my top picks for the best way to get from Agadir to Essaouira:
Most convenient way of getting from Agadir to Essaouira (door-to-door service)
Cheapest way to get from Agadir to Essaouira (3.5-hour journey)
Most scenic way to get from Agadir to Essaouira (ideally over a few days)
Best way to get from Agadir to Essaouira if you’re short on time
How to get from Agadir to Essaouira by bus
The cheapest way to get from Agadir to Essaouira
In my opinion, the best way to get from Agadir to Essaouira is by bus, which combines convenience and affordability. There are numerous departures throughout the day from Agadir to Essaouira and, generally speaking, the journey is comfortable, with reclining seats, air conditioning and a good amount of leg room. When I first arrived in Morocco, I travelled by bus from Essaouira to Agadir and as a solo female traveller, I found it easily manageable and safe.
If you’re travelling from Agadir, the journey begins at the Gare Routière on Avenue Abderrahim Bouabid. It’s located in the Cite Dakhla neighbourhood, around 10 minutes’ drive from the beach. The best way to get there is to jump in a petit taxi and ask the driver to drop you at the “Gare Routière” or you can use a ride-sharing app like Careem to book the trip.
How to purchase bus tickets from Agadir to Essaouira
When booking your bus tickets from Agadir to Essaouira, I recommend purchasing them online a few days prior to your travel dates. That is unless your trip coincides with a major holiday like Eid al-Adha (6-10 June 2025) or Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan (30-31 march 2025) when Moroccans are on the move to visit family and friends. If you’re travelling at this time, I’d recommend booking your bus tickets a couple of weeks in advance to ensure you get a seat on the day you want and at the time you prefer.
There are several bus companies travelling between Agadir and Essaouira, with the main ones being CTM and Supratours. While I have travelled on Supratours buses around Morocco, I find their online booking system more difficult to navigate, so I usually purchase their tickets in person at the bus station. I find the CTM website easier to get around, so I’ll detail their booking process here.
At the time of writing, CTM has three daily buses from Agadir to Essaouira, with prices starting from 95 dirhams. It’s important to note that fare prices fluctuate depending on demand, so check the CTM website for more accurate pricing for your preferred dates.
Buses from Agadir to Essaouira
Bus one: Departs Agadir at 8:15 and arrives in Essaouira at 11:30 (duration 3 hours and 15 minutes)
Bus two: Departs Agadir at 11:30 and arrives in Essaouira at 15:10 (duration 3 hours and 40 minutes)
Bus three: Departs Agadir at 13:30 and arrives in Essaouira at 17:00 (duration 3 hours and 30 minutes)
Buses from Essaouira to Agadir
Bus one: Departs Essaouira at 14:30 and arrives in Agadir at 17:30 (duration 3 hours)
Bus two: Departs Essaouira at 16:30 and arrives in Agadir at 20:00 (duration 3 hours and 30 minutes)
Bus three: Departs Essaouira at 19:30 and arrives in Agadir at 22:45 (duration 3 hours and 15 minutes)
All of these buses stop in Essaouira near Riad Salmiya, which is around five minutes by taxi from the medina (or a 30-minute walk). If you’re staying at the beach, the walk from the bus station is around 15 minutes.
Best way to get from Agadir to Essaouira
Once on the CTM website, you need to input your name, email address, phone number and the type of ID you will be using, as well as the ID number. For most international travellers, this will be your passport. Once you submit this information, you’ll have the option to change your allocated seat if you wish.
Top tip: If you’re travelling from Agadir to Essaouira by bus, I’d recommend you sit on the left-hand side of the bus if you want to enjoy the coastal views. If you’re travelling from Essaouira to Agadir by bus, then opt for a seat on the right-hand side (unless you want to mix it up and enjoy a different perspective on the journey back).
Once you've paid for your ticket, an instant confirmation email is sent, along with a downloadable PDF ticket that can be presented directly to the bus driver upon boarding - there’s no need to print anything out. If you prefer to do all of this in person and pay with cash, then go to the bus station to make your purchase.
On arrival at the bus station, it’s likely you’ll be approached by touts who work on a commission basis with different bus companies. But it’s easy enough to navigate your way inside the terminal building and find the CTM or Supratours desk and book with them directly.
Sometimes, if I don’t think the bus is going to be too busy and I don’t want to make an extra trip to the bus station to purchase my ticket in advance, I’ll keep an eye on the seat availability online. If it doesn’t look like it’s going to sell out, I’ll just turn up 30 minutes before departure and buy my ticket then to save some time.
What to expect on the Agadir to Essaouira bus
Whether you’re walking to the bus station or getting a taxi/ride-share there, I’d recommend arriving at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. This will give you time to sort out any luggage you might have, which involves taking it to the luggage counter and basically checking it in as you would do at the airport. After paying the small fee (between 5 and 10 dirhams), you will receive a tag or sticker in exchange, then someone will help you load it onto the bus.
Then, it’s time to board the bus and find your seat, with the numbers clearly displayed. Always sit in your assigned seat to avoid creating confusion (which you may have to deal with in a language you don't speak). It’s worth mentioning that there aren’t any toilets on the bus from Agadir to Essaouira, so it’s best to go before you board. At public toilets in Morocco, you usually need to tip the attendant a few dirhams, so have spare change at the ready.
Once you’re settled into your seat, it’s time to simply sit back, relax and take in the picturesque scenery unfolding outside the window.
How to get from Essaouira to Agadir
How to get from Agadir to Essaouira by private transfer
The most convenient way of getting from Agadir to Essaouira
If you’re travelling in a group or just want the most convenient way of getting from Agadir to Essaouira, then a private transfer is your answer. They can easily be arranged in advance and they’ll pick you up directly from your hotel, so you don’t have the hassle (or cost) of getting to the bus station independently. Once you arrive in Essaouira, they’ll drop you directly at your riad or hotel (click here for some of the best), once again saving you a lot of time and hassle.
For those carrying an abundance of luggage or families with young children, a private transfer eliminates the need to haul belongings through crowded bus stations or navigate public transit with little ones in tow. The ability to customise the departure time is another major perk, meaning you’re not restricted by bus schedules and can travel early in the morning or late at night if you want to.
Private transfers from Agadir to Essaouira cost around 175 USD for up to four people, so they aren’t exorbitantly expensive.
If you're looking for recommendations, this private transfer from Agadir to Essaouira comes with excellent reviews:
"Wonderful transportation service, communication is prompt, professional, punctual, I highly recommend booking to save yourself time and delays of taxi and bus services and ride comfortable while capitalizing your holiday time.” - Regina (read more reviews here)
While the cost of a private transfer from Agadir to Essaouira may be higher than travelling by bus, the convenience, flexibility and personal service offered make it an appealing choice for those who want a stress-free experience and don’t mind paying for the privilege.
Private transfer from Agadir to Essaouira
How to get from Agadir to Essaouira by grand taxi
For those looking to travel from Agadir to Essaouira on a budget but who want the convenience of a private transfer, taking a grand taxi can be somewhat of a “middle ground” option. A grand taxi is essentially a shared group taxi that accommodates up to six passengers at a time. This means you won't have the luxury of having the taxi all to yourself, but the tradeoff is a significantly lower fare compared to booking a private transfer.
That being said, you can book a grand taxi all to yourself and may even work out cheaper than a private transfer. The tradeoff is that you have to go to the grands taxis (at the grand taxi station on Rue de Fes) as they won’t come to you!
If you’re just booking a seat, prices start from around 100 dirhams (roughly the same as the buses), with the official prices usually displayed somewhere at the station, although you may need to ask where. Drivers may request more if you’re travelling with bulky luggage and they think you're going to take up more than your fair share of space.
While travelling by grand taxi from Agadir to Essaouira tends to be faster than the bus and there are departures more frequently throughout the day, the downside is that they can be squishy (four passengers in the back and two in the front, plus the driver) and they will only leave once full. If it’s a slow day, you could be waiting around for a while.
Female travellers may find travelling by grand taxi uncomfortable, particularly if you are in a vehicle solely with men. That being said, you can request to sit next to another woman if you want some sisterly support. Usually, I only travel in grands taxis for relatively short distances or where there aren’t buses available. For a longer journey, like the trip from Agadir to Essaouira, I prefer the extra space provided by bus travel.
How to get from Essaouira to Agadir
How to get from Agadir to Essaouira by rental car
We have completed the drive from Agadir to Essaouira many times and it really is a scenic journey. If you’re planning a road trip through Morocco or simply want to rent a car for the Agadir to Essaouira leg, I would highly recommend it. While the road is winding in places, it’s a relatively straightforward drive and three hours is very manageable in one day.
Not only is driving one of the most convenient and efficient ways of getting from Agadir to Essaouira but it gives you the freedom to stop along the way. You can spend a night or two in Taghazout and surf some of the area’s legendary waves or even make a side trip to Paradise Valley to explore its picturesque hiking trails and swimming holes.
Continuing up the coast, you’ll eventually reach the fishing village of Imsouane (famed for having one of the longest waves in Africa) and you can make a detour to Sidi Kaouki - a quiet beach town just south of Essaouira that also has great surf. This stretch of coastline has a lot to offer, much of which can’t be explored if you’re travelling by bus, a grand taxi or even a private transfer.
If you’re thinking about renting a car in Morocco, I highly recommend booking through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
To learn more about driving in Morocco, check out my detailed article here. It touches on everything from safety concerns to police checks and the process of booking a rental car in Morocco.
If you’re looking for road trip inspiration, this two-week suggested itinerary ends with the drive from Agadir to Essaouira, as well as exploring the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the “Little Marrakech” of Taroudant.
Best way to get from Essaouira to Agadir
How to get from Agadir to Essaouira by guided tour
If you want to visit Essaouira from Agadir but don’t necessarily want to spend the night, then a guided tour is perfect. It’s great for travellers who are short on time but don’t want to miss out on exploring Essaouira’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina and lively fishing port.
There are several full-day tours from Agadir to Essaouira available, all of which include pick up and drop off at your hotel of choice. With a three-hour drive each way, you’ll have plenty of time to wander through the medina and visit some of the artisanal workshops or maybe even pick up some handicrafts to take home.
With the knowledge of a local guide at your disposal, this is also a great way to really immerse yourself in Essaouira’s cultural heritage - you will learn a lot more than simply wandering around on your own. You’ll also have a lot of driving time to ask them any questions about Morocco you may have and get some local tips on things to see and do or places to eat in Agadir.
This small-group day trip from Agadir to Essaouira receives rave reviews and is really affordable if you consider the cost of a private transfer (even just one way). It includes stops along the way to photograph the tree-climbing goats and to visit an argan oil production facility.
"Great day trip. The guide Hassan was very friendly and gave us loads of useful information. Totally recommend.” - Stefan (read more reviews here)
Best way to get from Essaouira to Agadir
How to get from Agadir to Essaouira by airplane
Can you fly from Agadir to Essaouira? While the answer is “yes, you can”, the follow-up is: “It’s probably (almost definitely) not worth it". As it is such a short distance between the two cities (only three hours), there aren’t any direct flights between Agadir and Essaouira.
Added to that, Royal Air Maroc doesn’t fly in and out of Essaouira, so it’s not as simple as getting a connection through Casablanca or Marrakech. You would have to fly from Agadir to either Tangier or somewhere in Europe (such as Paris) before returning to Essaouira. Once you consider the costs and time involved, it just doesn’t make sense.
Instead, I would recommend weighing up the pros and cons of travelling from Agadir to Essaouira by bus, compared to getting a private transfer. Or if you want to explore this stretch of coastline along the way, consider renting a car or booking a guided tour with a local at the helm.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.