I've heard the bus is unreliable, what's the best way to get from Marrakech to Essaouira? I'm not eager to rent a car.
Do taxis make the trip? Or arrange a driver from my hotel? What should this trip cost and any tips on how to arrange?
Thank you
Kristen
Best mode of transport from Marrakech to Essaouira Morocco?
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Where did you hear that buses were unreliable? I took a bus in both directions with no problem. I'm sure you could arrange a car and driver or a taxi, but I wouldn't bother unless you want to stop for photos on the way.
The buses are not usually unreliable.
In Morocco, you are reccomended to travel with either:
CTM - www.ctm.ma
Supratours - http://www.oncf.ma
The Supratours buses timetables are incorporated into the train timetables.
If you have money to burn, take a driver and a car.
If you are sensible, take the bus!
Grand taxis will cost the same as the bus, but you will be squeezed into the car......2 passengers and the driver in the front seat and 4 passengers in the back....unless you pay for additional seats.
Comment has been removed by Fodor's moderators
hmmm were did my post go ?
Another vote for the bus. I can't remember which bus line I used last year from Marrakech to Essaouria, but it was clean, comfortable, on time and inexpensive.
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there my post disapeared again ... tell me when i should start thinking this is fun !
If you stop advertising for your "good friend", maybe your posts will stay put.
Thanks for all the input! Sounds like the bus is the way to go.
Should I arrange this from my hotel when I arrive or in advance?
Kristen
kkatz - you can just go over to the bus station the day before (or the day you arrive in Marrakesh if you're nervous about it) and buy tickets. I took Supratours (the terminus in Essaouira was closer to my riad) and their bus station is next to the train station. BTW, do NOT take a taxi from just outside a bus or train station - walk a block or so away and hail one on the street. You will be able to bargain a much better rate.
Great advice Thursday, thank you!
Kristen
We travelled by taxi when the Supratour bus was full.
We can recommend the company Linya Transport at +212 (0)661 42 54 22. Don´t pay more than 600 DRM for the taxi to Essaouira.
In 2007 I rode the "local" bus; just walked into the bus station in Marrakech and asked when was the next bus; I had about thirty minutes so trotted back to my hotel which was across the street; grabbed my bag, bought a bottle of water and some oranges and bought a ticket; it was about the equivalent of $6 US each way with maybe fifty cents for checking a bag. The ride took about three hours. The bus was ok; comfortable seats, not air conditioned, generally pretty full most of the time but not overstuffed. The bus had a big door in the rear and a when the bus had stopped and unloaded or boarded anyone at the rear there was a guy who got off and closed that rear door from the outside , the driver started moving immediately and the guy at the rear door ran for his life to jump on the bus at the front door.
Loved both cities. Have agreat visit.