The short answer
By road, because no train runs to Essaouira. The choice is a CTM or Supratours coach, or a private car. By car it is 190 km, about 2 hours 45 minutes on the argan road west, and from Marrakech airport it is 185 km and about the same time. A driver can stop at an argan cooperative on the way.
In more detail
Marrakech is the southern end of the rail network, and Essaouira is off the rail map. Coaches are the reliable public option. A private car goes from your riad door to the nearest gate of your Essaouira riad, with all your bags.
The road crosses the Chiadma plain and argan country. The usual stops are a women's argan oil cooperative and the goats that climb the argan trees. Then the walls of Essaouira and the Atlantic come into view.
If you only want a day by the sea, our Essaouira day trip covers the drive both ways. If you are moving on, a one-way transfer can continue down the coast to Agadir, 175 km and about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Good to know
- Take a windproof layer; Essaouira is breezy all year.
- Landing at RAK? Go straight from the airport to the coast.
- Coaches fill at weekends and holidays; book a seat ahead.