Morocco Bus Guide: CTM, Supratours & Beyond

1. 1

   CTM Website (ctm.ma)

   Book CTM tickets online with international credit cards. The bilingual site (French/Arabic) generates e-tickets you can show on your phone or print. Create an account to manage bookings. Best for advance reservations on popular routes like Marrakech-Essaouira.

2. 2

   Supratours / ONCF Website (oncf.ma)

   Supratours tickets are available through the ONCF platform and mobile app. You can book the bus and the connecting train together, and the e-ticket arrives by email.

3. 3

   Bus Station Ticket Counters

   Every city has a gare routiere (bus station) with ticket counters for all operators. CTM often has its own separate station nearby. Pay with cash (MAD) at the counter. Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure for popular routes. Staff speak French and Arabic.

4. 4

   Supratours Offices at Train Stations

   Supratours maintains offices at or near major ONCF train stations. Buy bus tickets there for connecting services. This is especially convenient when arriving by train and continuing by bus to cities like Essaouira or Chefchaouen.

5. 5

   On the Bus (Local Companies)

   For local and regional bus companies, you can often buy tickets directly from the driver or a conductor as you board. Cash only (MAD). No reserved seating on local buses. Arrive early to secure a good seat near the front.

Holidays sell out. During Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the summer holiday period (July-August), buses sell out quickly on popular routes. Book CTM at least 3-5 days in advance for Marrakech-Essaouira, Fes-Chefchaouen, and Tangier-Chefchaouen. Local buses can be standing-room only at peak times, so avoid them for long holiday journeys.

Air Conditioning

CTM and Supratours buses are fully air-conditioned. The AC can be powerful, so bring a light layer. Local buses have variable AC quality, and some older vehicles rely on open windows for ventilation.

Onboard Toilets

Supratours coaches generally have onboard toilets. CTM buses make rest stops every 2-3 hours on long routes where toilet facilities and cafes are available. Local buses stop less predictably.

Luggage Storage

CTM and Supratours store luggage in the hold with numbered tags. You receive a receipt to claim your bag. There is a small luggage fee (from 5-10 MAD per bag) on CTM services. Keep valuables in your carry-on daypack.

Wi-Fi and Charging

Some newer CTM and Supratours coaches offer Wi-Fi, but it is unreliable. Charging ports are rare on buses. Bring a portable power bank and download entertainment or maps offline before departure.

Seat Comfort

CTM and Supratours offer reclining seats with reasonable legroom, similar to European coach services. Local buses have fixed seats with minimal padding. For journeys over 4 hours, a neck pillow helps.

Rest Stops

Long-distance buses make scheduled stops at roadside rest areas with cafes, toilets, and small shops. Stops typically last 15-20 minutes. These are your chance to stretch, eat, and use proper facilities. Drivers announce the stop duration.

What Are Grand Taxis?

Grand taxis are shared Mercedes sedans or minivans operating fixed routes between cities. They depart when full (usually 6 passengers) and are faster than buses on many routes. They cover routes where bus service is thin.

How They Work

Head to the grand taxi stand (usually near the bus station) and state your destination. Pay the standard fare. Wait until the taxi fills up, or pay for empty seats to leave immediately. No advance booking; first come, first served.

Typical Prices

Fares are fixed per person: Fes to Meknes from 30 MAD, Marrakech to Ourika Valley from 25 MAD, Agadir to Taroudant from 30 MAD. Charter the entire taxi for roughly 6 times the per-person rate.

Best Use Cases

Grand taxis work best for short-to-medium routes under 2 hours, destinations without bus service, and last-mile connections from stations to nearby towns.

Safety note: Grand taxis can be cramped (6 passengers in a sedan). Pay for an extra seat for comfort. Always agree on the fare before getting in. Newer minivan taxis offer more space. Seasonal pricing may apply.