Getting around Morocco by bus as a solo traveller: Best Companies + Travel Tips + Safety Advice

While trains are the most convenient way of travelling between major cities in Morocco’s north, buses are the lifeline of the south. They not only connect Marrakech with the coastal cities of Essaouira and Agadir but they are the most affordable way of getting to Chefchaouen (usually from Tangier or Fes) and the Sahara Desert.

If you want to learn more about travelling by train in Morocco, check out my detailed article here.

Over the years, I’ve travelled all around Morocco by bus and experienced some incredible landscapes, people and destinations along the way. Even when going solo, I’ve never felt unsafe. In fact, there’s a certain camaraderie in being on a journey with strangers as you travel from A to B, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment in time.

Buses travel between almost every town and village in Morocco – without buses, the country would come to a complete standstill. So if you’re travelling independently in Morocco, chances are you’ll have to take a bus at least once during your trip…if not multiple times. 

But with so many bus companies to choose from, varying levels of comfort and safety concerns for solo travellers, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about getting around Morocco by bus as a solo traveller, including the best companies to use and what to expect during your journey.

Trying to decide between a group tour and independent travel in Morocco? Discover the pros and cons of each option here.

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Which bus company should you travel with in Morocco?

When getting around Morocco by bus as a solo traveller, most tourists rely on two primary companies: CTM and Supratours. CTM, which stands for Compagnie de Transports au Maroc, is the national bus provider in Morocco, whereas Supratours is a subsidiary of ONCF, the country’s train operator.

I’ve travelled with both CTM and Supratours over the years and have had generally good experiences. Occasionally they depart late (particularly if they’re waiting for passengers from connecting bus services) and sometimes the drivers are heavy on the horn! But overall, I’ve found the buses to be clean and comfortable, the drivers friendly and the staff helpful at the stations.

That being said, there are lots of smaller bus companies in Morocco operating fleets of older buses, which tend to be less comfortable. So what’s the advantage? Their ticket prices tend to be more affordable than those offered by CTM and Supratours. Plus, they offer more of a “local” experience. 

Both CTM and Supratours offer modern, air-conditioned coaches that operate on a reserved seating basis – once they’re at capacity, that’s it! You select your seat at the time of booking, either online or at the bus station.

The buses from Supratours and CTM only stop at specific terminals or stations, which are clearly indicated in their schedules. This means no stopping at the side of the road if someone tries to wave them down, something that can significantly slow the journey. 

Together, they connect most major cities in Morocco, although some routes are exclusively serviced by one of the companies and not the other. Unfortunately, they don’t serve every single town and village in Morocco. So for some journeys, you may need to rely on one of the smaller operators, such as Sahara Voyage and Trans Ghazala. 

With some of the smaller operators, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the buses can become quite crowded, with passengers sometimes standing in the aisles. If someone flags the bus down by the side of the road, the driver may stop, adding a few minutes to the journey each time as he loads and unloads luggage.

Safety standards and driving habits can vary across the board, although there’s the general consensus that CTM and Supratours are safer options. However, if you’re heading to remote towns and villages in Morocco, one of the smaller bus companies might be your only option. 

If you have the choice, I would suggest opting for CTM or Supratours for a more comfortable journey. That being said, I understand that many solo travellers are on a tight budget, making the smaller bus companies more attractive. Ultimately, the bus company you choose to travel with in Morocco depends on your route and the budget you have available. 

Purchasing bus tickets in Morocco

Both CTM and Supratours have user-friendly websites that are simple to navigate, allowing you to purchase tickets from anywhere around the globe. Just input your desired route, travel date and number of passengers in the search fields to view the available options. 

Alternatively, you can use a transport booking site like 12Go to find a variety of companies serving that route and compare the options available. It’s also possible to book safely and securely through the website using your debit or credit card. 

Popular Moroccan travel routes offer multiple departures throughout the day, with durations that may vary slightly due to traffic and the number of stops. Arriving in major cities like Casablanca during peak hours can significantly delay your journey, so keep this in mind! It will also impact the time you spend in a taxi getting from the bus station to your accommodation, as I found out the hard way.

Once you’ve chosen your bus, you’ll need to enter your name and contact information, then select your preferred seat. Think about the direction the bus is travelling and whether you want to sit on the right or left-hand side to take advantage of the views. If you want to sit near the front, it’s advisable to book early as those seats tend to fill up quickly.

In terms of paying for bus tickets in Morocco, it’s safe to do so online with a debit/credit card. Immediately after the payment has gone through, you will receive your ticket via email in a digital format. Alternatively, you can go to the bus station and buy your tickets using cash. Some bus companies also have downtown offices but this is confined to bigger cities.

Smaller bus companies in Morocco don’t always have websites. If you want to travel with them, you will have to go to the bus station to purchase a ticket or call them directly. Suppose you’re hailing a bus from the side of the road – you can purchase your ticket onboard but it will be cash only!

Taking luggage on buses in Morocco

Just a heads up – buying a bus ticket in Morocco doesn’t automatically grant you luggage space in the hold. Any luggage that can’t fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartments, needs to be paid for separately and loaded under the bus.

No need to stress! This fee is quite small, ranging from around 10 to 15 dirhams. But keep it in mind when budgeting for your trip. If you’re travelling super light, you may be able to get away without paying it and carry your backpack onboard.

Typically, luggage fees are paid at a different counter than ticket sales – this counter is often located outside near the bus loading area. Just let the attendant know how many bags you have and they will provide you with a ticket receipt for each, along with a sticker to attach to your luggage and a portion for you to keep. The latter is for you to show to the attendant when collecting your bag at the end of the trip. 

If you haven’t purchased a ticket for your suitcase or backpack and the driver deems it too large to take onboard, he’ll point you in the direction of the baggage counter before letting you on the bus. While it can be frustrating having to pay an additional fee, this is just the way things are done in Morocco and there’s no use arguing it or you’ll be left at the station. 

Figuring out bus station locations in Morocco

You’d think that finding your bus station in Morocco was simply a matter of putting “bus station + city/town” into Google. But I’m here to tell you it’s not that easy. It’s taken me a few years (and many bus journeys) to get my head around the bus station system in Morocco and there’s no one-size-fits-all rule.

While most Moroccan towns and cities have a central bus station known as a gare routière, which serves as the primary hub for most bus companies, CTM usually operates out of its own terminals. Sometimes they are nearby, sometimes they aren’t. Additionally, sometimes Supratours operates from the gare routière and sometimes from a separate station.

I’d like to provide a more straightforward solution but all I can say is: confirm the location of your bus company’s station before leaving your accommodation!

I usually do a quick Google search to determine where Supratours or CTM is based (depending on the company I’m using) and this can save me from a long-winded taxi detour en route. You can also enquire with your hotel or riad, as the staff are generally well-informed about where different companies depart from.

In Casablanca, the situation is even trickier! CTM operates three separate terminals across the city – FAR, Ain Sebaa, and Maarif. As the metropolis is so big, this makes sense, but it can be confusing at first. Be sure to check which terminal is closest to your accommodation before purchasing your ticket.

Even if your bus is departing from the gare routière, keep in mind these are often situated in the “new” parts of the city and not necessarily close to the medina. So factor in the costs and time of getting a taxi out there when purchasing your bus ticket. 

Bus stations in Morocco vary widely in appearance and cleanliness. Most of the larger stations are quite clean, with good toilet facilities and cafes where you can relax while waiting for your departure. Many also advertise Wi-Fi, although I always struggle to get this to work. But clean, passenger-friendly bus stations are not always the case, particularly in smaller towns.

On some of my bus journeys in Morocco (even with CTM and Supratours), we have had toilet breaks at terminals with less than appealing restrooms. As hard as it may be to use these facilities, my advice is to take the opportunities when they come, as you never know when the next toilet break might be.

Remember, you need to tip toilet attendants a few dirhams in Morocco (no matter the condition of the toilets themselves) and bring your own paper, just in case!

What to expect on Moroccan buses as a solo traveller

Even if you’re travelling solo, getting around Morocco by bus is relatively easy. I always find the locals are willing to help if I need assistance with my luggage or if I’m struggling to find the toilets at the bus terminal.

It’s a good idea to arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. This will give you enough time to purchase any luggage tickets, locate the departure bay and go to the toilet one last time before departure.

When it’s time to board (usually 10 or 15 minutes before the scheduled departure), take your bag to the hold and give it to the attendant. They usually load the luggage based on its destination, so bags are easier to pull out if their owner is alighting first. 

Before you get on the bus, you’ll need to present your ticket at the door and someone will check your name off a printed list of passengers. Once you’re on the bus, look out for your seat number indicated above and get settled in. It’s important to sit in your designated seat to avoid any confusion when boarding, particularly if you need to negotiate in a language you’re not fluent in.

You can store any small bags you have under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. But I suggest keeping your valuables with you at all times, particularly if you’re seated next to someone you don’t know. When the bus stops for toilet and meal breaks, take your bags with you, just to be on the safe side.  

If you wish to recline your seat, it’s generally courteous to wait until the passengers behind you have boarded, as it can be difficult for them to reach their seats if yours is pushed back too far. When you do go to recline it, it’s polite to give the person behind you a little warning so you don’t end up banging their knees. 

Most Moroccan buses make stops every few hours for restroom breaks, allowing you to stretch your legs and grab some drinks or snacks. Usually, these stops are at rather unexciting gas stations, some of which have a restaurant that serves quick meals. If you want to eat, order your meal first before going to the bathroom as it may take a few minutes to prepare. 

When you stop, the driver will inform you (typically in Darija and French) how long the break will last. If you don’t understand what was said, check with him as you get off or ask a fellow passenger to translate for you.

When it’s time to resume the journey, the driver will sound the horn loudly and conduct a headcount. It’s difficult to get left behind. Last time I travelled with CTM, the driver actually went into the gas station mosque to find a missing passenger – he wasn’t going to leave without them!

Travelling on overnight buses in Morocco

In Morocco, there are several long-distance bus routes that operate overnight, such as those that travel between Casablanca and Agadir or Marrakech and Tangier. These are a popular option as they allow you to maximise your daytime sightseeing and avoid the cost of a hotel or riad for the night. 

Most overnight buses in Morocco depart in the evening and reach their destinations early the next morning, so you can start sightseeing in your new city right away. The only drawback is you miss out on experiencing all the landscapes you otherwise would if you travelled during the day. 

Some solo travellers feel less secure travelling by bus at night, with the lights inside the bus usually turned off so passengers can sleep. While I’ve never experienced any issues travelling by bus in Morocco at night, I’d recommend keeping your valuables stored somewhere safely and out of reach of anyone who could grab them without you knowing it. 

For solo female travellers in Morocco, I’d suggest asking to be seated next to another woman for overnight bus journeys. This will give you peace of mind that you can fall asleep without having to worry about anything untoward happening. 

FAQs about travelling solo in Morocco by bus

Can you travel by bus in Morocco?

Absolutely! Morocco boasts a vast network of bus routes that link major cities and smaller towns. Several bus companies, including Supratours and CTM, provide modern and comfortable coaches – they are known for their good safety records and on-time departures.

To reach more remote areas, you might have to use less well-known bus companies, which may be more crowded and slower. Seating on these local buses is not always reserved. It may be on a first-come, first-served basis, with “overflow” passengers standing in the aisle.

Is it safe to take a bus in Morocco as a solo traveller?

Travelling around Morocco by bus is typically a safe way to see the country (even for solo travellers), as long as you take standard precautions. CTM and Supratours are considered some of the safest options since they assign seats and require passenger information for ticket purchases.

On cheaper local buses in Morocco, passengers might be picked up from the roadside, which can increase the risk of being exposed to less trustworthy individuals. These buses also tend to be much more crowded, making it harder to keep track of your personal belongings.

While buses are generally safe and dependable, it’s wise to keep your valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings, not only on the buses themselves but also in busy terminals.

If you need to take a bus at night, try to sit closer to the front near the driver, which brings added security – he may be one of the only people awake the whole trip (let’s hope so!) Some passengers, particularly women travelling alone, may feel more at ease sitting next to other women instead of unfamiliar men. This preference can be indicated when you buy your ticket.

What is the best way to get around Morocco as a solo traveller?

The best way to get around Morocco as a solo traveller depends on your destination and your available budget. For longer journeys between major cities in the northern part of the country, taking the train is usually the best choice. Moroccan trains are comfortable and efficient, with air-conditioned carriages and two class options – first and second.

In contrast, the best method for getting around southern Morocco is by bus, as the railway network only reaches as far as Marrakech. The bus system in Morocco is much more comprehensive, linking cities, towns and villages that are not accessible by train. The most well-known and trusted bus companies are CTM and Supratours.

For shorter distances, shared grand taxis, which can accommodate up to six passengers, are a quick and popular choice, operating on established routes between towns and cities. In larger cities, you can easily hail petit taxis (usually metered) for local trips within the city limits.

What is the best way to travel solo around Morocco?

Travelling by train is the most convenient way for solo travellers to explore northern Morocco, especially if you’re planning to visit Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Tangier. These cities are connected by regular and budget-friendly train services, including the high-speed Al Boraq that runs between Casablanca and Tangier.

Currently, Morocco’s rail system reaches as far south as Marrakech – if your destination is Agadir or Essaouira, you’ll have to take a bus. Notable tourist spots that are not part of Morocco’s rail network include Chefchaouen and the Sahara Desert, both of which can be reached by buses or organised tours.