CTM bus Morocco
CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is Morocco's oldest and most reliable intercity coach operator, running air-conditioned buses between every major city from around 80 MAD (Marrakech–Essaouira) to 400 MAD (Tangier–Dakhla). Tickets are sold at CTM's own terminals — which are rarely in the city centre — and luggage is charged separately at about 5 MAD per bag. For two or more travellers with suitcases, a fixed-price private transfer usually costs little more once taxis to and from the CTM terminal are counted.
CTM has been running Moroccan roads since 1919 and remains the benchmark for intercity coach travel: assigned seats, air conditioning, a printed ticket and departures that genuinely leave on time. If you are travelling solo on a budget and are comfortable getting yourself to and from a bus terminal, it is a perfectly good way to cross the country.
The catch is the first and last mile. CTM operates from its own terminals, which in Marrakech, Casablanca and Agadir sit well outside the tourist centre. A taxi at each end, luggage charges, and a fixed departure time you have to build your day around add real cost and hassle to a headline fare that looked cheap.
This page sets out CTM's main routes and typical 2026 fares, where the terminals actually are, and an honest comparison with a private door-to-door transfer so you can pick the right option for your group size and luggage.
Why book CTM bus Morocco with Bacharide
Founded 1919
The country's oldest operator and the one hotel staff recommend when you ask about buses.
Own terminals
CTM does not use the public gare routière in most cities — check the CTM address, not the main bus station.
Luggage is extra
Around 5 MAD per hold bag, paid at the counter when you check in. Keep the receipt.
Book ahead in season
Marrakech–Essaouira and Marrakech–Agadir sell out in spring and around Moroccan holidays.
Fixed departures
Miss the coach and the ticket is gone. A private transfer moves with your flight instead.
No door-to-door
You are dropped at the terminal, not at your riad — budget a petit taxi at both ends.
CTM vs private transfer — Marrakech to Essaouira
Same route, same day, realistic all-in costs for two travellers with one suitcase each.
| Option | Time | All-in cost (2 pax) | Door to door? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacharide private transfer | 2 h 30 | from €66 total | Yes — riad door to riad door |
| CTM coach | 3 h + transfers | ≈ 160 MAD + 2 taxis + luggage | No — terminal to terminal |
| Supratours coach | 3 h + transfers | ≈ 160 MAD + 2 taxis | No |
| Grand taxi (shared) | 2 h 45 | ≈ 140 MAD + haggling | No — fixed pick-up points |
MAD prices are typical 2026 counter fares and vary by season. Private transfer prices are fixed at booking.
Where the CTM stations actually are
Marrakech: the CTM terminal is on Rue Abou Bakr Seddik in Gueliz, roughly 3 km from Jemaa el-Fnaa — about 20 MAD by petit taxi from the medina.
Casablanca: CTM's terminal is at 23 Rue Léon l'Africain, near the old medina and walkable from Casa Port station.
Agadir: the terminal sits in the Talborjt district, a 10-minute taxi from the beachfront hotels.
Essaouira and Fes both place CTM just outside the medina walls, so expect a short taxi or a walk with your luggage over uneven ground.
When CTM is the right choice — and when it isn't
Choose CTM if you are travelling alone or as a couple with light luggage, your dates are flexible, and you want the lowest possible headline fare.
Choose a private transfer if you are three or more, have suitcases, are arriving on a flight whose time might slip, are travelling with children or elderly parents, or want to stop for photos at Argan cooperatives or viewpoints on the way.
CTM bus Morocco — frequently asked questions
Skip the terminal — book door to door
Fixed price, flight tracking and a driver who takes you to the actual door. Confirmed in minutes.
Book your transfer