Merzouga has no airport and no train, so you arrive by road. From Marrakech it is about 560 km (9–10 hours with stops) and from Fes about 470 km (7–8 hours). You can come by bus, rental car, a domestic flight plus a transfer, or with a private driver – the most comfortable option and the one that lets you enjoy the road.
From Marrakech
The road crosses the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, passes Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge. You can do it in one long day, but we recommend splitting it with a night in the Dades Valley. Our 3-day desert tour does exactly that.
From Fes
Shorter and very varied: Ifrane, the cedar forest of Azrou with its Barbary macaques, Midelt and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. A smart idea is not to go back to Fes but to continue to Marrakech, as in our Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
By bus
Supratours and CTM run buses towards Merzouga or nearby towns such as Rissani and Erfoud. It is the cheapest option, but many departures are overnight and you still need to arrange the transfer from the village to your camp in the dunes.
By plane
The nearest airport is Errachidia, about 2 hours away, with domestic flights usually via Casablanca. We can pick you up there – see our 2-day Merzouga trip.
From the village to the camp
The camps are inside the Erg Chebbi. You reach them by camel at sunset – the classic way – or by 4x4 if you travel with small children or a lot of luggage. Compare camps in our guide to the luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
Would you like us to plan it for you? Message us on WhatsApp at +212 708 644 837 or write to info@marruecosprivado.com. We reply within 24 hours with a tailor-made proposal.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours from Marrakech to Merzouga?
About 9–10 hours by road with stops, for around 560 km. That is why we recommend splitting the drive over two days.
Is there a train to Merzouga?
No. Morocco’s railway does not reach the south-east. You can take the train to Marrakech or Fes and continue by road.
Is Fes or Marrakech closer to Merzouga?
Fes, at about 470 km, compared with about 560 km from Marrakech.
