Getting between cities by bus, beyond the train network
CTM and Supratours are Morocco's two main intercity bus companies, and they reach many towns the ONCF rail network simply doesn't, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, and most of the Atlas and desert routes among them.
For routes the train does cover, buses are usually slower but cheaper; for routes it doesn't, they're often the only comfortable option besides a private driver.
CTM is Morocco's largest intercity bus operator, running its own network nationwide; Supratours is ONCF's own bus subsidiary, built specifically to extend the rail network to towns trains don't reach, like Essaouira and Agadir.
Take a bus whenever your destination isn't on the rail line, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and most points south and into the Atlas Mountains have no train station, so CTM or Supratours (or a grand taxi) are the realistic options.
See our train travel guide for the routes ONCF does cover directly.
| CTM / Supratours Bus | ONCF Train | Grand Taxi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route Coverage | Nationwide, including non-rail towns | Limited to the rail network | Anywhere, informally |
| Comfort | Good, air-conditioned | Best | Variable, shared seating |
| Cost | Low–Medium | Low–Medium | Low, per seat |
| Schedule | Fixed departures | Fixed departures | Leaves once full |
No, neither city has a train station; Supratours (Essaouira) and CTM (Chefchaouen) buses, or a grand taxi, are the standard way to reach them.
Yes, CTM is Morocco's largest and most established intercity bus operator, with fixed schedules and assigned seating.
It's safer to book a day or two ahead for popular routes, especially around holidays, though same-day tickets are often available.