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.