Thursday, 25 June 2026
The 3 Bus Stations in Ouarzazate — Which One Do You Need?
The 3 Bus Stations in Ouarzazate — Which One Do You Need?
Every week I watch the same thing happen near the Gare Routière on Avenue Moulay Abdellah. A traveler drags their bag off a grand taxi from Marrakech, asks someone where the CTM station is, gets pointed toward the main bus terminal two meters away, and then spends twenty minutes confused about why the CTM office isn't there. It isn't there because CTM has its own separate building two kilometers away on Rue de la Poste. Nobody told them. Nobody usually does.
Ouarzazate has three distinct bus departure points, and they are not all in the same place. Which one you go to depends entirely on which company you're traveling with — and getting it wrong means missing your bus. Here is each one, exactly, so you don't have to figure it out under pressure.
The Supratours office is 178 meters from the main Gare Routière. The CTM station is 2 kilometers away in a completely different part of town. Both matter, and neither will wait for you.
The Three Stations
This is the main intercity bus terminal and the one most visitors arrive at or depart from. It sits on Avenue Moulay Abdellah, around 874 meters from the town center — a manageable walk in mild weather, a taxi ride in summer heat. A range of operators use this terminal including Hammouda Prestige, Trans Ghazala, and several smaller private companies. When you read about "the bus station in Ouarzazate" online, this is almost always the building being referenced.
What it doesn't have: a dedicated CTM counter. CTM operates from its own separate location. If someone tells you to go to the bus station to catch a CTM bus, double-check — they may mean the Gare Routière out of habit, but CTM itself is elsewhere.
Supratours is the bus arm of Morocco's national railway operator, ONCF, and it connects cities not reachable by train — which describes Ouarzazate perfectly. Their Ouarzazate office sits just 178 meters from the main Gare Routière on the same avenue, so they're effectively neighbors. The buses are air-conditioned, have seat assignments, and on most routes include Wi-Fi and onboard toilets.
Supratours is the most popular operator for the Marrakech–Ouarzazate route and the primary bus option heading east toward Tinghir and Merzouga. You can book online in advance through supratoursbus.com or buy at the counter — but on busy travel days and weekends, the route sells out. Book at least 1–2 days ahead for weekend travel, and even earlier during Moroccan school holidays.
CTM is Morocco's largest private intercity bus company and has a national reputation for punctuality, comfort, and fixed-price ticketing. In Ouarzazate, their station is on Rue de la Poste — about 2 kilometers from both the main Gare Routière and the Supratours office. This is the single most important thing to know about CTM in this town: it is not at the main bus terminal. It has its own building.
CTM is the better choice if you're heading to Marrakech, Casablanca, or major northern cities and want a guaranteed seat with a more formal service structure. Tickets can be bought online at ctm.ma, on their app, or at the station counter. The Marrakech route is priced competitively — from $10 — and runs multiple times daily.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Station | Operator | Online booking | Marrakech price | Distance from centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gare Routière | Multiple (Hammouda, Trans Ghazala, others) | Counter only | From $8 | 874 m · walk |
| Supratours | Supratours (ONCF) | Yes — supratoursbus.com | From $14 | Same road as Gare Routière |
| CTM | CTM only | Yes — ctm.ma | From $10 | 2 km — Rue de la Poste |
Which Station Fits Which Traveler
You want a reserved seat and online booking
- You're traveling Marrakech–Ouarzazate or heading east to Tinghir or Merzouga
- You want to book in advance from your phone without going to a counter
- You prefer A/C, seat numbers, and a fixed departure time
- You're traveling on a weekend or during a Moroccan holiday period
You want the cheapest fare or a last-minute seat
- Your destination isn't served by Supratours or CTM from Ouarzazate
- You want the lowest possible fare and don't mind a less formal service
- You're flexible on time and happy to wait for a departure to fill up
- You're heading to a smaller town or regional stop not on the main routes
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus stations does Ouarzazate have?
Three: the main Gare Routière on Avenue Moulay Abdellah (multiple private operators), the Supratours office 178 meters away on the same street, and the CTM station approximately 2 km away on Rue de la Poste. They are separate buildings — knowing which one your ticket belongs to is essential.
Where is the CTM bus station in Ouarzazate?
CTM Ouarzazate is on Rue de la Poste, approximately 2 km from the main Gare Routière. It is not at the central bus terminal on Avenue Moulay Abdellah — this is the most common navigational mistake travelers make in Ouarzazate. Take a petit taxi (around 10–15 Dh) rather than walking, especially in summer.
Is Supratours better than CTM for the Ouarzazate to Marrakech route?
Both are reliable. Supratours is slightly more expensive (from $14 vs CTM's from $10) but its station is closer to the Gare Routière, which may be more convenient depending on where you're staying. CTM is marginally cheaper and has the same comfort level. The bigger factor is departure time — check both schedules and book whichever fits your morning.
Can I book Ouarzazate bus tickets online?
Yes, for both Supratours (supratoursbus.com or the ONCF app) and CTM (ctm.ma or their app). Pay by card and keep a digital or printed PDF of your ticket. For smaller private operators at the Gare Routière, tickets are counter-only — no advance online booking available.
What is the cheapest bus from Ouarzazate to Marrakech?
The cheapest options are private operators departing from the Gare Routière on Avenue Moulay Abdellah, starting from around $8. Hammouda Prestige is the fastest at 3h 30m. CTM starts from around $10 and Supratours from $14. All prices vary by day, time, and how far in advance you book.
How far is the Ouarzazate bus station from the city centre?
The main Gare Routière is 874 meters from the city centre — about a 12-minute walk. The Supratours office is on the same avenue, similarly close. CTM is approximately 1.2 km from the centre on Rue de la Poste — a 2-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute walk.