Morocco

How to get from Essaouira to Safi

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

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FASTEST
1h 33min
💶
From
8€
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Distance
101 km
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There are 1 way(s) to get from Essaouira to Safi

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Essaouira
📍Essaouira's main bus station is located on the outskirts of the city center, easily accessible. CTM and Supratours usually have dedicated counters, even if sometimes in slightly distinct buildings, a few minutes' walk from each other. Be sure to check your ticket.
🚇From Essaouira's city center (the Medina), the easiest way to reach the bus station is by petit taxi. The ride usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs between 10 and 20 MAD, depending on the time and negotiation. Ask for 'Gare routière' or 'Gare CTM/Supratours'.
⏰Departures for Safi are frequent, with several buses per day from CTM and Supratours. The first departure is early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) and the last in the late afternoon (around 6-7 PM). Frequency is approximately one bus every 1 to 2 hours during the day.
💸 Transport from 8€ per person
⚡ Fastest: 1h 33min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia
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Practical tips

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Choose CTM or Supratours

These two companies offer higher quality services, faster and more comfortable than local buses. Stops are less frequent and stations are usually well-identified.

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Book Online if Possible

For busy routes or during high season, booking your ticket online (via 12go.asia, BaoLau.vn, or company websites) guarantees you a seat and avoids last-minute stress.

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Compare Bus Stations

In Essaouira, CTM and Supratours often have distinct stations or separate counters at the main station. Double-check your departure point to avoid any confusion.

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Prepare for Comfort on Longer Journeys

For journeys longer than Essaouira-Safi (though not the case here), consider a water bottle, snacks, and a neck pillow. It can make all the difference during long hours.

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Don't Underestimate Domestic Flights for Dakhla

If you're considering Dakhla, a domestic flight is often more advantageous than a 15-hour overnight bus, even on a tight budget. The time saved and comfort are worth the investment.

🛣️ The journey experience

Traveling from Essaouira to Safi is one of those Moroccan coastal journeys where the bus is clearly the best, and almost the only sensible option. Forget about flying, it's too short and there's no dedicated airport for this connection. There's no train either between these two cities. The coach offers a direct, economical, and rather quick way to get from one port city to another, allowing you to enjoy the coastal landscapes. It's a perfect duration to relax without the journey dragging on.

For this approximately 2-hour journey, the bus is your best ally. Companies like CTM and Supratours operate regularly on this route, offering frequent departures throughout the day. The ticket price is around 8 €, making it a very affordable solution for all budgets. You won't have to worry about endless overnight bus trips here, but rather an efficient and comfortable connection that drops you directly in the city center.

In short, don't overcomplicate things: to get from Essaouira to Safi, the bus is the obvious choice. It's fast, cheap, and saves you all the logistics of an airport or the wait for a non-existent ferry. CTM and Supratours are your trusted partners for this short trip, ensuring you arrive at your destination stress-free and with the confidence of having made the right transport choice. It's one of those routes where simplicity reigns supreme.

Frequently asked questions — Essaouira → Safi

✨ Why visit Safi?

  • ✓ Visit the Potters' Hill to discover local craftsmanship and buy unique ceramics directly from the workshops.
  • ✓ Explore Safi's Medina, its lively alleys, traditional souks, and the Pottery Dome.
  • ✓ Admire the Kechla (Sea Castle), a Portuguese fortress offering panoramic views of the ocean and the port.
  • ✓ Savor fresh seafood in the restaurants along the port, especially grilled sardines, a Safi specialty.
  • ✓ Enjoy the local beaches for relaxation or watching surfers, as Safi is a renowned spot.
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Recommended stay
2 to 3 nights — to explore the medina, pottery, and seafront without rushing.

☀️ When to visit Safi?

MEDITERRANEAN OCEANIC CLIMATE

March to June and September to November — the weather is mild, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities.

Jan 😐
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Mar 😐
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In Safi — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Safi
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Safi?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
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Pottery Workshop and Potters' Hill Visit
Safi is famous for its pottery. Explore traditional workshops on Potters' Hill, observe artisans working with clay, and discover age-old techniques. You can buy unique pieces directly from the creators. The best time to visit is in the morning to see the activity in full swing, workshop prices are around 10-20€ for an introduction.
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Explore Sea Castle and Old Medina
The Sea Castle, or Ksar el Bahr, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Then, dive into the authentic atmosphere of the old medina, with its winding alleys and lively markets. Don't forget to get a little lost; that's often where the best discoveries are made. Castle entry is usually free or symbolic.
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Surf or Relax at Safi Beach
Safi beach is renowned for its waves, attracting many surfers. If you're not a surfer, it's also a pleasant spot for a relaxing stroll by the water or to watch the sunset. Surf schools offer lessons starting from 25€ per hour. Remember to check the tides to optimize your session.
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Watch Fishermen at Safi Port
Safi port is a bustling hub of activity where you can observe fishermen unloading their daily catches. It's an authentic immersion into local life and an excellent opportunity to photograph scenes of life. Morning is the best time to witness the boats' arrival, and port access is free.
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Discover National Ceramics Museum
Housed in a renovated Portuguese fortress, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Moroccan pottery and ceramics, tracing the history of this craft. It's an excellent way to appreciate Safi's artistic richness beyond the workshops. Entry typically costs a few euros; inquire about opening hours before you go.
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Taste Local Specialties at Market
Immerse yourself in Safi's flavors by exploring the central market. Taste fresh fish tagines, local olives, seasonal fruits, and Moroccan pastries. Don't hesitate to haggle with a smile for souvenirs. Bring cash and expect to pay around 5-15€ per meal for a complete culinary experience.
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Stroll Along Corniche Boulevard
Enjoy a pleasant stroll along Corniche Boulevard, offering panoramic views of the ocean and Safi's port. It's a popular spot for locals to relax, jog, or simply admire the scenery. Ideal in the late afternoon for a memorable sunset. Access is free and open.
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Coffee Break in New Town Heart
After exploring history, change the ambiance by having a coffee or mint tea in the new town. Observe the contrast between old and modern, and soak in the local atmosphere. It's a good opportunity to rest and plan your next steps. A coffee usually costs 1-3€, perfect for a relaxing break.

⏱️ How long to visit Safi?

2 to 3 days

For Safi, plan 2 to 3 days. In two days, you can explore the medina, pottery, and ramparts. With an extra day, explore the surroundings or relax. Don't stay too long, the city is small.

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