How to Get to Merzouga Desert from Errachidia

Errachidia is the closest city and airport to Merzouga: the Erg Chebbi dunes are only about 130 km (80 miles) away, roughly a 2-hour drive. It is the quickest gateway to the desert. Here are your options.

1. By private transfer or private tour (recommended)

A private driver can pick you up at Errachidia airport, the bus station or your hotel and take you straight to Merzouga. The road follows the Ziz Valley south, with good stops on the way:

• Ziz Valley viewpoints – a long green ribbon of date palms and mud-brick villages below the road.
• Meski Blue Spring – a natural spring and swimming pool in a palm grove, just south of Errachidia.
• Erfoud – famous for fossils and marble workshops, and for its dates.
• Rissani – the historic cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, with a busy traditional market.

Book a private transfer to Merzouga, or see our tours from Errachidia with a camel ride and a night in a desert camp.

2. By bus

Supratours and CTM buses run from Errachidia to Rissani and Merzouga. The trip takes about 2.5–3 hours, and there are only a few departures a day, so check times in advance.

3. By shared taxi (grand taxi)

Shared taxis leave Errachidia for Erfoud and Rissani when they are full. From Rissani you take another taxi to Merzouga. It is cheap and quick, but not very comfortable, and you may wait for the car to fill.

4. By rental car

The N13 road from Errachidia to Erfoud and Merzouga is in good condition and easy to drive. Avoid the last part at night, when animals and unlit vehicles can be on the road.

Which option is best?

• Arriving by plane: a private transfer from the airport, so you reach the dunes before sunset.
• Tight budget: the bus or a shared taxi.
• Want to see the region: a private tour with stops at Meski, Erfoud and Rissani.

Practical tips

• Flights to Errachidia are not daily on every route – plan your desert nights around the flight days.
• Bring a scarf and sunglasses for wind and sand, and a warm layer for the evening.
• Carry some cash in dirhams: card payment is rare in small towns.

This is a private tour, so you travel only with your own group. Groups of friends, students and families get a discount – contact us on WhatsApp or by email for a quote.