Marrakech to Ouarzazate Over the Tizi n'Tichka, by Car, Bus or Driver

Most travellers reach Ouarzazate by road from Marrakech. The two cities are about 200 km apart, separated by the High Atlas, and the N9 crosses the range at the Tizi n'Tichka pass, one of the highest road passes in North Africa at around 2,260 metres. It is a spectacular drive and a practical one: in a single day you go from the palm groves of Marrakech to the earthen kasbahs and stony plains of the south. Here is how to plan it, whichever way you travel.

The route at a glance

The road leaves Marrakech towards the south-east, climbs steadily past Aït Ourir and the foothill villages of the Atlas, crosses the pass, then descends through a drier, redder landscape to Ouarzazate. Roughly:

• Distance: about 200 km on the N9.
• Driving time without stops: around 4 hours, more in heavy traffic or bad weather.
• Realistic time with stops: 5 to 7 hours, especially if you add Aït Ben Haddou or Telouet.
• Highest point: the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at about 2,260 m.

The first and last hours are straightforward. The middle section, on both sides of the pass, is where you will go slowly: long series of bends, trucks climbing in low gear, and villages where the road narrows.

Driving yourself

Renting a car gives you the most freedom: you stop where the view is good, add a detour, and arrive with a car for the day trips around Ouarzazate. A few points make the drive easier.

• Start early. Leaving Marrakech around 8 am puts you at the pass before lunch and in Ouarzazate by mid-afternoon, with time for a detour. Avoid driving the mountain section after dark.
• Fuel and cash. There are fuel stations along the way, but fill up before the climb and keep dirhams for cafés, parking and village shops.
• Overtaking. Trucks and vans are slow uphill. Be patient and overtake only on clear straight sections; local drivers often signal when the road ahead is free, but make your own judgement.
• Police checks. Speed checks are common, especially entering villages. Respect the limits and keep your licence, rental papers and passport to hand.
• Car sickness. The bends affect some passengers, children in particular. Plan regular stops and keep the windows ready to open.

If you are travelling with young children, our guide to Ouarzazate with kids covers car seats and pacing on long drives.

By bus with CTM or Supratours

Coaches are the simplest way to make the trip without a car. CTM and Supratours both run between Marrakech and Ouarzazate several times a day, and some services continue to Zagora. The journey usually takes 4 to 5 hours, with a short break in the mountains.

Buy your ticket at the company office, online where available, or a day ahead in busy periods such as school holidays and long weekends. Coaches arrive at the companies' own stations in Ouarzazate rather than at a single central terminal. From there, a petit taxi takes you to your accommodation in a few minutes; Residence Chay, in Hay El Massira, is a short ride from either office.

With a private driver or shared taxi

A private transfer is a good compromise if you do not want to drive the pass but still want to stop along the way. Agree in advance on the route, the stops you want (Aït Ben Haddou, Telouet or simply a viewpoint) and the total price. Many travellers combine the transfer with a visit to the ksar and arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon.

Shared grand taxis also run between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. They leave when full, are cheaper than a private car and faster than the bus, but they are cramped and do not stop for sightseeing. They suit travellers with light luggage and no plans to visit on the way.

Flying instead

There is generally no direct flight between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. Royal Air Maroc connects Ouarzazate with Casablanca, and some seasonal routes link Ouarzazate with European cities. If you are already in Marrakech, the road is almost always quicker than a connection through Casablanca. If you fly into Ouarzazate directly, our airport arrival guide explains how to get into town.

The best stops along the way

The road itself is the attraction, but a few stops turn the transfer into a proper day out.

• The villages before the pass. On the Marrakech side, roadside cafés and terraces look out over the valleys. Taddert, a short distance below the pass, is a traditional break for tea and grilled meat.
• The Tizi n'Tichka pass. A sign marks the summit, with stalls selling fossils and minerals. Stop for the view and the photo; it can be windy and noticeably colder than Marrakech.
• Telouet. Just after the pass, a narrower road leads to the kasbah of Telouet, the former stronghold of the Glaoui family. The detour adds a couple of hours but the painted halls inside are worth it if you have time.
• Aït Ben Haddou. The UNESCO-listed ksar sits a short detour off the N9, about 30 km before Ouarzazate. Late afternoon light on the earthen walls is the best of the day. Our Aït Ben Haddou guide covers the river crossing, the climb to the granary and the entrance to the houses.

If you would rather keep the transfer simple, Aït Ben Haddou is equally easy as a half-day trip from Ouarzazate once you have settled in.

Season, weather and road conditions

The pass is open most of the year, but the mountains change the rules. In winter, from roughly December to February, snow and ice can close the road for a few hours or, occasionally, longer; check conditions before setting out and carry warm layers even on a sunny day. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with clear air and green valleys on the Marrakech side. In summer the drive is easy, but Ouarzazate is hot by the afternoon, so an early start pays off. Our guide to the best time to visit Ouarzazate has the details month by month.

Arriving in Ouarzazate

After the long descent, the road reaches Ouarzazate from the north-west. Plan your arrival with your accommodation in mind: at Residence Chay, check-in is from 2 pm to 10 pm, and if you expect to arrive later, send us a message on WhatsApp so the reception can plan for you. There is free private parking at the residence, with a security guard at night, which matters after a long drive with luggage in the car.

With a car, Ouarzazate makes an excellent base: the 2 and 3 day itineraries start right from town, and the road to the Sahara continues east from here. Without a car, petit taxis cover the town, and the reception can help you arrange excursions. You can see where we are on our location page and choose between the six apartments before you set off.