How to Get Around on Morocco’s Surf Coast

Last Updated on 28th July 2025 by Jessie

Discover how to get around Morocco’s Atlantic surf coast—from Taghazout to Essaouira and Mirleft—covering buses, shared taxis, rentals, and local transport tips.

Planning a surf trip to Morocco’s Atlantic coast? Whilst all the main surf villages (think Tamraght, Taghazout, Imsouane and Mirleft) are accessible by public transport, the logistics of getting from A to B aren’t always straightforward. If your main priority is hunting waves, a rental car is your best bet. But if you don’t have the funds or the foreign road confidence, there’s hope for you yet.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best transport options for getting around Morocco’s surf coast – whether you’re on a shoestring budget or have pockets deep enough for a little more comfort. I’ve also linked to more detailed guides for each town so you can plan your route with ease.

I use affiliate links throughout my posts. This means that if you make a purchase through any of the links, I’ll get paid a small percentage – with no additional cost to you. I appreciate any and all support to keep me afloat so I can continue bringing honest, accurate travel tips to you.

Where is Morocco’s Surf Coast – And Why Getting Around Can Be Tricky

Morocco’s surf coast stretches from Essaouira in the north all the way down past Agadir to Mirleft and Sidi Ifni. While it’s only a few hundred kilometres end to end, most surf villages are small, rural, and not always directly connected by regular public transport. Tamraght and Taghazout, for example, don’t have bus stations, and thus you must first make your way to Agadir for onward travel.

Unfortunately, there are no trains in this part of Morocco. So getting around Morocco’s surf coast often requires a combination of buses, taxis, or private transfers, or a rental car for full flexibility.

1. Intercity Buses: Budget-Friendly and Reliable

As a self-confessed shit driver, buses are my preferred mode of transport for getting around Morocco’s surf coast. If you’re travelling between bigger towns like Essaouira, Agadir, Tiznit or Sidi Ifni, buses are the cheapest way to go. CTM and Supratours are the main operators in Morocco, offering air-conditioned coaches with luggage storage. Both are super safe and reliable, and tickets can usually be purchased online.

Tips:

• If you’re heading to Morocco’s surf coast from Marrakech, I recommend catching a bus to Agadir or Essaouira.
• From Agadir airport, you can catch the airport bus into the city, take an orange taxi to the bus station, then catch a CTM bus to Mirleft or Sidi Ifni.
• There is no direct bus route to Imsouane. You can get off at Tamri and then take a taxi the rest of the way.
• Always double-check where your bus departs from – CTM and Supratours sometimes have different bus stations.
• Book your tickets at least a day in advance, especially during summer (peak tourism season).

Local buses also operate between some smaller towns (e.g. Tamraght to Taghazout), but they’re slower and less reliable. For full details, check out my guide to catching intercity buses in Morocco.

2. Renting a Car: Best Way to Reach Secluded Surf Spots

If you’re chasing empty lineups and want to detour off the beaten track, renting a car is hands-down the best way to explore Morocco’s surf coast. Tamraght, Taghazout, Imsouane and Mirleft all have quality surf breaks within walking distance of the village centre, but the waves tend to be super crowded.

You can always find local taxi drivers who will be happy to take you further afield for a daily rate. But with your own wheels, you can travel between villages and discover secret breaks at your own whim.

Road conditions are decent along the N1 coastal highway, and traffic is generally light once you’re outside Agadir. Most rental agencies operate out of Agadir and Essaouira, or you can pick up a car at the airport.

Check out my 10-day Moroccan surf trip itinerary for a suggested route.

Just keep in mind:

• Petrol stations are sparse in rural areas, so fuel up when you can.
• Parking is easy in small towns, but you may need to pay a small fee at some beaches.
• The roads in villages like Tamraght are largely unpaved, and traversing the narrow uphill tracks can be a little gnarly.

Check out rentalcars.com to compare prices and book your car online in advance.

3. Taxis: Flexible Option for Shorter Journeys

Taxis in Morocco fall into two main categories:

• Petit taxis: Local city taxis (won’t leave town limits)
• Grand taxis: Shared (collective) or private taxis, usually old Mercedes or Dacia Logan models

If you’re not renting a car, grand taxis are a useful (and sometimes the only) way to get between nearby surf towns. Collective taxis offer regular routes between neighbouring towns. You only pay for your seat (making it a super affordable option), and the driver will leave once the car is full. Alternatively, you can pay a higher price for the luxury of a grand taxi to yourself (or your clan).

For example:

• You can take a private grand taxi from Agadir to Tamraght for around 50–100dh (€5-€10).
• From Tamraght to Taghazout, a short hop in a collective taxi will cost you 5dh (50c)per person.
• You can catch a private taxi from Agadir airport to almost any village on Morocco’s surf coast.

For more info on the Moroccan taxi system, tips on negotiating, fares, and routes, check out my guide to taxis in Tamraght.

4. Shuttle Buses and Surf Camp Transfers

If you’re staying at a surf camp, hostel, or guesthouse, there’s a good chance they offer private transfers between towns or from the airport. These are especially useful if you’re heading to a more remote place like Imsouane, which isn’t served directly by major bus companies.

Check with your accommodation when booking – they often coordinate with other guests to reduce costs.

Alternatively, Souk to Surf runs shuttle buses between all the surf villages from Agadir to Essaouira. They’re fairly cheap, super reliable and a great option if you’re travelling with surfboards. I’ve got no affiliation with the company, but I highly recommend.

What’s the Best Transport Option for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown based on different travel styles:

Traveller Type	Best Transport Option
Budget backpacker	Intercity buses + collective taxis
Surfers with boards	Rental car, taxis or surf camp transfer
Solo travellers	Shuttle buses or private taxis for shorter trips
Families or groups	Private transfers or car rental for more flexibility

Final Tips for Getting Around on Morocco’s Surf Coast

• Download Google Maps offline – but double-check routes locally, especially for rural destinations.
• Always have cash on hand for taxis and snacks at bus stations.
• Basic French will go a long way, but in smaller towns, try learning a few words of Moroccan Darija.

Ready to start planning your surf road trip? Check out rentalcars.com to book your car.

More tips:

• Is Morocco Cheap to Travel?
• Best Surf Camps Taghazout
• Essaouira Travel Guide
• Best Cafes and Restaurants in Tamraght
• Top Things to Do in Mirleft

For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Facebook. Join the group here.