Grand taxis in Essaouira
Everything you need to know about grand taxis in Essaouira
Grand taxis are one of the most widely used means of transport in Morocco for travelling between cities. In Essaouira, they make it easy to reach the region's main destinations, such as Marrakech, Agadir, Safi or even Casablanca, without needing to book far in advance.
Practical, affordable and widely used by locals, grand taxis are an excellent alternative to the bus or car rental.
Where is the grand taxi station located?
The main grand taxi station in Essaouira is located next to the bus station, on Avenue du 2 Mars, just a few minutes' walk from Bab Doukkala and the medina.
It is from this station that shared and private taxis depart for the various cities of Morocco. You will generally find drivers there throughout the day, ready to leave as soon as the vehicle is full, or immediately if you choose to book the taxi privately.
How does a grand taxi work?
Unlike small taxis, which only operate within Essaouira, grand taxis handle longer, inter-city journeys. You have two options:
The shared taxi (collective): The vehicle (often a spacious sedan or minivan) can accommodate up to 6 passengers. Each traveller pays only for their own seat, and the driver sets off once all seats are occupied. This is the most economical option.
The private taxi: You book the entire vehicle for yourself or your group. The driver leaves immediately without waiting for other passengers. This is the ideal solution for families or for travelling with a lot of luggage.
The journey to Essaouira-Mogador Airport
Grand taxis also provide a quick connection between the town centre and Essaouira-Mogador Airport. The standard fixed rate for this trip is 150 DH for a private ride (whole vehicle), whether during the day or at night. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
Payment and practical tips for your trip
To ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible, keep these tips in mind:
Cash payment: Grand taxi drivers only accept cash (in Moroccan dirhams). Remember to get change before arriving at the station.
Confirm the price before departure: Always agree on the fare (per seat or for the whole vehicle) with the driver before getting in.
Plan for waiting time: If you choose the shared option, allow some flexibility in your schedule, as the vehicle can sometimes take a while to fill up, especially for less frequent routes.
High season: In summer or during school holidays, demand is high. It is recommended to arrive at the station early in the morning for popular routes such as Marrakech or Agadir.
Why choose a grand taxi?
Grand taxis offer a simple, fast and affordable way to travel from Essaouira. Highly valued by both locals and visitors, they make it easy to reach Morocco's main cities without the hassle of advance booking.
Whether you want to head off for a day trip to Marrakech, make your way down to the beaches of Agadir, visit the potteries of Safi, or simply catch your flight at Essaouira-Mogador Airport, they remain one of the most convenient and authentic ways to get around Morocco.