How to Get from Ouarzazate to M’Hamid el Ghizlane (Bus, Taxi or Car Hire): The Budget Traveler’s Route Guide

  

How to Get from Ouarzazate to M’Hamid el Ghizlane (Bus, Taxi or Car Hire): The Budget Traveler’s Route Guide

So, you've soaked up the cinematic vibes of Ouarzazate, perhaps explored the Atlas Film Studios or the Kasbah. Now, the real adventure calls: the raw, untamed beauty of the Moroccan desert, specifically M'Hamid el Ghizlane, the true "Gateway to the Sahara."

But how do you get from the bustling city of Ouarzazate to this remote desert outpost without breaking your backpacker budget? Don't worry, we've got you covered. This isn't a straightforward route, but it's entirely manageable and incredibly rewarding.

[Disclosure: We believe in transparent travel. This guide contains affiliate links for transport and accommodation. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through these links, which supports our independent route research.]

How to Get There? Personal Car vs. Public Transport

A Quick Note on Experience: My girlfriend and I took this road trip ourselves to reach the Sahara, navigating the transition from the city of Ouarzazate right through the Draa Valley. Everything written here is based on those miles, the price of fuel, and the cost of a seat on a dusty Grand Taxi. This is your genuine, budget-first guide.

The first decision in Ouarzazate is control versus cost. While the bus/taxi combination is the cheapest, driving gives you complete freedom to stop and explore the Kasbahs and palm groves of the Draa Valley.

When planning this trip, I was told by locals that the drive to Zagora was safe, but the road deteriorates closer to M'Hamid. After driving the route myself, I can confidently say that Moroccan roads are excellent. I didn't see a single major pothole between Ouarzazate and Zagora. 

The road from Zagora to M'Hamid was perfectly fine, too. I would feel comfortable driving this section of the route, also.

However, the road ends at M'Hamid for a reason. To go any further, specifically toward the Erg Chigaga dunes, you absolutely need a local Berber driver and a proper 4x4. The terrain turns into extreme sand, rocks, and unmarked trails, where it is incredibly easy to get lost. Do not attempt that final desert push in a standard rental car.

Option 1: Renting a Car (Freedom & Cost Estimate)

Renting a car is the ideal choice if you are splitting the cost with 3-4 people or you prioritize time savings over budget.

Renting a small economy car in Ouarzazate is straightforward, with several major companies operating both at the airport and in the city center.

• Average Daily Price: You can find small economy cars starting from 15$ per day when booked in advance. We used Avis Budget, and ours was 18$ per day in October!

• When we rent cars, we usually like to pick the cheapest from the big providers because I've seen enough horror stories like people getting charged on their credit card weeks after they have gotten home from their trip.

• Budget is often the cheapest provider in niche places like Ouarzazate, and because they're owned by Avis, you don't have to worry about sneaky charges. The young driver surcharge is also usually much more reasonable than other companies.

Fuel prices fluctuate, but you should factor them into your budget.

• Approx. Petrol Price: Morocco fuel prices are currently around $1.30 - $1.50 USD/L in Oct 2025.

• The 252-kilometer drive takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours of focused time, so you're looking at approximately $22-26 for petrol. Double it for a round trip.

• Road Safety Note: Avoid driving outside major towns after dark. Roads are unlit, and hazards (such as unlit donkeys or bicycles) are common.

Option 2: The Budget Traveler’s Route (Bus & Grand Taxi)

This is the cheapest way to get to M'Hamid, requiring one transfer in Zagora.

Step 1: The Official Bus Ouarzazate to Zagora

• Use CTM or Supratours. Both offer comfort, fixed pricing, and air conditioning (you'll need it). There's a reason that these companies are rated so highly for inter-city travel in Morocco

• Duration: The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

• Price: A single ticket costs around [50 - 70 MAD].

• Luggage Fee: Remember the non-negotiable [5 - 10 MAD] luggage fee for the hold.

Step 2: The Grand Taxi System

Upon arrival at the Zagora bus station, head straight for the Grand Taxi rank.

• Look for the large, usually beige or white, older Mercedes sedans.

• The price from Zagora to M'Hamid is based on 6 passengers. You pay for a single seat, approximately [35 - 50 MAD] per person. You must wait for the taxi to fill up before it leaves.

• The drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Be prepared to wait an hour or more in Zagora for a full taxi.

The Grand Taxi is the quintessential budget backpacker transport in Morocco. It is a large, often decades-old Mercedes sedan licensed for intercity or long-haul regional routes.

Unlike a private cab, the system is designed as shared transport where you purchase a single seat, meaning the taxi will not depart until all six passenger seats (and sometimes a seventh, unofficially) are completely full.

While this requires patience and often a wait at the rank, paying for your individual seat is the absolute cheapest and most authentic way to travel long distances off the main bus lines. Seriously, something that you have to experience at least once.

Where to Stay in M’Hamid El Ghizlane

M’Hamid is small, and accommodation revolves around desert excursions. Look for the many family-run Auberges or Guesthouses.

If you book your stay with a reputable auberge, they can often help you secure a fair price for your onward desert trek.

The Real Destination: The Magic of Erg Chigaga

If M'Hamid is the door, Erg Chigaga is the Sahara's living room. We drove our rental car as far as we dared, met our local guide, and experienced something unforgettable.

There is complete silence under a sky so full of stars you'll forget what light pollution looks like. The dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, culminating in one massive dune that reaches nearly 300 meters high (almost 1,000 feet!).

See our article on how to get from M’Hamid El Ghizlane to Erg Chigaga HERE

Here's our comparison of Morocco's two most famous Ergs - Chigaga & Chebbi:
Click HERE