Barcelona to Merzouga: The Best Ways to Reach the Sahara Desert

Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi are one of the dream destinations for travellers from Barcelona. There is no direct way to the dunes, though: the journey always combines a flight to Morocco with a road trip to the desert, and the airport you choose makes a big difference to how long that drive is.

These are the three main ways to get from Barcelona to Merzouga, with their advantages and travel times.

Option 1: Fly to Errachidia, Two Hours from the Dunes

Errachidia's Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) is the closest airport to Merzouga. Royal Air Maroc lists flights from Barcelona to Errachidia on its official booking platform; depending on the itinerary, the journey may include a stopover, so check the schedule when you book. Errachidia also has flights from Casablanca.

From the airport, Merzouga is about 130 km away, around two hours by private vehicle, through the Ziz Valley, Erfoud and Rissani.

Best for: short trips focused on the desert. With two days you can ride a camel and sleep in a camp among the dunes.

Read more: flights from Barcelona to Errachidia and how to get from Errachidia airport to Merzouga.

Option 2: Fly to Fes and Cross the Middle Atlas

Fes is well connected by air with Spain (check the current routes from Barcelona). From Fes, Merzouga is about 470 km away, a drive of 7 to 8 hours: the road crosses the Middle Atlas and then follows the Ziz Valley south, through Errachidia, to the desert.

Best for: combining the desert with the medina of Fes, one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Our 3-day private tour from Fes to the Merzouga desert is a good example.

Option 3: Fly to Marrakech and Take the Road of the Kasbahs

Marrakech is easy to reach from Barcelona, but it is the farthest of the three cities from the dunes: about 560 km, a journey of 9 to 10 hours that is best split over two days.

The road is a trip in itself: you cross the High Atlas and can stop at the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (about three and a half hours from Marrakech), Ouarzazate and the Dades and Todra gorges.

Best for: longer trips that combine Marrakech with the desert. See our 3-day private tour from Marrakech to the desert.

The Three Options at a Glance

A Smart Idea: Arrive in One City, Leave from Another

You do not have to fly in and out of the same airport. You can land in Errachidia, enjoy the desert and finish your trip in Marrakech, or start in Fes and end in Marrakech, without driving the same road twice. Our private tours from Errachidia to Marrakech and from Fes to Marrakech through the desert are designed for this.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• You have only a few days and the desert is your priority: fly to Errachidia.
• You want to see the medina of Fes as well: fly to Fes.
• You want Marrakech and the road of the kasbahs: fly to Marrakech, and allow at least three days.

Whatever you choose, we organise private transfers and tours from Errachidia, Fes and Marrakech. Tell us your dates and we will prepare a tailor-made itinerary for you.