How to Get from Errachidia Airport to Merzouga

Errachidia's Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) is the closest airport to the dunes of Merzouga. Once you land, the golden sand of Erg Chebbi is only about two hours away by road, which makes Errachidia the fastest way to start a trip to the Moroccan Sahara.

This guide explains how far it is, which road you take, the ways to make the journey and how to arrange a private transfer that is waiting for you when you arrive.

How far is Merzouga from Errachidia Airport?

Merzouga is about 130 kilometres from Errachidia, a journey of around two hours by private vehicle.

For comparison, the desert is about 470 kilometres from Fes (7 to 8 hours by road) and 560 kilometres from Marrakech, a drive of 9 to 10 hours that is usually split over two days. If your main goal is the Sahara, landing in Errachidia saves you at least a full day on the road.

The Route: Ziz Valley, Erfoud and Rissani

The road from Errachidia to Merzouga heads south through the palm groves of the Ziz Valley. About an hour later (75 km) you reach Erfoud, a town known for its fossils and dates, and then Rissani, with its traditional market and its historical connection to the Alaouite dynasty. From Rissani, the last stretch crosses the stony desert until the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon.

With a private driver you can stop along the way whenever you like: for photos of the valley, a mint tea in Erfoud or a walk through the market of Rissani.

Your Options to Get There

Private transfer (recommended)

A private transfer is the easiest way to make the journey. Your driver waits for you at the airport, helps you with your luggage and takes you directly to your hotel or desert camp, at your own pace. It is the best choice if you land in the evening, travel with children or carry a lot of luggage.

At Agencia Marruecos Tours we pick you up at Errachidia airport, at the bus station or at your hotel, any day of the week. See our private airport transfers.

Taxi

Taxis can be found in the city of Errachidia, but a long trip to Merzouga has to be agreed in advance. Before you set off, confirm the price, the vehicle and the exact place where you will be dropped off.

Public transport

Buses and shared taxis link the towns of the region, but the journey usually means changing vehicles and waiting, and timetables do not follow flight arrival times. It is the cheapest option, but also the slowest one.

Arriving at Your Desert Camp

Many camps in Merzouga are located among the dunes. Depending on the camp, the last part of the way is made by 4x4 or on a camel ride, so your driver needs to know exactly where your camp is.

If you book a desert tour with us, the transfer, the camel ride and the night in the camp are organised together, so you do not have to coordinate anything yourself.

Tips for Your Journey

• Check your arrival time: if your flight lands late in the evening, you can spend the night in a hotel near the dunes in Merzouga, or sleep in Errachidia and leave the next morning.
• Plan for the sunset: if you want a camel ride on your first day, try to reach Merzouga in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the dunes.
• Bring warm clothes from October to April: days are pleasant in the desert, but winter nights are cold.
• Avoid the middle of the day in summer: enjoy the dunes at sunrise and sunset instead.
• Share your flight details: send us your flight number and arrival time, so your driver is waiting for you when you land.

Combine Your Transfer with a Desert Tour

From Errachidia you can join a two-day private desert tour with a camel ride and a night in the dunes, or take three to five days to continue through the Todra and Dades gorges and the road of the kasbahs to Marrakech. See all our private tours from Errachidia.

Arriving from Spain? Read about the flights from Barcelona to Errachidia.

Contact our local team with your dates and we will organise your private transfer from Errachidia airport to Merzouga.