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When you plan a trip to the dunes of Merzouga, one of the first decisions is where to land. Marrakech is the best-known gateway to Morocco, while Errachidia has the closest airport to the Sahara. Both are good choices: it all depends on how many days you have and what else you want to see.
Errachidia: The Fastest Way to the Dunes
Errachidia's Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) is the closest airport to Merzouga. It has flights from Casablanca, and Royal Air Maroc also lists a connection from Barcelona on its booking platform.
From the airport, the dunes of Erg Chebbi are about 130 km away, around two hours by private vehicle, through the palm groves of the Ziz Valley, Erfoud and Rissani.
Advantages:
- You reach the desert on the day you land.
- More time in the dunes and fewer hours on the road.
- A two-day trip is enough to ride a camel and sleep in a desert camp.
- Less-visited places nearby, such as Rissani or the Todra Gorge (about 140 km, two hours).
Things to consider: there are fewer flights than to Marrakech, and depending on where you fly from, your journey may include a connection.
Marrakech: More Flights and a Longer Road
Marrakech has many more flight options, but it is about 560 km from Merzouga: a journey of 9 to 10 hours that is best split over two days.
The road, however, is one of the most beautiful in Morocco. You cross the High Atlas and can stop at the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (about 190 km, three and a half hours from Marrakech), Ouarzazate (about 200 km, four hours) and the Dades and Todra gorges.
Advantages:
- Many flight options and the chance to visit Marrakech.
- The road of the kasbahs is a highlight of the trip.
Things to consider: you need at least three days to reach the dunes and come back, and a good part of that time is spent on the road.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Errachidia | Marrakech | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Merzouga | About 130 km | About 560 km |
| Time by road | About 2 h | 9–10 h, in two days |
| Shortest trip with a night in the dunes | 2 days | 3 days |
| On the way | Ziz Valley, Erfoud, Rissani | High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades and Todra gorges |
| Best for | Short trips focused on the desert | Combining Marrakech and the desert |
The Best of Both: In Through Errachidia, Out Through Marrakech
You do not have to choose only one. A very practical option is to land in Errachidia, go straight to the desert and continue through the Todra and Dades gorges, the road of the kasbahs and Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech, where you fly home. Our private tours from Errachidia to Marrakech take three to five days.
Our Recommendation
- Two or three days, and the desert is your priority: Errachidia.
- Four days or more, and you also want to see Marrakech: Marrakech, or arrive in Errachidia and leave from Marrakech.
We organise private airport transfers and desert tours from both airports. Read also: Barcelona to Merzouga: the best ways to reach the Sahara.
Contact our team and we will help you choose the best route for your dates.
Cover photo: Hongbin / Unsplash
Travel agency based in Morocco with 10 years of experience organising private tours across the country. About us
