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Air Travel

Air Travel

Morocco

Airport Information

Ouarzazate Airport OZZ

Ouarzazate International Airport (OZZ) serves the city and its surrounding region. It operates as a relatively small, yet functional, airport.

Airport Details

  • OZZ serves as the main air gateway to Ouarzazate.
  • The airport is relatively compact but fully functional for arrivals and departures.
  • It handles both domestic and limited international flights.

Airlines & Connections

Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco's national carrier, links Ouarzazate mainly with Casablanca (CMN), a major hub for international connections. Skyscanner shows Transavia and Ryanair also offer seasonal flights.

Flight Options

  • Royal Air Maroc provides main domestic connections.
  • Transavia operates seasonal flights, typically from Paris-Orly.
  • Ryanair offers seasonal flights from some European cities. Dollar Flight Club can track deals.

Direct Flight Access

Direct international flights to Ouarzazate remain limited. Most international travelers will connect via Casablanca (CMN) with Royal Air Maroc.

Seasonal Variations

Flight availability increases during the high season (October-April) with more European direct flights. Prices are higher during peak travel times and holidays.

Airport Amenities

Ouarzazate Airport, while small, furnishes basic facilities: a few cafés, car rental desks, and currency exchange services.

Airport Transfers

Taxi Services

  • Petit taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
  • A ride to the city center or most hotels costs typically 30-50 MAD.
  • Confirm the price with the driver before getting in, as meters may not always find consistent use.
  • Car rental desks are present at the airport. DiscoverCars.com.

Pre-arranged Shuttles

  • Many larger hotels and riads extend airport pick-up services.
  • These often come with a fee.
  • Arrange this service in advance with your accommodation.
  • This option grants ease and peace of mind upon arrival.

Self-Driving in Ouarzazate

Driver Essentials

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed alongside your national driving license. Ensure both are current. A credit card is needed for the security deposit.

Road Network

Major roads, like the N9 from Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, maintain good condition. Mountain roads are winding and warrant careful driving.

Cautionary Notes

Driving standards in Morocco differ. Stay aware of pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and unexpected obstacles. Night driving is not recommended outside urban areas.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Buses present a popular and economical way to reach Ouarzazate from other Moroccan cities. They grant relatively comfortable travel.

Bus Companies

  • CTM: A reputable bus company known for modern, comfortable buses and reliable service.
  • Routes from major cities like Marrakech (approximately 4-5 hours), Agadir, Fes, and Meknes.
  • Booking tickets in advance, especially during holidays or peak season, is highly suggested.

Train & Bus Combos

Ouarzazate does not have a train station. The nearest train stations reside in Marrakech or Meknes/Fes. Travelers often combine bus travel from these cities with train journeys.

Train Connections

  • No direct train access to Ouarzazate.
  • Take a train to Marrakech, then a bus to Ouarzazate for comprehensive Moroccan transport.
  • Supratours, associated with ONCF, also offers routes from Marrakech.

Driving Your Own Way

Renting a car grants flexibility for exploring the region around Ouarzazate.

Car Rental

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed along with your national driving license.
  • Ensure both are current. Minimum age for car rental is typically 21 or 23.
  • A credit card is needed for the security deposit.

Road Travel Safety

Driving standards in Morocco can differ. Stay aware of pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and unexpected obstacles on the road. Night driving is not recommended outside urban areas due to poor lighting and unmarked hazards.

Safety Tips

  • Remain vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals.
  • Avoid driving at night outside of urban centers.
  • Be mindful of varying road conditions, including unpaved sections.

Road Conditions & Hazards

  • The road over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (N9) from Marrakech winds through mountains.
  • Winter can bring snow or ice, potentially leading to closures or delays.
  • Roads to remote areas may be unpaved or poorly maintained.
  • Roads towards desert areas (Zagora, Merzouga) are generally paved until the last kilometers.
  • Awareness of animals (donkeys, sheep, goats) on the road is important.
  • Be mindful of speed bumps, known as "gendarmes couchés" (sleeping policemen).

Sea/River Travel

Ferry Services

Ouarzazate's inland location means sea or river travel does not directly lead to the city. Travelers arriving by ferry to Morocco's coastal ports must then use land or air transportation.

Sea Access Notes

  • No ferry services operate directly to Ouarzazate.
  • Ouarzazate has no direct access to sea or river ports.
  • Ferry arrivals occur at coastal cities like Tangier or Nador.

River Transportation

While rivers exist in Morocco, they are not navigable for passenger transport to Ouarzazate. The city is not connected by any river system that supports public transport.

River Access Notes

  • No river transportation options serve Ouarzazate.
  • The city's location precludes direct river arrivals for travelers.
  • Alternative land or air travel methods are needed to reach this inland city.

No Border Crossings

This section is not applicable to Ouarzazate directly as it is inland. All international arrivals are via air or sea ports.

No Immigration at Seaports

Immigration procedures apply at your initial port of entry to Morocco, not for onward travel to Ouarzazate.

Inland Destination

Ouarzazate's location means it is served only by road and air transport from within Morocco.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes apply to departing tourists at Ouarzazate International Airport. These fees are typically included in airline ticket prices.

Timing Recommendations OZZ

  • For international flights, arrive at Ouarzazate Airport at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • For domestic flights, 1.5 hours typically suffices.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and security.

Bus Station Departure

For long-distance buses (CTM/Supratours), arriving 30-45 minutes before departure is advisable. This allows time for luggage check-in and boarding without rush.

Timing Recommendations Gare Routière

  • Arrive at the main bus station (Gare Routière) 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Your baggage ticket will be issued separately from your passenger ticket.
  • Facilities at both airport and bus station are functional but not extensive.

Departure Facilities

Ouarzazate Airport Amenities

The airport presents basic waiting areas, a few small shops for last-minute souvenirs, and cafes for refreshments.

Bus Station Amenities

The main bus station holds waiting areas and small kiosks vending snacks and drinks.

Overall Functionality

Facilities at both transportation hubs fulfill essential needs for departing travelers.

Smooth Departures

Planning your departure with sufficient time for check-in and security streamlines your exit from Ouarzazate.