Ouarzazate Morocco Travel Guide
Ouarzazate International Airport (OZZ) serves the city and its surrounding region. It operates as a relatively small, yet functional, airport.
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.
Direct international flights to Ouarzazate remain limited. The majority of foreign visitors will link through Casablanca (CMN) with Royal Air Maroc.
Flight availability increases during the high season (October-April) with more European direct flights. Prices are higher during peak travel times and holidays.
Ouarzazate Airport, while small, furnishes basic facilities: a few cafés, car rental desks, and currency exchange services.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed alongside your national driving license. Ensure both of them are current. A credit card is needed for the security deposit.
Major roads, like the N9 from Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, maintain good condition. Mountain roads are winding and warrant careful driving.
Driving standards in Morocco differ. Stay aware of pedestrians, cyclists, animals, plus surprising obstacles. Night driving is not recommended outside urban areas.
Buses present a popular and economical way to reach Ouarzazate from other Moroccan cities. They grant relatively comfortable travel.
Ouarzazate does not have a train station. The nearest train stations reside in Marrakech or Meknes/Fes. Travelers often combine bus travel from these urban areas with train journeys.
Renting a car grants flexibility for exploring the region around Ouarzazate.
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.
Ouarzazate's inland location means sea or river travel does not directly lead to the city. Visitors arriving by ferry to Morocco's coastal ports must then use land or air transportation.
While rivers exist in Morocco, they are not typically navigable for passenger transport to Ouarzazate. The city is not connected by any river system that supports public transport.
This section is not applicable to Ouarzazate directly as it is away from the sea. Every international arrivals are via air or sea ports.
Immigration procedures apply at your initial port of entry to Morocco, not for the next leg of your trip to Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate's placement signifies it is served only by road and air transport from within Morocco.
No particular departure fees or taxes are applicable to departing tourists at Ouarzazate International Airport. These fees are typically included in airline ticket prices.
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.
The airport has basic waiting areas, some little shops for last-minute souvenirs, and cafes for refreshments.
The main bus station holds waiting areas and small kiosks vending snacks and drinks.
Facilities at both transportation hubs fulfill essential needs for departing travelers.
Planning your departure with sufficient time for check-in and security streamlines your exit from Ouarzazate.
