Over the High Atlas, stage by stage
The private taxi from Marrakech to Ouarzazate follows the N9 over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 m one of the highest road passes in Morocco. The road is fully paved and in good condition, but long sections are winding mountain road, so the 200 km take about 4 hours without long stops.
| Stage | Approx. time | What to expect |
|---|
| Pickup in Marrakech | 0:00 | Your driver meets you at your hotel, at the nearest car access to your riad, or at Marrakech Airport (RAK). |
| Haouz plain to Aït Ourir | 0:00 – 0:45 | Flat farmland, then the foothills of the High Atlas. |
| Mountain road to Taddert | 0:45 – 2:00 | The road climbs through valleys and Berber villages. Taddert is the usual coffee and lunch stop. |
| Tizi n'Tichka pass | around 2:30 | The top of the pass at 2,260 m, with wide views over the mountains. A good photo stop. |
| Descent to Ouarzazate | 2:45 – 4:00 | The landscape turns dry and red on the southern side of the Atlas, down to the Ouarzazate plateau. |
Times are for a steady drive in normal conditions. With a lunch break and photo stops, plan on 5 hours or more.
Price by group size
Prices are per vehicle, not per person, and fixed when you book. Fuel, luggage and short photo stops are included.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Price per vehicle | Per person (full car) |
|---|
| Sedan (Skoda Octavia or similar) | Up to 3 | €110 | €37 |
| SUV | Up to 4 | €130 | €33 |
| Van (Mercedes Vito or similar) | Up to 6 | €160 | €27 |
| Minibus (Mercedes Sprinter) | Up to 12 | €275 | €23 |
| Minibus (Mercedes Sprinter) | Up to 17 | €330 | €19 |
| VIP Mercedes E-Class | Up to 3 | €310 | €103 |
You pay the driver in cash, in euros or dirhams, at the end of the trip.
Stops worth making
- Tizi n'Tichka pass: the high point of the road, for photos and a mint tea.
- Aït Benhaddou: the famous fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a short detour about 30 km before Ouarzazate. Ask us to add a visit when booking.
- Telouet: the old Glaoui kasbah, on a longer detour from the pass along a quiet mountain road.
Short photo stops are included. Longer visits add time to the day, so tell us your plan and we confirm the price in advance. Only want a day trip? See our Aït Benhaddou day trip from Marrakech.
Mountain driving and the seasons
Our drivers know the Tichka road well and take the bends at a comfortable pace. If you get car sick, sit in the front and tell your driver; short breaks help. In winter, snow can occasionally close the pass for a few hours or a day. We keep an eye on the forecast and will contact you if a departure needs to move. Roadworks to improve the route can also cause short delays.
Bus or private taxi?
- CTM or Supratours bus (about 90–120 MAD per person): a few departures a day, around 4½ to 5 hours, with fixed stops.
- Private taxi or transfer (from €110 per car): leaves when you want, stops where you want, and can include Aït Benhaddou on the way.
Beyond Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is the gateway to southern Morocco: the Skoura palm grove, the Dades and Todra gorges, the Draa Valley and Zagora, and the dunes of Merzouga further east. Tell us your itinerary and we can arrange the onward legs, or hire a private driver for several days for a road trip at your own pace. For what to see in town and on the way, read our Ouarzazate travel guide.
