Once you have decided to travel Morocco by coach rather than train, the next choice is usually between the two main premium operators: CTM and Supratours. Both run comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reserved seats and a hold for luggage, both are reliable and run to a published timetable, and both are worth booking ahead in high season — in day-to-day comfort there is little to separate them. The meaningful difference is how the two networks are built. CTM is the long-established national bus company, with an extensive independent network reaching across the country and its own dedicated CTM terminals, plus online booking. Supratours is operated by ONCF, the national railway, and its coaches are designed to extend and feed the train network — running to places the train does not reach, such as Essaouira, Chefchaouen and the southern towns, often departing from beside the train station and bookable as a single through train-plus-coach journey. Below CTM and Supratours sit the cheaper local and souk buses, which are more basic and less predictable. For most visitors the decision comes down to which company actually serves the route and departure point you need.
Option A
CTM
Morocco's long-established national coach company, with a wide independent network from its own terminals
Best for
Standalone coach journeys across the country; travellers who want a single nationwide operator and online booking
Full guideOption B
Supratours (ONCF)
The railway's own coaches, designed to connect with the train and reach towns off the rail network
Best for
Combining a coach with a train — for example Marrakech then on to Essaouira; departures beside the station
Full guideSide-by-side breakdown
CTM vs Supratours (ONCF): how they compare
| Category | CTM | Supratours (ONCF) |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | An independent, long-established national bus company in its own right | Run by ONCF, the national railway, as the coach arm of the train network |
| Network & routes | Extensive standalone network reaching cities and towns across the country | Built around the railway — fills gaps the train cannot reach, like Essaouira, Chefchaouen and the south |
| Where it departs | From its own dedicated CTM terminals, which may sit away from the train station | Often from beside the train station, since the coaches connect with rail services |
| Train connection | Operates separately from the railway; not designed as a rail feeder | Can be booked as a through train-plus-coach journey — e.g. train to Marrakech, then coach to Essaouira |
| Comfort | Comfortable, air-conditioned coaches with reserved seats and luggage hold | Comfortable, air-conditioned coaches with reserved seats and luggage hold — broadly similar standard |
| Booking | Online booking available; reserve ahead on popular routes and in high season | Bookable on its own or as part of a combined train-and-coach ticket; reserve ahead in high season |
| Cost | Good value for a premium coach; cheaper local buses cost less but are more basic — check current fares | Comparable value to CTM; the through train-and-coach fare can be convenient — check current fares |
Our verdict
Which should you choose?
On comfort there is little to choose between them: CTM and Supratours both run reliable, air-conditioned coaches to a similar standard, so let the route, the schedule and the departure point decide. Supratours is the natural pick when you are combining a coach with the train — its services connect with rail and reach towns off the network like Essaouira and Chefchaouen, often leaving from beside the station, and you can book the whole train-plus-coach journey together (a train to Marrakech and then a Supratours coach to Essaouira is the classic example). CTM earns its place with its wide standalone network and its own terminals, making it the dependable choice for cross-country coach travel that is not tied to a rail connection. In practice, check which of the two actually runs the route and time you want, and book ahead in high season. The cheaper local and souk buses can save a little money but are more basic and less predictable, so most visitors stick with these two.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CTM and Supratours?
Both are Morocco's main premium intercity coach companies, and their buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and reliable to a broadly similar standard. The difference is the network. CTM is the long-established national bus company, running an extensive independent network from its own terminals. Supratours is operated by ONCF, the railway, and its coaches are designed to extend the train — reaching towns the rails do not, often departing from beside the station, and bookable as a combined train-and-coach journey.
Is CTM or Supratours more comfortable?
They are comparable. Both CTM and Supratours run comfortable, air-conditioned coaches with reserved seats and a hold for luggage, and both are reliable and scheduled, so there is little to separate them on comfort. The choice usually comes down to which company serves your route, the timetable and where the coach departs rather than the standard of the bus itself.
How do I get to Essaouira or Chefchaouen by coach?
Neither town is on the rail network, so a coach is the standard option, and both CTM and Supratours serve them. Supratours is particularly handy here because it connects with the train: a common approach is to take the train to Marrakech and then a Supratours coach on to Essaouira, booked as a single journey. For Chefchaouen, coaches run from cities such as Fes and Tangier. Book ahead in high season, as popular runs fill up — check current fares and timetables when you plan.
Where do CTM and Supratours buses depart from?
CTM generally departs from its own dedicated CTM terminals, which can sit away from the train station, so it is worth checking the terminal location in advance. Supratours coaches often leave from beside the train station, since they are designed to connect with rail services. Confirming the departure point before you travel saves confusion, especially in larger cities.
Should I book CTM and Supratours coaches in advance?
Yes, on popular routes and in high season it is wise. Both companies run to a timetable with reserved seats, and busy services can sell out, so booking ahead removes that risk. CTM offers online booking, and Supratours can be booked on its own or as part of a combined train-and-coach ticket. Outside peak times you can often buy closer to departure, but reserving ahead is the safer choice for key journeys.
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