Merzouga to Fes: The Scenic Route & Stops

In short: The drive from Merzouga to Fes covers roughly 460-470 km and takes about 7-8 hours of pure driving, but the whole point is to break it up. Most travellers turn it into a full day (or two) with stops at the Ziz Valley, Midelt, and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas near Azrou.

How long does the Merzouga to Fes drive take?

Direct, the route is around 460-470 km via Erfoud, Errachidia and Midelt on the N13, then the N8/N6 into Fes. Non-stop that is 7 to 8 hours, but nobody sensible does it non-stop. Between photo stops, lunch and the mountain passes, budget a full 9-11 hour day if you leave Merzouga early (around 7-8 am) and want to reach Fes before dark. The road is fully paved and in good condition, though the section over the Middle Atlas can crawl behind heavy trucks. Many visitors split the journey into two days, overnighting in Midelt or Ifrane and arriving in Fes fresh.

What are the best stops along the way?

Heading north, the first highlight is the Ziz Valley and its palm-lined gorges. The panoramic viewpoint above the Ziz Gorges (near the Tunnel du Legionnaire) is the classic photo stop; pull in for ten minutes and you look down on a river of date palms threading the canyon floor. Next comes Errachidia, a practical fuel-and-coffee town, then the long climb to Midelt at about 1,500 m, known for apples and Berber carpets and a natural lunch break roughly halfway. Beyond Midelt you cross the Col du Zad (around 2,200 m) into the Middle Atlas, where the scenery flips from desert to green: the cedar forest near Azrou is home to wild Barbary macaques (keep food out of sight rather than feeding them), and the alpine-looking town of Ifrane, nicknamed “little Switzerland”, makes a quick, quirky stop before the final descent into Fes.

Should you drive, take a bus, or hire a private transfer?

Buses do run: Supratours and CTM connect the Merzouga/Rissani area toward Fes for roughly 12-18 EUR, but they follow fixed routes with limited stops, so you miss the scenic detours. A shared grand taxi is cheaper still but cramped and inflexible. For most travellers a private driver is the sweet spot: expect around 120-180 EUR for the car (not per person), with the freedom to stop for the Ziz viewpoint, the monkeys at Azrou and lunch in Midelt. If you rent a car, the drive is easy and well signposted; just avoid the mountain section after dark, when visibility and stray animals become a real hazard. See our Morocco Desert guide for how this leg fits into a longer desert itinerary.

When is the best time to make this trip?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal: comfortable desert temperatures and clear mountain views. In winter (December-February) the Middle Atlas passes around Midelt and the Col du Zad can see snow and ice, occasionally causing short delays; still passable, but leave early and check conditions. Summer (June-August) is very hot in the Ziz Valley (often 40 C and above), so start at dawn and carry plenty of water. Whatever the season, the golden light of late afternoon on the Ziz palms is worth timing your departure around.

What should you pack and prepare for the road?

Fill the tank in Erfoud or Errachidia, as stations thin out over the mountains. Carry cash in dirhams for small cafes and roadside stalls that do not take cards, plenty of water, sunglasses, and a light layer for the cool Middle Atlas air even in summer. Keep your passport handy for the occasional police checkpoint, which are routine and friendly. If you are ending a desert circuit here, this route pairs naturally with a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes at the start; plan the whole loop with help from our Morocco Desert guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Merzouga from Fes in km? About 460-470 km by road via Errachidia and Midelt, taking roughly 7-8 hours of driving without stops.

Can you do Merzouga to Fes in one day? Yes, if you leave early (7-8 am). With stops it is a long 9-11 hour day, so many people prefer to split it and sleep in Midelt or Ifrane.

Is there a direct bus from Merzouga to Fes? CTM and Supratours run services in this direction for roughly 12-18 EUR, but they are slower and skip the scenic viewpoints a private car can reach.

Are the roads safe and paved? Yes, the entire route is paved and generally good. The main caution is the Middle Atlas section in winter (possible snow) and driving after dark, which is best avoided.

What is the highest point on the route? The Col du Zad pass sits at about 2,200 m in the Middle Atlas between Midelt and Azrou, where temperatures drop noticeably even in summer.

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