CTM and Supratours are the two most reliable bus companies in Morocco. CTM has the largest national network and more frequent departures, while Supratours is closely linked to the train system and often connects train stations with destinations not served by rail. For most tourists, both are safe and comfortable — the better option depends on your route.
- ✔ Best network coverage → CTM
- ✔ Best train connection integration → Supratours
- ✔ Comfort → Similar (both very good)
- ✔ Online booking → Both available
- ✔ Tourist reliability → Both high
What is CTM in Morocco?
CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) is Morocco’s oldest and most big intercity bus company. It goes almost everywhere in the country.
It has the largest national route network, so it operates between major cities like Casablanca and Marrakech, but also goes to smaller towns in the north and south. CTM has a very good luggage handling system. It works a bit like an airport. You give them your big bag, pay a small fee, and they put a sticker on it.
Also, CTM often has its own dedicated bus stations in major cities. This means you do not go to the big crowded public bus station. You wait in a clean CTM office with chairs and a small cafe.
What is Supratours?
Supratours is a bus company owned by ONCF, which is Morocco’s national railway operator. It often connects train stations to cities not served by rail.
It is designed to complement train travel. For example, the train stops in Marrakech, so Supratours takes people the rest of the way to the beach. This makes it very popular for routes like Marrakech to Essaouira. Sometimes tickets are bookable alongside your train journeys on the official ONCF Voyages website. Supratours has a smaller network than CTM, but it is a very strategic network for tourists.
CTM vs Supratours – Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a simple table to show the differences quickly.
| Feature | CTM | Supratours |
| Network size | Larger (goes almost everywhere) | Smaller but strategic |
| Train connections | No | Yes (owned by ONCF) |
| Comfort level | Modern coaches | Similar comfort |
| Luggage system | Ticketed luggage (pay small fee) | Ticketed luggage (pay small fee) |
| Online booking | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency | More departures every day | Slightly fewer departures |
Route coverage
CTM has many more buses. If you want to go to a small city, CTM probably goes there. Supratours only goes to places where the train does not reach.
Bus comfort
The both of them use big, modern, air-conditioned buses. The seats are soft and you have good space for your legs.
Seat quality
When you buy your ticket, you get a seat number. This means you do not need to push people to get a good place to sit.
Luggage handling
Both companies take your big bags and put them under the bus safely. You will pay maybe 5 or 10 dirhams for the luggage ticket. Do not lose your small paper receipt because you need it to get your bag back!
Customer service
Both are professional. The drivers wear uniforms and drive safely. The people in the office can usually speak some English or French.
Reliability
They are very punctual. If the ticket says 10:00 AM, the bus will leave at 10:00 AM. Do not be late.
Which bus company is better for tourists?
For first-time visitors, both CTM and Supratours are safe and reliable. CTM is better if you need broader national coverage. Supratours is better if you’re combining bus and train travel.
- Backpackers: CTM is very good because it goes to more small towns and mountains.
- Families: Both are very comfortable and easy for children.
- Budget travelers: Both companies are cheap. You can read our guide on how much does a trip to Morocco cost to plan your money.
- Luxury travelers: Some CTM routes have “CTM Premium” buses with bigger seats and more space, which is very nice.
- People connecting from trains: Supratours is the best choice. You can read our full guide about trains in Morocco to understand how they work together.
Popular Routes Comparison
Here are some famous roads that tourists use, and which bus is better.
Marrakech to Essaouira
Usually, Supratours is highly used here. The Supratours station in Marrakech is right next to the train station, which is very easy to find. It takes about 3 hours.
Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Often CTM is preferred. CTM has direct buses from Casablanca to the blue city. It is a long trip, maybe 6 or 7 hours, so the CTM comfort is very good.
Fes to Merzouga
CTM is a common option for the Sahara desert. They have a night bus that leaves Fes in the evening and arrives in Merzouga in the morning.
Tangier to Tetouan
Both options are good depending on your timing. It is a short trip, only about 1 hour. You can just go to the station and take the next bus that is leaving.
How to Book CTM or Supratours Tickets
Both CTM and Supratours allow online booking through their official websites, and tickets can also be purchased at bus stations.
- Online booking: You can buy CTM tickets on the official CTM website. For Supratours, you use the ONCF train website. Buying online is smart in the summer when buses get full.
- Buying at station: You can walk into the office and buy a ticket for the next day with cash or card.
- Arriving early: Even if you have a ticket, you must arrive 30 minutes before the bus leaves so you have time to pay for your luggage tag.
- Payment methods: They accept Moroccan Dirhams in cash, and usually Visa and Mastercard in the main offices.
Prices – Is CTM or Supratours Cheaper?
Prices are generally similar, with small variations depending on distance and class. CTM may sometimes be slightly cheaper on certain long routes.
Bus travel here is very friendly for the budget. A 3-hour trip usually costs around 80 to 100 dirhams (8 to 10 Euros). During big holidays like Eid, prices do not go up much, but the tickets finish very fast. Remember to keep 5 or 10 dirhams in your pocket for the luggage fee because you pay this separate from the ticket.
Safety and Comfort – Are Moroccan Buses Safe?
Both companies are considered the safest bus operators in the country. If you worry about safety, you can read is it safe to travel to Morocco right now.
They use modern air-conditioned coaches. The drivers are very professional and they have speed limits. Because you have assigned seating, there is no fighting for places, and nobody stands in the middle of the bus.
When NOT to Use CTM or Supratours
Sometimes the big bus is not the right choice for your trip.
For very remote villages or small waterfalls in the mountains, the big buses cannot drive on the small roads. You will need to use local transport or a “grand taxi” (shared taxi). Also, if you want to sleep well during a night trip between Casablanca and Oujda or Tangier and Marrakech, sometimes the night trains are smoother and have beds. If you just want to go to a city very close, maybe 30 minutes away, a taxi is faster because you do not need to wait for the bus schedule.
FAQ
Is CTM better than Supratours?
No, they are the same quality. CTM just goes to more places, and Supratours is connected to the trains.
Can I bring a suitcase?
Yes, you can bring big bags. You pay a small fee at the station and they put it safely under the bus.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Most standard buses do not have toilets inside. But the driver will stop every 2 or 3 hours at a cafe where you can use the bathroom and buy water.
Which is more punctual?
Both are very punctual. They leave exactly on time, so do not be late.
Can I pay with credit card?
Yes, at the main stations you can use your card. But always have some cash just in case the machine is not working.
Do buses run during Ramadan?
Yes, buses run normally during Ramadan. But the schedule might change a little bit around the sunset time when people eat.
Final Verdict – CTM or Supratours?
- If you want maximum route flexibility → choose CTM.
- If you’re connecting from train travel → choose Supratours.
- For most tourists → either option is perfectly reliable.
Both companies will give you a safe, clean, and happy journey in Morocco. Have a beautiful trip!