Errachidia airport is the closest airport to the Merzouga dunes, about two hours away by road. Few travelers know it, because most fly into Marrakech or Fes and face a long drive to the Sahara. This guide to Errachidia airport covers the flights that land there, how to connect from Europe, and how to get from the airport to Merzouga. It comes from our family team, who live in Merzouga and meet guests at the airport.
Errachidia airport at a glance
The official name of Errachidia airport is Moulay Ali Cherif Airport, with the code ERH. It serves Errachidia, the capital of the Draa Tafilalet region. According to Wikipedia, it is a public and military airport with one runway of 3,200 m.
The big advantage is the location. From Errachidia airport, Merzouga is about 126 km away, around a two hour drive, according to Touring in Morocco. The same source puts Ouarzazate airport about 365 km from the dunes. From Fes, Merzouga is about 470 km, as our guide to Fes to Merzouga explains, and from Marrakech about 560 km.
Flights to Errachidia airport
Only a few airlines fly to Errachidia airport, so plan around their schedules. According to Wikipedia and FlightConnections, these are the current routes:
- Royal Air Maroc from Casablanca: The main link, with connections from Europe and the rest of the world.
- Royal Air Maroc from Rabat: A smaller domestic route.
- Ryanair from Marrakech: About one hour in the air. FlightConnections showed two flights a week in October 2026.
- Transavia from Paris Orly: A seasonal route that FlightConnections lists from October to March.
Schedules change by season, so always check the airline before you book. For the bigger airports, read our guide to airport transfers in Morocco.
Flying to Errachidia airport from Europe and Barcelona
Apart from the winter route from Paris Orly, there are no direct flights from Europe. From Spain, Italy, the UK or Germany, you connect in Casablanca or Marrakech. FlightConnections shows no direct flight from Barcelona to Errachidia at the moment. The quickest option goes through Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc: about 2 hours 10 minutes to Casablanca, then about one hour to Errachidia, not counting the layover.
Another option is to fly to Marrakech and take the Ryanair flight on to Errachidia airport. This works well if you want a few days in Marrakech first. Coming from Spain? Read our guide to an Erasmus weekend trip to Morocco from Spain, Portugal or Italy. We update this page when new routes to Errachidia are confirmed.
From Errachidia airport to Merzouga
The road from Errachidia airport to Merzouga is one of the prettiest short drives in the south. You follow the Ziz Valley, a long ribbon of date palms below red cliffs, then pass the fossil town of Erfoud and the market town of Rissani. Near Rissani lie the ruins of Sijilmasa, the old caravan city we describe in our guide to historical sites in Morocco.
The easiest way is a private transfer. Your driver meets you at arrivals with a sign, loads your bags and takes you straight to your hotel or desert camp. Stops for photos in the Ziz Valley are easy to add. Read our guide to the things to do in Merzouga to plan what comes next.
How to plan a Sahara trip from Errachidia airport
Flying in saves you a long day on the road, so even a short trip feels relaxed. Here are three simple plans:
- One night in the dunes: Land, drive to Merzouga, ride a camel at sunset and sleep at camp. Fly out the next day.
- Two nights in the desert: Add a full day of sandboarding, quad or buggy rides, the Gnawa village of Khamlia and the Rissani market.
- Fly in, drive out: Fly to Errachidia airport, enjoy the desert, then drive west through the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley and Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech.
For the desert part, read about a camel ride in Merzouga, a night in a Sahara desert camp, quad biking in Merzouga and the Gnawa village of Khamlia. If you travel in winter, see Merzouga in December.
Errachidia airport or a road trip from Marrakech?
Both work, and the choice depends on your time. Flying to Errachidia airport is best for short trips, or if you want the desert without long drives. The road from Marrakech is long, but it shows you the High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou and the gorges on the way. Read what the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara is really like and compare our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour.
FAQ: Errachidia airport
What is the closest airport to Merzouga?
Errachidia airport, also called Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH). It is about 126 km from Merzouga, around a two hour drive.
Which airlines fly to Errachidia airport?
Royal Air Maroc from Casablanca and Rabat, Ryanair from Marrakech and, in winter, Transavia from Paris Orly.
Is there a direct flight from Barcelona to Errachidia airport?
Not at the moment. Connect in Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc, or fly to Marrakech and take the Ryanair flight.
How do I get from Errachidia airport to Merzouga?
A private transfer is the easiest way. The drive follows the Ziz Valley through Erfoud and Rissani and takes about two hours.
Flying into Errachidia airport? Send us your flight number and we will meet you at arrivals and take you to the dunes.
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