What's the difference between CTM and Supratours buses?

CTM and Supratours are Morocco’s two main premium coach companies; the key difference is that Supratours is owned by the national rail operator ONCF and is designed to extend train routes to places the railway doesn’t reach, such as Essaouira, Merzouga and the deep south. CTM is an independent national network covering the whole country.

In practice both are comfortable, air-conditioned and reliable, with assigned seats and a small hold-luggage fee. Supratours tickets can often be bought alongside a train ticket for a seamless rail-then-bus connection, which is handy for destinations off the rail map.

For a given route, compare timings and price between the two, as one may leave at a better hour. Both are a big step up from cheaper local buses, so either is a safe choice for intercity travel.