Off to Morocco for a few days’ road-trip? Here’s how to rent a car in Marrakech!
Just a two-hour flight from Paris, Morocco is one of the leading destinations on the African continent, offering a wide variety of landscapes, from Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts for lovers of iodized air, to the Atlas Mountains for hiking fans, the golden dunes of the Sahara and lush green oases. For those who prefer urban settings, there are 4 imperial cities with charming riads to choose from. In short, Morocco has something for everyone, with so many different ways to discover it. And what better way to get around than by renting a car in Marrakech?
In fact, it’s the most practical way to make the most of your stay and get off the beaten track. Especially if you want to spend a few days away from the crowds of tourists. It’s no secret that breathtaking landscapes are often hidden and rarely accessible by public transport. Here are our tips for booking your car rental in Marrakech and setting off on your road-trip.
Where to rent a car in Marrakech
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At the airport
Marrakech-Ménara airport is the country’s second busiest after Casablanca, with some 5 million passengers a year. Most of the major car rental companies have a counter in the arrivals hall. Some local rental companies also have a counter, and we recommend that you choose them over international car rental companies.
Rent a car at Marrakech airport
In town
There’s no shortage of car rental agencies in Marrakech! You’ll easily find them on the main avenues, from international companies to local agencies. Once again, we recommend the latter. And most of them offer a free airport pick-up and drop-off service.
Itineraries from Marrakech by car: some road-trip ideas
Morocco is one of the perfect destinations to be the hero of your own road movie. Here are a few possible itineraries if you decide to rent a car in Marrakech.
For short stays
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If you have less than a week, you can discover :
- Essaouira, to the west on the Atlantic coast, with its Unesco-listed medina, 18th-century port and ramparts.
- From there, drive down to Agadir, the country’s seaside resort. The road to get there offers beautiful panoramic views.
- You’ll pass through the village of Taghazout, very popular with surfers from all over the world, where a relaxed atmosphere is guaranteed.
- On the way back to Marrakech, you can pass through Taroudant, a small, tourist-free town in the Souss region, with beautiful ochre-colored ramparts.
- If you have time, visit the Tiout oasis with its ancient Berber fortress.
The other option, for a road-trip lasting just a few days, is :
- Descend to Ouarzazate in the High Atlas Mountains. You can visit the film sets for which the town is famous. The kasbah is pretty, and you can also spend a night in the desert if you feel like it.
- On the way, you’ll pass through Aït Ben Haddou, one of the country’s most beautiful ksars (fortified villages), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For one week
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If cities appeal to you and you don’t mind a bit of driving, why not take a tour of the imperial cities?
- Start in Marrakech, which, although very touristy, is famous for its medina and gardens, and for the atmosphere of the famous Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Next, set off for Fès, Morocco’s first cultural capital, which had already shone out over the Arab-Muslim empire several centuries earlier. Its medina is renowned the world over.
- The penultimate stop is Meknes, which will delight lovers of historical heritage with its impressive number of monuments.
- Few tourists go as far as Rabat, the country’s fourth imperial city and present-day capital. However, if you feel like it, the medina and kasbah overlooking the sea are not lacking in charm.
For two weeks
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Going away for two weeks? Discover :
- Atlas and the south of the country,
- Rose Valley,
- The Draâ,
- The Dades,
- the Todgha,
- Abandoned ksars,
- Before finishing with desert walks.
All names that invite adventure and wonder. On the program: splendid landscapes stretching between dunes, oases and mountains.
One last idea for those who dream of the sea: explore the country’s Mediterranean coast. It’s a bit far if you’ve rented your car in Marrakech. But it’s well worth the effort. Visit :
- Tangier, known as the white city, is the highlight of the tour. A paradise for artists, it has that je-ne-sais-quoi that makes everyone fall under its spell.
- Take a detour inland to Chefchaouen. The village is known all over Instagram, but it would be a shame to miss out on its many shades of blue. Then head for the coast, where hidden coves and cliffs overlooking the sea await you.
How can you compare and book your rental car online?
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As mentioned above, all the major international rental agencies have counters in Marrakech. However, it’s advisable to turn to local agencies that offer very good service and even better value. These include NajmCar, Medloc and Yacout Tour. Some have counters at the airport, but if not, they offer free delivery and collection of the car at the terminal.
If, however, you want to save time and avoid juggling between websites, you can opt for the Rentalcars site, which allows you to find the best rates and guarantees according to your criteria.
How much does a rental car cost in Marrakech?
For less than a week
For short stays, prices will be :
- 20€/day for the rental of a first price vehicle,
- But if you want a minimum of comfort, you’ll have to pay around €30,
- If you opt for a 4×4 or SUV, you’ll need to budget at least €50/day,
For a week
If you are staying for at least a week, you can rent a car from :
- 75/week for a first-price vehicle,
- But for the best comfort, expect to pay at least €90.
- For 4×4s and SUVs, this will be around €190/year.
For two weeks
Finally, if you wish to rent a car in Marrakech for two weeks, you will have to pay :
- 160€ for first-price vehicles,
- 200 for more comfortable cars,
- And a minimum of €400 for SUVs or 4×4s.
Driving in Marrakech: traffic rules to know
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It’s perfectly possible to drive in Morocco. The basic rules of driving are relatively similar to those in France. Just be careful in towns and cities, as the dense traffic can seem anarchic. Outside towns, watch out for herds of cattle that sometimes cross without warning. And don’t forget to observe all the rules of the road, from speed limits to seat-belt wearing, as police checks are very frequent.
Our tips for your car rental in Marrakech
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Renting a car in Marrakech: what conditions must you meet?
The minimum age required for your car rental in Marrakech is 21, often with at least 1 or even 2 years’ driving experience. Some agencies charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. Only drivers registered on the rental contract and present at the time of vehicle delivery are authorized to drive.
Most credit cards are accepted, but you should check with the agency if you have any doubts. A deposit will be blocked on your card until the vehicle is returned, so check that you have the necessary funds in your bank account.
Limited or unlimited mileage?
It’s impossible to predict in advance the hazards you’ll encounter on your road trip, so opt for unlimited mileage. You’ll have the freedom to adjust your program as you see fit.
Do I need insurance to rent a car in Marrakech?
Insurance is included when you rent a car, but the terms vary from agency to agency. Tires, for example, are rarely covered. The same applies to deductibles, so you’ll need to check these details carefully. And don’t overlook the options you may have with your bank card – some have insurance included, as long as you’ve used it to pay. In any case, too much is better than too little.
Where to park in Marrakech
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If you can, only take your car on road-trips, as traffic in the city is fairly heavy. If you’re staying in the medina, you won’t be able to park your car close to your accommodation. Long-term parking lots have been set up near the Koutoubia and in the rue Sidi Mimoun.
What is the most practical category of car for visiting Marrakech?
It all depends on what you’re up to. If you’re going on a road-trip and plan to venture out on trails, you’ll want a 4×4. This is because other vehicles are not allowed to drive on trails. But even if you’re heading south, most of the roads are paved and therefore perfectly accessible to a normal car.
So, are you ready for your Moroccan adventure? Already gone? Tell us about it in comments!