Car Rental in Morocco

Why rent a car in Morocco?

Morocco is a great destination to travel around by car. The road network is in increasingly better shape, the regions are unique in culture and atmosphere, and the nature is varied, from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert. Having your own ride is the best way to experience it all. 

A popular time to visit Morocco is during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. In 2023, it lasted from March 22 until April 20. During this month, Muslims fast during the day and break the fast every evening, which is called Iftar. Often times Iftar takes place as a large public dinner. This is a great opportunity to sample the local food and speak to Muslims about their religion and fasting. Don’t be put off thinking this would be a difficult time. Morocco is much more open to foreigners during this time than in other Muslim countries. Just make sure not to walk around eating in public during the day and you will have a great experience. 

Top ways to enter Morocco

• Marrakesh Airport: Serving Morocco’s most popular travel destination, Marrakesh Airport serves flights to and from many destinations in Europe and North Africa, and is popular with low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet
• Casablanca Airport: Morocco’s most busy airport serves flights not only to and from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East but also to many large cities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Tangier Airport: Located in Morocco’s northernmost city, Tangier Airport serves flights to and from such destinations as Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Barcelona, and many others.
• By land or sea: While most car providers won’t allow you to rent a car in Spain and then drive to Morocco, you can take a ferry from Tarifa or Algeciras in Spain to Morocco and rent a car after you’ve arrived in Tangier. Large airports in Spain near Tarifa or Algeciras are Malaga Airport and Seville Airport. It is currently not possible to enter Morocco from neighboring Algeria.
• By cruise ship: Some cruise lines include Morocco as part of their itineraries, particularly visiting ports like Casablanca and Tangier. You can disembark at the designated port on a cruise and explore the country.

Top cities and places to visit

• Marrakesh: Ageless and beautiful, Marrakesh has been attracting visitors from all over the world for centuries, with its Medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa marketplace the most obvious attraction.
• Fez. Although not quite as busy with tourists and street performers as Marrakesh, Fez is another fascinating historical metropolis that you can only miss at your own peril. A historical center of education – it is home to one of the oldest universities on the planet – as well as arts and crafts, something of its ancient atmosphere seems to still live in its streets to this day. Thanks to its geographical location, a visit to Fez is easily possible to combine with a trip to either Marrakesh, Casablanca, or both.
• Agadir. Located in the far southwest of the country on the Atlantic coast, the city of Agadir is defined as much by what’s in it as what can be found around it. An important center of Berber, or Amazigh, culture, Agadir is home to several fascinating museums, but is also just a stone’s throw from some of the best surfing beaches in the country, as well as nature areas such as the Valley of Roses.
• Casablanca. A large, busy, and modern metropolis, Casablanca often gets overlooked by foreign tourists. While there is no doubt that it has a very different atmosphere than, say, Marrakesh or Fez, the city still has plenty for a curious traveler to enjoy, not least the several cultural centers, as well as Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest on the continent.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Morocco is the Hyundai i10, although travelers also love the Dacia Logan and the Renault Clio.

Driver's license requirements

It is possible to rent a car in Morocco if you are 18 years old, however only some rental suppliers rent to drivers of this age. You may therefore not be able to rent a car in the location you that you would like to. In general, most rental suppliers charge an additional Young Driver Fee for drivers that are under 25 years of age. You also must have held your licence for at least a year (longer for some companies and luxury cars).

An International Driving Permit is not required if your driver's licence is in English. You will also need your passport, which shouldn't be a problem as you will need it to enter the country. 

Crossing borders

Morocco shares a border with Algeria and Mauritania. The border between Morocco and Algeria is currently closed, therefore it is impossible to travel between the two countries. Unlike Morocco, Mauritania requires visitors from all countries but those surrounding it to obtain a visa in advance. 

Regardless of the visa situation, it is unfortunately not possible to rent a car in Morocco and then enter Mauritania - travel between the two countries is only possible with public transportation or a private vehicle.

As Morocco considers Western Sahara as its sovereign territory, it is usually possible to take a rental car to the disputed territory. You should check the security situation first. Also, be prepared to show your passport and papers for the car often. In fact, it is a good idea to bring copies of your passport with you. You can not and should not go to the area controlled by the SADR, with or without a rental car. 

Toll roads

A toll needs to be paid for using most of Morocco’s motorways or autoroutes. All of the toll roads in Morocco are administered by the state-owned company Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM). 

Morocco uses a “closed system” for its toll roads, meaning that there is a toll booth both at the entrance and exit of the toll road. You pay either by cash or by credit card (although some toll points might only accept cash so it’s good to have some available at all times). Make sure to keep any proof that you have paid for the toll road as police checks are frequent and fines can be hefty. The prices for using the toll roads are generally quite low. The toll rates for passenger cars can range from 10 to 120 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), depending on the distance traveled and the vehicle type.

Most of the toll roads connect the largest cities of the country. Oftentimes you can opt to use regional roads instead - while traveling along those will be much slower, the views are usually much more scenic. 

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular rental car in Morocco is an Economy, followed by Mini and Intermediate. Most national highways are in good shape, but if you plan to drive in the Atlas Mountains or in the Sahara Desert, getting a 4x4 might be a good idea.

Top driving routes

• Atlas Mountains: The Atlas Mountains in Morocco are a magnificent range that stretches over 2,500 kilometers. Hiking and trekking enthusiasts can explore the challenging trails, encountering traditional Berber villages in rugged terrain. From the majestic Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, to the picturesque Ourika Valley, the Atlas Mountains offer a captivating experience that combines awe-inspiring vistas, cultural encounters, and a sense of tranquility amidst nature's grandeur.
• Sahara: Southern Morocco is where the world’s largest desert begins. Visiting the Sahara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To properly explore the desert, you’ll need to go with a guide, but the city of Ouarzazate and the village of M’Hamid, both sometimes called the gate to the Sahara, are places that you can reach with a car and from where many tours take off. 
• Mediterranean Coast: Somewhat less explored by foreign visitors than the Atlantic shore, but still plenty hospitable and accessible, Morocco’s Mediterranean region is notable not just for its splendid beaches, but also the Rif mountains. Tangier and Fez both make good starting points to explore this part of the country, and there are also international airports in Nador and Oujda.
• Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: This road is a scenic driving route in Morocco that winds through the Skoura and Dades Valleys. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous ancient kasbahs, fortified mud-brick structures that showcase the region's architectural heritage. The route offers stunning desert landscapes, palm groves, and an immersive experience of Berber culture.
• Coastal Route: This route in Morocco starts from Tangier in the north and then goes through seaside towns like Asilah and Essaouira. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, visit pristine beaches, and indulge in fresh seafood. You can explore historic medinas, engage with local artisans, and experience the laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Car rental prices in Morocco

• SUVs - from $17 per day
• Station wagons - from $13 per day
• Large cars - from $7 per day
• Premium cars - from $62 per day
• Vans - from $18 per day
• Small cars - from $3 per day
• Medium cars - from $5 per day
• Convertibles - from $65 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Australia from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent things they mentioned:

• Scenic Locations and Must-Visit Areas (mentioned frequently): Morocco's diverse landscapes are highly praised, with specific mentions of "Marrakesh," "Essaouira," and the "Atlas Mountains" being described as "AMAZING."
• Dining and Local Cuisine (mentioned several times): The local restaurants received positive feedback, with reviews like "The restaurants were very good" highlighting the enjoyable dining experiences.
• Travel Experiences by Car (mentioned several times): Traveling around Morocco by car was a common theme, with some reviews emphasizing that this mode of travel made their experience "far more than I ever imagined." One traveler mentioned covering "more than 2500 km in 2 weeks."
• Cultural Immersion (mentioned a few times): Many travelers felt deeply immersed in the local culture, describing their trips as transformative and beyond their expectations.
• Ease of Travel (mentioned a few times): The reviews also pointed out the ease of traveling around Morocco, particularly when renting a car, making it a convenient destination for exploration.

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Morocco:

• Compare rates of different rental suppliers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit in the month when the rental prices are the lowest. According to our data, visiting Morocco is the cheapest in October when renting a car is about 34% cheaper than the yearly average and 59% cheaper than renting a car in November.