Car Rental in Agadir

Why rent a car in Agadir?

If you’re getting to know Southern Morocco, renting a car in Agadir is a great idea. Not only will it let you see this interesting city, you’ll also have the freedom to visit the nearby beaches and surfing spots on the Atlantic Coast and travel to the nearby Atlas Mountains.

Top ways to enter Agadir

• Agadir Airport. Also known as Agadir-Al Masira, the largest airport in southwestern Morocco has the capicity to hadle three million travelers per year. The airport is served by around 20 different airlines, including low-cost companies like Transavia and easyJet. Located 25km (16 miles) southeast of the downtown, the airport can be reached in 30-40 minutes.
• Essaouira Airport. The small and cozy Essaouira Airport is served by five different airlines and offers flights to and from France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. The airport is 165km (102 miles) north of Agadir and can be reached in about three hours, with some of the road taking you right along the coast and many famous surf towns.
• Marrakesh Airport. Also known as Marrakesh-Menara, the second-busiest airport in the country handles four to five million passengers every year. Served by more than 20 airlines, the airport is a major hub for the low-cost carrier Ryanair that provides connections with destinations in Western, Southern, and Eastern Europe. Located 250km (155 miles) northeast of Agadir, Marrakesh Airport takes about three hours to reach.
• Casablanca Airport. By far the busiest in the country, Mohammed V Casablanca Airport serves more than seven million travelers every year. The airport is the main base for the national carrier Royal Air Maroc and is served by many other airlines, providing flights to and from all of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Americas. Casablanca Airport is 445km (276 miles) northeast of Agadir and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach.

City facts

• Located on the Atlantic coast near the Sahara, Agadir has a hot semi-arid climate with maritime influences. The summers are very hot, although cooler than in many inland cities, with the average high temperature reaching 26°C (79°F) in September. Winters are short and mild, with an average high of 20°C (69°F) in January, the coolest month. If the wind permits, surfing is possible at any time of the year. The precipitation is practically nonexistent from May all the way to September but experiences an increase from November to February.
• The main daily language used in Agadir is Shilha Amazigh, one of the Berber languages of North Africa. Part of the Afro-Asiatic family, Berber languages are only remotely related to the Arabic and they are not mutually understandable. Knowledge of Arabic and French is very high in Agadir. The knowledge of English is lower, although people working in the tourism industry will usually know at least some basic phrases. Some inhabitants of Agadir also speak Spanish.
• Although the Southern coast of Morocco has been inhabited since antiquity, very little is known about Agadir before the 14th century when it was first mentioned in a map. Over the following five centuries, the city was ruled by a number of sultans, dynasties, and colonial powers before becoming a part of the unified Kingdom of Morocco.

Top sights and activities

• Kasbah. Built in the 16th century in the oldest district of the city, Kasbah is an important place to visit not only because it is one of the few buildings in the city that has survived throughout centuries, but also an important example of medieval Arabic architecture. Being built on a hilltop, it also offers impressive views of the rest of the city.
• Agadir Medina. Made in 1992 using traditional building techniques, it is a recreation of the city’s old medina that was destroyed by an earthquake. Architecturally beautiful, it is also a place where you can learn about local Berber culture.
• Souk El Had. The largest souk, or market, in Agadir, El Had is a great place to practice your bargaining skills as you can purchase everything from fruits, vegetables, and spices, to Berber clothing, pottery, and musical instruments. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, this is a great place to feel the local atmosphere.
• Plage d’Agadir. A stunning beach located in the city of Agadir, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. With its 10-kilometer stretch of golden sand, clear blue waters, and year-round sunshine, it is no wonder that Plage d'Agadir is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. For the more adventurous visitors, there are plenty of water sports available, including jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.
• Agadir Oufella. A historic site located in the city of Agadir. It is a hill that overlooks the modern city and offers a panoramic view of the coastline and the surrounding mountains. At the top of the hill, there are the ruins of an ancient fortress that was once a strategic stronghold for controlling the trade routes in the region. As of the summer of 2022, a cable car brings you up to the top within minutes.
• Crocopark. It is a spacious park that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing a variety of crocodile species. Crocoparc is home to over 300 Nile crocodiles, which are native to Africa, as well as other species of crocodiles from around the world. Visitors to Crocoparc can witness these incredible creatures up close and learn more about their behavior, biology, and natural habitats. In addition to observing the crocodiles, visitors can also explore the park's beautiful gardens, which feature a variety of plants and flowers native to the region.
• Municipal Amazigh Museum. Agadir lies deep into a primarily Berber-speaking part of Morocco, so most of the local customs and culture are of Berber origin (they call themselves Amazigh, hence the name of the museum). Located in the center of the city, the museum showcases a number of musical instruments, traditional jewelry, and other artifacts.

Traffic and parking

• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120 km/h on highway (autoroutes), 100 km/h on roads outside urban areas that are not highways, and 60 km/h within populated areas.
• Even inside some big cities, and in the most smaller towns and villages, there are no special lanes for cyclists or sometimes even sidewalks for pedestrians. In those cases, you’ll be sharing a road with them, so be extra careful.
• Road signs are written in both Arabic and French. If you don’t know either of these languages, it’s good to learn at least the main terms in one of them before renting a car.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.00% for both experienced and novice drivers. Drunk driving can lead to large fines and even jail time or deportation.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The nation-wide emergency police number is 19 and the nation-wide ambulance and fire safety department number is 15.

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in Agadir itself or along the coast to the south and north of Agadir.

A toll needs to be paid for using most of Morocco’s motorways or autoroutes, though. 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.

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.

Ideas for day trips

• Taghazout. A small and cozy fishing village it may be, but Taghazout is a real giant when it comes to surfing. One of the most popular spots on the whole long coast on Morocco, Taghazout offers everything from surf schools for beginners to awesome waves for pros, and even tranquil camel rides along the beach if hitting the waves is not exactly your thing. You can watch the best surfers from Anchor Point, which also is a worthwhile spot for watching the sunset
• Paradise Valley. A place of special calm, this beautiful valley made up of natural swimming pools, impressive rocks, and small waterfalls more than justifies its name. It is located where the Atlas Mountains begin, and you can spend a full day here going on walks or finding a perfect spot and having a long picnic. Upon exiting the valley, make sure to make a stop at one of the small villages where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine and tea.
• Souss-Massa National Park. In the opposite direction of Taghazout and Paradise Valley is Souss-Massa National Park, the largest nature preserve in the area. Named after the river at its heart, it is known for its amazing diversity of birdlife. The national park is 20 km (12 miles) south of Agadir, the drive taking about 30 minutes. 

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car type in Morocco is an Economy, followed by Mini and Intermediate. Most national highways are in great shape, but if you plan to drive in mountains or desert, getting a 4x4 vehicle can be a good idea. The most popular rental car in Morocco is the Hyundai i10, although travelers also love the Dacia Logan and the Renault Clio.

Further destinations

• Timlalin Dunes. A small dune landscape right on the coast. Driving time from Agadir is just over an hour. The dunes offer sandboarding and walking opportunities. You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the sea from the dunes. Camels can also often be seen on-site.
• Essaouira. Favored by Berber kings and rock stars like Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles alike, Essaouira is a beautiful coastal town a couple of hours' drive north of Agadir. Although windier and rainier, what it lacks in weather it more than makes up in the atmosphere, beautiful Moroccan architecture, and delicious seafood.
• Sidi Kaouki. A small coastal village located in southwestern Morocco, about 25 km (15.5 miles) south of the city of Essaouira. It is a popular destination for kite- and windsurfers as well as for beach lovers, with its long stretches of sandy beaches and strong winds that make it ideal for water sports. Despite its growing popularity, Sidi Kaouki still maintains a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. The village itself is small, with only a few shops, cafes, and restaurants, but it offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The drive from Agadir takes about three hours. 
• Marrakesh. Although Baghdad, Beirut, or Alexandria might argue, Marrakesh is perhaps the most famous ancient city of the Arab world. If you’ve come to Morocco at all, its sights, gardens, and souks are not to be missed. From Agadir, the journey to Marrakesh takes around three hours.
• Ouarzazate. Located high in the Atlas Mountains and serving as an entry point for the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate is more traditional than many other famous cities of Morocco. Famous for its stunning Kasbahs, unique desert plants, and the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, it feels like no other place. To visit Ouarzazate, you'll need more than just a day, as the drive from Agadir takes about six hours.
• Essaouira. Often visited on the same trip as Agadir by travelers focused on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Essaouira is located only a three-hour drive north but has a somewhat more unforgiving climate than Agadir, with the sea winds especially harsh during the winter months. However, the charming city more than makes up for it with a laidback, historical atmosphere, a UNESCO-recognized old town, and landmarks such as the magnificent Essaouira Citadel.
• Tiznit. Part of the Anti-Atlas mountain range that continues all the way down to Western Sahara, Tiznit is one of the few large Moroccan cities that is even further south than Agadir. Known for its palm-lined avenues and a historical industry of making silverware and daggers, it is one of the centers of Amazigh culture and has an energetic cultural life. The drive from Agadir takes only about two hours, and Tiznit can serve as a basis for the exploration of the rest of the region, although keep in mind that during the summer months, the temperatures can get extremely high here.

Car rental prices in Agadir

• Station wagons - from $19 per day
• Small cars - from $8 per day
• Vans - from $25 per day
• SUVs - from $22 per day
• Medium cars - from $10 per day
• Large cars - from $17 per day
• Premium cars - from $49 per day

Money-saving and other tips

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

• 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 Agadir is the cheapest in October when renting a car is about 38% cheaper than the yearly average and about 60% cheaper than renting a car in April.