Car Rental in Tangier

Why rent a car in Tangier?

Something of a mythical destination that was beloved by some of the most famous figures of the 20th century, Tangier is one of Morocco’s most interesting cities. Although sometimes hectic and overwhelming, it harbors plenty of history and charm to make visiting worthwhile. If you get a rental car, Tangier also offers access to both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Morocco.

Top ways to enter Tangier

• Tangier Airport. Also known as Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, it handled over one million travelers in 2018. The airport is a hub for Air Arabia Maroc and also has flights by European low-cost companies like easyJet and Transavia. Located about 10 km (6.2 mi) southwest of the city center, the airport can be reached in about 20 minutes.
• Rabat Airport. Serving the capital city of Morocco, Rabat-Sale Airport has flights by nine different airlines. In addition to domestic routes, there are also flights to and from countries like Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Located 235 km (146 mi) south of Tangier, Rabat Airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
• Casablanca Airport. By far the largest in the country (and among the ten busiest in all of Africa), Casablanca Mohammed V Airport handled over eight million travelers in 2018. The airport is the main hub of the national carrier Royal Air Maroc and also has flights by about 20 other airlines. There are connections with destinations in North and Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Americas. Casablanca Airport is 367 km (228 mi) southwest of Tangier and takes about four hours to reach.
• Fez Airport. Also known as Fèz–Saïs, this airport has flights by eight different airlines, including many by the low-cost company Ryanair. Serving the legendary city of the same name, Fez Airport is 407 km (253 mi) southeast of Tangier and can be reached in four hours.

City facts

• Tangier has a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers and mild, short winters. The average high temperature is 28.6 °C (83.5 °F) in August, the hottest month, and 16.2 °C (61.2 °F) in January, the coolest. The precipitation is almost nonexistent in July and August, but it’s very rainy from November to February.
• Divided from Europe only by the nearby Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has historically been known as “the Door to Africa”. Spain is only 32 km (20 mi) away. During the warmer months of the year, there is a frequent ferry service connecting Tangier with the Spanish port of Tarifa. There’s also a ferry from Algeciras in Spain to Tangier Port that’s about a 40 km (25 mi) east of the city proper.

Top sights and activities

• Kasbah. Tangier Kasbah or fortress is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. On a clear day, from its Northern terrace you can see Europe on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar. The adjoining Kasbah Museum, located in a former Sultan’s palace, hosts artefacts and treasures of prehistoric Phoenicians, Arab dynasties, Spanish rulers, and other cultures that once inhabited Tangier.
• The tomb of Ibn Battouta. Born in Tangier in the 13th Century, Ibn Battouta was one of the great travelers of the Medieval world. He explored North and East Africa all the way to present day Tanzania, the Middle East, and even ventured as far Far East, a place beyond the margins of the known world of the day. 
• The Cinema Rif. Although films, both Hollywood movies and local productions, are only screened in French and Arabic here, you should still consider visiting Cinema Rif. Located in an old colonial building in central Tangier, this movie theater is one of the hippest places in Morocco and perhaps one of the most beautiful cinemas in all of Africa.
• Grand Mosque of Tangier. Also located in Medina, the old town of Tangier, the first stone of the Grand Mosque was laid in the 1680s, but it took nearly a century-and-a-half to finish. The long wait was worth it, however, as it is nowadays one of the most beautiful houses of prayer in all of Morocco. The site of the mosque has a long religious history — it was the location of the 5th-century church and a Roman temple is assumed to have been there even before that.
• Berber Farm Market. Every Sunday and Thursday, an outdoor farmer market is held on the streets near St. Andrew’s Church. The Berbers from nearby villages come to Tangier to sell their products, mainly fresh fruits and vegetables from their farms.

Traffic and parking

• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways (autoroutes), 100 km/h on roads outside urban cities that are not motorways, 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 pavements 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

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 the 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

• Caves of Hercules. Located right outside Tangier, the Caves of Hercules are a place where, according to the legend, the Greek hero Hercules rested after finishing his 12 labours. Inhabited since 6000 BC, the cave was long thought to be bottomless and is still an impressive natural and archaeological landmark. You can combine your visit with also seeing the nearby Cape Spartel Lighthouse.
• Tetouan. Less than an hour’s drive from Tangier lies Tetouan, a beautiful old city that boasts arguably the most picturesque medina in Morocco (and that is some claim in this country). Those craving a more active relaxation will enjoy the diving opportunities in the nearby beaches.
• Jebel Musa. Back in ancient times, this rocky mountain was known as one of the two Pillars of Hercules. Still offering an impressive view of two continents at once, Jebel Musa also provides great opportunities for further exploration of the Rif Mountains.
• Asilah. One of the most popular day trips from Tangier, little Asilah (sometimes also called Arzila) is known for its slow pace of life and many beautiful beaches. Unlike many other towns its size, Asilah is also home to a beautiful, well-preserved medina. Located some 45km (28 miles) south of Tangier, Asilah can be reached in less than one hour by car.
• Larache. Largely ignored by foreigners, the city of Larache offers a radically different experience of Morocco than the tourist hubs such as Tangier, Marrakesh, or Fez. In addition to its atmosphere, the city also boasts several historical attractions such as the Fort Al Kabibat, or Stork’s Fortress, now turned into a public park, the well-preserved medina or old town, and the ruins of the city of Lixus once inhabited both by the Phoenicians and the Ancient Romans (this latter destination is about 10 km (6 miles) northeast of the city and is most easily reached by car, although local guides are also available, especially if you speak French or Arabic). A car trip from Tangier to Larache takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Spain. Many visitors of Tangier use the opportunity to visit two continents on the same holiday – the large European country of Spain, and more specifically the town of Algeciras, is only an hour’s ferry drive away. While it is not possible to take a rental car with you on this trip, you can drop one off in Tangier and pick up a new one in Algeciras or in another, larger neighboring city (Algeciras is in the region of Andalusia whose most famous attractions are the grand cities of Malaga, Granada, and Seville). Of course, Spain has different entry requirements than Morocco, so, depending on your citizenship, make sure in advance whether you can enter the country visa-free.

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

• Fez. One of the oldest cities in Morocco and one of the most famous ones in the Arab World, Fez is still as impressive as the legends that have been told about it for centuries. Its religious importance is exemplified by many beautiful mosques and madrasas while in the tanneries and other workshops of its souks or markets you’ll find men greatly skilled in ancient crafts.
• Meknes. About four hour’s drive from Tangier, Morocco’s previous capital has maybe lost some of its old grandeur, but none of its charm. Historic sites and impressive buildings abound inside the city, but if you’re still craving for more, visit the ruins of nearby Volubilis, a city once inhabited by Romans, and even before by Carthaginians.
• Chefchaouen. Located high and deep inside the mountains, Chefchaouen is perhaps one of the unique cities in Morocco. Just a bit more than two hours drive from Tangier, it is best known for its blue-and-white architecture and for the Ras el Maa spring. Don’t miss out on the Akchour Waterfalls, located 30 km from Chefchaouen. This series of waterfalls is an ideal day hike in nature when staying in Chefchaouen, and you can also visit the unusual rock formation called God’s Bridge.
• Rabat. Surprisingly relaxed and quiet for a national capital, Rabat is one of Morocco’s loveliest cities to visit. Its own medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city also boasts attractions like Kasbah of Oudaiahs, the abandoned city of Chellah, and the National Archaeological Museum. The drive down the coast from Tangier will take about three hours.
• Casablanca. While not as historical as Fez or Marrakesh, nor as atmospheric as Tangier, Casablanca is Morocco’s largest and most modern metropolis, and it has plenty for any traveler to enjoy. Its main landmark is undoubtedly the immense Hassan II Mosque, but there are other notable attractions such as the Mahkama du Pacha Courthouse, the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, and the oceanside boulevard of Corniche. The drive from Tangier will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Car rental prices in Tangier

• Small cars - from $22 per day
• SUVs - from $40 per day
• Medium cars - from $26 per day
• Premium cars - from $72 per day
• Vans - from $29 per day
• Large cars - from $31 per day
• Station wagons - from $35 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are the things you can do to get a good rental car deal in Tangier:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Tangier is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 45% cheaper than the yearly average.