Car Hire in Morocco

Why hire a car in Morocco?

Open to the rest of the planet, but maintaining its millennia-old traditions, Morocco is perhaps the Arab world’s most accessible destination. Morocco’s cities are ancient centres of learning and culture, while the country’s markets retain much of their old trading spirit. Don’t overlook the country’s beaches, either — there are hundreds of kilometres of both Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. 

Top ways to enter Morocco

• Casablanca Airport. By far the busiest in the country, Casablanca Airport is one of the main air hubs of Africa and also provides flights to and from destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
• Marrakesh Airport. Located just a short drive from the city centre, Marrakesh Airport is the second-busiest in the country. In addition to providing access to the city itself, it can also be seen as a gateway to the Atlas mountains and the Moroccan Sahara.
• Other airports. There are 11 other airports in Morocco with scheduled international airports, as well as eight more that provide domestic connections. The most notable of them are the Agadir Airport, Fez Airport, and Tangier Airport.

Top cities and places to visit

• Marrakesh. The timeless city of Marrakesh is likely to be one of the most memorable places that you’ll ever visit. The city’s beating heart is the giant Djemaa el-Fna square known for its markets, street performers, and atmospheric side streets, but there’s no shortage of other landmarks, either — these include Koutoubia Mosque and Majorelle Gardens.
• Agadir. Located in the south of the country on the Atlantic coast, Agadir is one of Morocco’s centres of Berber culture, a fact that is exemplified by attractions like the Municipal Museum of Amazigh (a name that Berbers call themselves) and the Memory of Agadir Museum. Agadir also has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, found not just in the city itself, but especially in the nearby village of Taghazout, which is a notable surfing hub.
• Fez. Another historical gem, Fez is slightly less visited by foreign travellers than Marrakesh, which probably makes it even more atmospheric. The city is home to a number of classical madrassas (places of religious learning), as well as landmarks like the Andalusian Mosque, most of which can be found in Fez’s well-preserved medina (old town). 

Driving licence requirements

• To drive in Morocco, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP), as well as the original of your licence.
• If your original licence is written in an alphabet other than Arabic or Latin (e.g., Cyrillic, Chinese, Japanese), it is a good idea to get an official translation of it.
• You must carry your driving licence, not its copy, with you at all times.
• You need to have had your driving licence for at least one or two years, depending on the car provider’s requirements.
• Some car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

Morocco shares a land 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 hire a car in Morocco and then enter Mauritania - travel between the two countries is only possible with public transportation or a private vehicle.

Since Morocco considers Western Sahara as a part of its sovereign territory, it is usually possible to take a hired car to the disputed territory. However, 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 car.

Top driving routes

• High Atlas. The stunning mountainous region to the east of Marrakesh is one of the most interesting parts of the country. Save for the cars and souvenir stalls, life in the region’s highland villages seems not to have changed for hundreds of years. More specific attractions include the Oukaimeden winter sports resort, Ourika Valley, and Todra Gorge.
• Ouarzazate. Located in the southeast of Morocco, little Ouarzazate is quietly one of the most authentic cities in the country. Attractions include a number of historical fortresses of kasbahs, the beautiful Fint Oasis, but mostly just the slow-paced atmosphere of the city’s life. Ouarzazate can also serve as a gateway to both Dades Gorge and the Moroccan Sahara, two destinations that take some planning to visit (you’ll most likely need to hire a 4x4 and a guide), but can be very rewarding.
• Tangier. Located just across the Mediterranean from Spain, Tangier has long captivated the imagination of foreigners. Although the city can be hectic and rough around the edges, it’s hard to deny its charm that’s exemplified by a well-preserved medina, varied religious architecture, and destinations like the Caves of Hercules and a gem of the mountain town that is the nearby Chefchaouen.

Car hire prices in Morocco

• Small cars - starting at US$7 per day
• Medium cars - starting at US$10 per day
• People Carriers - starting at US$20 per day
• SUVs - starting at US$19 per day
• Large cars - starting at US$8 per day
• Premium cars - starting at US$48 per day
• Station wagons - starting at US$19 per day

How can I save money on my hire car?

There are several good methods to find a cheaper car for hire:

• Compare rates of different car hire providers
• Book your vehicle well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit in the month when the prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Morocco is the cheapest in September when hiring a car is about 30% cheaper than the yearly average.