Language: Arabic    |    Currency: Moroccan dirham    |    Local time: GMT +1:00   |    Avg. Flight time: 3 hrs 50m

Fast facts about hiring a car in Morocco

The simplest option is to pick up a hire car at the airport you fly into in Morocco. There is plenty of choice at airports such as Marrakech Menara (RAK), Agadir-Al Massira (AGA) and Tangier lbn Battouta (TNG). Traffic permitting, the driving transfer time to Marrakech from the closest airport is just 20 minutes, in Agadir it is around 40 minutes, and in Tangier it is just a 15-minute drive.

A number of international car hire brands operate in Morocco. Sixt, Alamo, Hertz, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty, National and Avis are all represented at major airports, as well in big cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangiers.

Driving in Morocco

Setting off on a road trip around Morocco in 2020 may seem a bit daunting, but if you avoid city centres it can be relatively stress-free – out in the country the amount of traffic on the road drops off dramatically. That said, do map out all of your routes in advance – signposting can be terrible to non-existent in rural areas.

In cities such as Marrakech and Casablanca, traffic can be very hectic and local drivers are not shy with their horns. Be cautious of other cars and pay careful attention at intersections and roundabouts – the rules on giving way can differ at each one, and there is no guarantee of them being obeyed in any case.

Parking in Moroccan cities can be confusing, but many parking spots have badge-wearing ‘guardians’ who will help you park and watch your car while you’re away. The standard rate for this service is a few dirhams, paid on return. It may be wise to agree your rate before you leave your car.

If you want to head out into the mountains or the desert, you'll encounter some dusty and poorly maintained roads. You’ll also find that there are few petrol stations beyond the cities and major towns, so make sure you fill up your tank before you set off.

You won’t need an international driving licence to hire a car in Morocco, but most rental providers require you to be at least 21 years old and to have held a full licence for two years. It’s a good idea to consider hiring a 4x4 if you want to explore the desert or other remote regions of the country.

If the thought of those hairpin bends and blind corners brings you out in a cold sweat, try the more relaxing drive along the Dadès Valley. This spectacular stretch of road is dotted with crumbling desert castles and shops selling produce from the surrounding rose-growing region. Its real highlights though are the Dadès Gorges, a succession of rugged high-walled canyons carved out of the rock by the Dadès River. 

Recommended road trips in Morocco

High Atlas Mountains

A road trip through the zig-zagging mountain passes of the High Atlas is one of the greatest adventures you can have in Morocco. Your best option is to hire a car and drive from Marrakech to Taroudant via the Tizi n’Test pass. It's a challenging drive, but it's also your ticket to some of the most glorious scenery in the country.

The Mediterranean Coast

To see a completely different side to Morocco's landscapes, take a road trip along the greener northern coast, which backs onto the Rif Mountains – still rugged, but friendlier terrain than the Atlas. Many of the tourists you'll encounter here are Moroccans, who come to the beach resorts along the N16 coastal highway. Start at Tangier, and make stops in Spanish-influenced Tetouan, and the hillside town of Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted houses.

Ait Benhaddou

The fortified red-brick city of Ait Benhaddou, less than four hours from Marrakech, is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre and a fine example of a pre-Saharan village. What's more, it is a star of the big screen. It was one of the slaver cities, Yunkai, in Game of Thrones, and has also been a setting for older classics such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth and The Mummy.