Rent car in Marrakech easly
Rent car in Marrakech is a great way to explore the city’s outskirts and the incredible landscapes of Morocco at your own pace. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you do it smoothly.
Step 1: Before You Go – Planning & Booking
- Do You Really Need a Car in Marrakech City?
Within the City: It’s often more hassle than it’s worth. The Medina (old city) is a labyrinth of narrow streets where cars can’t enter. Traffic can be chaotic, and parking is very difficult.
Rent car in Marrakech For Day Trips & Beyond: This is where a rental car shines. It’s perfect for trips to the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, the Sahara Desert, and the coastal towns.
- Choose Your Rental Company
Shuttle Morocco is local Moroccan Companie : Often cheaper.
- Book Online in Advance
Why? You’ll get significantly better rates, a wider choice of vehicles, and you can lock in your rental terms before arrival.
Use Comparison Sites: Websites like DiscoverCars.com and Rentalcars.com are excellent for comparing prices across both international and local agencies. They often include reviews.
- Choose the Right Vehicle
Small Car (e.g., Fiat Panda, Renault Clio): Perfect for city driving and day trips to the Atlas Mountains. Easy to park and fuel-efficient.
4×4 or SUV (e.g., Dacia Duster, Toyota RAV4): Highly recommended if you plan to go on unpaved mountain roads, desert tracks, or long road trips for better comfort and safety.
Rent car in Marrakech : Automatic vs. Manual: Automatic cars are less common and more expensive. Book well in advance if you need one.
Step 2: Essential Documentation
You will need : A Valid driver’s license from your country of residence (must be held for at least 1 year).
Your passport : An International Driving Permit (IDP). While not always requested by rental agencies, it is a legal requirement for driving in Morocco for non-residents. Police checks are common, and not having one can result in a fine.
Payment is cash before delivery of the car, for the rental value and the deposit
Step 3 : Vehicle Inspection: THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Inspect the car meticulously with the agent. Check for every single scratch, dent, and chip on the body, windows, windshield, and lights.
Check the tire condition and spare tire.
Check that all features work (AC, lights, indicators).
Before Rent car in MarrakechTake photos and videos of any existing damage from all angles. Ensure these are noted on the rental agreement before you sign.
Step 4: Driving in and around Marrakech
Driving Style: Be prepared for defensive driving. Traffic can be intense, with scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians sharing the road unpredictably.
Navigation: Google Maps or Maps.me works well for main roads. Download offline maps for areas with poor signal (like mountain passes).
Police Checkpoints: Very common on roads outside the city. Always slow down. Have your license, passport, IDP, and rental documents ready. Be polite.
Speed Limits: They are enforced, often by radar. Typical limits: 40-60 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on open roads, 120 km/h on autoroutes (toll highways).
Tolls (Péage): The highway from Marrakech to Casablanca is a toll road. Have some small cash (MAD) ready. Some accept credit cards.
Step 5: Returning the Car
Return the car with a full tank of fuel.
Allow time for the same meticulous inspection with an agent.
Once they sign off that the car is returned without new damage, your security deposit will be released.
Key Tips Summary & Recommendations
Book in Advance: Especially for automatics and 4x4s.
Inspect, Photograph, Document: Don’t skip the vehicle inspection.
Arrange Insurance Smartly: Consider third-party excess insurance to save money.
Rent car in Marrakech for the Right Reason: For incredible road trips.
Choose the Right Vehicle: A small car for city and coasts; a 4×4 for mountains and desert.
Rent car in Marrakech , its Recommended Day Trip to Test Your Rental Car:
Drive the Tizi n’Tichka Pass over the High Atlas Mountains to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. The road is well-paved but very winding and offers spectacular views. It’s a perfect introduction to Moroccan road trips.
Enjoy your adventure in Morocco