Car rental in Marrakech: tips, prices, routes

Are you going to Morocco for a road trip of a few days? Here is our mini-how to rent a car in Marrakech!

At two flight hours from Paris, Morocco is one of the flagship destinations of the African continent. It offers a wide range of landscapes with its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts that will delight iodine air lovers, Atlas Mountains for hiking fans, but also the golden dunes of Sahara and green oasis. For those who prefer urban environments, you will have a choice among the 4 imperial cities with charm riads. In summary, Morocco likes everyone so many possibilities to discover it are multiple. And what better for a greater freedom of movement than renting a car in Marrakech?

Indeed, it is the most convenient solution to enjoy the maximum of your stay and get out of the beaten paths. Especially if you want to spend a few days away from the crowds of tourists. There is no secret, breathtaking landscapes are often hidden and rarely accessible by public transport. Here are our tips to book your car rental in Marrakech and go on road trip.

Where to rent a car in Marrakech?

At the airport Marrakech-Ménara Airport is the second in the country behind Casablanca with about 5 million passengers a year. Most large car rental companies have a counter in the arrival hall. Some local rental brands also have a counter, it is also recommended that they be preferred over international rentals.

In town They are not the car rental agencies in Marrakech who are missing! You will find it very easily on the main avenues whether international companies or local agencies. These are, again, recommended. Especially since, for the most part, they offer a free delivery and recovery service at the airport.

Routes from Marrakech by car: some ideas of road-trips

Morocco is one of the ideal destinations to be the hero of your own road-movie. Here are some possible routes if you decide to rent a car in Marrakech.

For small stays

If you have less than a week, you can go to discover :

• Essaouira, to the west on the Atlantic coast, whose medina is classified at UNESCO with its port of the eighteenth century and its ramparts.
• Then from there, go down to Agadir which is the seaside resort of the country. The road to get there offers beautiful views.
• You will pass through the village Taghazout, very popular with surfers in the world, relaxed atmosphere guaranteed.
• To go back to Marrakech, you can go by Taroudant, a small town without tourists from the region of the Souss possessing very beautiful ochre color ramparts.
• If you have time, go see the oasis of Tiout with its old Berber fortress.

The other option, for a road trip of only a few days, is:

• Get down Ouarzazate in the mountains of Upper Atlas. You can visit the cinema scenery, which make the city's reputation. The casbah is pretty and you can also spend a night in the desert if the experience tells you.
• On the road, you will pass through Aït Ben Haddou, one of the most beautiful ksars (the fortified villages of the country), classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For one week

If cities attract you and do a little road doesn't scare you, why don't you go around the imperial cities?

• Start by Marrakech which, although very touristic, is renowned for its medina and gardens as well as for the atmosphere of the famous Jemaa el-Fna square.
• Then take the road towards Fez, the first cultural capital of Morocco that was already radiating on the Arab-Muslim empire a few centuries ago. His medina is also known worldwide.
• Last step: Meknès, it will charm historical heritage lovers with its impressive number of monuments.
• Few tourists push the visit to **Rabat**the fourth imperial and current capital city of the country. However, if the heart tells you, the medina and the casbah with sea view do not lack charm.

For fifteen days

Are you leaving for two weeks? Go on to discover:

• The Atlas and the South,
• Valley of the Roses,
• The Draâ,
• The Dadès,
• the Todgha,
• Des ksars abandoned,
• Before you finish with some walks in the desert.

So many names that invite adventure and wonder. On the programme, splendid landscapes that stretch your arms between dunes, oases and montages.

Last idea for those the sea makes dream , travel the Mediterranean coast of the country. It’s a little far if you rented your car in Marrakech. But the game is really worth the candle. Please visit:

• The city of Tangier, called the white city, is the organ point of the circuit. Paradise of artists, she has this je-ne-sais-quoi that makes everyone fall under her charm.
• Make a detour in the land to Chiefchaouen. The village is known by any Instagram but it would be a shame to pass by its multiple shades of blue. Then take the direction of the coast where hidden coves and cliffs on the sea await you.

How to compare and book your rental car online?

As mentioned above, all major international rental agencies have counters in Marrakech. However, it is advisable to turn to local agencies that offer very good services or even more advantageous. Among them, you can turn to NajmCar, Medloc or Yacout Tour. Some have counters at the airport but if not, they offer a delivery and recovery of the car at the terminal for free.

If, however, you want to save time and not juggle between websites, you can opt for the website Rentalcars which allows you to find the best rates and guarantees according to your criteria.

How much does a rental car cost in Marrakech?

For less than a week For small stays, the prices will be:

• 20€/day for renting a first price vehicle,
• But if you want a minimum of comfort, you will have to pay about 30€,
• If you opt for a 4×4 or SUV, you will need to plan 50€/day minimum,

For one week If you stay at least a week, you can rent a car from:

• 75€/week for a first price vehicle,
• But for better comfort, at least plan 90€.
• For 4×4 and SUV, it will run around 190€/

For fifteen days Finally, if you want to rent a car in Marrakech for two weeks, you will have to pay:

• 160€ for first-priced vehicles,
• 200€ for more comfortable cars,
• And 400€ minimum for SUVs or 4×4.

Driving in Marrakech: the rules of traffic to know

It is quite possible to drive to Morocco. The basic rules of conduct are relatively similar to the French rules. Just be vigilant in cities because of the very dense circulation that may seem anarchical. Outside cities, pay attention to herds that sometimes cross without warning. Finally, respect all the instructions of the road code, the speed limit at the belt port because the police controls are very numerous.

Our tips for your car rental in Marrakech

Rent a car in Marrakech: what conditions do you need?

The minimum age required for your car rental in Marrakech is 21 years old with often at least 1 year license or 2. Some agencies charge additional costs for drivers under 25 years of age. Only drivers registered on the rental contract and present at the time of delivery of the vehicle are allowed to drive.

With regard to bank cards, most of them are accepted but we must exchange this with the agency in case of doubt. A deposit will be blocked on your card until the vehicle returns so you will have to check that you have the necessary funds on your bank account.

Limited or unlimited mileage?

It is impossible to predict in advance the hazards you will encounter during your road trip so opt for unlimited mileage. You will have the freedom to adjust your program as you like.

Do you need insurance to rent a car in Marrakech?

Insurance is included in car rental but the terms vary from agency to agency. Tires, for example, are rarely supported. The same applies to franchises, you will need to check these details carefully. Do not make the non-plus impasse on the options you can have with your bank card, some have insurance included as long as you used it to pay. In any case, it's better than not enough.

Where to park in Marrakech?

If you can, take your car only to go on a road trip because of the busy traffic in the city. If you stay in the medina, you cannot park your vehicle near the accommodation. Long-term parking lots were arranged near Koutoubia and Sidi Mimoun Street.

What is the most convenient car category for visiting Marrakech?

It depends on what you're going to do. If you're going on a road trip and you're planning to venture on trails, prefer a 4×4. Indeed, other vehicles are not allowed to ride on track. But know that even if you leave in the south, most roads are tarnished and thus perfectly accessible to a lambda car.

So, ready for the Moroccan adventure? Already gone? Tell us in comment!