With its mix of bustling cities and vast open landscapes, Morocco offers visitors a wide array of experiences behind the wheel. It’s an incredible destination for a self-driving holiday and much easier to navigate than you might think. However, driving in Morocco is different than in many places, so it's important to understand some of the key road rules and scenarios you may encounter before renting a car.
After many road trips to all corners of the country, I’ve compiled this guide of practical driving tips for Morocco to help you navigate the country's roads with confidence.
I recommend you rent a car in Morocco through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
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Advantages of a self-drive holiday in Morocco
Morocco is a diverse country with much to offer visitors who wish to experience its rich culture and stunning landscapes. While public transportation like shared grand taxis, buses, and trains provide an efficient way to travel between major cities, self-driving opens up opportunities to discover Morocco's hidden gems and smaller towns while experiencing authentic local life.
Driving in Morocco allows ultimate flexibility to set your own pace, change plans spontaneously and wander off the well-trodden tourist trails. Whenever the mood strikes, you can stop to explore an interesting village, a unique rock formation or a roadside shop selling handmade pottery, without being bound to the whims of other travellers or the hurried schedule of a hired driver.
That being said, a self-driving holiday in Morocco is not for everyone, particularly those who don’t feel comfortable driving in another country (or on the right-hand side of the road). If that’s the case, there are lots of culturally immersive tours led by knowledgeable local guides that will get you away from the big cities.
For everything from Moroccan cooking classes to guided medina walks and multi-day Sahara trips, I recommend checking out Viator. It boasts hundreds of tours and activities in all of Morocco’s major destinations, complete with reviews from previous travellers to help you make an informed decision.
Renting a car in Morocco
This North African nation is large and diverse, spanning from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the undulating sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Renting a car and driving in Morocco gives you the freedom to explore the country's regional diversity at your own pace.
While navigating the (often) winding roads may seem intimidating at first, driving in Morocco is much easier than it appears. The roads are generally well-paved and signposted, and you'll quickly get the hang of the traffic and assertive local driving styles. All you need is a sense of curiosity and a reliable rental car to make it all happen.
Looking for route inspiration? Check out my recommended Morocco travel itineraries here, complete with advice on things to see and do in each destination and the best places to stay.
When you rent a car in Morocco, you’ll need to have the following:
A driver’s license from your home country (while you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Morocco, you do need a driver’s license with a photo)
Your passport
A credit card
While the legal driving age in Morocco is 18 years old, most car rental companies in Morocco will require drivers to be over the age of 21. Additionally, car rental companies will ask that drivers have held their license for at least one full year before renting a car in Morocco. This more stringent rental policy likely stems from companies wanting extra assurance that drivers are experienced and responsible behind the wheel before entrusting them with a rental car.
Rental car insurance in Morocco
While most car rental companies provide basic collision damage waivers to cover liability and damage, they will also require a substantial security deposit, typically around 10,000 Moroccan dirhams or 1,000 US dollars. This large deductible will be held or charged to your credit card when you pick up the vehicle, then returned after the rental car has been returned in the same condition.
Before renting a car, it is crucial that you verify your credit card has a high enough limit to cover this deposit, as well as confirm with your credit card company whether rental car insurance is included in your existing coverage. Some premium credit cards do provide rental insurance benefits that could potentially replace the need for the rental company's collision damage waiver. Be sure to keep the receipt after paying the deposit, as this will be your proof of payment when you return the undamaged vehicle.
As with any overseas trip, it’s important to take out a travel insurance policy before departing for Morocco. Visitors Coverage covers everything from medical emergencies to flight cancellations and lost luggage, with 24/7 worldwide assistance. Check out Visitors Coverage here.
Morocco driving guide
Is it safe to drive in Morocco?
One of the first questions you probably have about renting a car in Morocco is: “Is it safe to drive in Morocco?” In my opinion, it’s a resounding “Yes!” That being said, you do need to remain alert, obey traffic laws and drive defensively, especially in congested cities and remote rural areas. The main roads are well-maintained and the traffic, while chaotic at times, tends to move slowly, as the roads are shared between not only cars and motorbikes but also pedestrians and animals.
Moroccan road conditions
Driving in Morocco is an experience that varies greatly depending on the location. The majority of the country's main roads are paved and well-maintained, allowing for smooth travel between cities and major attractions. The notable exceptions are the remote southern desert region near Merzouga (where sand and gravel roads prevail) and the steep mountain passes of the High Atlas range, which can be challenging and subject to rockslides.
While a rugged 4x4 vehicle provides an advantage in these areas, it is by no means necessary for most travellers sticking to the main routes. The real test when driving in Morocco comes when entering bustling urban centres, such as Marrakech and Casablanca. Here, the orderly highways give way to a complex maze of narrow streets teeming with traffic and obstacles that require heightened focus and reflexes from drivers. Here, using your horn to signal your presence is customary and won’t be taken as a sign of aggression.
A network of toll roads winds its way across the Moroccan landscape, linking major cities and traversing expansive stretches of motorway. Though not as ubiquitous as the free highways, these péage (toll roads) provide drivers with a convenient, well-maintained route for a modest fee. At the entrance to each toll road, a ticket is dispensed from an automated machine. The driver takes this ticket and proceeds along the route. Upon exiting at the other end, the ticket is surrendered and the toll is paid. Toll fees range from around 5 dirhams up to 60 dirhams.
Speed limits in Morocco
Driving in Morocco requires close adherence to the nation's fixed speed limits in order to avoid fines or dangerous situations. On the smooth, open highways known as autoroutes, the limit is 120km/h. Within crowded city streets, the limit drops to 60km/h or less. Out in the countryside, speeds can reach 100km/h between rural towns.
Regardless of the posted numbers, keep an eye out for sudden slowdowns and hazards. Police checks happen frequently (often when travelling in and out of urban centres) and it’s a good idea to carry some dirhams in cash, just in case you’re flagged down for exceeding the limit or other road offences. On-the-spot payments are required in Morocco!
Paperwork and police checks
When you pick up your rental car in Morocco, the company will provide you with several important documents that you must keep with you for the duration of your trip. These will include proof of insurance, your rental contract and any other paperwork associated with the vehicle. It's crucial that you keep these documents in the car at all times, along with your passport.
As mentioned above, there are frequent police checkpoints throughout Morocco where officers may ask to see your paperwork, so you need to have it on hand. Even though tourists are generally waved through these checkpoints, you need to oblige if you are asked to stop and provide requested documentation.
Parking in Morocco
Finding a parking space in busy Moroccan cities can often feel overwhelming, with vehicles circling and jostling for position. But just when the parking predicament seems utterly hopeless, a parking attendant emerges as a saviour. Clad in a reflective vest, Moroccan parking attendants bring order to the situation, clearing a path and directing drivers to open spaces. They also play an important role in keeping an eye on vehicles and ensuring their safety while you are at the beach or inside a shop. Additionally, they will often stop traffic to help you back out of parking spaces on busy streets.
This service is invaluable but doesn’t come for free - a few dirhams are expected as payment (although this can rise to 20 or 30 dirhams for overnight services). If you come from a country with free parking or are used to paying for parking through official machines, having a stranger walk up to your window after providing a service you may not have asked for can rub some people the wrong way. It’s important to remember that this is part of Moroccan culture and the way things operate. A few dirhams is a small price to pay as a show of gratitude for someone who is doing an important job in making parking much easier than it would otherwise be.
Petrol and gas stations in Morocco
Gas stations can be found scattered across the country, even in isolated desert regions and the Atlas Mountains. That being said, it’s recommended to keep at least half a tank of gas at all times when road-tripping in Morocco. Petrol prices are quite reasonable, costing around $1-2 USD per litre (prices are always displayed in litres, not gallons) and having cash on hand is advised since some gas stations don't accept credit cards.
Once you pull up to the pump, an attendant will promptly greet you and fill up the tank for you. Simply tell the attendant how much money you want to spend, then specify if you need diesel or unleaded fuel. Check with your rental car company to find out which type of fuel your vehicle requires before driving off, as putting the wrong kind could lead to serious mechanical issues.
Driving in Moroccan cities
Attempting to navigate the chaotic streets of Morocco's ancient medinas and crowded city centres can be a nightmare. The narrow, winding alleys that comprise these historic districts were designed for foot traffic, not motor vehicles, and while you will see some cars venturing in, I would advise against doing so. It’s a surefire way to find yourself wedged in a tight spot with no escape.
Instead, park outside the medina (there are usually parking areas clearly signposted) and walk in or arrange with your accommodation to have someone meet you there with a luggage trolley. In modern urban centres like Casablanca, it’s still advisable to park on the outskirts, then use a petit taxi or public transport to get where you want to be.
Road hazards in Morocco
When driving in Morocco, it’s common that you will be sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, donkeys and mopeds, not to mention the occasional camel. Extra vigilance is required when passing through busy towns and villages, particularly on crowded market days. Give any meandering animals, people or vehicles a wide berth, as they can dart out unexpectedly.
Sometimes you’ll see vans and lorries that are overloaded with cargo precariously piled high on their roofs. Maintain ample distance from these top-heavy vehicles, as they have been known to topple over or lose some of their cargo, especially around curves. On raw, rocky pistes, stay vigilant when it comes to looking out for craters, which can cause minor damage to rental cars.
FAQs about driving in Morocco
Do you need a 4x4 in Morocco?
While a rugged 4x4 vehicle may seem like a necessity for exploring Morocco's vast expanses, the truth is that most travellers can easily get by with a standard rental car. The majority of Morocco's roads are well-paved and well-maintained, allowing easy driving between cities and major tourist sites. Only when venturing off the beaten path into remote mountain villages or across arid desert landscapes does a 4x4 become advisable.
How much does a rental car cost in Morocco?
Renting a car in Morocco is an affordable and convenient way to explore this captivating North African country. Daily rental rates typically range from 25 to 50 USD, making it a budget-friendly option, especially if you split the costs with travel companions. The final price depends on factors like the rental company and vehicle model - compact manuals tend to be the most economical. While automatics are available, expect to pay a small premium.
I recommend you rent a car in Morocco through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
Should you drive at night in Morocco?
Driving at night in Morocco is not for the faint-hearted as many roads are not illuminated well, making it hard to see markings and obstacles. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid driving in Morocco after sunset and instead, plan your itineraries to arrive at your destination well before dark.
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