Scooters, horse carriages, roundabouts, right of way, speed limits, parking: our tips for driving calmly in Marrakech with a rental car.
Driving in Marrakech is surprising the first time: scooters weaving through, horse-drawn carriages, pedestrians crossing everywhere, busy roundabouts. Yet with a little anticipation, you adapt within a few hours. Here are our tips for driving your rental car calmly, in town and on the open road.
To book your car for this trip, see our car rental in Guéliz, Marrakech and car rental in Hivernage, delivered to your hotel pages.
Ten tips for the city
- Anticipate two-wheelers. Scooters and bikes pass on the right as well as the left: check your mirrors before every change of direction.
- Stay calm at roundabouts. Follow the signs and the lights, move forward gradually and give way to those already on the roundabout.
- Keep your distance. Sudden braking is common, especially behind taxis stopping to pick up a customer.
- Use the horn sparingly. A short toot signals your presence, without aggression.
- Respect pedestrians. They often cross outside crossings: slow down near markets and schools.
- Share the road with carriages. Around the Koutoubia and Hivernage, overtake them with plenty of room and without using the horn.
- Avoid rush hour. Between 5 pm and 7 pm, Avenue Mohammed VI and the main roads in Gueliz are busy.
- Use a GPS. Waze and Google Maps work well; download the offline map before you set off.
- Keep some change for parking attendants: see where to park in Marrakech.
- Don't drive into the medina. Park at a gate and finish on foot.
The rules to know
| Rule | In Morocco |
|---|---|
| Side of the road | Right |
| Speed in town | 60 km/h, sometimes 40 |
| Speed on the road | 100 km/h |
| Speed on the motorway | 120 km/h |
| Seat belt | Compulsory in the front and back |
| Phone while driving | Forbidden |
| Alcohol | Zero tolerance |
Police checks and speed cameras are frequent, especially at the entrance to towns. Slow down as soon as you pass the town sign and keep your papers to hand: licence, passport and vehicle documents.
Automatic or manual?
In Marrakech traffic, an automatic gearbox makes life much easier: no more juggling the clutch in traffic jams and hill starts. If you are not comfortable with a manual gearbox, choose an automatic car such as the Peugeot 208. Also read our comparison automatic or manual.
Leaving Marrakech
- To the airport: 15 minutes from the centre outside rush hour.
- To Ourika and Imlil: the southern road via Tahannaout, busy on weekend mornings.
- To Essaouira: the N8 heading west, straight and easy (itinerary).
- To Ouarzazate: the Tizi n'Tichka pass, to be tackled in daylight (our tips).
- To Agadir and Casablanca: the toll motorway.
At night
Avoid country and mountain roads after dark: pedestrians, two-wheelers and carts without lights, animals on the road. In town, drive more slowly near busy squares.
If something goes wrong
- Breakdown: call the 24/7 roadside assistance shown on your contract, then inform the agency.
- Accident: get to safety, fill in an accident report form, take photos and call the agency. The report is essential for the claim to be covered.
- Police check: stay courteous and show your papers. Fines are paid by the driver.
Frequently asked questions
The first few minutes are surprising: lots of scooters, pedestrians and busy roundabouts. With anticipation and calm driving, you adapt quickly. Outside the city, the roads to the Atlas, Essaouira and Agadir are good.
The rule varies depending on the signs: follow the signs and the lights. In practice, move forward gradually, give way to those already on the roundabout and watch for two-wheelers on both sides.
60 km/h in town (sometimes less), 100 km/h on the road and 120 km/h on the motorway. Speed checks are frequent.
It is more comfortable in heavy traffic, especially if you are not used to a clutch. The automatic Peugeot 208 is available to rent.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
