Moving dates, high demand, busy roads before the festival: when to book, what to plan for the pick-up and how to avoid shortages during Eid el-Kebir.
Eid al-Adha, or Eid el-Kebir, is one of the times when it is hardest to find a car in Marrakech at the last minute. Families travel, Moroccans living abroad come home and tourists make the most of the public holidays. Here is how to organise your rental.
To book your car for this trip, see our trip to Marrakech: book your car with your flight and accommodation and staying in a hotel in Marrakech: rent a car delivered to your hotel pages.
A festival with a moving date
Eid al-Adha follows the lunar calendar: it moves forward by about ten days each year, and its exact date is announced by the religious authorities after the moon is sighted. In 2026 the festival was celebrated on 27 May; in 2027 it will fall around mid-May. Check the official date as soon as it is known, but do not wait for it to book: demand rises well before.
Why demand explodes
- Return trips home: travellers from the diaspora rent a car as soon as they land at the airport. See our page car rental in Marrakech for Moroccans living abroad.
- Family travel: many families leave the city to visit relatives, hence strong demand for family cars and 7-seaters.
- Public holidays: tourists use them for a trip to Essaouira, the Ourika Valley or Agafay.
When to book
- Three to four weeks ahead for a specific car (Duster, 7-seater, automatic).
- At least two weeks ahead for a small car.
- Last minute: possible, but choice is limited. Our page last-minute car rental in Marrakech explains what is still doable.
Agency opening hours during the festival
On the days of Eid, many agencies close or open for only a few hours. Specify your pick-up time and place (airport, riad, hotel) when you book, and confirm them the day before on WhatsApp. If you arrive by plane, give your flight number.
Driving before and after the festival
Roads are busier the day before and the day after Eid, especially the motorway to Casablanca and the approaches to big cities.
- Leave early and avoid rush hour.
- Fill up before taking the motorway: see our guide to fuel and petrol stations in Morocco.
- Keep cash for tolls and small petrol stations.
- In town, stay cautious in residential districts, where traffic is denser and less predictable on those days.
Which car to choose?
- For the family: a saloon or SUV with a big boot, or a 7-seater.
- For Atlas roads: a Dacia Duster.
- For a budget: an economical small car, to be booked very early.
With unlimited mileage, you can chain family visits and excursions without watching the odometer: see unlimited mileage rental.
Frequently asked questions
As early as possible: three to four weeks before the festival is a good guide. Small cars and 7-seaters go first.
Many close or reduce their hours for one to three days. Confirm the pick-up time and place by WhatsApp before you arrive.
Demand is high around the festival, so prices can rise and cars run out. Booking early lets you lock in the best displayed price.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
