530 km on the motorway in 6 hours, or two days via Beni Mellal, Azrou and Ifrane: the two routes, the stops, the car to choose and parking in Fes.
Marrakech and Fes are the two great imperial cities of the country, about 530 km apart. You can choose between a day of motorway and a real road trip through the Middle Atlas. Here is how to decide.
To book your car for this trip, see our automatic car rental in Marrakech and cheap car rental in Marrakech pages.
Option 1: the motorway, 6 hours
This is the fastest route: A7 from Marrakech to Casablanca, then the road to Rabat and the A2 to Fes.
- Distance: about 530 km.
- Duration: about 6 hours without breaks.
- Toll: the motorway is tolled; pay in cash, by card or with a badge. See the rules, tolls and speed cameras.
- Breaks: the service areas at Settat, Casablanca and Rabat have petrol stations and cafés.
Keep a margin: traffic is heavy near Casablanca, especially on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings.
Option 2: the Middle Atlas, in two days
Longer, but far more beautiful: Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Azrou and Ifrane, through lakes, cedars and mountain villages.
- Day 1: Marrakech → Beni Mellal, with a possible detour to the Ouzoud waterfalls.
- Day 2: Khenifra → Azrou and its cedar forest → Ifrane → Fes.
Do not drive this road at night: animals, bends, fog in winter. Check the weather in the cold season: see driving in the Atlas in winter.
Comparison table
| Motorway | Middle Atlas | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | about 530 km | longer |
| Duration | about 6 h | 2 days recommended |
| Toll | yes | no |
| Scenery | varied | forests, lakes, mountains |
| Best for | saving time | enjoying the trip |
Which car?
For the motorway, a diesel small car is enough and stays economical. For the Middle Atlas, a Dacia Duster is more comfortable on long stages. Choose unlimited mileage: the round trip exceeds 1,000 km.
One-way or round trip?
The round trip is the most economical: you return the car in Marrakech. A one-way rental saves you the drive back, with a "return in another city" option to request before booking. All the details are on our page car rental Marrakech Fes.
In Fes
The Fes medina is the largest pedestrian zone in the world. Leave the car at your hotel or in a guarded car park near Bab Boujloud, and visit on foot with an official guide. On the way, stop at Meknes and Volubilis, about 60 km before Fes.
Frequently asked questions
About 6 hours for 530 km on the motorway (A7 then A2), breaks not included. Via the Middle Atlas, allow two days.
The Middle Atlas road, via Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Azrou and Ifrane, with its cedar forests. The motorway is faster but less varied.
Depending on the agency, a one-way rental with return in another city is possible: ask before booking.
In a guarded car park near Bab Boujloud, or at your hotel. The medina is pedestrian.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
