Airport, medina, deposit, insurance, itineraries: everything you need to know before getting behind the wheel in Marrakech.
Marrakech is the most popular city in Morocco for car hire. Well prepared, a rental car opens up the Atlas, the Agafay desert and the Atlantic coast on your own terms. This guide brings together the essentials.
To book your car for this trip, see our car rental agencies in Marrakech and self-drive car hire in Marrakech pages.
Where to collect your car?
Most partner agencies deliver free of charge to Marrakech-Menara airport. You can also ask for delivery to the railway station, to Gueliz, to Hivernage or to your riad in the medina: the agent then waits for you at the nearest gate, as the lanes are not accessible by car.
Which car to choose?
- A city car (Clio, 208) if you stay in town and on the motorway.
- An SUV such as the Dacia Duster for the Atlas, Ourika or Ouarzazate.
- A 4x4 only if you plan to drive on tracks towards the desert.
- A 7-seater people carrier for families and groups.
Deposit and insurance
The deposit is held on a bank card (not charged) and ranges from about 3,000 to 15,000 MAD depending on the category. Basic insurance includes an excess: the Serenity protection brings it down to zero. On Locavi, the deposit amount is shown on every car page before you book. To find out more, read our article on deposit, excess and insurance.
Driving in Marrakech
Traffic is heavy around Jemaa el-Fna and Bab Doukkala. There are many two-wheelers: keep your distance and use your mirrors. Park in attended car parks and keep some change for the attendants.
Three day trips
- The Ourika Valley and the Setti Fatma waterfalls (about 1 h 15).
- The Agafay desert and Lake Lalla Takerkoust (about 50 minutes).
- Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast (about 2 h 45).
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
