Rabat is calmer to drive in than Casablanca: Rabat-Salé airport, tram, Oudayas Kasbah, Temara beaches and excursions to Meknes and Fes.
The capital of Morocco, Rabat is calmer than Casablanca: the streets are wide, the districts airy and traffic more fluid. Here is how to organise your car rental.
To book your car for this trip, see our car rental in Guéliz, Marrakech and car rental in Agdal, Marrakech pages.
Rabat at a glance
The city is largely visited on foot: the Oudayas Kasbah, Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Chellah necropolis and the medina are close to each other. Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The car is mainly for going further.
Rabat-Salé airport
Rabat-Salé airport (RBA) is small: arrival and key pick-up are quick. For international flights, many travellers land in Casablanca instead and reach Rabat by motorway (about 90 km, 1 h 10).
Car or tram?
The tram links Rabat and Salé and avoids central traffic jams. Park once and combine the two.
| Rental car | Tram | |
|---|---|---|
| Central Rabat | useful for luggage | very handy |
| Beaches | essential | no |
| Excursions | essential | no |
Where to go by car from Rabat
- Harhoura, Temara and Skhirat: beaches less than 30 minutes away.
- Casablanca: about 90 km by motorway, see our Casablanca guide.
- Meknes and Volubilis: about 140 km, a lovely day out.
- Fes: about 200 km, 2 h 15.
- Tangier: about 250 km, 2 h 45.
Driving in Rabat: tips
- Respect speed limits: checks are frequent.
- Park near the Oudayas Kasbah or Hassan Tower, then visit on foot.
- Bring change for tolls: see driving in Morocco: rules and tolls.
From Marrakech
Rabat is about 330 km from Marrakech by motorway, 3 h 30 of driving. It is a good stopover on a trip north: see Marrakech → Fes. Also see the page car rental for Rabat.
Frequently asked questions
The centre is easy to visit on foot and by tram. A car is useful for the beaches, excursions and trips between cities.
Yes, Rabat-Salé airport (RBA), which is small: picking up the keys takes little time. Many travellers also arrive via Casablanca.
The beaches of Harhoura, Temara and Skhirat, then Meknes (140 km) and Fes (200 km).
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
