Three days in Marrakech: when to book the flight, how to choose between a riad and a hotel, and why to book the car as soon as your dates are fixed. The plan, day by day.
A weekend in Marrakech is planned in three steps: the flight, the accommodation, then the car. Here is the plan, with what to book and in what order.
To book your car for this trip, see our trip to Marrakech: book your car with your flight and accommodation and car rental with full insurance in Marrakech pages.
1. The flight: fix the arrival time
Marrakech-Menara (RAK) receives many direct flights from Europe. Note the arrival time and flight number: you will need them for the car. For a weekend, a flight arriving on Friday late afternoon and leaving on Sunday evening gives two real days on the spot.
2. The accommodation: riad or hotel?
- Riad in the medina: the charm, but lanes where a car cannot go. See renting a car when you stay in a riad.
- Hotel in Gueliz or Hivernage: practical, with parking and car delivery to reception. See the car delivered to your hotel.
- Palmeraie or the Ourika road: a car is almost essential.
3. The car: when and why
Book as soon as your flight dates are fixed: booking is free and you pay the agency. For a weekend, an economical small car is enough; if you plan an excursion, take unlimited mileage. The page car rental after a flight explains how to collect it on arrival.
The three-day plan
| Day | Programme | Car? |
|---|---|---|
| Friday evening | Arrival, check-in, dinner in the medina | Pick-up at the airport or the next day |
| Saturday | Medina, souks, Majorelle Garden, Gueliz | Not needed, taxi or on foot |
| Sunday | Excursion: Essaouira, Ourika or Agafay | Yes, for the day |
| Sunday evening | Return to the airport | Hand back before the flight |
How much does it cost
The budget varies a lot with the season and type of accommodation. For the car, the prices displayed on each listing give the exact rate for your dates: see rental prices in Marrakech and our tips to pay less.
What to do on a Sunday by car
- Essaouira: medina, ramparts and beach, about 2 h 45 by road.
- Ourika Valley: cool air and waterfalls, about 1 h 15.
- Agafay desert: sunset and dinner.
Before you leave
Check your driving licence, your passport and the accepted deposit method, and read our advice on avoiding scams.
Frequently asked questions
Three days are enough for the medina, Gueliz and the gardens; add one or two days for an excursion to Essaouira, the Ourika Valley or Agafay.
Not for the medina, which is visited on foot. It becomes useful for a day trip or if your accommodation is in the Palmeraie.
As soon as your flight dates are fixed: small cars go quickly in high season.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
