Renting a Car in Marrakech: Cheap Car Hire Options + Morocco Driving Conditions
- Malika
- Aug 7, 2024
- 16 min read
Updated: Jun 4
Renting a car in Marrakech is a fantastic way to explore southern Morocco on your own terms, particularly if you want to visit the Sahara Desert, follow the Route of 1000 Kasbahs or venture into the spectacular gorges of Dades and Todra. While the train and bus networks in Morocco cover a lot of ground, having your own vehicle gives you a whole new level of freedom.
By finding a cheap hire car in Marrakech, you can stray from the usual tourist spots and find those hidden gems that you just can't reach by public transport. And trust me, Morocco has a lot of them! We've rented a car in Marrakech several times and it's allowed us to explore destinations that would be really difficult to see without our own wheels.
Many travellers fly directly into Marrakech and start their road trip there. So it makes sense that the "Red City" is one of the most popular places to rent a car in Morocco. Although I wouldn't advise driving within Marrakech itself due to its hectic roads (the medina is car-free anyway), it's a convenient spot to find a cheap rental car in Morocco and discover everything the country has to offer.
Not only will you have the freedom to design your own travel plans, but spend more time in places that truly capture your interest, instead of being tied to bus or train timetables. That being said, it’s important to do your research before booking a rental car in Marrakech and understand what you can expect behind the wheel. Driving in Morocco is not for everyone...but it's also easier than you might think!
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car in Marrakech, from average prices to driving conditions in Morocco and the best places to search online to find cheap rental cars in Marrakech.
To learn more about visiting Marrakech, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
If you're looking to craft your own Morocco travel itinerary, there's plenty of inspiration here, including a one-week itinerary from Fes to Marrakech.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE?
Here are some key takeaways:
Renting a car in Marrakech is relatively cheap, starting from around 125 USD a week for a compact vehicle
In Morocco, you'll find both local and international car rental brands - neither is better or worse but local companies tend to be cheaper
Driving in Morocco means sometimes sharing the road with pedestrians, donkeys and camels - drive slowly in urban areas and don't always expect to have right-of-way
Police and gendarme checks are common but they usually wave tourists through (if you're not doing anything wrong)
Discover Cars is a great resource for finding cheap cars in Marrakech - they compare multiple companies so you can find the best deal for your travel dates
I've used Discover Cars several times recently to book rental vehicles in Morocco and they are now my go-to choice. Not only do they offer a user-friendly platform that lets you compare choices from both international brands and local Moroccan companies but they offer FREE cancellation, which is important to me because (as we all know) travel plans can change!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How much does it cost to rent a car in Morocco?
If you're curious about the cost of renting a car in Marrakech, I have some great news - Morocco is a really budget-friendly travel destination when it comes to car hire! For instance, you can rent a cheap hire car in Marrakech for just USD125 a week, which breaks down to only USD17.85 per day.
If you're considering upgrading to a bigger, more comfortable vehicle, you can rent an SUV in Marrakech for less than USD350 for a week.
In addition to the low prices, the best rental cars in Marrakech are usually of good quality, although they may have a few scratches and bumps on their exterior. Many of the vehicles are either brand new or well-cared for and ideal for exploring the country's varied terrains.
Top tip: Car hire at Marrakech Airport tends to be cheaper compared to "Downtown" branches. You'll also get the best rates if you pick up and return the car to the same location.
Cheap car hire in Marrakech
Local vs international car rental companies in Marrakech
If you're looking for cheap car hire in Marrakech, you'll find well-known international companies like Budget, Thrifty, Europcar and Hertz have a solid presence. Most have locations both in the city centre and at Marrakech Menara Airport, so you can choose whichever suits you better.
Despite being familiar names, these large rental firms may not always offer the best deals or service in Morocco. In reality, their prices can often be much steeper than those of smaller, local rental agencies, and the quality of the cars and customer service may not always warrant the higher costs.
If you're looking for the cheapest hire cars in Marrakech, consider going with local companies like Aircar, 1Service Car and autoUnion. Although they might not be as well-known to international travellers, these Moroccan car rental suppliers offer more affordable rates and (some) receive positive feedback online.
The great thing about searching for Marrakech hire cars at Discover Cars is you can find options from both international and local rental companies. Compare rates and read reviews to find the one that suits your needs and offers the best deals for your travel dates.
Cheap rental cars in Marrakech
Tips for renting a car in Morocco
Always check the car thoroughly before driving off
Before you drive off, it's really important to give the vehicle a good inspection from top to bottom. Hire cars in Marrakech may show signs of wear and tear, including dents, scratches and other cosmetic flaws inflicted by previous renters. If there's any doubt as to who was responsible, the rental company might try to charge you for these issues when you return the vehicle.
The solution? Be thorough with your initial inspection and document any imperfections you find!
While most attendants will do a walk-through with a paper diagram of the car, it can be challenging to note down every marking, particularly if you're dealing with jet lag or travel fatigue. I recommend taking pictures and videos of the car from various angles when you collect it (including close-ups of any markings), as this will serve as proof in case any disputes arise when you bring the vehicle back.
Understand the insurance policy
When you rent a car in Marrakech, it usually includes basic insurance. This standard coverage protects against theft, third-party damage and liability. However, there's usually a high excess (a set amount of money you pay towards an insurance claim) if any issues occur. Realistically you might need to cover the first 10,000 dirhams (around $1000 USD) yourself.
If you want extra protection, it's a good idea to consider "refundable excess" insurance. Most Marrakech rental companies will try to sell this to you when you pick up the vehicle. This extra coverage takes care of that large deductible, providing you with reassurance that you won't face a significant expense in case of an accident.
When renting a car in Marrakech through Discover Cars, you'll find that Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are usually included in the standard rental agreement. That being said, always check the rental conditions before making a booking so you understand what is and isn't covered. If you want added security, purchase the "refundable excess" option at pickup.
Sometimes, travel insurance policies cover the excess on rental cars - check to see if this is included on yours so you don't end up paying more than you need to.
Cheapest rental cars in Marrakech
Have all the necessary documentation ready
When you rent a car in Marrakech, Morocco, you’ll need to have the following:
• A driver’s license from your home country (while you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Morocco, you do need a driver’s license with a photo)
• Your passport
• A credit card
In Morocco, the legal age to drive is 18, but many car rental agencies in Marrakech prefer to rent vehicles only to those who are 21 or older. Additionally, they often ask that drivers have had their license for a minimum of one year before renting a vehicle to them.
You also need to have proof of insurance, which can be obtained either through Discover Cars or directly from the rental company. While travelling in Morocco, you'll encounter many police checkpoints where officers might ask to see your license, registration and insurance documents. Sometimes, they simply wave tourists through, but it's always wise to be prepared.
Best rental cars in Marrakech
Understand (and follow) the local road rules
Regardless of the country you find yourself driving in, it's crucial to adhere to the local traffic regulations to steer clear of any problems with law enforcement. In Morocco, this means driving on the right-hand side of the road, which might require some adjustment for those who are used to driving on the left (like me!).
In Morocco, speed limits are generally set at 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on roads outside urban areas and 60 km/h within city limits. But this can change depending on local conditions and when approaching roadworks (which are really common in Morocco). It's important to pay attention to the road signs and adjust your speed as needed to steer clear of any fines.
In some parts of Morocco, it's best to drive at a slower pace than the posted speed limit because of the unique traffic conditions you might encounter. It's quite normal to see donkeys, camels and goats leisurely making their way along the roads, especially in the countryside. And with few pedestrian walkways available in rural areas, many locals walk on the asphalt itself - it really is a shared space!
This calls for careful driving, as you shouldn't assume that being in a car automatically gives you the right of way. Market days can be particularly busy when passing through towns - slow your pace to a crawl and you'll avoid any issues, plus you'll be able to enjoy all the comings and goings!
It's also important to note that driving habits in Morocco may be different to what you are used to back home, particularly the frequent use of honking. Don't take it to heart or get offended; it's often used by drivers to signal their presence, helping to avoid any collisions.
Understand your rental rights
Occasionally, travellers renting a car in Morocco have reported being asked to pay "additional fees" when returning their vehicle. Most commonly, this is a last-minute cleaning fee of about 50 dirhams. If this fee isn't explicitly mentioned in your contract, you can politely decline paying it. If anything unexpected like this arises, always review your contract before handing over any money.
Car hire at Marrakech Airport
How to rent a car in Marrakech, Morocco
Read on for a step-by-step guide detailing how to rent a car in Marrakech, Morocco at Discover Cars.
As I mentioned earlier, I really believe that Discover Cars is the best rental car provider in Marrakech! They provide free cancellation and have customer service available around the clock in several languages. With Discover Cars comparing options from numerous suppliers, you can be confident you're getting an amazing deal—they often manage to offer lower prices than booking directly.
Discover Cars boasts fantastic reviews, holding an impressive TrustPilot score of 4.6 out of 5. They've also received several accolades, including the World's Best Car Rental Booking App in 2023 at the World Travel Tech Awards. What I appreciate most is their transparency regarding costs—there are no hidden fees—and their claims process is simple and easy to navigate in case of an accident.
Car rental Marrakech Airport
1. Search for cars online at Discover Cars
Open up the Discover Cars website and input your preferred pick-up location and travel dates. The most common rental car pickup locations in Marrakech are Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), Marrakech Downtown and Marrakech Train Station. Car rental companies at Marrakech Airport usually offer the best rates.
Best place to rent a car in Morocco
2. Only rent a car in Marrakech from well-rated suppliers
When looking for cheap car hire in Marrakech, it's important to focus on quality, rather than just renting the vehicle with the lowest price. I highly recommend sorting your search results by customer ratings, as this will help you easily spot the providers that consistently offer outstanding service and great value to their customers.
On the left side of the Discover Cars search results, you’ll see various filtering options. One of these allows you to show only listings with a rating of 8 stars or more. I always make use of this feature because I think it’s not worth saving a few dirhams if it means a disappointing rental experience.
3. Select your preferred vehicle
From the results available, select a vehicle that meets your requirements. Check if it is manual or automatic, how many people it can accommodate and whether it's limited or unlimited mileage.
Beneath each Marrakech rental car listing on Discover Cars, there will be a "Rental Conditions". This details the security deposit that will be held against your credit/debit card, the fuel policy and driver age requirement. If you only have a debit card (not a credit card), check that these are accepted - not all Moroccan rental companies do!
You'll also be able to find here exactly what the rate includes (including Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Protection and Third Party Liability) and any optional extras. It's important that you read this carefully so you aren't left with any surprises when you pick up or drop off your Marrakech rental car.
4. Check details and optional extras
After selecting a vehicle, you will be redirected to a page where you can check the pick-up location and operating hours of the Marrakech rental car company. Scroll down to add any optional extras, such as a baby seat or additional driver, then add the details of the main driver.
If you're picking your rental car up from Marrakech Menara Airport, you can also add your flight details to ensure the counter is manned when you arrive. While some Marrakech Airport car hire companies are located within the arrivals hall, many are located in the carpark outside.
5. Input payment details
Once you've checked that everything is correct, simply input your payment details and a confirmation email will be sent to you! You can display this on your device when you pick up the car, or if you're concerned about not having access to it, feel free to print it out.
If you need to cancel your booking, Discover Cars makes it super simple. Just click the link in your booking confirmation email and follow the instructions. I remember when I had to cancel a rental car booking due to incorrect dates and Discover Cars conveniently kept my downpayment and applied it to the new booking so I didn't have to wait for a refund.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ
Renting a car in Morocco opens the door to amazing adventures, as I've discovered through my own journeys. The independence and convenience of having a rental car enhance your ability to explore the country at your own pace and explore the road less travelled. While I can't promise that your rental experience will be as smooth as mine, I hope my personal insights give you a clear idea of what to anticipate, helping you feel more equipped to tackle any challenges that might come up while renting a car in Marrakech.
Find cheap rental cars in Marrakech
FAQs: Renting a car in Marrakech, Morocco
Is it safe to rent a car in Morocco?
While there are inherent risks associated with getting behind the wheel anywhere in the world, car hire in Morocco is usually just as safe as in most other destinations. Generally speaking, the rental car fleets are well maintained and there are processes in place (including contracts) to help protect your rights.
If you're concerned about renting with a particular company, check their branch reviews online at Discover Cars before making a booking. It's a great resource for hearing about other travellers' experiences and can help you to make an informed decision.
Is it safe to drive in Morocco?
Navigating the roads in Morocco can be quite straightforward if you steer clear of the busy city centres and focus on the open roads. While cities such as Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca can be intimidating due to their crowded medinas, there's really no need to drive in those areas.
With plenty of taxis and public transport options at your disposal, you can explore these urban areas without the hassle of driving. Once you hit the quieter rural and intercity roads, you'll find that driving in Morocco is a much more enjoyable experience.
Just like in any place, it's important to be cautious, stay aware of your environment and adhere to local traffic laws and regulations. For more information about driving in Morocco, check out my detailed article here.
Driving conditions in Morocco
How are the roads in Morocco?
How you perceive the quality of roads in Morocco can vary based on where you're from. You might encounter some areas that are just as good as what you're used to, while others may be a bit rougher.
The modern highways and toll roads connecting Morocco's major cities are generally in good shape, but the situation changes when it comes to the secondary roads in the countryside. The narrow paths that traverse the Rif and Atlas mountains can be especially tough, featuring steep slopes, tight curves and steep drop-offs that require you to stay alert.
It's not unusual to come across potholes and other obstacles when driving around Morocco. Additionally, you'll need to be mindful of police and gendarmerie checkpoints, which require you to slow down and stop as you enter towns and cities. Roadworks are also prevalent throughout the country and speed limits change considerably on approach.
One of the biggest challenges of driving in Morocco is the presence of pedestrians, scooters and carts pulled by animals on the roads. The erratic behaviour of these road users means you need to stay extra alert at all times and remember that in many parts of Morocco, roads are considered shared spaces.
When renting a car in Morocco, it's crucial to be careful at night due to the inadequate lighting on many roads, which can make it hard to see. I strongly recommend avoiding nighttime drives in Morocco's mountainous and rural regions. Always plan to be at your destination well before dark.
Should you rent a car in Marrakech, Morocco?
Renting a car in Morocco is one of the best ways to explore the country and starting in Marrakech is a smart choice due to its international aviation hub. That being said, I don't recommend driving within Marrakech itself as the traffic can be intense and the medina is car-free anyway. Finding a park isn't always easy and with so many other transport options within the city limits, having a car just doesn't make sense.
Beyond the city, I think the independence and flexibility of having your own vehicle far outweighs any minor challenges you might face along the way. Instead of depending on public transport or guided tours, booking a cheap hire car in Marrakech lets you travel at your own pace, take unexpected side trips and explore hidden gems that many tourists overlook.
For those who prefer the ease of having a driver, there are numerous private transfer companies in Morocco that provide a dependable and budget-friendly option. Viator and GetYourGuide also have a wide range of tours available from Marrakech, led by knowledgeable guides and experienced drivers. This allows you to discover the country's myriad sights and attractions, without the stress of focusing on the road.
What’s the best car rental in Marrakech?
Renting a car in Marrakech, Morocco, doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution. The city offers a wide range of both well-known international car rental companies and reputable local firms that you might want to explore. No matter which option you decide on, it's crucial to do your homework on the rental company (and the particular branch) before finalising your reservation.
It's important to remember that many well-known car rental companies use a franchise system, which can lead to variations in quality and service at different locations. Therefore, I'd recommend checking reviews for the specific Marrakech branch you’re interested in, instead of just depending on the company's general reputation. Websites like Discover Cars are great for this, as they provide insights from recent customers who have rented from that exact location.
Additionally, the convenience and reassurance provided by Discover Cars' free cancellation policy can be a significant perk if your travel plans aren't set in stone. This policy allows renters to modify their bookings without any fees, which helps reduce the stress and unpredictability often associated with car rental reservations.
What kind of cars are for rent in Morocco?
In Morocco, some of the top car rental choices are the Hyundai i10, Peugeot 108, Fiat 500, Chevrolet Spark and Kia Picanto. These compact hatchbacks provide plenty of space for both passengers and luggage, despite their small size, making them perfect for solo adventurers, couples or small groups. Additionally, their compact nature contributes to better fuel efficiency, a significant advantage for those travelling Morocco on a budget.
If you're in the market for a more spacious hire car in Marrakech, popular options are the Kia Carens and Dacia Lodgy, both of which can seat 6 or 7 passengers. Keep in mind that the rental prices for these Multi-Purpose Utility Vehicles (MUVs) are generally on the higher side and running them is more expensive.
Are most rental cars in Morocco automatic or stick shift?
When searching for rental cars in Marrakech, Morocco, you'll have the option of both automatic and manual vehicles. That being said, it's important to consider the cost differences between these two types of transmissions. Typically, renting an automatic car tends to be pricier than opting for a manual or "stick shift" vehicle. This is because automatic transmissions are more complex and come with higher maintenance expenses.
So for budget-conscious travellers, the cheapest rental cars in Morocco are usually manuals. Of course, drivers who are less experienced with operating a manual transmission may prefer the convenience of an automatic - go with whatever you feel most comfortable driving.
Cheap car hire in Marrakech
What side of the road do they drive on in Morocco?
In Morocco, they drive on the right-hand side of the road - the same as in the United States, Canada and many European countries. If you're accustomed to driving on the left, it may take some time to get used to, but that shouldn't discourage you from renting a car in Marrakech. If that's the case, I recommend avoiding busy city areas when you first get behind the wheel; instead, take some time to practice on quieter, rural roads.
Should you rent a 4x4 in Morocco?
In many parts of Morocco, you won't need a 4x4 vehicle since most roads linking cities and rural areas are paved. We've travelled extensively without ever renting a 4x4 and haven't faced any problems. The roads that tourists typically use are generally well-paved and in reasonable condition, making a compact rental car in Morocco sufficient.
For those adventurers looking for a more rugged and off-the-beaten-track experience, choosing a four-wheel-drive vehicle is definitely a smart choice. The unpaved roads and trails winding through the High Atlas Mountains require the extra traction and ground clearance that a 4x4 offers, and many routes in the Sahara Desert are not suitable for compact cars.
Do you have to pay police bribes driving in Morocco?
You may have come across blog posts and heard stories from fellow travellers warning about the numerous police checks in Morocco, which some say can only be settled by paying bribes. It's understandable if this makes you feel anxious about renting a car in Marrakech altogether.
Despite all my time driving in Morocco and the many police checks I have stopped at, I've never encountered an officer who asked for a bribe. My husband believes this is because I clearly don’t look like a local!
It's hard to say if the culture of bribery in Morocco has shifted or if I've just been fortunate, but I feel like most tourists breeze through police checkpoints. The only time you might need to pay a fine is if you're genuinely violating traffic laws.
