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Bottom Line: Should You Rent a Car in Morocco?
Deciding whether Renting a Car in Morocco is good depends largely on the nature of your trip. If you’re planning a short stay, like a four-day visit to Marrakech, renting a car might not be necessary or practical. The city’s compact layout and the availability of local transportation options make navigating without a car relatively easy.
On the other hand, if your travel plans involve exploring Morocco’s scenic routes, such as a coastal drive from Agadir to Essaouira or a journey from Marrakech to Fes with various picturesque stops, renting a car becomes a more appealing option. The flexibility of having your own vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace, uncover hidden gems, and take detours that public transportation simply doesn’t offer.
Typically, I pick up a rental car at Marrakech airport once I’m ready to leave the city, using it as the starting point for my road trips. This approach offers the advantage of bypassing city traffic and heading straight into the more scenic parts of Morocco.
However, it’s important to plan your route carefully. For instance, the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira is straightforward and doesn’t offer many notable stops, so taking a bus might be a better option for that leg of the journey. But for routes rich in scenic beauty and attractions, like those around Essaouira, renting a car can significantly enhance your experience.
In summary, if your itinerary is focused on Morocco’s major cities, renting a car may not be worth the hassle. Navigating through Moroccan cities can be challenging due to traffic and parking difficulties. Additionally, car rentals can be time-consuming and costly, so if you’re looking to save money and maximize your sightseeing in a limited timeframe, other options like group tours might be more efficient. I’ve personally found group tours between Marrakech and Fes to be more economical and stress-free compared to driving myself.
Ultimately, the decision to rent a car depends on your budget, time constraints, and the level of flexibility you desire in your travels. While renting a car offers greater freedom, Morocco also has a robust public transportation network that safely and efficiently connects most major destinations. For example, you can easily take a bus from Marrakech to Merzouga, though this option might limit your ability to explore interesting stops along the way.
Consider all your options and choose the one that best fits your travel style. And if you do decide to rent a car, I recommend using Discover Cars, a service I’ve relied on for my trips in Morocco.
Local Tip: If you’re looking for the best place to rent a car in Morocco, Discover Cars is my go-to choice for reliable service.
- They offer an unbeatable Full Coverage policy that’s both affordable and comprehensive.
- Their platform searches across the internet to bring you the best deals from both local and international car rental companies.
- You can cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up with no hassle.
Renting a Car in Morocco with Discover Cars.
As someone born in Morocco and who frequently travels across the country, I’ve come to rely on renting a car for the flexibility it offers during my trips. My friend runs a car rental agency, and through that connection, I’ve discovered that the best rates are consistently available on Discover Cars.
Whenever Renting a Car in Morocco, I always turn to Discover Cars because they’re reliable and offer the best deals. Their website consistently provides excellent rates, and I appreciate the ability to cancel my reservation up to two days before pick-up.
Let me share my personal experience with Discover Cars and guide you through the process of renting a car in Morocco.
How to Reserve a Car Online with Discover Cars.
As the owner of marrakechtips.com, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out the best way to rent a car in Morocco. Here’s my step-by-step guide to make the process smooth and stress-free.
First, head over to the Discover Cars website. Enter your travel dates and select your preferred pick-up location—usually the airport in the city you’re visiting. While you can pick up your car in the city center, I personally prefer to avoid driving in congested Moroccan cities whenever possible.
⚠️ Only rent from highly-rated companies. I always filter for ratings (you’ll find this option on the left side of the screen) and choose companies with a rating of 7.5 stars or higher.
Yes, some lower-rated companies might offer cheaper rates, but cheaper doesn’t always mean better. I’d rather pay a bit more for top-notch customer service than risk ruining my vacation with a subpar car. Plus, those lower-rated companies often come with hidden fees that quickly add up, making them more expensive in the long run.
Local Tip: When booking through Discover Cars, make sure to switch the website to the flag of the country that issued your driver’s license. If you don’t, the price you paid might not be honored.
Always Get Full Coverage with Discover Cars.
I always go for Full Coverage with Discover Cars because it’s affordable and covers up to 90,000 Dirhams (around $9,000 USD) in damages. For just $8.00 to $10.00 a day, you’re protected against dents, scratches, tire damage, and more. It’s the easiest way to have a worry-free vacation.
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What is and is NOT Covered with Discover Cars?
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How Do I File a Claim with Discover Cars?
Filing a claim with Discover Cars is straightforward. Log in with your confirmation details, file your claim, and you’ll get a response within 48 hours. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with their Full Coverage Policy.
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Is It Safe to Renting a Car in Morocco?
Renting a car in Morocco is very safe. Outside major cities, car theft is rare, but it’s wise to keep valuables in the trunk. The roads are well-paved, wide, and easy to navigate, so you won’t need to worry about potholes or animals. Signage is generally in English and local languages, making it easy to find your way.
I felt completely safe driving in Morocco, and you will too. Just remember to wear your seat belt, as police checkpoints are common and fines are issued for non-compliance. Also, avoid drinking and driving, as Morocco has strict drunk driving laws.
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Do You Need to be an Experienced Driver to Drive in Morocco?
driving in Morocco more challenging. The roads can be rough, and outside major cities, you might encounter poorly maintained surfaces and unexpected obstacles.
Driving in cities like Casablanca or Marrakech can be particularly hectic due to heavy traffic and erratic driving behaviors. In rural areas, while traffic is lighter, the condition of the roads can still be difficult, and local drivers might honk to signal you to move or drive in the middle of the road when it’s clear.
Driving at night is especially tricky. Rural roads are often poorly lit, making it hard to spot hazards like potholes, animals, or pedestrians. Given these conditions, I strongly advise against driving after dark to avoid potential accidents.
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How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Morocco?
In 2024, car rental prices in Morocco can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of year and location. I’ve rented cars for as low as $17 per day and as high as $40 per day for a standard 4-door sedan.
The type of car can also affect the price. I’ve rented models like the Dacia and Logan—reliable but not luxurious.
Prices tend to rise during peak seasons, so booking well in advance is crucial. Generally, renting from major cities like Marrakech or Casablanca can be cheaper, and booking through a service like Discover Cars helps avoid inflated rates from local companies that might overcharge foreigners.
For reference, gas is priced around $5.50 per gallon (15 Dirhams or $1.50 per liter), with diesel usually being cheaper. The most affordable gas is typically found at ZIZ stations. Be prepared with cash, as many gas stations don’t accept credit cards.
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Do You Need an International Driver’s License to Rent a Car in Morocco?
You don’t need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Morocco—just your home country’s driver’s license and a credit card. The credit card is used to hold a deposit for potential damage, which is refunded when you return the car in good condition.
If the car is damaged, the company will use the deposit to cover the costs. However, with Discover Cars’ Full Coverage Policy, you can file a claim to get reimbursed for the damage.
Never let anyone hold your passport as a deposit—that’s not standard practice. Also, take photos and videos of the car when you pick it up to avoid being charged for existing damage.
Conclusion
Renting a car in Morocco can be a fantastic experience, giving you the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist spots and discover some of Morocco’s best beaches.
To ensure a smooth trip, book your rental car well in advance, especially if you need an automatic vehicle. This will help you avoid any last-minute stress and make the most of your time in Morocco.
If you’re wondering where Renting a Car in Morocco, I highly recommend Discover Cars. website I’ve used them numerous times with great satisfaction. They offer the best rates and simplify the process, so you don’t have to worry about finding a rental at Marrakech Airport.
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