Africa > 🇲🇦 Morocco
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Morocco can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Morocco; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Morocco?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Morocco?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Morocco
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Agadir | AGA | |
| Casablanca | CMN | |
| Errachidia | ERH | |
| Fès | FEZ | |
| Marrakesh | RAK | |
| Rabat | RBA | |
| Tangier | TNG |
At first glance, Morocco may appear to be a no-car destination, especially since cities like Marrakech and Fès offer walkable medinas and excellent high-speed train connections. However, Morocco’s hidden gems—mountain villages, Sahara dunes, Berber towns, and coastal outposts—are much easier to reach with a rental car. Therefore, the decision is not as straightforward as it seems.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
Morocco’s rail and bus networks are among the best in Africa. If you’re visiting major cities or taking organised excursions, you can easily explore without driving.
| Destination | Why a Car Isn’t Needed | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Walkable medina, taxis plentiful | Walking, taxi |
| Fès | Historic centre is traffic-free | Walking, taxi |
| Casablanca → Tangier | High-speed TGV-style train (Al Boraq) | Train |
| Chefchaouen (via tour) | Easy access through day tours | Minibus or private driver |
| Desert camps | 4×4 included in tour packages | Guided transport |
➡ Ideal for travellers who prefer hassle-free transport and organised journeys.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is the Best Option
A rental car offers unmatched flexibility for discovering Morocco’s rural and natural landscapes.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Mountain adventures | Atlas passes and Berber villages |
| Coastal freedom | Essaouira, Agadir, and hidden Atlantic towns |
| Desert access | Draa Valley, Merzouga, Sahara dunes |
| Castle routes | Kasbahs, film locations, caravan trails |
🗺️ Popular Self-Drive Routes
| Route | Highlights | Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech → Ouarzazate | Tizi n’Tichka Pass, kasbahs | Mountain roads |
| Fès → Chefchaouen | Rif Mountain scenery | Winding but paved |
| Marrakech → Essaouira | Coastal escape | Easy highway |
| Desert Route (to Merzouga) | Dunes, oases, landscapes | 4×4 recommended |
🚦 Driving in Morocco – What to Expect
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You drive on the right-hand side
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Highways are modern and clearly signed
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Rural roads can be narrow, winding, or unlit at night
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Parking is easy and often supervised by attendants
🚓 Police Checkpoints
Police checkpoints are common and usually focused on road safety and security. Bribe requests were historically reported, but Morocco has tightened regulations, and such incidents have sharply declined. As long as you carry your documents and follow speed limits, interactions are typically respectful and straightforward.
🚘 Car Rental Information
Car rentals are available at major airports and cities, including Marrakech, Casablanca, Fès, Agadir, and Tangier. International brands such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and reliable local agencies operate widely. A 4×4 is useful for desert travel, while a standard car is sufficient for coastal and city routes.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (Al Boraq) | Casablanca to Tangier | Fast, modern, comfortable |
| ONCF trains | Marrakech, Rabat, Fès | Reliable intercity service |
| CTM & Supratours buses | Off-train routes | Wide national coverage |
| Taxi (Grand Taxi) | Shared or private long-distance | Flexible and affordable |
| Guided tours | Sahara & Atlas Mountains | Includes transport and accommodation |
🧭 Conclusion – Should You Rent a Car in Morocco?
Renting a car in Morocco is a fantastic choice if you want to explore the country’s rural landscapes, desert valleys, mountain routes, and traditional villages at your own pace. However, if your plans are focused on Morocco’s imperial cities and high-speed rail corridor, you can easily travel car-free using trains and organised tours. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you value independent adventure or transportation convenience.