Best Places to Park in Marrakech

When it comes to parking near the Marrakech Medina, you have a few options:

• Parking Jemaa el-Fnaa — Right by the main square, about 20 MAD per hour. Super convenient but fills up fast!
• Parking Bab Doukkala — Just outside the northern medina walls, 10 MAD per hour. We loved this one.
• Parking Moulay Hassan — Near the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), usually less crowded
• Parking Koutoubia — Close to the famous mosque, decent rates and relatively safe

Our advice? Arrive early in the morning if you want a spot near the medina. After 10am, good luck finding anything close! And whatever you do, don’t leave valuables visible in your car.

Blue Zone Parking

You’ll notice blue-painted parking zones in Marrakech and other cities. These are paid parking areas where you need to buy a ticket from a meter or attendant. Rates are reasonable — usually 5 MAD for the first hour, then 2-3 MAD per additional hour.

But here’s the thing… enforcement can be inconsistent. We once got a ticket for overstaying (120 MAD fine), and another time we forgot to pay and nothing happened. Better to just pay though — the fine isn’t worth the hassle!

🏛️ Parking in Fes — Navigating the Ancient Medina

If you thought Marrakech parking was challenging, wait until you try Fes! The medina in Fes is actually car-free — yes, you literally cannot drive into it. Which means you need a solid parking strategy.

Main Parking Areas Near Fes Medina

There are several official parking lots around the Fes medina walls:

• Parking Bab Boujloud — The most popular option, right at the Blue Gate entrance. 10 MAD per hour or 50 MAD for full day
• Parking Rcif — Near the main bus station, secured parking at 40 MAD per day
• Parking Bab Jdid — Less crowded option on the southwestern side, 30-40 MAD per day
• Hotel parking — Many riads offer parking deals, usually 50-70 MAD per night

Parking Bab Boujloud — your best bet for exploring the Fes medina

We stayed at a riad that offered parking, and it was absolutely worth the extra cost. Not having to worry about our car for three days was such a relief! Plus, many riads will arrange to have someone meet you at a parking area and help carry your bags through the medina.

Overnight Parking Security

Here’s something important — don’t leave your car on the street overnight in Fes unless you’re okay with potential scratches or worse. The medina area can get crowded, and unattended cars are targets.

Always use secured parking lots with gates or barriers. Yes, they cost more (50-80 MAD per night), but your car will actually be watched. We met travelers who had windows smashed for a bag left visible on the back seat. Don’t let that be you!

🏜️ Special Driving Conditions — Desert & Mountains

Now we’re getting to the fun stuff! Driving through Morocco’s diverse landscapes is honestly one of the highlights of visiting the country. But different terrains require different approaches.

Desert Driving Tips

Driving to the Sahara Desert was one of our most memorable experiences in Morocco. But desert driving comes with unique challenges:

• Vehicle choice matters — A 4×4 isn’t always necessary, but it definitely helps. We managed with a regular car on paved roads, but couldn’t venture onto sand dunes
• Heat management — Check your car’s cooling system before heading to the desert. We saw several broken-down cars with overheated engines
• Sand storms — If you encounter a sand storm, pull over and wait it out. Visibility can drop to zero in seconds
• Fuel planning — Between Erfoud and Merzouga, gas stations are scarce. Fill up early and often!
• Emergency supplies — Always carry extra water (for you AND your car), a flashlight, and a blanket

The road to Merzouga — stunning views but be prepared for desert conditions

And here’s something we didn’t expect… desert roads can be surprisingly good! The main routes to popular desert destinations like Merzouga and M’Hamid are well-maintained. It’s the small side roads where things get tricky.

Mountain Pass Driving

The Atlas Mountains are absolutely spectacular, but those mountain passes? They’ll test your driving skills! We drove the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, and wow… it’s not for the faint of heart.

Here’s what you need to know about mountain driving in Morocco:

• Hairpin turns — Dozens of tight switchbacks with sheer drops. Take them slowly and honk before blind corners
• Altitude sickness — Some passes reach over 2,200 meters. Take breaks if you feel dizzy or nauseous
• Weather changes — Conditions can shift rapidly. We drove through sunshine, rain, and fog all in one day
• Limited guardrails — Not all mountain roads have barriers. Stay focused and keep right
• Slow trucks — You’ll get stuck behind big trucks going 20 km/h. Be patient and only overtake when safe
• Brakes — Use engine braking on descents to prevent brake fade. Downshift instead of riding the brakes

The views are absolutely worth it though! Just give yourself extra time and don’t drive at night. Those mountain roads are scary enough in daylight.

Winter Driving Conditions

Most people don’t realize that Morocco gets snow! The Atlas Mountains can be covered in snow from December to March, and some passes even close temporarily.

If you’re driving in winter:

• Check road conditions before leaving — some passes require chains
• Rental cars rarely come with winter equipment, so ask specifically if you’re traveling in winter months
• The Tizi n’Tichka pass can be particularly dangerous with ice
• Consider hiring a driver for winter mountain crossings if you’re not confident

Dealing with Aggressive Drivers

Some drivers in Morocco can be… let’s say “enthusiastic.” They’ll tailgate, flash their lights, and overtake on blind corners. Don’t let them pressure you!

Our strategy was simple — drive defensively and let aggressive drivers pass. Your safety is more important than proving a point. Pull over if needed and let them go ahead. Trust me, the stress isn’t worth it.

Police Checkpoints

You will encounter police checkpoints — it’s just part of driving in Morocco. Don’t panic! They’re usually routine.

Here’s what to do at checkpoints:

1. Slow down gradually and come to a complete stop
2. Turn off music and remove sunglasses
3. Have your documents ready — license, IDP, rental papers, passport
4. Be polite and respectful (speaking a bit of French helps!)
5. If they wave you through, say “Shukran” (thank you) and move on

We went through probably 20+ checkpoints during our Morocco road trip, and only twice did they actually check our documents. Usually they just wave tourists through. Never try to bribe a police officer — it’s illegal and can get you in serious trouble.

💰 Rental Car Guide — Booking & Prices

Renting a car in Morocco is actually pretty straightforward, but there are some things you should know to get the best deal and avoid common pitfalls.

Where to Rent

You have several options for Morocco car rental:

• International companies (Hertz, Europcar, Budget) — More expensive but reliable, located at airports
• Local rental companies — Cheaper rates but check reviews carefully. Some are excellent, others sketchy
• Online aggregators (Rentalcars.com, Kayak) — Good for comparing prices and reading reviews

We used a local company recommended by our riad and saved about 40% compared to international rates. But we thoroughly researched reviews first! Look for companies with recent positive feedback and clear insurance policies.

Rental Prices (2026)

Here’s what you can expect to pay for car rental in Morocco:

Prices are usually lower if you book for a week or more. We got a great deal on a two-week rental with a local company — much cheaper per day than booking day-by-day.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

This is important! Many travelers get surprised by extra costs when renting in Morocco. Here are the sneaky charges to watch for:

• Fuel policy — Some companies make you buy a full tank upfront (usually overpriced). Try to get “full to full” rental
• Additional driver fee — Can be 50-100 MAD per day. Some local companies waive this
• GPS rental — Up to 100 MAD per day! Just use Google Maps offline instead
• Child seat rental — 50-80 MAD per day. Consider bringing your own if traveling with kids
• Cross-border fees — If you plan to drive to Spain or Mauritania, expect hefty additional charges
• Young driver surcharge — Drivers under 25 often pay 100-200 MAD extra per day

We almost got caught with the GPS rental trap! They wanted 700 MAD for a week when Google Maps worked perfectly for free. Download offline maps before you go and save that money for better things (like amazing Moroccan food!).

Automatic vs Manual Transmission

Here’s something to consider — automatic cars are less common and more expensive in Morocco. You’ll pay a 30-50% premium for an automatic transmission.

If you can drive manual, go for it. You’ll have way more vehicle options and better prices. But if you’re not comfortable with manual (especially for those mountain passes!), book automatic early as they rent out quickly.

Understanding Insurance Options

Insurance can be confusing, especially with all the acronyms! Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — Basic coverage included in most rentals, but watch the excess/deductible amount
• SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver) — Reduces your excess to zero or near-zero. Worth considering!
• Third Party Liability — Legally required, covers damage to other vehicles/property
• Personal Accident Insurance — Covers medical costs for you and passengers
• Theft Protection (TP) — Essential in cities, reduces liability if car is stolen
• Roadside Assistance — Some companies include this, others charge extra

Our advice? Get the SCDW if you can afford it. Yes, it adds 150-200 MAD per day, but the peace of mind is worth it. We scratched our rental on a narrow medina street (a local guy backed into us), and because we had full coverage, we just documented it and moved on. No stress, no huge bill.

What Insurance Doesn’t Cover

This is the stuff they don’t advertise! Even with full insurance, you might not be covered for:

• Damage to tires, wheels, or undercarriage
• Broken windshield or windows (often separate coverage)
• Damage from off-roading (even with a 4×4!)
• Interior damage or missing items
• Driving under the influence (obviously!)
• Allowing unauthorized drivers to use the vehicle

We didn’t know about the tire exclusion and got a flat in the Atlas Mountains. Luckily it was just a puncture that could be repaired (50 MAD at a local shop), but if we’d needed a new tire, it would’ve been on us!

🔧 Common Driving Challenges & Solutions

Alright, let’s talk about the stuff that actually happens when you’re driving in Morocco. These are real situations we encountered and how we handled them.

Dealing with Unofficial “Guides”

This happens constantly in Morocco. Someone will approach your car offering to “help” you find parking, give directions, or guide you to your destination. Sometimes they’re genuinely helpful, sometimes they’re looking for money.

Our approach:

• If you don’t want help, say “La, shukran” (No, thank you) firmly and keep walking
• If you accept help, agree on a price BEFORE they provide the service
• 10-20 MAD is fair for simple directions or parking assistance
• Don’t let them pressure you into paying more
• If they become aggressive, walk away and find a police officer

We made the mistake once of accepting “help” without clarifying the cost. The guy then demanded 200 MAD for walking us 50 meters! We gave him 20 MAD and walked away. Don’t let anyone guilt-trip you.

Getting Lost Without GPS

Google Maps works pretty well in Morocco, but it’s not perfect. We got lost several times in the medinas and once on a desert road where GPS couldn’t get signal.

Tips for when GPS fails:

• Download offline maps for your entire route before starting
• Keep a physical map as backup (we bought one for 30 MAD at a bookstore)
• Don’t be afraid to ask locals for directions — most are happy to help
• Look for landmarks rather than street names (medinas don’t have street signs!)
• Take screenshots of your route before you lose signal

And here’s something cool — many Moroccans speak some English or French, so communication is usually possible. We used a combination of broken French, English, and hand gestures to get by!

Handling Breakdowns

We had two minor breakdowns during our Morocco road trip — a flat tire and an overheated engine. Here’s what to do if it happens to you:

1. Pull over safely — Get as far off the road as possible
2. Turn on hazard lights — Make yourself visible
3. Call your rental company — They should provide roadside assistance
4. If no cell service — Flag down another driver (Moroccans are usually helpful!)
5. Don’t accept “help” that costs money without calling your rental company first

For our flat tire, a local mechanic appeared within 10 minutes (we were on a main road). He changed the tire for 50 MAD, which seemed fair. For the overheating, we just needed to wait for the engine to cool and add water. Always carry extra water!

Avoiding Parking Fees

Parking can add up, especially in cities where you’re paying 50-100 MAD per day. Here’s how we minimized costs:

• Stay at accommodations with free parking — Many riads outside medinas offer this
• Park at the edge of the medina instead of right at the entrance — Often cheaper or free
• Use residential streets (but always tip the parking guardian 5-10 MAD)
• Avoid tourist-area parking lots — They charge premium rates
• Consider taxis for medina visits — Sometimes cheaper than parking + walking

Finding free or cheap parking spots — often just outside the tourist zones

Toll Roads and Highway Costs

Morocco has excellent autoroute (highway) system, but tolls can add up. Here’s what we spent on popular routes:

Tolls are reasonable, and the highways are in great condition. We actually think they’re worth it — much safer and faster than secondary roads, especially for long distances.

Eating on the Road

One unexpected expense was food on long drives. Tourist-area restaurants near highways charged 80-120 MAD per person, but we found some amazing alternatives:

• Local roadside cafes — Look for places where truck drivers stop. Amazing food for 30-50 MAD
• Pack snacks and water — We bought supplies at Carrefour (much cheaper than gas stations)
• Market stops — Fresh fruit, bread, and cheese from local markets = picnic perfection
• Eat in smaller towns instead of highway rest stops — Better quality and lower prices

We had some of our best meals at random roadside spots that weren’t even on Google Maps. Don’t be afraid to eat where locals eat!

🗺️ Best Driving Routes in Morocco

Now for the fun part! These are our favorite driving routes in Morocco — the ones that made us fall in love with this country.

The Classic Route: Marrakech to Merzouga

Distance: 560 km | Drive time: 9-10 hours (split over 2-3 days)

This is THE iconic Morocco road trip. You’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains, pass through Berber villages, see ancient kasbahs, and end up at the Sahara Desert dunes.

Our suggested stops:

• Tizi n’Tichka Pass — Highest road pass in Morocco, breathtaking views
• Ait Benhaddou — UNESCO World Heritage kasbah (Game of Thrones filming location!)
• Ouarzazate — “Door to the Desert,” great for overnight stop
• Dades Valley — Spectacular gorges and kasbahs
• Todra Gorge — Massive canyon walls, perfect for photos
• Merzouga — Gateway to Erg Chebbi dunes

We took three days for this route and it was perfect. You could rush it in two days, but why? The journey is the destination here!

Coastal Beauty: Essaouira to Agadir

Distance: 175 km | Drive time: 2.5-3 hours

This coastal drive is stunning and much more relaxed than mountain or desert driving. You’ll pass fishing villages, argan cooperatives, and beautiful beaches.

Highlights:

• Essaouira — Charming coastal town with blue and white medina
• Sidi Kaouki — Surfer’s paradise, great for a beach stop
• Taghazout — Another surf town with laid-back vibes
• Agadir — Modern beach city with great seafood

We actually liked this route so much we drove it twice! The roads are excellent, traffic is light, and the scenery is gorgeous.

Mountain Adventure: Chefchaouen to Fes via Rif Mountains

Distance: 200 km | Drive time: 4-5 hours

This route takes you through the stunning Rif Mountains with their distinctive blue-hued peaks. The roads are winding but well-maintained.

What to expect:

• Mountain scenery that rivals the Atlas
• Traditional Berber villages
• Fewer tourists than other routes
• Excellent photo opportunities

One warning though — the Rif Mountains are known for cannabis cultivation. You’ll probably see it growing, and locals might approach you. Just politely decline and move on. Don’t buy or transport anything — it’s illegal and not worth the risk!

Mountain driving in Morocco — challenging but incredibly rewarding

What to Do in an Accident

Hopefully you’ll never need this, but here’s what to do if you’re involved in an accident:

1. Stop immediately — Don’t leave the scene
2. Check for injuries — Call emergency services if needed (dial 15 for ambulance)
3. Call the police — Dial 19 (they’ll need to file a report for insurance)
4. Take photos — Document everything: damage, position of vehicles, surroundings
5. Exchange information — Get the other driver’s details and insurance info
6. Don’t admit fault — Even if you think it was your fault, let insurance companies decide
7. Contact your rental company — Notify them within 24 hours
8. Get a police report — Essential for insurance claims

And here’s something important — Moroccan law requires you to stay at the scene until police arrive. Leaving can result in serious legal consequences, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers in your phone before you start driving:

We also kept our rental company’s 24/7 emergency number prominently displayed in the car. You really don’t want to be searching for numbers in an emergency!

Dealing with Scams

Unfortunately, some people target tourists. Here are common driving scams we encountered or heard about:

• The “flat tire” scam — Someone points out your “flat” tire, then demands money for “fixing” it. Check your tires yourself at gas stations
• Fake parking attendants — They’re not all legitimate. Look for official vests or ask nearby shop owners
• GPS misdirection — Some unofficial guides will misdirect you to demand payment for “help.” Trust your GPS over random strangers
• Overpriced mechanics — Always ask for a price estimate before accepting repairs
• Gas station scams — Attendants might claim you got more fuel than you did. Watch the meter!

The good news? These scams are easily avoided if you’re aware of them. Most Moroccans are genuinely helpful people. Don’t let paranoia ruin your experience, just stay alert.

🎒 Final Tips & Personal Recommendations

After months of driving through Morocco, here are our top pieces of advice that we wish someone had told us before we started:

Things We’re Glad We Did

• Bought a car phone mount — Made navigation so much easier
• Downloaded offline music — Some routes have zero cell signal for hours
• Kept a cooler in the car — Cold water in the desert is a lifesaver
• Learned basic French phrases — “Où est la station-service?” (Where is the gas station?) got used A LOT
• Set aside a daily parking budget — Prevented us from overspending
• Started early each driving day — Avoided midday heat and arrived with time to explore

Things We Wish We’d Done Differently

• Rented a car with better AC — Summer in Morocco is HOT, and our economy car’s AC was weak
• Brought our own phone charger — Rental car’s USB ports didn’t work
• Booked accommodations with parking in advance — Arrived at places with nowhere to park
• Packed a basic tool kit — Would’ve been handy for minor issues
• Given ourselves more time — We rushed a few sections and regretted it

Our rental car all packed and ready for another adventure in Morocco

Is Driving in Morocco Worth It?

Absolutely, 100%, without a doubt YES!

Driving gave us freedom to explore Morocco at our own pace. We could stop for photos whenever we wanted, visit off-the-beaten-path locations, and create our own schedule. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat!

Sure, it was challenging at times. Yes, we got lost occasionally. And yeah, the first few days of city driving were stressful. But those experiences became some of our favorite travel memories.

If you’re considering a Morocco road trip, go for it! Just be prepared, stay flexible, and embrace the adventure. The roads are waiting!