Picking Up a Rental Car at Morocco Airports: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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Updated: January 29, 2026

You’ve just landed at Marrakech Menara Airport after a long flight from Europe. You’re tired, jet-lagged, and ready to start your Morocco adventure. But first, you need to pick up your rental car. Should be simple, right?

Not so fast. Morocco’s airport car rental process has some unique quirks that can trip up even experienced travelers. The difference between international agencies inside the terminal and local companies waiting outside with signs. The inspection protocol that determines whether you’ll face surprise charges later. The confusing exit from Marrakech airport’s parking lot that’s caused more than a few wrong turns.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every single step of picking up a rental car at Morocco airports — from where to find your rental desk to how to navigate out of the airport perimeter without getting lost. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to expect, what documents to have ready, and how to speed through the process while everyone else is still waiting in line.

The process of picking up a rental car at Morocco airports is different from what you might be used to in Europe or North America. Morocco’s two main airports — Marrakech Menara (RAK) and Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) — handle most international car rentals, and each has its own layout and procedures.

Whether you’re landing in Marrakech for a road trip to the Sahara or arriving in Casablanca for a business trip, understanding the rental car pick up procedure Morocco will save you time, stress, and potential headaches at the return counter.

Let me break down exactly what happens from the moment you step off the plane to the moment you drive out of the airport.

The “Terminal Exit” Logistics: Finding Your Rental Desk

The first challenge most travelers face is simply finding where to go. Unlike airports in the US or Europe where all rental desks are grouped together in one area, Morocco airports have a split system that confuses many first-timers.

International Agencies vs. Local Agencies

Here’s the key distinction you need to understand:

International Agencies (Inside Terminal):

  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
  • Sixt

These agencies have official desks inside the arrivals terminal. You’ll find them immediately after you exit customs and baggage claim, usually in a clearly marked “Location de Voitures / Car Rental” area.

Local Moroccan Agencies (Outside Terminal):

  • First Car Rental Morocco
  • Key Car Morocco
  • Sarouty Cars
  • Medloc
  • Vacation Morocco Rentals
  • Numerous smaller local operators

These agencies do NOT have desks inside the terminal. Instead, their representatives wait outside the arrivals hall holding signs with your name or the agency logo.

Marrakech airport car rental desks area inside the terminal — international agencies are clearly marked

Marrakech Airport (RAK) Layout

At Marrakech airport car rental desks, here’s the exact flow:

  1. Land and go through passport control
  2. Collect your luggage
  3. Exit customs (green “Nothing to Declare” channel)
  4. Enter the main arrivals hall

If you booked an international agency:

  • Turn right as you exit customs
  • You’ll see the car rental desks along the right wall
  • Desks are clearly labeled with company logos
  • Usually 6-8 desks operating

If you booked a local agency:

  • Exit the terminal completely (go through the automatic doors to outside)
  • Look for someone holding a sign with your name or the agency name
  • They’ll typically be standing near the taxi area
  • Introduce yourself and they’ll escort you to the agency’s shuttle or office

Casablanca Airport (CMN) Layout

At Casablanca airport car hire location, the setup is similar but the terminal is larger:

Terminal 1 (International flights from Europe/Middle East):

  • Rental desks are in the arrivals hall after customs
  • Located along the left side as you exit
  • More crowded than Marrakech, especially 9 AM – 2 PM

Terminal 2 (Domestic and some regional flights):

  • Smaller terminal with fewer rental options
  • Some agencies operate from both terminals
  • If unsure, check your booking confirmation for terminal info

Pro tip: If you booked a local agency at Casablanca, they often have a small kiosk or representative inside Terminal 1 now (as of 2026), unlike Marrakech where they’re strictly outside.

Required Documentation: What You Actually Need

Nothing slows down the rental car pick up procedure Morocco more than missing or incorrect documents. Here’s exactly what you need to have ready before you approach the counter.

The Essential Four Documents

1. Valid Passport

  • Must be the same passport used for your flight
  • Must have at least 3 months validity remaining
  • Physical passport required (photos/scans not accepted)

2. Driver’s License (Original Physical Card)

  • Must be original — photos or copies are NOT accepted
  • Must have been held for at least 1 year (some agencies require 2 years)
  • European and North American licenses are generally accepted
  • Must be in Latin alphabet (Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese licenses require translation)

3. International Driving Permit (IDP) — Depends on Your License

This is where it gets confusing. Here’s the truth:

  • Legally required for: Non-French, non-English licenses
  • Rental agencies require for: Varies wildly by company
  • Police may ask for: Sometimes yes, sometimes no

My recommendation: Get an IDP regardless of your license. It costs $20-30, takes 15 minutes to obtain from AAA (US) or equivalent (other countries), and eliminates all ambiguity. Some rental agents will refuse service without it, especially local agencies.

Where it really matters: If you get pulled over by police or have an accident, the IDP can be the difference between a simple interaction and a complicated situation.

4. Credit Card (Physical Card in Main Driver’s Name)

This is non-negotiable and causes the most problems:

  • Must be a credit card (not debit card — they check)
  • Must be in the main driver’s name (matching the license and passport)
  • Must be physical card (phone/digital wallets not accepted)
  • Must have sufficient available credit for the deposit (€500-€1,500 typically)

Why they’re strict about this: The airport car rental security deposit Morocco is a hold/authorization on your credit card, not a charge. Debit cards cause complications because the money is actually withdrawn temporarily, and many banks block large debit holds from foreign merchants.

Essential documents for Morocco car rental: passport, driver’s license, IDP, and credit card — all originals required

Read More: Required Documentation Checklist →

Additional Documents You Might Need

Booking Confirmation:

  • Email confirmation (print or on phone is fine)
  • Booking reference number
  • Shows what you paid and what’s included

Flight Information:

  • Some agencies ask for flight number and arrival time
  • Used to track delays and no-shows
  • Usually on your booking confirmation anyway

Additional Driver License:

  • If you want to add another authorized driver
  • They must be present with their license and passport
  • Additional fee: €5-€10 per day

Common Documentation Problems and Solutions

Problem: “I forgot my physical driver’s license at home”

Solution: You’re out of luck. No rental agency will accept a photo or digital copy. You’ll need to: (a) have someone overnight ship it to your hotel, (b) use taxis/tours instead, or (c) hire a private driver for your trip.

Problem: “My credit card is in my spouse’s name”

Solution: Either: (a) make your spouse the main driver (if they have a valid license), or (b) some agencies allow spousal cards with marriage certificate (bring this if possible), but many don’t.

Problem: “My IDP is expired”

Solution: Get a new one. They’re only valid for 1 year. Most rental agents won’t accept expired IDPs even if your regular license is still valid.

Problem: “I only have a debit card, not credit”

Solution: This is tough. Some local agencies might accept debit with a significantly higher deposit (€2,000+), but most international agencies won’t. Try calling the agency directly before pickup to negotiate, but be prepared to need an alternative.

The Vehicle Inspection: Protecting Yourself from Scams

This is the most important part of the entire pickup process. A thorough inspection at pickup prevents disputes and surprise charges when you return the car. I learned this the hard way.

Why Inspection Matters in Morocco

Morocco’s rental car industry has a reputation for “damage claims” at return. Some agencies (not all, but enough) will try to charge you for pre-existing damage that wasn’t properly documented. The deposit hold on your credit card gives them leverage.

A proper inspection with photos/video is your insurance policy against this.

The Step-by-Step Inspection Protocol

Before Signing Anything:

Tell the agent: “I’d like to inspect the vehicle before signing the contract.”

Most will accompany you. Some will hand you the keys and say “it’s in spot X” — both are fine.

Step 1: Exterior Walk-Around (5-7 minutes)

Walk completely around the car in a circle, examining:

  • Bumpers (front and rear): Scratches, scuffs, cracks, dents
  • Doors (all four): Dings, scratches, dents
  • Side panels: Scratches, dents, paint chips
  • Wheels and hubcaps: Curb rash, missing hubcaps, scratches
  • Windows and windshield: Cracks, chips, deep scratches
  • Mirrors: Cracks, missing covers, scratches
  • Lights: Broken lenses, missing lights

How to document:

  1. Take photos of EVERY damage — even tiny scratches (they add up)
  2. Take 4 corner photos showing the full car from each angle
  3. Take close-up photos of any damage with your hand next to it for scale
  4. Optional but recommended: Take a 30-second video walking around the car narrating what you see (“Small scratch on rear left bumper, ding on driver door…”)

Step 2: Interior Check (3-5 minutes)

Get inside and check:

  • Seats: Rips, stains, burns (especially if you’re a non-smoker)
  • Dashboard: Cracks, missing pieces, broken vents
  • Controls: AC works, radio works, windows roll up/down, locks work
  • Floor mats: Present or missing, condition
  • Spare tire and jack: Check trunk (required by law in Morocco)
  • Warning triangle: Required by law — should be in trunk
  • First aid kit: Not always present but good to note
  • Fuel level: Note if it’s full or partial (should be full)

Photo/video the interior too:

  • One wide shot of interior showing seat condition
  • Photo of odometer showing mileage
  • Photo of fuel gauge
  • Photo of spare tire and jack in trunk

Thoroughly photograph all pre-existing damage during pickup inspection — your protection against return disputes

Read More: The Inspection Protocol (Critical!) →

Step 3: Update the Rental Agreement

Here’s the crucial part: Go back to the agent and say:

“I found several areas of existing damage not marked on the form. Can we update the diagram together?”

The rental agreement has a car diagram where they mark existing damage. Many agents rush through this or mark nothing. Do not accept this.

Go through your photos with the agent and make sure every significant damage is marked:

  • Front bumper scratch? Mark it.
  • Door ding? Mark it.
  • Side panel scuff? Mark it.

If the agent refuses or says “don’t worry about it”:

Say: “I appreciate that, but I’d prefer to have it documented for both our protection. Can we please mark these items?”

If they still refuse (rare but happens with sketchy agencies), write on the form yourself:

“Exterior damage noted in photos taken [date/time]. Existing scratches on front bumper, left door, rear panel. See customer photos.”

Then take a photo of the updated diagram.

The Return Inspection Preview

When you return the car, the agent will compare the vehicle’s current condition to this documented condition. If your car diagram shows “scratch on front bumper” and there’s still a scratch on the front bumper, no charge.

If your diagram is blank and there’s a scratch on the front bumper at return, they might claim you caused it and charge you €100-€300.

This documentation is your proof.

Red Flags During Inspection

Walk away or demand a different car if you see:

  • Significant damage (large dents, cracked windshield, broken mirrors) not marked
  • Bald tires with no tread
  • Warning lights on dashboard (check engine, oil, etc.)
  • Missing spare tire, jack, or warning triangle (you can be fined by police)
  • Fuel tank not full (unless contract specifies partial-to-partial)

Say: “I’m not comfortable accepting this vehicle in this condition. Can I have a different car?”

They’ll usually swap you immediately.

Time Investment

A thorough inspection takes 10-15 minutes. It feels tedious, especially after a long flight. But those 15 minutes can save you €300-€500 in disputed charges later.

I once skipped this step because I was tired. At return, they claimed I scratched the bumper. I had no photos proving otherwise. I disputed it with my credit card, but it was a hassle that could’ve been avoided.

Read More: Exiting the Airport & Navigation →

Exiting the Airport Perimeter: Getting on the Road

You’ve got your car, you’ve inspected it, you’ve signed the papers. Now you just need to leave the airport and start your adventure. Simple, right?

Not always. Driving out of Marrakech airport in particular has confused countless travelers with its one-way systems, multiple exits, and less-than-clear signage.

Marrakech Airport Exit Procedure

Step 1: Understand the Parking Lot Layout

Rental cars at Marrakech are parked in one of two places:

  • Official rental car parking lot: Directly in front of the terminal, clearly marked “Location de Voitures”
  • Long-term parking lot P1: Some agencies (especially local ones) park cars here to save money

The agent will tell you which lot and what parking spot number.

Step 2: Exit the Parking Area

This is where it gets tricky. The parking lots have one-way flow designed to prevent congestion, but it’s not immediately obvious which direction to go.

From the rental car lot:

  1. Get in your car, start it
  2. Follow the arrows/signs toward “Sortie” (Exit)
  3. You’ll drive away from the terminal (counterintuitive — you want to go toward the road, not the building)
  4. Follow the road as it curves left around the parking area
  5. You’ll reach a barrier/gate with an attendant

At the barrier:

  • Some rental agencies give you an exit ticket (look in the car’s visor or console)
  • If you have a ticket, hand it to the attendant — usually free
  • If no ticket, tell them “location de voiture” (car rental) — they’ll usually wave you through
  • Rarely, they ask for 5-10 MAD (€0.50-€1) parking fee — just pay it

Step 3: Navigate to Your Destination

Once you’re through the barrier, you have two main options:

Option A: To Marrakech City Center (Medina/Gueliz)

  1. Turn right out of the airport parking exit
  2. Follow signs for “Marrakech Centre” / “Centre Ville”
  3. You’ll join Avenue Mohammed VI
  4. Follow this straight for 6 km (about 10-15 minutes)
  5. You’ll reach the city center and see signs for Medina, Gueliz, etc.

GPS note: Put your riad or hotel address in Google Maps before leaving the parking lot. Morocco’s medinas are tricky to navigate, and you want directions ready.

Option B: To Highway (Casablanca, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains)

  1. Turn left out of the airport parking exit
  2. Follow signs for “Autoroute” (Highway)
  3. You’ll see signs for specific cities: “Casablanca” (A3 north), “Essaouira” (R207 west), “Agadir” (south)
  4. Follow the direction you need

Confusing part: The airport access road has a few roundabouts immediately after exit. Stay calm, follow your GPS, and watch for highway signs.

Marrakech Airport exit route — follow “Sortie” signs, pass the barrier, then choose city center or highway

Casablanca Airport Exit Procedure

Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport is larger and more modern, with clearer signage.

From rental car parking:

  1. Exit the parking lot following “Sortie” signs
  2. You’ll join the airport perimeter road
  3. Follow signs for “Autoroute” (highway) or “Casablanca Centre Ville” (city center)

To Casablanca city center:

  • About 30 km (30-40 minutes depending on traffic)
  • Follow A3 highway north, then take exit for “Casablanca Centre”
  • GPS highly recommended as Casablanca is a large, busy city

To other destinations:

  • Marrakech: A3 highway south (direct, 240 km, 2.5 hours)
  • Rabat: A3 highway north (90 km, 1 hour)
  • Fes: A3 north to Rabat, then A2 east (300 km, 3.5 hours)

Common Exit Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Driving the wrong way in the parking lot

Why it happens: You think “exit is that way” and drive against the arrows

Fix: Always follow the directional arrows painted on the ground, even if it feels like the long way

Mistake 2: Missing the highway entrance

Why it happens: You’re following GPS blindly and miss the “Autoroute” signs

Fix: Set GPS destination, but also watch for physical road signs. Morocco’s highway signs are clear — blue signs with “A” numbers (A3, A7, etc.)

Mistake 3: Heading toward departures instead of highway

Why it happens: The airport road loops back to the terminal, and you follow the loop instead of exiting

Fix: Look for “Sortie Aéroport” (Airport Exit) signs, not “Terminal” signs

GPS and Navigation Tips

Google Maps: Works well in Morocco. Download offline maps before your trip.

Waze: Also works and has real-time traffic and police alerts. Popular with locals.

Phone mount: Essential. Trying to hold your phone while driving is dangerous and illegal in Morocco (€200-€400 fine if caught).

Data: Buy a local SIM at the airport (Maroc Telecom or Orange counters are in the arrivals hall) — 10 GB for about 50 MAD (€5). This ensures GPS works everywhere.

Speeding the Process: Getting Out Faster Than Everyone Else

If you’ve ever stood in a 45-minute line at a rental counter while your vacation time ticks away, you know how frustrating the airport pickup process can be. Here’s how to skip (most of) that line.

Pre-Register Online (The #1 Time Saver)

Most major rental agencies now offer online check-in 24-48 hours before pickup. This is the single biggest time saver available.

How it works:

Read More: Speed Hacks & Pro Tips →

  1. You get an email 24-48 hours before pickup with a link
  2. Click the link and complete your rental agreement online
  3. Upload photos of your license and credit card
  4. Review and digitally sign the contract
  5. Receive a QR code or confirmation

At the airport:

  • Skip the main line
  • Go to the “Express Check-In” or “Online Check-In” counter (usually separate)
  • Show your QR code and ID
  • Agent verifies, prints contract, and hands you keys
  • Total time: 5-10 minutes instead of 30-45

Which agencies offer this:

  • ✅ Hertz (yes, works well)
  • ✅ Avis (yes, “Preferred” program)
  • ✅ Enterprise (yes, “Complete Clean Pledge” includes fast check-in)
  • ✅ Europcar (yes, “Privilege” program)
  • ❌ Budget (not consistently available in Morocco)
  • ❌ Most local agencies (no online check-in systems)

Pro tip: Even if you didn’t originally book with a program that offers this, it’s often free to sign up. Do it when you get the pickup reminder email.

Avoid Peak Hours

Rental counters at Morocco airports get absolutely slammed during certain times. Avoid these if possible:

Peak nightmare times (30-60 minute waits):

  • 10 AM – 2 PM daily: When European flights arrive (Ryanair, EasyJet, Air France waves)
  • Friday afternoons: Weekend travelers picking up cars
  • After delays or cancellations: Everyone rebooks and shows up at once

Best times (10-15 minute waits):

  • Early morning (7-9 AM): Before the European flight rush
  • Late afternoon (4-6 PM): Between waves of arrivals
  • Evening (after 7 PM): Very quiet but some counters reduce staff

Strategy if you land during peak:

  • Grab a coffee at the airport café for 30 minutes and let the line die down
  • Or, pre-register online so you skip the main line entirely

Have Everything Ready (The Efficiency Stack)

When you approach the counter, have these ready in hand:

  1. Passport (opened to photo page)
  2. Driver’s license (pulled out of wallet)
  3. IDP (if you have one)
  4. Credit card (ready to hand over)
  5. Booking confirmation (on phone screen or printed)

Fumbling through your bag for each document adds 2-3 minutes. Multiply that by 20 people in line and you see why lines move so slowly.

The “Express Denial” Technique

Rental agents are trained to upsell you on extras: GPS, additional insurance, child seats, additional driver, etc.

Some travelers politely listen to each pitch, which adds 5-10 minutes. Here’s how to speed through:

Agent: “Would you like to add our Premium Insurance package for full coverage?”

You: “No thank you, I’m all set with coverage.”

Agent: “How about a GPS unit for only €8 per day?”

You: “No thanks, I have navigation on my phone.”

Agent: “Child seat? Additional driver?”

You: “No thank you, just the car as booked please.”

Polite but firm. They can’t force you to buy extras (despite sometimes aggressive tactics). A simple “No thank you” works.

Exception: If you actually need something (GPS, child seat), say yes. But know that you probably don’t need “extra insurance” if you booked with full coverage already.

The Loyalty Program Shortcut

If you rent cars frequently (or plan to rent in Morocco multiple times), joining the agency’s loyalty program unlocks perks:

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards:

  • Skip the counter entirely at some locations
  • Go straight to the car with your app/QR code
  • Free additional driver (spouse/partner)

Avis Preferred:

  • Dedicated counter or skip-the-line
  • Free GPS in some regions
  • Faster service

Cost: Usually free to join. Benefits activate after 1-2 rentals.

Worth it for Morocco? If you’re renting for 7+ days or plan multiple Morocco trips, yes. For a one-time rental, maybe not.

The Local Agency Speed Factor

Interestingly, local Moroccan agencies are often faster than international agencies, despite not having fancy online systems.

Why?

  • Smaller customer volume (fewer people in line)
  • Less bureaucracy (no corporate upsell scripts)
  • Personal service (you’re often dealing directly with the owner or manager)

If you booked a local agency and they’re waiting outside with a sign, you might be in your car within 10-15 minutes total.

Trade-off: Less polished service, sometimes less English, and vehicle condition can vary more.

Final Checklist: Before You Drive Away

You’ve completed pickup, done your inspection, and you’re ready to go. Before you leave the parking lot, do this final 2-minute check:

✅ Adjust your seat and mirrors

  • Seat position comfortable?
  • Can you reach pedals easily?
  • Mirrors adjusted for your height?

✅ Locate critical controls

  • Where are the lights? (test them)
  • Where are the windshield wipers? (test them)
  • How do you open the gas tank?
  • Where’s the hood release? (in case you need to check oil)

✅ Test the AC/heat

  • Turn it on and make sure it works
  • Morocco can be 40°C+ in summer — you need working AC

✅ Check fuel level

  • Should be full or as stated in contract
  • Know where the nearest gas station is if needed

✅ Set up your phone/GPS

  • Mount secured?
  • Destination entered?
  • Music/podcasts ready? (Long drives ahead!)

✅ Review your route

  • Know your first turn out of the airport
  • Know which highway you’re taking
  • Estimate drive time to your first destination

✅ Emergency contacts saved

  • Rental agency phone number in your phone
  • Your hotel/riad number
  • Emergency: 19 (police), 15 (ambulance)

This 2-minute check prevents the “Oh no, how do I turn on the headlights?” moment at night on a dark road.

You’re Ready to Explore Morocco

The process of picking up a rental car at Morocco airports might seem overwhelming at first, but with this guide, you’re now more prepared than 95% of travelers.

You know where to find your rental desk, what documents to have ready, how to protect yourself with a thorough inspection, and how to navigate out of the airport without getting lost. You even know how to skip the line and save time.

Now comes the fun part: exploring Morocco on your own schedule. Whether you’re heading to the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the sand dunes of Merzouga, or the coastal charm of Essaouira, you’ve got the logistics handled.

Need more Morocco road trip guidance? Check out our complete Morocco road trip routes for detailed itineraries, or dive into our driving in Morocco guide for essential safety tips and road rules. And don’t forget to read our comprehensive car rental Morocco guide for booking tips and cost breakdowns.

Safe travels, and enjoy every kilometer of your Moroccan adventure!

Have questions about airport pickup? Drop a comment below — I respond to every one!

Bon voyage,
The Morocco Travel Trip Team