Marrakesh is one of the largest cities in Morocco, and is a popular tourist destination thanks to its vibrant markets, warm all-year-round weather, historic buildings and bustling nightlife. Driving in Marrakesh is generally considered challenging, due to heavily pedestrianised areas, poorly sign-posted and difficult to navigate roads and difficulty parking. However, despite driving in the centre of Marrakesh being somewhat difficult, the city’s surroundings are certainly worth exploring, and you may find that roads outside of the city centre are easier to drive on.
At Holiday Cars, we offer safe, secure and reliable vehicles to suit your every need and requirement. Whether you’re looking for an SUV, economy car, luxury car or 7-9 seater minivan, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for every time you use our helpful service. When looking for the best quality car hire in Morocco, look no further than Holiday Cars. We allow up to 48 hours cancellation, giving you flexibility and freedom to amend your booking without worrying about being charged. We also don’t charge any hidden fees or costs, giving you peace of mind that you’ll only pay for what you expect to pay for.
Driving Rules and Regulations in Marrakesh
Marrakesh has many driving rules and regulations that mirror the rest of Morocco. It’s best to avoid driving in busy city centres like Marrakesh and Rabat so as to avoid heavy traffic and fewer parking spaces. The surrounding areas in Marrakesh are perfect for exploring if you have a recently acquired rental car, but bear these rules in mind when driving:
- The general driving age in Morocco is around 18 years old, and to hire a vehicle you must be aged a minimum of 21 years.
- An IDP may be required for UK drivers depending on the length of your stay, but check your government website or with your car rental supplier for information on whether this is necessary.
- In Morocco, you drive on the right hand side of the road and overtake on the left, which is different to the UK. If you do plan to drive in Marrakesh, make sure you are comfortable and confident with driving on the opposite side of the road.
- Morocco has a lot of toll roads, with a major toll road running to Marrakesh. Tolls can usually be paid via cash or with toll transponders which your vehicle may already have. You may also be able to have the toll amount added to your rental price.
- The maximum national speed limit in Morocco is 120 km/h (75 mph). In built-up urban areas or cities, the speed limit is around 60 km/h (around 40 mph).
Top Tips for Driving in Marrakesh
Marrakesh is a beautiful city to explore, and while it may have many parking spaces, it’s a good idea to avoid driving in the city centre unless absolutely necessary– the busy crowds, tight spaces and lack of sign postage may make it difficult to drive. However, the outer suburbs and surrounding areas are perfect for exploring via car. Marrakesh Airport is a top car hire hub, with many people choosing to hire a vehicle from the airport and using it to get to the city centre or road trip. Airports usually tend to offer cheaper deals on car rentals than a downtown location, which is why they are normally more popular among car renters.
Hiring your vehicle is a straightforward process with every supplier. You’ll usually be required to provide the relevant documents to your supplier, which may include an IDP, a valid form of ID, a valid UK or EU driving licence and any registration or insurance documents. You’ll also need a valid form of payment, which most often is a credit card, however some rental companies may accept alternative payment methods such as debit cards or prepaid cards.
Parking in Marrakesh– A Guide
The main type of parking in Marrakesh is on-street parking, which can vary in price depending on the location and length of your stay. The price of parking can usually range between 5-10 Dirhams (Moroccan currency), again depending on the length of your stay and where you are parking.
When entering a car park, you’ll usually encounter a parking attendant who will ensure your vehicle is safe and secure for as long as you leave it. It may also be possible to park at Marrakesh Airport or in a hotel car park for a short time or overnight, which again varies in price.
Hiring your Car from Marrakesh Airport
Hiring a car from Marrakesh Airport is the best way to find cheaper deals on car hire. Airports tend to offer better rates on car hire than downtown areas, and there can be a wider selection of rental suppliers. Marrakesh Menara Airport offers car hire from a wide range of some of the world’s most well known car rental companies, the likes of which include Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Sixt, among many others.
If you want potentially even cheaper deals, rely on Holiday Cars to book your car hire. We can help you skip the queue and get to your rental vehicle seconds after stepping off the plane at Menara Airport. Our site is helpful and easy to use and navigate, with toggle tools and filters to help you narrow down your search for the perfect rental vehicle. We also offer one-way rentals, meaning that you don’t have to drop off your vehicle at the same place as where you picked it up from.
Types of Vehicles for Hire from Marrakesh
The main types of vehicles available for hire from Marrakesh Airport include SUVs, minivans, convertibles and small/large economy cars. The cheapest car available to rent from Marrakesh Airport is the Fiat Panda, with a daily price of around £5. The current most expensive vehicle available to hire from Marrakesh Airport is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, with a daily price of around £201. You can find cheap vehicles for hire from Marrakesh Airport with most of the suppliers available from there.