Renting a Car in Marrakech: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking of renting a car in Marrakech? If so then read this epic guide on how to rent a car in Marrakech.

See, I’ve been living in Morocco since January of 2023. I have also lived in Marrakech on and off that entire time. So, I know exactly how and where to get a rental car.

But, the real question is, do you need a rental car in Marrakech? For most people, the answer is “no”. Marrakech is a VERY busy city with tons of traffic and aggressive drivers who do NOT like to follow the rules of the road.

Add in a fleet of scooters that like to dart out in front of you, as well as a few rogue camels and donkeys, and you have a very stressful place to drive.

Additionally, Marrakech has plenty of buses and taxis (I prefer the InDrive rideshare app since they don’t overcharge you) that you can use to get around if needed.

In reality, though, you’ll only need to use them outside of the Medina since this area is pedestrianized and closed off to vehicles.

Therefore, I would only pick up your rental car in Marrakech once you’re done visiting the city and are ready to leave.

I would also only rent a car if you are doing a fun Morocco road trip from Marrakech to Fes, with a stop in the Sahara desert.

Basically, every other major city in Morocco is easily accessible from Marrakech by bus, train, or plane. So, it would be much cheaper and easier to travel from Marrakech to Casablanca by train or to fly from Marrakech to Fes by plane.

If you do decide to rent a car in Marrakech, be sure to pick up your car at the Marrakech Menara International Airport. This way you can avoid driving through the heart of the city and can just hop directly on the highway from here.

I would also book your car WELL in advance (a couple of months). It’s a great way to get the BEST rates possible and to guarantee that you get an automatic car since very few automatic cars are available here.

So, if you’re ready to rent a car then have a look at this mega comprehensive guide. It will tell you everything you need to know about how to rent a car in Marrakech, how much a car rental costs in Marrakech, the best places to rent a car in Marrakech, and safety tips for driving in Marrakech.

By the end of this post, you will be an expert on renting a car in Morocco and will have all the info you need to plan an amazing trip.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Place to Rent a Car in Marrakech

If you choose to rent a car in Marrakech, it’s important to know where to find the best car rentals.

I always use Discover Cars whenever I need a vehicle in Marrakech. I like Discover Cars because they have a competitively priced full-coverage policy that is comprehensive and that protects against most damage.

Trust me, I’ve had my share of minor accidents in Marrakech, and their coverage has always been amazing.

I also like that Discover Cars functions much like Skyscanner. So, they’ll instantly compare rates between local and international rental companies. Thia way you ALWAYS get the best deal possible.

You even have the option of canceling your rental up to 48 hours before you pick it up. This is great because if your plans change then you won’t be out a ton of money.

Now, let’s take a closer look at Discover Cars to see if they are the right choice for you!

How to Rent a Car with Discover Cars

As I mentioned earlier, I have been in Morocco since January 2023. While I spend the majority of my time in Essaouira, I have lived on and off in Marrakech (yeah, the summers are just way too hot for me).

During this time, I’ve rented cars many times and have done many road trips from Marrakech to Fes.

I like renting a car because it provides me with greater flexibility and allows me to explore more unique destinations that are difficult to reach via public transportation.

Whenever I rent a car 🚙 in Marrakech, I always use Discover Cars. I LOVE their rock-bottom prices and that I can cancel my rental up to two days before my trip.

However, let me share my experience with Discover Cars so that you understand why I always use them.

Renting a Car in Marrakech Online with Discover Cars

When you’re ready to book your rental car, go to the Discover Cars website and enter your travel dates along with your desired pick-up location. I personally would pick my car up at Marrakech Menara Airport and NOT in the city center.

⚠️ ONLY RENT FROM HIGHLY-RATED PROVIDERS. I make sure to use the rating filter on the left side of the screen and only look at agencies with 7.5 stars or more.

While some companies with lower ratings appear cheaper, always remember that a lower price doesn’t always guarantee better service.

I mean, I don’t know about you but I would rather spend a bit more money on a quality vehicle and excellent customer service so that I can have an amazing trip.

Sure, you can save a few dollars using a low-rated company. But, you risk having a terrible experience when they give you an awful car.

Plus, these low-rated companies often stick you with hidden fees that accumulate quickly, making your rental much more costly than if you had just rented from a high-quality company to begin with.

Expert Tip: When using Discover Cars to book your rental car, ALWAYS adjust the website to show the flag of the country that issued your driver’s license. Not doing so could nullify the price you see on the site.

Get Full Coverage with Discover Cars

I always go for Full Coverage when renting a car through Discover Cars because of their competitive rates.

In fact, their website states that 85% of customers prefer a Full Coverage Policy since it offers peace of mind and comprehensive protection.

For only $11.00 per day, Discover Cars covers up to 53,700 Dirhams (about $5,370 USD) in damages in case of an accident.

This extensive coverage takes care of everything from bodywork and dents to scratches, window damage, tire issues, towing, and lost keys.

With Full Coverage, you can relax and not have to worry about giant potholes or hitting a tree since all of those damages are included in their policy.

Therefore, if you’re searching for a hassle-free vacation then Full Coverage with Discover Cars is the way to go.

What’s Covered By The Full Coverage Policy?

Before renting a car through Discover Cars, it’s important to understand the details of their Full Coverage Policy.

Yes, the policy provides substantial protection. But, it does not cover everything. In fact, there are specific exclusions you should be aware of before booking.

It’s important to know that car rental companies in Marrakech are legally obligated to accept the Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy.

In my experience, local agencies honor this policy without issue, which is why I only rent from reputable companies that prioritize customer service.

It’s also worth mentioning that whenever I’ve rented through Discover Cars, local rental companies have tried to upsell me their insurance. I always decline since my Discover Cars policy satisfies Morocco’s various legal requirements.

However, be prepared for the company to put a hold on your credit card, typically between 8,000 and 10,000 Dirhams ($800 to $1,000 USD).

Assuming the car is returned in good condition, you’ll receive your deposit back without complications. However, if there’s any damage, the repair costs will be deducted from your deposit.

You’ll then need to file a claim with Discover Cars to get your money back. This process is generally straightforward and often takes just 48 hours…MAX.

At least, as long as the damage does not exceed 53,700 Dirhams ($5,730). This is the total amount of damage the policy covers and what you’ll be reimbursed for with the Full Coverage Policy.

Filing a Claim with Discover Cars

Thankfully, submitting a claim to Discover Cars is very simple. All you need to do is log in to their website using the details from your confirmation email to initiate the claim.

You can then expect to receive a response within 48 hours, and you’ll be covered for up to $5370.00 worth fo damages under their Full Coverage Policy.

TBH, their Full Coverage Policy is WAY more affordable than what many private car rental companies charge.

I know some car rental companies in Marrakech have tried to charge me upwards of $30.00 per day for similar policies. In contrast, Discover Cars sells theirs for just $11.00 per day.

However, if you prefer to get insurance from a private car rental company in Marrakech, then you can always book your vehicle through Discover Cars and pay for the insurance when you pick up your car.

DISCLAIMER

The information I am sharing is based on my own experience using Discover Cars and renting cars in Marrakech.

I have used Discover Cars several times and have never had an issue. But, I cannot promise that you will have the same experience since every agency is different.

My intention in writing this article is simply to assist you in planning the best possible trip to Marrakech.

So, if you choose to book through Discover Cars, PLEASE get a vehicle from a well-rated company for the best experience possible.

I think my positive experiences are largely because I only rent from reputable providers with a rating of 7.5 or higher.

But, if you have further questions then contact Discover Cars directly. You can also read real customer reviews on TrustPilot, where the company holds an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars from over 169,000 users.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent a Car in Marrakech?

The price of renting a car in Marrakech varies depending on the season and how early you reserve your vehicle.

If you choose to rent during the offseason and reserve your car four months in advance, rates can be as low as $9.00 per day. It’s rare but I have seen it happen, especially if you can drive a manual car.

A more common rate is around $40.00 per day for a 4-door Dacia or Logan since these are the types of cars you’ll probably be renting in Marrakech.

While they aren’t the best cars I’ve ever driven, they are reliable and will safely get you from one place to another.

On the whole, I prefer renting from Discover Cars since you know how much they will charge you up-front.

Yeah, any time I try to go to a local agency, they attempt to charge me more because I am a foreigner and they think I have no idea how much a rental should cost.

Just remember, most rental cars in Morroco are manuals. So if you need an automatic then book your car well in advance.

Finally, remember that fuel is sold by the liter and costs around $5.50 per gallon or 15 Dirhams ($1.50) per liter, with diesel being cheaper than regular gas. I typically go to ZIZ stations to refuel since they have the best prices.

When refueling, always have cash on hand since many stations don’t accept credit cards. You also won’t be allowed to pump your own gas, so an attendant will assist you.

Local Tip: English isn’t as common in Morocco as it is in other countries. In fact, many Moroccans are fluent in French, not English. So, don’t be surprised if staff at car rental agencies don’t speak English.

Do You Need an International Driver’s License (IDP) in Marrakech?

.You do not need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Marrakech, or anywhere else in Morocco.

A valid driver’s license from your country of residence, and a credit card, are all you need. I would also bring your passport with you just in case they ask for it. But, if they ask to keep your passport then say “no” because that is a HUGE red flag.

Generally, you’ll need a credit card because the agency will want to put a deposit on the card to protect themselves against any potential damage to the vehicle.

This deposit will then be returned to you if you bring the car back in tip-top shape. However, if you do dent, scratch, or break the car then the rental company will use the deposit to cover the cost of any future repairs.

But, if you choose to purchase a Full Coverage Policy through Discover Cars, then you can submit a claim to them for reimbursement for any expenses you incurred.

I also recommend using videos and photos as proof of the car’s condition before you leave the lot. This evidence can then be used to protect yourself if the rental agency tries to charge you for damages that were already present.

Is It Safe to Rent a Car in Marrakech?

While Marrakech is a very safe city, I really don’t think it’s all that safe to rent a car in Marrakech. The streets are packed with cars and scooters and camels and donkeys that all ignore the rules of the road.

Vehicles, and people, basically go wherever they like with total disregard for things like turn signals and traffic lights.

So, unless you are SUPER comfortable with driving in chaotic cities, like NYC, I would not recommend renting a car in Marrakech.

Instead, wait until you leave the city and then pick up your car at the airport. This way you can avoid driving through the heart of the city and can just get on the highway on your way out.

Finally, if you do have a rental car in Marrakech, be sure to put all your valuables in the trunk. Break-ins aren’t super common but they do happen. And the last thing you want is for your luggage to get stolen at the start of your trip.

Yeah, renting a car in Essaouira is VERY different from renting a car here.

Do You Need to Be an Experienced Driver to Drive in Marrakech?

YES!!! A thousand times yes!!! Marrakech is a very loud and chaotic city where no one follows the rules and where there are tons of scooters darting around all over the place.

Therefore, I do not recommend driving in Marrakech unless you have a lot of experience and know how to handle extremely stressful situations.

I mean, turn signals mean nothing and people will honk at you the MINUTE the light turns green. So, unless you think you can deal with this I would avoid driving in Marrakech.

I love Marrakech and think Marrakech is worth visiting. But, man oh man is it an AWFUL place to drive. I 100% do NOT recommend it.

If you do decide to drive in Marrakech, please read the section below so that you know what to expect during your 3 days in Marrakech.

Driving in Marrakech

If you decide to rent a car here then you are going to have to learn how to drive in Marrakech. After all, it is a very busy city where driving can be challenging, to say the least.

So, here are some local Marrakech tips to help you stay safe while driving through the city.

• Always Wear Your Seatbelt – Everyone in the car (passengers included) MUST wear a seatbelt. Failure to do so could result in a 300 Dirham($30.00) fine.

• Do NOT Drink and Drive – There is a ZERO tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving in Morocco. So, if you drink in Marrakech or have alcohol in Morocco then avoid driving and get a cab instead.

• Use Paid Lots – Parking can be a nightmare in Marrakech and it can be hard to know where you can and cannot park your car. When in doubt, use a paid lot. It costs a bit extra but your car will be safer here. Just follow the blue signs with a white “P” on them.

• You Do NOT Need an International Driver’s License (IDP) in Morocco – All you need to rent a car in Morocco is a credit card and a valid driver’s license from your home country. Sometimes they’ll ask for a passport but that is about it. If they ask to keep your passport that is a HUGE red flag since that is not common practice at all.

• Always Keep Your Eyes on the Road – The roads of Marrakech are packed with scooters, bikes, horses, donkeys, camels, and small children trying to rescue their soccer balls. ALWAYS be vigilant and have your eyes on the road, especially since other vehicles do not follow the rules of the road and basically do whatever they want.

• Be Extra Careful Around Scooters – These motorbikes are EVERYWHERE and dart out in the middle of nowhere. So, be extra careful around them. If you hit one in a car, the accident is automatically your fault, no matter what.

• Know the Speed Limit – On most roads in Marrakech, the speed limit is 60 km/h. However, once you get outside the city it is 100 km/h and then 120 km/h on highways.

• Cars Do NOT Stop for Pedestrians at Crosswalks – Do not be shocked when cars do NOT stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. TBH, most cars in Marrakech will probably honk at you if you stop for pedestrians. Just go with the flow of traffic and watch out for people walking in the streets since many Moroccans don’t walk on sidewalks.

• Turn Signals Are Meaningless – Don’t rely on people using their turn signals. They either don’t use them or use the wrong one. Just go slowly and remain vigilant on the road.

• People Drive in the Middle of Two Lanes – Many cars in Marrakech drive in the middle of two lanes. So, don’t be surprised if this happens. Drivers usually do this to make room for motorbikes on the side of the road.

• Drivers Use Their Horns All THE TIME – You will get honked at all the time in Marrakech. So, get ready for it. Yeah, people like to honk at you to “move” the minute a light turns green. It basically a way of saying, “Hi! I’m here. Please move out of the way!”

Conclusion

The bottom line is that I do NOT recommend renting a car in Marrakech. Please, save yourself the hassle and use the bus or opt for a taxi/In Drive driver (like Uber) instead.

If you do need a rental car – because let’s be honest, road-tripping from Agadir to Essaouira is awesome – please wait to get your rental car until after you leave the city.

If possible, try to pick your car up from the airport so that you can avoid driving through the chaos of the city.

Additionally, be sure to book your car rental EARLY (like a few months in advance). This way you can save money and get an automatic car if you need it.

Yeah, automatics are hard to come by in Morocco. So, reserving one early is KEY if you want to rent a car in this gorgeous city.

Otherwise, just enjoy your trip. And if you liked this post, be sure to join our email list and Facebook group for even more awesome Morocco travel tips.

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