Car Rental in Morocco: Easy Guide to Exploring the Country

Morocco, located in North Africa, is a vibrant country known for its diverse culture, rich history and stunning landscapes. Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the cities of Morocco are famous for their unique architecture and historical sites, where Berber, Arab and French influences prevail.

Read further the comprehensive car renting and driving guide in Morocco and perfectly organize your exotic journey!

Regarding the matter of car rental safety in Morocco, it is important to prioritize safety during your trip. Although car hire in Morocco is a convenient way to get around, you should keep in mind the following:

• The Moroccan road safety is good in highways and major roads and decent in urban roads. In rural areas, the road condition is not well-maintained and streets are steep and narrow.
• In major cities, the traffic is heavy.
• The driving style is aggressive and stressful.

To ensure your safety, please consider these important tips:

• Car rental company: Choose a reputable, international company.
• Inspect the vehicle: Before pick-up, check the car for any existing damage and document any issues with photos.
• Best insurance: Choose an insurance with wide coverage and low deductible, including theft protection.
• Know the rules: Familiarize yourself with Moroccan traffic laws and road signs.
• Avoid night driving: Roads can be poorly lit and animals or pedestrians might be on the road.
• Keep valuables secure: Do not leave valuables visible in the car to avoid break-ins.
• Use navigation app: As the cost to use your mobile phone for internet data may be high, you can ask for GPS from the rental company.

For experiences and testimonials from travelers about the safety in Morocco, check this thread about driving in Morocco.

As Morocco is a highly touristic country, there is high availability in rental cars, offered by popular rental companies.

Abbycar offers a great variety of different cars, ranging from small and economy to large and luxury, as well as SUV, automatic vehicles and vans.

Car rental in Morocco has many advantages, some of which are:

• Flexibility and freedom: Renting a car allows you to explore Morocco at your own pace, visit off-the-beaten-path spots and organize your itinerary as you wish.
• Convenience: With a car, you can easily reach remote areas, such as the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert, which is difficult to access via public transportation.
• Cost-effective for groups: For families or groups, renting a car is more economical than purchasing multiple tickets for public transportation.
• Comfort and safety: Having your own vehicle provides comfort and privacy, allowing you to travel in a relaxed and safe environment.

When comparing car rental with public transportation, it is sure that the latter is cheaper and helps avoid the driving stress in the streets of Morocco. However, keep in mind that public transportation in Morocco is very crowded, has limited access to various places and bus and train schedules are not very often.

Renting a car in Morocco may not be ideal in certain situations:

• Short stays in major cities: Renting a car in Casablanca or Rabat, for example, if you plan to stay only there for 1-2 days, is not necessary.
• No experience with difficult driving: If you are not experienced in driving in mountainous regions, it is better to avoid it.
• Short distances: For short distances, public transportation, guided tours or taxis can be more convenient and stress-free.
• No International Driving Permit: If you do not have an international driver’s license, renting a car in Morocco is not an option.

Renting a car in Morocco is a simple procedure. The step-by-step rental process consists of the following:

1. Choose from Abbycar’s user friendly platform or in person in one of our rental locations the vehicle type that meets your criteria according to your needs and budget.
2. Provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card.
3. A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card, but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.
4. You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove the existence of any prior damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.
5. You return the car at the drop-off point.

The required documentation to rent a car in Morocco is: 

• Driving license (International Driving Permit)
• Passport or ID
• Credit card under your name (the primary driver’s name).

The most useful tips to have a smooth rental experience in Morocco are:

• Obtain an International Driving Permit: It is required along with your national license.
• Book in advance: Make the reservation early, especially in high season.
• Choose the right car: A reliable car, which is suitable for most road conditions, such as an SUV, is the best option.
• Wide-coverage insurance: Choose an insurance with wide coverage and low or no deductible, including theft protection.
• Check the car: Inspect the rental car for damages before taking it. Take photos to prove its prior condition.
• Use navigation app: As the cost to use your mobile phone for internet data may be high, you can ask for GPS from the rental company.

The minimum age for car hire in Morocco is 25 years, but you can be as young as 22 years old if you pay an additional young driver fee. The maximum age is 64 years, but you can be as old as 85 years old if you pay an additional senior driver fee.

Tips for young drivers and car rental in Morocco you should remember:

• Choose the right car: Especially if you are an inexperienced driver, a small SUV car is the safest option to explore areas outside major cities.
• Drive safely: Roads in Morocco can be dangerous due to poor maintenance and inadequate lighting. Follow the speed limits and be careful with local driving habits​.
• Avoid night driving: For all the abovementioned reasons.
• Use GPS: You can ask for it from the rental company.
• Insurance: You may be required to pay extra insurance depending on the vehicle you choose. A wide-coverage insurance is the best option.

The most popular rental locations in Morocco are:

• Casablanca
• Marrakech
• Rabat
• Fez
• Agadir
• Essaouira

In these locations, you can rent the car at the airport, the city center or the main train station. 

If you are looking for the best rental deals in Morocco, consider the following tips:

• Travel in the low or mid-season and avoid July and August.
• Book in advance.
• Check for online offers and discounts.
• Prefer a reputational international rental company with local providers.
• Choose the same pick-up and drop-off point, for example car hire at Rabat airport.
• Read the rental agreement to avoid hidden charges.
• Choose a small car, if you travel in major destinations and not rural areas (where you need an 4x4 car).

Abbycar is one of the most affordable car rentals in Morocco, with worldwide reputation, offering super deals all-year-long. Plus, it has great variety in new and modern vehicles, 24/7 road assistance and excellent customer service.

Explore the sights of Morocco with Abbycar and get ready for an unforgettable journey!