Car Rental Fes, Morocco: Tips for a Smooth Journey

Nov 06, 2025 0

Planning a trip to Fes? Car rental Fes can be tricky! Securing a reliable car rental Fes is paramount for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Did you know that 80% of travelers to Fes report experiencing at least one minor inconvenience related to transportation? This statistic highlights the importance of planning your Fes adventure meticulously, especially when it comes to choosing your mode of transport.

Essential Car Rental Tips for Fes

1. Book in Advance

Booking your car rental Fes in advance is crucial, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and fall). Allow at least 2-3 hours for online booking and comparison, ensuring you secure the best deal. The average booking time for a car rental Fes through our recommended agency, StephCar, is approximately 5 minutes, but planning your itinerary should take longer.

2. Research and Compare

Explore various car rental Fes companies online, checking reviews and comparing prices. Instead of relying solely on large international rental companies, consider smaller, local agencies like StephCar. They often offer more personalized service and better prices.

3. Choose the Right Vehicle

Select a car suitable for your needs. A smaller car is ideal for navigating the medina’s narrow streets.

4. Insurance is Key

For added peace of mind, opt for comprehensive insurance coverage. Accidents happen.

Read also: Explore Morocco with a Rental Car

5. Complete the Booking Accurately

Complete the online booking process, providing all necessary information accurately.

6. Refuel and Document

To ensure a smooth return process, fuel your rental car accordingly, and keep all necessary documentation readily available.

7. Be Aware of Driving Conditions

Driving at night isn’t recommended, regardless of how experienced you are. Street lights are non-existent and there are many potholes. Whatever chance you have of missing donkeys, kids, unmarked obstacles, or a stalled van during the day evaporates when the sun goes down. Just do NOT drive at night.

Driving in Morocco: Additional Tips and Considerations

While it may seem daunting at first, self-driving is way easier than it seems. Public transport won’t get you to interesting places, in fact, it won’t take you to many places at all. Having a car allowed me to visit places usually full of tourists, such as Ait Ben Baddou, without crowds as we arrived before tourist buses. Naturally, you can also opt for a private driver. The simple answer is: that it’s as safe as anywhere else. In fact, I think driving in Jordan is way worse and I managed to drive there without any issues with very little driving experience.

Prepare for a lot of honking, which means to get out of the way, as it’s part of Moroccan culture.

Read also: Car Hire in Rabat, Morocco

Similar to Mexico, in order to rent a car in Morocco you need a credit card. Why? Because the car rental agency will block a huge deposit on your card. It might be even $800 like it was in our case. This is why I stick to bigger services like Discover Cars, as there are no gimmicks with them.

Renting an automatic car is an option in Morocco, but it’s more expensive. We ended up with a manual car, so unless you know how to drive a manual car to be prepared to pay more. Don’t count on upgrading your car to automatic last minute.

English isn’t widely spoken in Morocco.

Just because one car rental company seems well-known and therefore might cost more, in Morocco the price doesn’t translate to quality. That said, don’t be afraid of booking the cheapest car available from local outfits. Local offices are much more flexible, cheaper and offer the same standard cars.

Last time in Morocco I pre-booked the car online and picked it up at the airport in Marrakech. We ended up paying $30 per day for a 4-door car.

Read also: Renting a Car in Casablanca

Gas is about $4 per gallon in Morocco, but remember it’s quoted in Liters. Diesel is significantly cheaper. Remember that the cheapest gas is at ZiZ stations.

You should advise your camp that you’re driving and they’ll arrange a place for you to park. Merzouga is a tiny village with not even one tourist restaurant or tourist parking. That said, it’s a very safe place so don’t worry about leaving your vehicle on the street overnight.

There is no problem with renting a car in Morocco with a valid driver’s license from your home country. Despite what some strange things say online your passport won’t be held until you return a car. If one of a rental place asks for you, run away.

Sometimes the car rental company may attempt to charge you for damages to the car that were already made when you picked up a car. Unfortunately, this can happen anywhere in the world - not just in Morocco.

Factor in at least 3-5 full days to explore the city’s medina, souks, and surrounding areas.

Think of your trip as a balanced meal: A proper car rental Fes is your protein - providing the foundation you need for your journey. Careful planning (your carbohydrates) provides energy, while efficient navigation (your vitamins) ensures a smooth ride.

Combine your car rental Fes with other activities: book a cooking class, explore the Fes el Bali medina with a knowledgeable guide, or enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam.

Planning your car rental Fes using these tips ensures a seamless and enjoyable adventure. Remember that meticulous planning is key, including time for exploration and unforeseen events.

Q&A

Q: Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in Fes?
A: An international driving permit is generally recommended, although not always mandatory.

Q: What type of car is best for driving in Fes?
A: A smaller car is ideal for navigating the medina’s narrow streets.

Q: What about parking in Fes?
A: Parking in Fes can be challenging, especially in the medina.

Q: What if I have a problem with my rental car?
A: Contact your rental agency immediately for assistance.

Don’t hesitate to contact StephCar, your premier car rental Fes agency, to help you make your Fes dream a reality!

About the Author: Anna Karsten is a travel blogger, historian and journalist. She has been traveling the world for the past 15 years, visiting over 100 countries and living on five continents. These days she often travels with her two small children and a cat.