Morocco Road Trip: Rental Car Itinerary Tangier to Marrakech

Morocco Road Trip: Rental Car Itinerary Tangier to Marrakech - Complete Guide

A self-drive road trip from Tangier to Marrakech is one of Morocco's most spectacular journeys, spanning 600km through Mediterranean coasts, Rif Mountains, imperial cities, and dramatic landscapes. This guide covers car rental, routes, driving times, highlights, accommodation, and a complete itinerary for the ultimate Moroccan road trip.

Road Trip Logistics

Car Rental Options

Rental Agencies Tangier:

• Hertz, Avis, Europcar (major international)
• Enterprise, Budget (economy)
• Local agencies (cheaper, more flexible)

Vehicle Costs (7 days):

• Economy (Dacia, Peugeot): €150-210
• Standard (Toyota Corolla): €200-280
• SUV (Jeep, 4WD): €280-400
• Luxury (Mercedes, BMW): €400-600+

Insurance:

• Basic liability: Included
• Damage waiver: €10-15/day
• Recommended: €70-105 for 7 days

Total Estimated: €200-350 economy; €350-450 standard (7 days with insurance)

Driving Requirements

Documentation:

• Valid international driving license
• Passport
• Vehicle registration/insurance documents
• Driving permit from rental company

Driving Rules:

• Right-hand traffic (drive on right)
• Speed limits: 40km/h city, 80km/h regional, 120km/h highway
• Seatbelts mandatory; helmets motorcycles
• No mobile phone driving (hands-free only)
• Alcohol: Maximum 0.6% blood alcohol

Road Conditions:

• Highways excellent (A1, A3)
• Regional roads good (paved, scenic)
• Mountain roads winding but navigable
• Petrol stations regular; cash required often

Route Options: Tangier to Marrakech

Coastal Route (7-8 Days, 600km)

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Tangier → Tetouan (70km, 1.5 hours)
• Day 2: Tetouan → Chefchaouen (65km, 2.5 hours)
• Day 3: Chefchaouen → Fes (220km, 4 hours)
• Day 4: Fes exploration (no driving)
• Day 5: Fes → Meknes (60km, 1 hour)
• Day 6: Meknes → Marrakech (440km, 6.5 hours direct OR split 2 days via Sahara)
• Day 7-8: Marrakech exploration

Highlights:

• Tangier medina and casbah
• Rif Mountain scenery (Tetouan)
• Chefchaouen blue city (photo-worthy)
• Fes ancient medina (UNESCO)
• Meknes imperial city
• Marrakech final destination

Best For: Balanced mix culture, nature, cities; moderate driving

Mountain/Desert Route (8-10 Days, 800km)

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Tangier → Chefchaouen (135km, 3.5 hours)
• Day 2-3: Chefchaouen (hiking, exploration)
• Day 4: Chefchaouen → Fes (220km, 4 hours)
• Day 5: Fes exploration
• Day 6: Fes → Ifrane (90km, 2 hours) - mountain route
• Day 7: Ifrane → Merzouga (280km, 5 hours, Sahara)
• Day 8: Merzouga (desert exploration, optional camel trek)
• Day 9: Merzouga → Dades Valley (340km, 6 hours)
• Day 10: Dades → Marrakech (340km, 5.5 hours via High Atlas)

Highlights:

• All above plus Ifrane (Alpine Switzerland-like)
• Merzouga Sahara desert
• Dades Gorge dramatic canyons
• High Atlas mountain pass

Best For: Adventure seekers, desert lovers, longer trip

Direct/Fast Route (2-3 Days, 600km)

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Tangier → Fes (410km, 6 hours)
• Day 2: Fes exploration
• Day 3: Fes → Marrakech (465km, 6.5 hours)

Route: Highway A1 → A3 (faster but less scenic)

Best For: Limited time, direct destination focus

Complete 7-Day Itinerary: Tangier to Marrakech

Day 1: Tangier → Tetouan (70km)

Driving: 1.5 hours

Tetouan Highlights:

• Spanish colonial architecture
• Medina whitewashed buildings
• Oued Martil river views
• Local beach (Mar Chica)

Accommodation:

• Budget: Riad Tetouan €30-50
• Mid-range: Hotel Blanco Riad €70-100
• Luxury: Sofitel Tetouan €180-250

Meals:

• Lunch: Fish tajine (waterfront) €8-12
• Dinner: Traditional couscous €10-15

Day 2: Tetouan → Chefchaouen (65km)

Driving: 2.5 hours (winding mountain road)

Chefchaouen Highlights:

• Iconic blue-washed medina
• Plaza Outa el Hammam (central square)
• Spanish Mosque overlooking city
• Mountain hiking (nearby waterfalls)
• Photography paradise (blue hour)

Accommodation:

• Budget: Riad Medina €25-45
• Mid-range: Casa Andaluz €80-120
• Luxury: Riad Dar Anika €150-200

Activities:

• Medina wander (2-3 hours)
• Mountain hike (4-5 hours)
• Sunset from Spanish Mosque (free)

Meals:

• Lunch: Local chicken tagine €8
• Dinner: Pizza/international €10-15

Day 3: Chefchaouen → Fes (220km)

Driving: 4 hours (descending mountain to valley)

Route Scenic: Winding through Rif Mountains

Fes Highlights:

• UNESCO Fes medina (oldest in Morocco)
• Tanneries (leather working, ancient)
• Al-Attarine Mosque architecture
• Souks labyrinthine
• Bab Boujloud Blue Gate

Accommodation:

• Budget: Riad Fes €35-60
• Mid-range: Riad Palais Avenida €90-130
• Luxury: Palais Jamai €250-350

Evening: Explore medina, dinner local restaurant

Day 4: Fes Exploration (No Driving)

Must-See:

• Medina old city (UNESCO) - guided tour 2-3 hours
• Tanneries viewing (€2-3, photos)
• Al-Attarine Mosque courtyard
• Souks spice, leather, metalwork
• Bab Boujloud gate (photo-worthy)

Activities:

• Hammam traditional (€5-10)
• Cooking class (€45-75)
• Sunset from Borj Nord (free, panorama)

Meals:

• Breakfast: Bissara soup €1-2
• Lunch: Pastilla (meat pie) €5-8
• Dinner: Fish couscous €8-12

Day 5: Fes → Meknes (60km)

Driving: 1 hour (easy regional road)

Meknes Highlights:

• Bab Mansour gate (monumental)
• Royal Palace grounds
• Medina traditional
• Stables historic (Dar Ma'amen)
• Volubilis Roman ruins (35km detour, 1-2 hours)

Accommodation:

• Budget: Riad Amir €30-50
• Mid-range: Riad d'Orsay €75-110
• Luxury: Transatlantique €180-250

Volubilis Detour (Optional):

• Roman colonial city
• Excellent mosaics/architecture
• Viewpoint overlooks Fes
• Entry: €3

Meals:

• Lunch: Chicken with preserved lemon €7-10
• Dinner: Couscous royal €10-14

Day 6: Meknes → Marrakech (440km)

Driving: 6.5 hours direct OR split across 2 days via Sahara

Option A: Direct Route (6.5 hours)

• Highway A3 via Marrakech
• More direct but less scenic
• Late arrival evening

Option B: Sahara Route (10 hours split 2 days)

• Meknes → Merzouga (330km, 5 hours)
• Overnight Merzouga desert
• Merzouga → Marrakech (340km, 5.5 hours)
• Desert experience added
• More expensive (extra night)

Recommendation: Sahara route if time permits (more memorable)

Days 7-8: Marrakech Exploration

Marrakech Highlights:

• Jemaa el Fna plaza (bustling, food stalls)
• Koutoubia Mosque (iconic)
• Medina souks
• Majorelle Garden (blue, serene)
• Atlas Mountains day trip (optional)
• Palmeraie oasis

Accommodation:

• Budget: Riad Karmela €35-60
• Mid-range: Dar Anika €100-150
• Luxury: La Mamounia €350-500+

Activities:

• Day 1: Jemaa el Fna, medina, souks (5 hours)
• Day 2: Majorelle Garden (2 hours) + Atlas mountains (full day)

Meals (Marrakech expensive):

• Lunch: Tajine €8-15
• Dinner: Traditional palace riad €15-25

Driving Tips and Safety

Practical Driving Advice

Navigation:

• Google Maps works (offline maps downloaded)
• Waze available (real-time)
• Printed maps backup (less reliable)

Fuel:

• Petrol stations every 50-100km
• Most accept cash (Euros, Dirhams)
• Some major stations accept cards
• Fill up before remote areas

Parking:

• Medinas: Park outside, walk in
• Hotels: Parking provided or guarded street
• Street parking: Unofficial attendants (€1-2 tip)

Toll Roads:

• A1/A3 highways have tolls
• €3-8 per section (Tangier-Fes ~€12)
• Pay booth with cash/card

Safety

Crime: Very low on highways/routes; avoid driving night Police: Traffic stops rare; checkpoints possible (documents check) Road Conditions: Excellent highways; mountain roads winding but good Weather: Rain winter (December-February); clear spring/fall

Rules Enforcement:

• Speed cameras on highways
• Speeding fines €150-300
• Seatbelt mandatory (€50 fine)

Accommodation Summary (7-Day Trip)

FAQ

Is the drive difficult?

No. Highways excellent; mountain roads winding but navigable. Safe driving speeds recommended.

What's the best season to drive?

April-May or September-October (mild weather, clear visibility). Avoid December-February (rain).

Can I rent automatic transmission?

Yes, standard is automatic. Manual available cheaper but not recommended.

Is the drive safe solo?

Yes, very safe. Highways well-traveled; locals friendly. Women solo drivers report no issues.

How much will the trip cost total?

Budget: €600-900 (car, petrol, accommodation, food). Mid-range: €1,200-1,600. Luxury: €2,000-2,800.

Should I hire a driver instead?

Personal preference. Self-drive: freedom, cheaper, better control. Driver: less stress, expertise, cultural insight.