Hiring a car with driver in Morocco: a practical guide
Hiring a car with a driver is the most relaxed way to travel around Morocco. You keep the freedom of a road trip, without the stress of driving, navigating or parking in an unfamiliar country. This practical guide explains how a typical day works, how far you can comfortably travel and what is included in the price.
How a typical day works
Your driver collects you at your hotel or riad at the time you agree the evening before. You set the pace: stops for photos, coffee, lunch or a short walk are part of the journey. At the end of the day your driver drops you at your next accommodation and stays nearby, ready for the next morning. On multi-day trips the same driver stays with you from the first day to the last.
Driving times between popular cities
- Casablanca to Rabat: about 90 km, 1 h 15 min
- Marrakech to Essaouira: about 190 km, 2 h 45 min
- Marrakech to Casablanca: about 240 km, 2 h 45 min
- Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou or Ouarzazate: about 190 km, 3 to 4 h over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Fes to Chefchaouen: about 200 km, 3 h 30 min
- Fes to Merzouga: about 470 km, 7 to 8 h
As a rule, we plan no more than four to six hours of driving a day, so that you have time to enjoy the places in between. Fixed one-way prices for these routes are on our private transfers page.
Roads and driving in Morocco
Morocco’s main cities are linked by modern toll motorways, which are fast and comfortable. Mountain roads in the Atlas, such as the Tizi n’Tichka pass, are winding and slower. Police checkpoints are common on main roads and are part of normal travel; your driver deals with them. We avoid long drives after dark whenever possible, especially on mountain and desert roads.
What is included
The daily price is per vehicle and includes the driver, fuel, highway tolls, parking and all of the driver’s expenses, including his meals and accommodation on multi-day trips. Not included are your own hotels and meals, entrance fees to monuments and official local guides for city visits, which we can arrange for you.
Planning tips
- Spend at least two nights in the big cities such as Marrakech and Fes, so that you are not on the road every day.
- Break long journeys, for example Marrakech to Merzouga, with a night in the Dades valley or near Aït Benhaddou.
- Tell us about children, luggage and special needs when you book, so that we choose the right vehicle.
Booking and payment
Send your dates, route and number of travellers. You receive a day-by-day itinerary and a fixed price. A deposit of about one third confirms your booking and the balance is paid on the first day. See our booking, payment and cancellation terms.
