Planning a family vacation to Morocco is exciting because you can explore a country rich in culture, history, and diverse landscapes. Renting a car in Morocco can enhance your family's travel experience as you explore at your own pace and access destinations that can be unreachable through public transportation. Our comprehensive guide covers why a rental car is necessary.
Renting a car in Morocco with kids offers several advantages. It allows for a flexible schedule and spontaneous stops along the way. Traveling by car adds comfort, especially for kids who need regular breaks or naps.
A rental car gives families access to remote areas like desert regions and the Atlas Mountains. These spots are often not reachable by public transport.
Still, long distances between destinations may be tiring for young children. Some roads are not well maintained in rural areas. You’ll also need to stay alert due to unpredictable local driving behavior.
Choosing the right car can make or break your trip. Consider the size of your family and how much luggage you'll carry.
A compact SUV offers a great balance between comfort, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability. It’s perfect for families exploring Morocco’s bustling cities and scenic rural routes. For example, if you plan to drive from Casablanca to Chefchaouen and then detour through the Atlas Mountains, a compact SUV can go through uneven roads and narrow city streets. It also provides enough cargo space for a couple of suitcases and outdoor gear.
A sedan works well for families with one or two children planning shorter city-to-city drives, like Rabat to Fes. It’s more fuel-efficient and easier to park in tight city spots. If your trip involves hotel stays and you’re packing light, a sedan is a good choice. This is also best for families visiting relatives in urban areas.
A van is the go-to option for families with three or more kids or when traveling with grandparents. The spacious interior comfortably fits passengers and large luggage, making it ideal for road trips from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. You can bring strollers, beach gear, or even groceries without feeling cramped. It’s also useful for families planning extended vacations with multiple stops. Long drives are more bearable for everyone on board.
Before picking up your car, review the Morocco car rental requirements carefully. Ensure you have the following:
Morocco rental car insurance is an important part of planning. Here's what to look for:
CDW protects you from paying the full cost of repairs if the car is damaged. However, it usually comes with a deductible. For families with kids, accidents like scrapes or bumps in tight medina streets can happen. CDW offers peace of mind, especially when juggling strollers, bags, and excited children in unfamiliar traffic. Just double-check the deductible amount before signing.
This coverage is essential, particularly when parking in unfamiliar areas or leaving luggage inside the car. If you're road-tripping across cities like Marrakech, Essaouira, and Agadir, Theft Protection ensures you're not financially responsible for the full car value if it’s stolen. Families carrying multiple bags, toys, and electronics will find this protection helpful during sightseeing stops where the vehicle is unattended for long periods.
Third-party liability insurance protects you if you accidentally damage another person’s car or property. It’s required in most rentals and especially important in busy cities like Casablanca. Imagine backing into a parked scooter or scratching another vehicle in a tight spot while kids play. This coverage saves your wallet from unexpected bills.
When traveling in Morocco with your family, booking your rental car in advance is recommended. It gives you access to a wider selection of vehicles. This is especially important if you need a larger car, extra luggage space, or child seats. Before landing, you can secure a minivan or SUV with added safety features and accessories.
Families flying into Casablanca Airport can step off the plane and get straight on the road. This way, you can skip long waits and language barriers at the rental counter. On the flip side, renting on arrival, such as at a local office in Marrakech, might save you a few dirhams. However, it comes with risks. Availability drops fast during school holidays or peak seasons like spring or December. You may end up with a compact car when you need more space. Or worse, no car at all.
For family trips covering multiple cities, say from Marrakech to Fes to Chefchaouen, advance booking can secure a better vehicle and lets you plan pick-up and drop-off locations across Morocco, which is harder to arrange last minute.
Driving in Morocco follows European rules. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited.
Speed limits are strictly enforced: 60 km/h in cities, 100 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on highways. It’s important to pay close attention to road signs, usually in Arabic and French. Also, be mindful of local driving habits, which can be unpredictable, especially in crowded cities like Casablanca or Marrakech.
Police checkpoints are common, particularly at city entrances and on rural roads. Drivers are typically asked for their passports, driver’s licenses, and rental documents, so keep those within reach. In more remote regions, road conditions can vary. Expect narrow, winding roads with limited signage.
If you're traveling with family, it's wise to plan your routes during daylight and avoid night driving whenever possible.
Rental prices vary depending on the car type, rental duration, and the time of year. For example, a compact car in Casablanca typically costs around $42.50 per day. However, rates may rise during peak travel seasons. Larger vehicles like SUVs or vans will naturally be more expensive, especially if you need extra luggage space or all-terrain capabilities for day trips outside the city.
In addition to the base rental fee, you’ll need to budget for fuel. Toll roads are common on major highways, depending on your route. Optional extras like child safety seats, GPS units, or additional drivers can also be added to your bill. Some rental companies may also charge for insurance upgrades, airport pickup, or after-hours returns.
To avoid surprises, always read the fine print and confirm the total cost before booking. Planning and comparing deals online can help you lock in lower rates and minimize extra fees.
Here’s a list of Morocco itineraries for families. Each route offers a mix of nature, cities, and culture.
Families can explore Casablanca’s seaside promenade before heading to Marrakech. Here, kids will love the colorful souks, snake charmers, and vibrant street performers in Jemaa el-Fnaa. From there, drive into the Atlas Mountains for fresh air, hiking, and visiting Berber villages. Children can enjoy mule rides while parents take in the mountain scenery. Family-run guesthouses offer authentic meals and a cozy stay.
Start in Fes to explore the medina’s winding alleys, visit tanneries, and enjoy sweet Moroccan pastries. Drive to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City, for relaxing walks. Take colorful family photos and browse local crafts. Kids often love the town’s calm vibe and friendly cats. From there, continue to Tangier, where beaches and ocean views await. Families can stroll the Corniche or visit the Caves of Hercules. This route offers a peaceful yet varied experience across northern Morocco.
Begin in Marrakech to explore gardens, palaces, and food stalls. Then, drive to Ouzoud Falls, one of Morocco’s tallest waterfalls. Families can picnic, hike to the base of the falls, and spot playful monkeys along the way. Return to Marrakech for a restful night, then drive to Essaouira, a breezy coastal town. Kids will enjoy camel rides on the beach and watching fishermen bring in their catch. With a slower pace and lots of open space, this makes a perfect family bonding.
Start your journey in Agadir, a laid-back beach city. Enjoy wide sandy beaches, a modern promenade, and family-friendly resorts with pools and kids’ clubs. Head to Paradise Valley, a lush oasis in the High Atlas foothills. The scenic drive takes you through palm groves and rock formations. Enjoy easy hikes, picnic by natural pools, and take a refreshing dip in the clear water.
Next, visit Taroudant, often called “Little Marrakech” for its charming medina and ancient city walls. It's much calmer than Marrakech and ideal for exploring with kids. Ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, shop for spices and souvenirs in the souks, and try local tagines in quiet courtyards. This itinerary offers a great mix of beach time, nature, and culture without long travel distances.
Renting a car in Morocco gives your family the freedom to explore unforgettable places on your schedule. Choose the right vehicle, know the Morocco car rental requirements, and prepare for varying road conditions. When you’re ready, book early through trusted providers like Finalrentals to explore Morocco’s mountains, medinas, and coastlines one scenic mile at a time.
