Quick answer: rent a car if you’re a confident driver, want total flexibility and don’t mind handling paperwork, navigation, parking and mountain roads yourself. Hire a private driver if you’d rather not drive in unfamiliar conditions, are travelling with family or luggage, are staying in medina riads, or are crossing the Atlas to the desert. UK drivers need a 1968 International Driving Permit plus their licence and an insurance green card. Morocco drives on the right, with speed limits of 60 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on other roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
What you need to drive in Morocco (UK travellers)
According to the UK government’s travel advice:
- carry both the 1968 International Driving Permit and your UK driving licence
- get a green card from your insurer as proof of minimum insurance cover
- after an accident, both parties complete a constat amiable (accident report form)
- drink-driving is a serious offence: any alcohol detected can mean a fine and possible imprisonment
- take extra care at night: poor lighting makes driving more dangerous
Travellers from other countries should check their own government’s advice.
Road rules at a glance
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Side of the road | Right |
| Speed limit in towns | 60 km/h |
| Speed limit outside towns (incl. expressways) | 100 km/h |
| Speed limit on motorways (autoroutes) | 120 km/h |
| Night driving | Poor lighting; take extra care |
Renting a car: pros and cons
Pros
- Total freedom over your timings and stops
- Good for long, flexible road trips when you’re confident on unfamiliar roads
Cons
- Paperwork and insurance (IDP, green card; check the rental excess)
- Navigation and mountain driving, for example the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,205 m)
- Parking at medinas: cars can’t enter most medina lanes, so you’ll park outside and walk with luggage
- Night driving is best avoided where possible
- One-way drop-off, if you end in a different city from where you started
Private driver: pros and cons
Pros
- Door to door, including to the nearest point to your riad
- No navigation, parking or night-driving stress
- Everyone can enjoy the views, including the person who would otherwise drive
- Flexible stops for photos, lunch and breaks
- One-way routes are normal (e.g. Marrakech → Sahara → Fes)
Cons
- Usually costs more than a rental car’s headline price
- Less spontaneous than having your own car keys; plan the big picture in advance
Costs to compare (without guessing)
Compare the total, not just the daily headline price:
| Rental car | Private driver |
|---|---|
| Daily rental rate + insurance excess cover | Price per vehicle (driver included) |
| Fuel | Check whether fuel is included (our routes list driver, fuel and tolls as included) |
| Motorway tolls | As above |
| Parking (medinas, hotels) | Included on our day trips and tours (listed on each trip page); check for other services |
| One-way drop-off fee | One-way is normal |
| Your time and attention | You’re a passenger |
See our fixed route fares for common city-to-city journeys.
Which should you choose?
| You are… | Best fit |
|---|---|
| A confident driver on a long, flexible road trip | Rental car |
| A family with young children and luggage | Private driver |
| Staying in medina riads | Private driver (or a rental car plus careful parking plans) |
| Crossing the Atlas to the Sahara | Private driver or a multi-day tour |
| Only travelling between big cities | Train, often simplest |
A mix works well: use a driver for the desert and mountain section and the train for city-to-city legs.
FAQ
Is it safe to drive in Morocco as a tourist?
It’s done by visitors every day, but prepare properly. UK drivers need a 1968 International Driving Permit, their licence and a green card. The UK government advises extra care at night, and zero tolerance applies to drink-driving.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Morocco?
UK travellers do: the UK government says to carry the 1968 IDP together with your UK licence. Other nationalities should check their own government’s advice.
Is it cheaper to rent a car or hire a driver?
A rental car usually has a lower headline price. Compare the total, though: fuel, tolls, parking, insurance excess and one-way fees, against a driver’s all-in price.
Can I drive into the Marrakech Medina?
Not into most of it. The Medina’s lanes are too narrow for cars, so you’ll park outside and walk in.
What are the speed limits in Morocco?
60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h outside them (including expressways) and 120 km/h on motorways.
Prefer to be driven? Send us your route on WhatsApp or see our fixed route fares.