Driving in Fes: Simple 2026 Guide

Driving in Fes is straightforward in the new town and difficult in the old medina, which is closed to cars. This guide explains where to park, how traffic behaves, which day trips to plan and how to choose the right car for the city.

How driving in Fes works

Fes has two main parts. The old city, Fes el Bali, is a maze of narrow lanes for pedestrians and mules, and cars cannot enter. The new town, the Ville Nouvelle, has wide boulevards, hotels, restaurants and car parks. Most visitors sleep in a riad in the medina and park outside.

Where to park

• Paid car parks near the main medina gates, such as Bab Boujloud and Bab Rcif
• Hotel and riad parking, which you should confirm before you book
• Street parking in the new town, with informal attendants who expect a small tip

If your riad is deep in the old city, ask the host to arrange a porter who meets you at the gate and carries your bags.

Traffic and road habits

Traffic is lighter than in Casablanca or Marrakech but still lively. Scooters appear on both sides, taxis stop without warning and pedestrians cross at any point. Keep a steady speed, watch the mirrors and leave space ahead. Our guide to speed limits in Morocco explains the limits and how checks work.

Day trips from Fes by car

Distances are approximate. Mountain roads in the Middle Atlas are slower than the map suggests, so allow extra time.

Which car for driving in Fes

A compact car is easiest in the new town and for parking by the gates. For the Middle Atlas, a compact SUV is more comfortable. Read our guide to the best car for a Morocco road trip for options by route.

Safety and practical tips

• Leave valuables out of sight, and never in the car overnight
• Use an official guide if you plan to enter the medina, to avoid pushy offers on the street
• Keep small cash for parking and for porters
• Carry your documents for police checks on the roads out of the city
• Check the weather for mountain trips, see our weather guide

Renting a car for driving in Fes

Pick up at the airport or have the car delivered to your hotel in the new town. Browse the مراكش و كازابلانكا pages for examples of cars and prices, and send us your dates for Fes. For first-time renters, our guide to renting a car in Morocco explains the paperwork.

Driving in Fes at different times of the year

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for driving in Fes, with mild weather and clear roads. Summer afternoons are very hot, so plan drives in the morning and the evening. Winter brings rain and cold nights, and mountain roads towards Ifrane and Azrou can be misty or snowy. Our guide to winter driving in Morocco covers what to prepare.

A simple day plan with a rental car

1. Collect the car in the new town after breakfast
2. Drive to Meknes or Volubilis and spend the morning there
3. Return to Fes for lunch and park outside the medina gates
4. Walk the old city in the afternoon with a guide
5. Return the car or keep it for the next day’s mountain drive

Whichever plan you choose, keep your passport, licence and rental papers in the car for road checks.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive into the Fes medina?

No. The old city is for pedestrians, so you park outside the gates and walk in.

Where do I park for the medina?

In the paid car parks near Bab Boujloud and Bab Rcif, or in your riad’s parking if it has any.

Is driving in Fes hard?

The new town is easy. Traffic is lighter than in the big coastal cities.

What are the best day trips from Fes?

Meknes, Volubilis, Ifrane and Azrou are all within about 80 km.

Do I need an SUV?

Not in the city. A compact SUV is more comfortable on the mountain roads of the Middle Atlas.