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Table of Contents
Driving in Marrakech is easiest when you plan where you will park and which roads to use. This guide explains how traffic works, where to leave the car near the medina, how to handle roundabouts and which roads lead to the main day trips.
How traffic works when driving in Marrakech
The city mixes cars, scooters, bicycles, horse carriages and pedestrians. Roads are wide in the new town and the Palmeraie, and narrow near the old medina. Move at a steady speed, watch for scooters that appear on both sides and give pedestrians space.
Roundabouts
Marrakech has many roundabouts, and priority is not always clear. Approach slowly, check who is already in the circle and do not assume that anyone will give way. Signal when you leave.
Parking near the medina
- Large paid car parks near the main gates, from where you walk in
- Hotel and riad parking, which you should confirm before you book
- Street parking in the new town, where car guards expect a small tip
The central square and many lanes of the old town are for pedestrians. Park outside and walk, or ask your riad where to leave the car.
Where to drive from Marrakech
| Destination | Approx. distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Essaouira | 180 km | Coast road, see our guide to Marrakech to Essaouira by car |
| Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou | 190 to 200 km | Mountain pass, allow a full day |
| Ourika Valley | about 60 km | Easy half-day trip |
| Agafay Desert | about 40 km | Short drive from the city |
Airport and renting a car
The airport is a short drive from the centre. Many suppliers can deliver the car there, or to your hotel. Browse the Marrakech rental page, compare SUVs in Marrakech or look at the Dacia Duster. For first-time renters, our guide to renting a car in Morocco is a good start.
Tips for visitors
- Download an offline map before you leave the hotel
- Avoid driving into the medina lanes
- Keep small cash for parking and car guards
- Plan mountain drives in daylight
- Check the weather before you go to the Atlas, see our weather guide
Common mistakes when driving in Marrakech
- Trying to drive into the medina lanes
- Following the satellite navigation into narrow roads
- Leaving the car on a street with no clear parking rules
- Overtaking carts and scooters without checking
- Starting a mountain drive late in the afternoon
A sample day with a car
- Leave the hotel by 8:30 and park near the gates of the old town
- Walk the medina and have lunch there
- Collect the car in the afternoon and drive to a garden or the palm grove
- Return before the evening rush
Driving in Marrakech in summer and winter
Summer is hot, and the car heats quickly when parked in the sun. Park in the shade or in a covered car park, and carry water. In winter, mornings are cool and mountain roads can be wet, so check the weather before you leave for the Atlas.
Choosing the right car for driving in Marrakech
A compact car is easiest in town, because it fits into small parking spaces and narrow streets. If you plan to drive to the mountains or the desert, a compact SUV is more comfortable. For groups, a van keeps everyone together, see the Hyundai Staria for an example.
Whichever car you choose, check the air conditioning, the tyres and the fuel level before you leave the pickup point. These three checks save most problems on the road.
More guides: driving in Fes.
Frequently asked questions
Is driving in Marrakech hard?
The new town is easy. The medina is not, so park outside and walk in.
Where do I park near the medina?
Use the paid car parks near the main gates or your riad’s parking.
Do I need a car in Marrakech?
Not for the medina. A car is very useful for day trips to the coast, the Atlas and the desert.
What is the best car for the city?
A compact car is easiest. Choose an SUV for the mountains.
Is it safe to drive at night?
The city is lit. Avoid mountain roads after dark.
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