Car Rental in Fes

With its UNESCO-listed medina, Fes stands out for its colorful souks and an old town that is easy to explore on foot! But that's not all; you can also visit Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and even the forests of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas. Naturally... renting a car will enhance your experience, provided you prepare well for the rental! In this guide, I will review all the essential information on car rental in Fes and help you avoid any nasty surprises if a small detail slips your mind...

Like many destinations, it depends on what you plan during your stay. If you are only staying in the medina and nearby areas, renting a car won't offer much. The medina is pedestrian-only and parking around is limited... In this case, taxis are convenient and inexpensive!

On the other hand, if you want to explore Meknes, Volubilis, Ifrane, and the roads of the Middle Atlas, renting a car quickly becomes appealing. Of course, intercity taxi rides are possible, but they can become expensive if you have multiple trips. With a car, you'll be 100% independent and will save money!

Fès-Saïs Airport hosts the majority of international and local rental agencies. Thus, renting at the airport is convenient if you want to be autonomous right from your arrival or if you have a packed schedule. There, you will find local agencies offering more competitive rates than major chains, but the quality of vehicles and service should be verified, so be cautious.

You will also find rental agencies in the New Town and near bus or train stations. I find this point interesting if you want to enjoy Fes on foot for a few days before heading out on a road trip. In this case, you save on rental costs for the days when the car isn't in use!

Now, let's be clear, the main drawback of renting locally is the availability. It's clearly the wrong choice during high season when prices skyrocket! Not only that, but many models are hard to find... This is especially true for SUV models and automatic transmissions.

It's a great way to calmly compare offers and lock in a rate. You can go through Discovercars, which is a reliable and highly effective comparator! This is particularly useful if you are traveling during school holidays, religious holidays, or summer: peak demand periods! Comparators display prices from major agencies, but you should also check directly on local agency websites that offer complete insurance included in the price!

Another advantage to consider: you'll be sure to get the vehicle of your choice and avoid nasty surprises at the counter. Additionally, at an airport like Fes, the procedure is much quicker, which can make a difference if multiple flights arrive at the same time as yours...

Renting a car in Fes is affordable if booked at the right time!

During the low season, it's not impossible to find rental cars starting at €15 per day for a mini car or a small hatchback. Expect to pay from €20 per day for a compact model! If you're heading to Fes in the middle of summer, prices start at around thirty euros minimum.

For those looking to rent larger vehicles like SUVs or vans, you will have to pay more, with rates often exceeding €100 per day! However, you'll notice that prices are more accessible compared to other destinations. Just keep in mind that the deposit is high and other significant options should be included in the budget... And that can add up!

The location where you pick up your vehicle can inevitably impact your journey! Renting at Fès-Saïs Airport is convenient if you want to be autonomous from the moment you land, especially for those heading out on a road trip. And obviously, it's also where most agencies are located!

However, if you're spending a few days in Fes without moving around much, renting in the city allows you to avoid paying for days when the car would just stay parked. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the best solution is to rent in the city, although the choice of available cars is more limited compared to the airport.

Finally, if you plan to return the vehicle in another city, check that the agency offers this service and at what cost. This detail can weigh in your final decision if you opt for a linear itinerary in Morocco.

Before booking, take a look at the agency's specific terms, as most rent starting from age 18, but some require 21 or even 23 years for certain categories of cars. One thing leads to another, fees for young drivers or additional drivers can quickly add up. Moreover, the driver's license must be valid for at least 1 year, although some agencies require 2 years for more powerful vehicles... You see, rules can change rapidly!

I touched on this point briefly in the previous section: the return policy. Be very careful, many car rental agencies in Fes are strict about the time and will charge for delays.

Lastly, if you plan to drive a lot, prioritize an offer with unlimited mileage. This criterion cannot be overlooked, as even if the price per kilometer seems low, the final bill can be unpleasant. In the same vein, consider the fuel policy: always opt for the 'full to full' policy so you'll have peace of mind

Many travelers find themselves stuck at this stage! Most international agencies require a credit card in the name of the driver to hold the security deposit before handing over the vehicle. If you only have a debit card, things can get complicated!

To be honest, the majority of agencies refuse, making it impossible to rent... Now, there are some agencies that might accept it but will require a higher deposit or even more comprehensive insurance in exchange. To avoid misunderstandings, read all the terms carefully on the website! If necessary, it's better to clarify the situation via email with the agency to avoid any nasty surprises or conflicts upon arrival.

Important to know: not all insurance is created equal If you take basic coverage, it includes a high deductible and does not cover damages like tires, windshields, or the undercarriage. Don't hesitate to ask for a detailed breakdown of what is covered and what is not. Good insurance may seem expensive initially, but it can prevent a lot of issues if something goes wrong.

However, in a country like Morocco, most roads are narrow, bumpy, and poorly maintained! So it's wiser to opt for comprehensive insurance or full damage waiver. Depending on the rental company, this may be included in the price and that's where it's interesting! Otherwise, you'll find many agencies that charge for each option separately, and the final bill can become significant... DiscoverCars also offers insurance with additional guarantees for about twenty euros extra per day, and I've included the details above

To get around Fes, having a compact car is the most practical option! The streets around the medina are narrow, so a compact vehicle will be welcome for maneuvers! Additionally, fuel consumption is reduced and compacts are also cheaper to rent.

However, compact cars show limitations for long distances and secondary roads! You'll need a more powerful engine and certainly much more space in the car

If you plan to travel beyond Fes: Meknes, Ifrane, the Middle Atlas, and why not all the way to Chefchaouen, then a more spacious vehicle will not be unwelcome! By booking a sedan or SUV model, you'll find that the journeys will be noticeably more pleasant for driving and for passengers...

This is especially suitable for families and groups of friends! You can take along more luggage without necessarily sacrificing comfort... Even though the rental is costlier, along with fuel consumption, it's the best possible option for a successful vacation.

So, it directly concerns your driving habits and the amount of time you'll spend on the road. To be honest, an automatic transmission is the best choice. It's comfortable during peak hours, the driving experience is smoother, and repeated gear shifts won't exhaust you!

The only drawback is the price. Automatic cars are more expensive to rent in Morocco and they go quickly if you don't book in advance. If you're used to driving a stick shift, you'll have more model choices and better rates... Ultimately, it's up to you to choose according to your budget and comfort.

To wrap up, be aware that Moroccan traffic is very dense! Driving in Fes requires some adjustment, as the streets are narrow, signage is not always clear, and pedestrians are not afraid to cross the road! I advise against driving in the medina with your car! Rather, park in a lot around the main gates like Bab Boujloud and Bab Rcif, for instance...

I've finished this guide on car rental in Fes! I hope I've shed some light on the processes to follow To assist you in preparing your trip, you can also check out my articles on the road trip in Morocco or the one on the must-sees to visit Morocco