Fez is one of those cities that grabs you the moment you arrive. The ancient medina of Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a sprawling maze of narrow lanes, centuries-old tanneries, and spice-scented souks that feels like stepping back in time. But here’s the thing – while the medina is incredible to explore on foot, the real magic of Morocco opens up when you have your own wheels.
Picking up your rental car in Fez Downtown puts you right in the thick of things. Our downtown office is conveniently located near the ville nouvelle (the modern city), making it easy to grab your keys and hit the road within minutes of arriving. Whether you’re heading to the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the imperial city of Rabat, or the buzz of Marrakech, having a car gives you the freedom to set your own schedule – no waiting for buses, no cramped shared taxis.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Fez Downtown
You’ll find our downtown Fez office just a short walk from the Place Florence, near the ONCF train station in the ville nouvelle. It’s in a ground-floor unit with clear signage – you can’t miss it. The area has plenty of parking if you’re driving in, though be aware that traffic can get busy during rush hour (roughly 8-9am and 5-7pm).
When you arrive, you’ll need your driving licence (a European licence works fine, or an International Driving Permit if yours isn’t in Roman letters), your passport, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. We accept most major cards. The pickup process is straightforward – paperwork usually takes about 10-15 minutes, and the team will walk you through the car, point out any existing marks on the bodywork, and explain the fuel policy.
Pro tip: if you’re flying into Fes Saïss Airport (about 15km south of the city), you can easily reach our downtown location via the A4 highway. It’s a quick 20-minute drive, or you can take a taxi to the office and pick up your car there – often cheaper than airport pickup rates.
Where to Go from Fez
Once you’ve got your keys, the open road is calling. Here are some solid day trip and road trip options:
Meknes – Just 65km south via the N6, about an hour’s drive. This lesser-visited imperial city has beautiful gates, a royal palace, and the stunning Bab Mansour. Perfect for a half-day trip and lunch at one of the local restaurants near Place Hedim.
Chefchaouen – The famous blue city is about 210km northwest via the A2 and N2. Budget around 3 hours’ driving, though the mountain roads can be winding – take your time and enjoy the scenery. The town gets busy, so arrive early to find parking.
Rabat – Morocco’s capital is roughly 180km west on the A2. About 2-2.5 hours of driving. The Hassan Tower and Kasbah of the Udayas are worth the trip – park near the medina and explore on foot.
Casablanca – About 300km west via the A2, allow 3.5-4 hours. It’s a long day, but doable if you want to see the Hassan II Mosque – the largest in Morocco.
Volubilis – About 70km north of Meknes via the N2 and N6. These Roman ruins are incredible and far less crowded than European sites. Combine with a stop in Meknes for a full day out.
Tips for Driving in Morocco
Moroccan driving takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s manageable once you know the local rules. Speed limits are 120km/h on highways (the A2 and A4 are toll roads – expect to pay around 50-80 MAD at the toll booths, cash or card), 100km/h on expressways, and 60km/h in towns. Speed cameras are active, and fines can be steep, so keep an eye on your speed.
One thing that catches tourists out: the aggressive driving style. Horns are used as warnings, not insults – it’s just how people communicate on the road. Also, watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and the occasional donkey cart on smaller roads. Things can feel chaotic, but everyone’s generally predictable once you settle in.
Fuel stations are easy to find in cities and along major highways – look for the green “Essence” signs. Diesel (gazole) is significantly cheaper than petrol if your car takes it. Outside major towns, fill up whenever you see a station – don’t risk running low.
Parking in Fez medina is essentially impossible for cars – the lanes are too narrow. If you’re staying in the old city, park your car at one of the guarded lots near the Bab Rcif or Bab Boujloud gates and explore on foot. There’s usually a small fee (10-20 MAD) for all-day parking with an attendant.
And one more thing – seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and the police do check. It’s a simple thing that keeps you safe and avoids fines.
Ready to explore Fez and beyond? Grab your rental car from our downtown office and hit the road. With your own wheels, the whole country is within reach.