Car Rental in Casablanca - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Casablanca can be useful for specific travel scenarios, though it's generally not recommended for exploring the city itself. Casablanca's urban areas feature heavy traffic congestion, aggressive driving styles, and limited parking, making navigation stressful for tourists unfamiliar with local driving customs. However, a rental car becomes valuable for day trips to nearby destinations like Rabat, El Jadida, or the Atlas Mountains, where public transport options are limited. Morocco drives on the right side of the road, which is familiar to most Western visitors. Road quality varies significantly—major highways connecting cities are well-maintained, but rural and mountain roads can be challenging with potholes and unmarked hazards. For stays within Casablanca, taxis and ride-sharing apps offer better value and less hassle. Consider renting only if you plan multi-day excursions into the countryside or prefer complete schedule flexibility. Be prepared for roundabouts, assertive local drivers, and occasional police checkpoints. International driving permits are recommended alongside your home license. Check current rental rates and requirements through booking platforms, as prices vary by season and vehicle type.

International Driving Permit

Generally recommended for foreign visitors driving in Morocco. Check with your rental agency and home country's automobile association for current requirements.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Some agencies may accept licenses from certain countries - verify acceptance with your rental provider.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Age requirements and potential young driver surcharges vary by company.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is generally required for the security deposit. Debit cards are often not accepted for deposits.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage options are available. Review what's included and consider supplemental coverage based on your needs.

Passport

A valid passport is required for identification when renting a vehicle in Morocco.

Rent from Mohammed V International Airport for convenience upon arrival, where both international chains and local agencies operate - compare rates through booking platforms as prices vary significantly by season and agency type.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard), and confirm you have emergency contact numbers and insurance documentation in the vehicle.

Download offline maps for Morocco before your trip as mobile data can be unreliable in some areas - GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze work well in Casablanca, though street signage may be in Arabic and French.

Fuel stations are readily available throughout Casablanca with attendants who pump gas for you (small tip appreciated) - for parking, use guarded lots when possible as informal 'guardians' on streets may approach you expecting payment.

When returning your rental, allow extra time for the vehicle inspection, fill the tank at a nearby station before drop-off to avoid premium refueling charges, and keep all receipts until charges are finalized on your card.

Traffic in Casablanca is typically heavy and chaotic, with aggressive driving behaviors including frequent lane changes, tailgating, and minimal use of turn signals being common - defensive driving is essential.

Rush hours (generally 8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) see severe congestion on major routes, and roundabouts can be particularly challenging as local drivers often don't follow standard right-of-way rules.

Pedestrians and motorcycles may appear unexpectedly, and parking enforcement is active in city center areas - verify current parking regulations to avoid fines.

Road conditions can vary significantly, with some areas having potholes or unclear lane markings, and during rare rainy periods, roads may become slippery - reduce speed and increase following distance in wet conditions.