Morocco road trip: planning Marrakech and Essaouira

By the Travel & Explore team · Last checked 23 October 2026

This guide suits a holiday that pairs time in Marrakech with a coastal base in Essaouira. It helps you decide whether a hire car, a driver or a mix of both suits your trip, using official guidance.

The route

Settle the transport before the route. Compare quotes for a hire car, a vehicle with a driver, and a transfer-based option, using the same dates, luggage and stops. Include parking and collection or return arrangements in the comparison.

When to go

GOV.UK warns that driving may be erratic at dusk during Ramadan, when people are trying to get home. Ramadan dates change each year, so check them against your travel dates (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

Poor weather makes secondary routes and mountain roads especially hazardous (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security). Build a flexible day into your plan for weather.

Getting there and the car

Check your passport before you book. GOV.UK says your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after you arrive (GOV.UK: Morocco entry requirements).

Check the rental company's age and experience rules before you book. GOV.UK says hire companies often have strict requirements, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

Ask the accommodation for the exact arrival point and luggage arrangements, not just the central map pin. A hire car needs a parking plan when you explore on foot.

If you use a driver, agree waiting time and planned stops in writing.

Driving there as a UK driver

You need an International Driving Permit alongside your UK licence. GOV.UK says you need both the 1968 version of the IDP and a UK driving licence in the vehicle. The 1949 version is not accepted, and you cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security). GOV.UK's general guidance says some countries require an IDP (GOV.UK: driving abroad).

Take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you when you drive abroad (GOV.UK: driving abroad).

Get a green card from your insurer. GOV.UK says you must (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

If you stay longer than one year, you need a Moroccan driving licence (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

Drive with extra care. GOV.UK says road accidents are a frequent occurrence in Morocco, and that drink-driving is a serious offence (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

Night and mountain driving

GOV.UK says poor lighting can make night driving dangerous, so be more alert to other vehicles, pedestrians and animals (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

On motorways, be cautious of overloaded lorries, and of trucks overtaking where there is no hard shoulder (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

GOV.UK also warns that taxi drivers sometimes speed (GOV.UK: Morocco safety and security).

The coastal drive

The official Marrakech tourism site lists a coastal route from Essaouira to the north and south, and describes the Ocean Drive as heading towards Essaouira and Safi along the Atlantic coast (Visit Marrakech: road trips).

The page gives no further detail on that route, and says its times and dates remain flexible. Get the distance and drive time for your own route from a checked source (Visit Marrakech: road trips).

Before you book

• Check your International Driving Permit against the advice above before you travel.
• Ask each hire company about its age and experience rules, deposit, excess, authorised drivers and collection hours.
• Get the green card and insurance documents from your insurer before you travel.
• Ask what to do if the vehicle has a problem, and get the answer in writing.
• Agree parking and luggage arrangements with your accommodation in Marrakech and Essaouira.
• Check the timing of your departure or return journey separately.
• Check the GOV.UK travel advice for Morocco again close to your trip.

FAQs

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