Agadir is Morocco's beach capital — a modern resort city with wide sandy beaches, a mild climate year-round, and easy access to the Souss Valley, Anti-Atlas mountains, and the Sahara. Having a rental car in Agadir gives you total freedom: reach Tafraoute's pink rocks, the Massa estuary, or Tiznit's silver souk on your own schedule. Here's how to find the best deal.
Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA): Key Facts
- Airport code: AGA (Agadir Al Massira)
- Distance to city centre: ~10 km (15–20 minutes)
- Car rental desks: Arrivals hall, Terminal 1
- City centre agencies: Several agencies operate downtown offices with free shuttle to/from the airport
Price Ranges for Car Rental in Agadir
| Car Type | Average Daily Rate | Cheapest Found | Notes | | ----------------------------------- | ------------------ | -------------- | -------------------------------- | | Economy (Dacia Sandero, Fiat Panda) | $9–20 | from $5 | Most popular choice | | Compact | $12–30 | from $8 | Good for longer coastal drives | | SUV (for Anti-Atlas/Souss) | $20–50 | from $14 | Recommended for mountain detours | | Minibus / Van | $35–70 | from $25 | For groups |
Best time to rent: May–June and September–October offer the best combination of low prices and good weather. July–August is peak season — rates jump 30–50%.
Local vs. International Agencies in Agadir
International brands (Hertz, Europcar, Avis) have airport desks and are reliable, but their prices are typically 30–40% higher than local Moroccan agencies offering the same car.
kara.ma lists verified local Agadir agencies that you can contact and book directly — no intermediary, no hidden booking fee.
What to Do in Agadir and Surroundings (to Plan Your Rental Duration)
- Agadir beach, bay, and souk: 1–2 days
- Taghazout surfing village: 20 km north, 25 minutes — perfect day trip
- Tiznit: 90 km south, 1 hour — worth an overnight
- Tafraoute (Anti-Atlas): 150 km, 2 hours — ideal for a 2-day side trip requiring a car
- Massa estuary (flamingoes): 60 km south, 45 minutes
A 4–7 day rental is the sweet spot for most Agadir visitors.
One-Way Rentals from Agadir
Many travellers fly into Agadir and fly out of Marrakech (or vice versa). One-way rentals are available:
| Route | Distance | Drive Time | | ------------------- | -------- | ---------- | | Agadir → Marrakech | 260 km | ~3 hours | | Agadir → Casablanca | 380 km | ~4.5 hours |
Always confirm the one-way fee before signing — it ranges from free to one extra day's rental depending on the agency.
Documents and Requirements
- Driving licence: Valid, minimum 1 year old (some agencies: 2 years)
- Passport
- Credit card for the security deposit
- Minimum age: 21–23 depending on the agency
Booking Tips
- Book ahead in summer. July–August stock runs out quickly; popular economy cars are gone weeks before arrival.
- Ask about airport delivery. Many downtown agencies offer free car delivery to the airport arrivals exit.
- Negotiate for longer rentals. If you're renting for 7+ days, local agencies often offer discounts not advertised online.
- Photograph everything. Document every scratch before you drive off — share the photos with the agency staff so they're timestamped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car necessary in Agadir?
The beach, restaurants, and main souk are walkable or reachable by petit taxi. But if you want to explore the region — Taghazout, Tiznit, Tafraoute, the Souss-Massa National Park — a rental car is essential and pays for itself quickly.
Can I drive to the Sahara from Agadir?
Yes. Merzouga (the famous dunes) is about 700 km from Agadir, roughly 8–9 hours. It's a long drive but doable over 2–3 days if you stop in Ouarzazate along the way. A standard car handles the route fine; you only need a 4x4 if you plan to go off-road into the dunes.
What's the minimum deposit at Agadir agencies?
Deposits (security holds on your credit card) typically range from 3,000 to 8,000 MAD (~$300–$800). The exact amount depends on the car category and agency policy.