Tangier sits at the crossroads of Europe and Africa — 14 km from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. For travellers arriving by ferry from Algeciras, Tarifa, or AlmerĂa, or flying into Ibn Battouta Airport, renting a car in Tangier means you can explore all of Morocco at your own pace from the very first moment you arrive.
Quick Facts: Tangier Transport Hubs
| Hub | Code/Name | Distance from City | Notes | | -------------------- | --------- | ------------------ | ------------------------------------- | | Ibn Battouta Airport | TNG | 11 km (15–20 min) | Car desks in arrivals hall | | Tangier Med Port | — | 40 km east of city | Car agencies in the port zone | | Tangier Ville Port | — | City centre | Ferries from Tarifa; smaller terminal |
Car Rental Prices in Tangier
| Car Type | Average Daily Rate | Cheapest Deal | | ------------------------------ | ------------------ | ------------- | | Mini / Economy (Dacia Sandero) | $9–25 | from $9 | | Compact | $14–35 | from $12 | | SUV | $25–60 | from $20 |
Best booking strategy: Reserve 3–4 weeks in advance for summer travel. Off-peak (November–March) you can often negotiate directly with agencies for 20–30% below listed rates.
Why Tangier is the Perfect Starting Point for a Morocco Road Trip
From Tangier you can drive:
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Highway? | | ----------------------- | -------- | ---------- | ----------------------------- | | Chefchaouen (Blue City) | 120 km | ~2 hours | No (mountain road — stunning) | | Rabat | 250 km | ~2.5 hours | Yes (A1 motorway) | | Casablanca | 340 km | ~3.5 hours | Yes (A1 motorway) | | Fes | 330 km | ~4 hours | Yes (A4 motorway) | | Marrakech | 560 km | ~5.5 hours | Yes (A1 + A7) |
Morocco's motorway network is modern, well-maintained, and toll-based (typical toll Tangier–Casablanca: ~100 MAD / ~$10).
Ferry Travelers: Renting at the Port vs. the Airport
Tangier Med Port is the main ferry terminal for routes from Algeciras and AlmerĂa. Some agencies have pick-up points directly in the port zone. If you're arriving on the ferry, confirm with the agency whether they deliver to Tangier Med or if you need to take a taxi to their office (usually a 40-minute drive).
Tangier Ville Port handles the high-speed FRS ferry from Tarifa (35 minutes). It's in the city centre — agencies can arrange pick-up nearby.
Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) has car rental desks in the arrivals hall. If you're flying from Spain, London, or Paris, this is often the most convenient option.
Documents Required for Car Rental in Tangier
- Driving licence — EU, UK, US licences are all valid in Morocco
- Passport
- Credit card for security deposit (3,000–8,000 MAD depending on car)
- Minimum age: 21 years (25 for some premium cars)
- International Driving Permit: Not required for most Western licences — only if yours is non-Latin alphabet
Practical Tips for Driving North Morocco
- Chefchaouen road: The N2 from Tangier to Chefchaouen is a winding mountain road — take it slow, spectacular views. No 4x4 needed.
- Tangier traffic: The city has heavy traffic around the port and medina. Consider picking up your car from a suburb agency to avoid the centre.
- Tolls: Have cash (dirhams) or ask about a Télépéage card if your agency provides one.
- Fuel: Petrol stations are plentiful on the A1 motorway south. Fill up before heading into mountain areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up a car at Tangier Med Port?
Some agencies offer this — it's worth asking when you book. Others will shuttle you from the port to their office. Confirm logistics in advance since Tangier Med is 40 km from the city.
Can I drive across to Spain with a Moroccan rental car?
No. Moroccan rental agencies do not permit their cars to cross into Spanish territory (including Ceuta). If you need to travel between Spain and Morocco by car, you must either use your own vehicle or rent separately on each side.
What's the drive from Tangier to Marrakech like?
The full 560 km journey on the A1 motorway takes about 5.5–6 hours non-stop. It's an excellent road — two lanes each way, tolled, with rest stops. Most people do it over 2 days, stopping in Rabat or Casablanca.