Car Rental in Fes
Fes is Morocco's spiritual and cultural heart — home to the world's oldest university and the largest car-free urban zone on Earth. Pick up your IVVER vehicle at Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) and explore the medieval medina, then head south to the Middle Atlas cedar forests or east toward the Sahara dunes at Merzouga.
Pickup Locations
- Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ)
The main gateway to the imperial city. Direct European connections. Easy pickup — the airport is compact and uncrowded. Direct access to the A2 autoroute west to Meknes and Rabat.
- Fes Train Station (Gare de Fès)
ONCF station with connections from Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, and Tangier. Located in the Ville Nouvelle, convenient for city-center pickup.
- Fes Ville Nouvelle
Central pickup in the modern district. Good option if you're staying at a hotel in the new city before collecting your vehicle.
Popular Routes from Fes
Fes → Ifrane → Azrou (Middle Atlas)
80 km, ~1.5hSouth into the Middle Atlas. Ifrane is Morocco's "Switzerland" — alpine architecture at 1,665m. Continue to Azrou for the cedar forests and Barbary macaques.
Fes → Meknes → Volubilis
95 km, ~1.5hWest on the A2 autoroute. Meknes is the most underrated imperial city. Detour to Volubilis (Roman ruins, 3rd century BC) — one of Morocco's best archaeological sites.
Fes → Midelt → Merzouga
470 km, ~7hThe epic Sahara run. Cross the Middle Atlas, descend into the Ziz Valley, and arrive at Erg Chebbi's golden dunes in Merzouga. A 2-day journey with an overnight in Midelt recommended.
Driving Tips for Fes
- Fes medina (Fes el-Bali) is pedestrian-only — you cannot drive inside it. Park at one of the guarded lots on the perimeter: Bab Boujloud, Oued Zhoune, or Ain Zliten (all ~20 MAD/day).
- The road south from Fes to the Middle Atlas climbs rapidly — check your vehicle's cooling system before departure, especially in summer.
- Fes Ville Nouvelle traffic is manageable but the boulevards around the train station get busy at rush hour. Plan airport pickups for mid-morning to avoid it.
- The N13 south through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga is paved but has long stretches without services. Fill up in Midelt — it's the last reliable fuel stop before the desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up a rental car at Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ)?
Yes. IVVER owners meet you at FEZ arrivals. The airport is small — you'll be on the road within 15 minutes of luggage collection. Direct autoroute access to Meknes and Rabat.
What car should I rent for driving from Fes to Merzouga?
An SUV with a 1.5L+ engine and good ground clearance. The road is paved but has mountain passes and desert stretches. A sedan can make it but an SUV is more comfortable for the 7-hour journey.
Can I drive from Fes to Chefchaouen?
Yes — 200 km, ~3.5h via the N13 north through Ouezzane. The road is paved but winding through the Rif foothills. Allow extra time. Alternatively, a faster route goes via the A2 autoroute and then north.