Tangier itself is walkable, but a car opens up Cap Spartel, Asilah, Chefchaouen and the whole northern Atlantic coast.
How much?
From €18/day for a Dacia/Hyundai economy car booked ahead, €30–40/day in summer. Walk-up rates at the airport are roughly double — always book online.
What you need
Passport, driving licence held for 1+ year, credit card (debit cards usually rejected for the deposit). International Driving Permit not required for stays under 3 months for UK/EU/US/Canadian licences.
Insurance
The basic CDW that comes with the car still leaves a €700–1500 excess. Either add Full Protection at the desk (~€10/day) or buy excess insurance from your booking platform — usually a third of the price.
Driving in & around Tangier
City traffic is busy but manageable; signage is in Arabic and French. Roundabouts: cars on the inside lane have priority — opposite of the UK. Speed cameras everywhere on the highways.
Fuel & parking
Petrol ~13 MAD/litre (~€1.20). Petrol stations every few km on the highways. In Tangier, free street parking in most neighbourhoods; paid attendants (gardiens) expect 5–10 MAD when you leave. Don't drive into the medina — you can't.
Best day trips with a car
Asilah (45 min south, fortified white town), Cap Spartel + Caves of Hercules (30 min west), Chefchaouen (2 hours south), Cabo Negro & Tetouan (1 hour east).
FAQ
- Is it safe to drive in Tangier?
- Yes for experienced drivers, but city traffic is dense and Moroccan road etiquette is more assertive than in northern Europe. Highways outside the city are excellent.
- How much is car hire in Tangier?
- From €18/day if booked online in advance, rising to €30–40/day in peak summer. Walk-up rates at the airport are typically double — always book ahead.