Contents
In short
Marrakech to Fes by car is about 520 km and takes around 5 hours 15 of driving on the motorways via Casablanca and Rabat. The alternative through the Middle Atlas, via Beni Mellal, Azrou and Ifrane, is shorter in kilometres but slower, around 7 to 8 hours with stops. Both routes are tarmac.
Fes and Marrakech are the two great imperial cities that most visitors want to see on the same trip. Between them lies a choice: the fast motorway along the Atlantic plains, or the slower mountain road through cedar forests and Berber towns. We are Choumacars, a car rental agency in Marrakech open 24/7. This guide compares the two routes, sets out each one step by step with estimated times, suggests stops, explains parking in Fes and lists the mistakes to avoid.
How far is it from Marrakech to Fes by car?
The distance by car is about 520 km by road, with a driving time of around 5 hours 11 minutes, according to Rome2Rio. That time corresponds to the motorway route via Casablanca and Rabat. The direct train takes about 6 hours 30.
The motorway is the longer route on the map but the faster one, because it avoids mountain roads and town centres. The Middle Atlas route cuts the corner through the interior, so it is shorter in distance, yet the speed is much lower through towns, bends and the climb to Azrou and Ifrane.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Driving time (estimate) | Road type | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorways via Casablanca and Rabat | About 520 km | About 5 h 15 without stops | Toll motorways | Travellers in a hurry, night arrivals avoided |
| Middle Atlas via Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Azrou and Ifrane | Shorter on the map | 7 to 8 h with stops | National roads, mountain sections | Travellers who want landscapes and stops |
| Train (for comparison) | Not applicable | About 6 h 30 | Rail via Casablanca | Travellers who do not want to drive |
What is the motorway route from Marrakech to Fes, step by step?
The motorway route heads north to Casablanca, continues along the coast to Rabat, then turns inland to Meknes and Fes. It is the simplest option for a one-day transfer. Here it is in order, with estimated times.
- Leave Marrakech on the motorway north (0 to 20 min). Follow the signs for Casablanca and take a toll ticket at the entrance.
- Drive to the Casablanca area (20 min to 2 h 15). The road passes Settat and Berrechid. Our guide to Marrakech to Casablanca by car details this section.
- Bypass Casablanca towards Rabat (2 h 15 to 3 h). Follow the signs for Rabat on the ring road. Traffic can be heavy at rush hour.
- Continue past Rabat towards Fes (3 h to 3 h 30). The motorway turns east, inland, through farmland.
- Pass Meknes (about 4 h 30). The imperial city of Meknes lies beside the motorway, a possible stop for lunch.
- Arrive in Fes (5 h 15 to 6 h). Follow the signs for your district or the gate nearest your riad.
What is the Middle Atlas route from Marrakech to Fes?
The Middle Atlas route follows the national road north-east across the plain to Beni Mellal, then climbs through Khenifra and Azrou to Ifrane before descending to Fes. It is slower than the motorway, but it crosses the cedar forests and mountain towns that make this region different from the south.
- Leave Marrakech towards Beni Mellal (0 to 20 min). Take the N8 north-east, signed for Beni Mellal.
- Cross the plain to Beni Mellal (20 min to 3 h). A long national road through farmland and market towns, with speed checks at village entrances.
- Continue to Khenifra (3 h to 4 h 15). The road follows the foot of the Middle Atlas, with more bends and lorries.
- Climb to Azrou (4 h 15 to 5 h 15). A mountain town surrounded by cedar forests.
- Drive through Ifrane (about 5 h 30). A clean, quiet town at about 1,665 metres.
- Descend to Fes (6 h 30 to 8 h). The road drops from the plateau to the plain of the Saiss and Fes.
Which stops are worth making between Marrakech and Fes?
The stops worth making between Marrakech and Fes depend on the route: Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes on the motorway, or Beni Mellal, Azrou, the cedar forest and Ifrane on the Middle Atlas road. One or two stops turn a long transfer into a real road trip.
On the motorway route
- Casablanca: the Hassan II Mosque on the ocean front, with its own car park.
- Rabat: the capital, with the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower, a short detour from the motorway.
- Meknes: an imperial city with monumental gates, close to the Roman site of Volubilis.
On the Middle Atlas route
- Beni Mellal: a regional town at the foot of the mountains, practical for lunch.
- Azrou and the cedar forest: the Cèdre Gouraud forest lies near Ifrane and Azrou, and Wikipedia notes that Barbary macaques live wild in these forests. Watch them from a distance and do not feed them.
- Ifrane: nicknamed the Little Switzerland of Morocco, with chalets, parks and cool air.
How many days should you plan for Marrakech to Fes by car?
Plan one full day for the drive by the motorway, and two days if you take the Middle Atlas route or stop in Rabat or Meknes. Spending a night on the way makes the trip a pleasure rather than a long transfer.
| Plan | Days | Night stop | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct motorway | 1 | None | Fast transfer, arrival before dark |
| Motorway with Rabat | 2 | Rabat | The capital, the Udayas, the Atlantic |
| Motorway with Meknes and Volubilis | 2 | Meknes | Imperial city, Roman ruins |
| Middle Atlas | 2 | Beni Mellal or Azrou | Cedar forests, mountain towns, Ifrane |
Can you use the car for day trips once you are in Fes?
Yes, a car is useful in Fes for day trips, even if it stays parked during your days in the medina. The main outings from Fes by car are Meknes and the Roman site of Volubilis to the west, and Ifrane with the cedar forest to the south.
- Meknes and Volubilis: a full day to the west, with the imperial gates of Meknes in the morning and the Roman ruins in the afternoon light.
- Ifrane and Azrou: a half day or a full day in the Middle Atlas, with walks in the cedar forest. A good choice in summer, when the plain is hot.
- The new town of Fes: wide avenues, easy parking and restaurants, a calmer base than the medina for a driver.
On the days you stay in the medina, leave the car in a guarded car park or at your hotel, and walk or use petit taxis inside the city.
Should you return from Fes to Marrakech by the same route?
You do not have to return from Fes to Marrakech by the same route. Many travellers drive out on the Middle Atlas road to enjoy the landscapes with fresh legs, and come back on the motorway, which is faster and less tiring at the end of a trip.
The motorway return also passes close to Casablanca and Mohammed V airport, which suits travellers who fly home from there. Plan the last day with a margin: leave Fes in the morning, take a long break near Rabat or Casablanca, and arrive in Marrakech before the evening traffic.
Where do you park in Fes?
In Fes, you park outside the walls of the medina, in a guarded car park near the gate closest to your riad, such as Bab Boujloud, and continue on foot. Cars cannot enter the lanes of Fes el Bali, the old medina.
The medina of Fes has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, according to Wikipedia. Its lanes are narrow, steep and confusing for newcomers. Ask your riad for the exact car park before arriving, and arrange for someone to meet you there, especially if you arrive in the evening. In the new town, hotels usually have their own parking.
Which car is right for Marrakech to Fes?
The right car for this trip is a comfortable car for long motorway sections, with an automatic gearbox and enough room for luggage. For the Middle Atlas in winter, choose all-wheel drive.
- Audi A3: quiet and stable at motorway speed, ideal for the fast route. See the Audi A3 page.
- Hyundai Tucson: a two-wheel-drive SUV with an automatic gearbox and room for a family.
- Volkswagen Touareg: all-wheel drive for the Middle Atlas in winter. See our 4×4 rental in Marrakech.
A round trip to Fes easily covers more than 1,000 km. Every Choumacars rental includes unlimited mileage and insurance, and for a stay of several weeks across the imperial cities, our long term car rental in Marrakech keeps things simple. Note that our delivery area covers Marrakech and the surrounding area, Casablanca, Agadir and Safi, so plan the trip to Fes as a loop.
What are the local tips for driving from Marrakech to Fes?
Our main local tip is to pass Casablanca outside rush hour: leave Marrakech before 7 a.m. or after 10 a.m. to avoid the morning traffic on the ring road. A few more points from our team:
- Keep the motorway tickets and small change ready for each toll barrier.
- Fill up at the motorway service areas, which also have cafés and toilets.
- Download offline maps of Fes. Signal and directions in the medina are unreliable.
- Arrive in Fes in daylight to find your car park and the gate to your riad.
- Take breaks every two hours. Fatigue is the main risk on a 5 to 8 hour drive.
- Read our driving advice. Our guide on driving in Marrakech covers police checks and roundabouts, which work the same way in Fes.
Which mistakes should you avoid from Marrakech to Fes?
The most common mistake is choosing the Middle Atlas route late in the day and driving the mountain sections after dark. The GOV.UK travel advice for Morocco warns that poor lighting makes night driving more dangerous. These are the other errors to avoid.
- Driving into the Fes medina following a map app.
- Taking the Middle Atlas road in snow without checking the forecast.
- Crossing Casablanca at rush hour.
- Feeding the macaques in the cedar forest near Azrou.
- Underestimating fatigue on the return trip.
- Leaving luggage visible in the car at a car park outside the medina.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Fes?
About 5 hours 15 of driving for roughly 520 km on the motorways via Casablanca and Rabat, according to Rome2Rio. The Middle Atlas route via Beni Mellal and Ifrane is shorter in distance but takes 7 to 8 hours with stops because of mountain sections and towns.
Which route from Marrakech to Fes is more scenic?
The Middle Atlas route is far more scenic, with cedar forests, Barbary macaques near Azrou and the mountain town of Ifrane. The motorway is faster and simpler, with possible stops in Rabat or Meknes. Many travellers take one route out and the other back.
Is it better to drive or take the train from Marrakech to Fes?
The train takes about 6 hours 30 and suits travellers who do not want to drive. The car is faster on the motorway, allows stops in Rabat, Meknes or the Middle Atlas, and gives you a car for day trips from Fes, such as Volubilis.
Can I drive into the medina of Fes?
No. The lanes of Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, are closed to cars. Park in a guarded car park near the gate closest to your riad, such as Bab Boujloud, and walk the last part, with a porter if you have heavy bags.
Is the Middle Atlas road safe in winter?
It is usually open, but snow and ice are possible around Azrou and Ifrane between December and March. Check the forecast the day before. If snow is expected, take the motorway via Rabat, or choose all-wheel drive such as the Volkswagen Touareg at Choumacars.
Can I rent a car in Marrakech for a trip to Fes?
Yes. Choumacars rents cars in Marrakech with unlimited mileage and insurance included, so a loop to Fes changes nothing to your rental. You must be at least 22, hold a licence for 2 years and show a passport or national ID. A second driver can share the wheel.
What is there to see in Fes?
The medina of Fes el Bali, the University of al-Qarawiyyin founded in 857, and the Chouara tannery, which dates from the 11th century according to Wikipedia. Plan at least two full days in Fes, with a local guide for your first walk in the medina.
Ready to drive from Marrakech to Fes?
Choose your dates and a car from our fleet, and we will deliver it to your riad or hand it over at Menara airport. For more about renting in the city, see our page on car rental in Marrakech.
