Car Rental in Fes During High Season: Eid, Summer & Festival Availability Tips

Fes is one of those cities where a rental car can be either a lifesaver (day trips to Volubilis, Meknes, Ifrane, the Middle Atlas) or an unnecessary headache (medina lanes, tight parking, peak-season queues). During high season, especially around Eid periods, summer holidays, and major cultural weeks, availability changes fast and prices can jump overnight.

This guide is built for travelers who want a simple outcome: get the right car, at the right time, with fewer surprises.

Table of contents

1. What “high season” means in Fes

2. When to book for Eid, summer, and festivals

3. The cars that sell out first (and what to book instead)

4. Airport vs city pickup in peak weeks

5. Deposit, insurance, and what to check before you drive

6. Parking and medina reality: what to plan for

7. If availability is bad: the best backup plans

8. FAQ

1. What “high season” means in Fes

In Fes, high season isn’t one single block of time. It’s a few different waves that impact availability differently:

• Eid travel windows: demand rises because families travel domestically and intercity roads get busier. Car inventory can tighten, and some smaller operators may run reduced hours.

• Summer (June–August): a mix of returning diaspora, longer trips, and multi-city itineraries. Bigger groups often book larger cars and automatics early.

• Festival weeks and busy weekends: short spikes where you see fewer “good value” cars left and more last-minute bookings.

What makes Fes special is that many visitors want a car for day trips, not necessarily for driving inside the old city. So even if you’re staying in the medina, you might still want 1–3 rental days, meaning “short bookings” also surge, and those are harder to find at the last minute.

2. When to book for Eid, summer, and festivals

If you only remember one rule, make it this: the earlier you book, the more choice you have. In high season, the best-value cars disappear first.

A practical booking timeline:

• Eid periods: aim for 2–4 weeks ahead (more if you need an automatic, 7-seater, or specific luggage space).

• Summer: aim for 3–6 weeks ahead—especially for longer rentals (5+ days).

• Festival weeks / weekends: 2–3 weeks ahead is a safe target if you want a clean, newer car and flexible terms.

If you’re flying into Fes, check flight timing and airport access details ahead of time using the official Fès–Saïss airport page: Aéroport Fès Saïss (ONDA). It helps you plan pickup hours and avoid arriving when counters are busiest.

3. The cars that sell out first (and what to book instead)

In peak weeks, these categories usually get tight first:

• Automatic small cars (popular with visitors who don’t want manual in city traffic)

• Compact SUVs (better ground clearance and comfort for day trips)

• 7-seaters / people carriers (family travel + extra luggage)

• Newer models with strong A/C (summer demand)

If your first choice is gone, don’t panic, switch strategy:

• If you wanted a compact SUV, consider a comfortable sedan for the motorway and day trips.

• If you need luggage space, prioritize trunk volume, not “SUV label.”

• If you’re mostly doing short hops, a compact is easier for parking and fuel.

One more tip: if you truly need an automatic, book it explicitly and avoid “or similar” wording when possible. In high season, “or similar” can mean “whatever is left.”

4. Airport vs city pickup in peak weeks

Airport pickup is convenient, but it’s also where high-season pressure shows up first: flight arrivals bunch together, counters get busy, and you can lose time.

City pickup can be calmer, but only if your accommodation is accessible by car (not always true in old Fes areas). If you’re staying near the medina, city pickup might still require a short walk to a meeting point.

High-season decision rule:

• Choose airport pickup if you land with luggage and want to start the trip immediately.

• Choose city pickup if you arrive at a peak time and prefer a calmer handover (and your pickup point is easy to reach).

Either way, schedule your pickup with buffer time. A rushed handover is how people miss small details (fuel level, scratches, tire condition).

5. Deposit, insurance, and what to check before you drive

High season is when misunderstandings happen most—because everyone is in a hurry. Slow down for five minutes and you’ll save yourself hours later.

Before leaving the pickup point:

• Photograph the car (all sides, bumpers, wheels, windshield).

• Confirm fuel policy (full-to-full is easiest to manage).

• Check tires (tread + visible damage) and ensure the spare/jack are present if promised.

• Verify insurance coverage and what the excess is, in plain language.

• Ask how roadside assistance works and what number to call.

If you’re doing mountain day trips (Ifrane, Azrou, Middle Atlas), comfort and brakes matter more than “brand.” Pick a car you feel steady in, not the cheapest option that feels tired.

6. Parking and medina reality: what to plan for

Fes is famous for its historic medina, and that’s exactly why driving inside it is rarely the goal.

Plan like this:

• Use the car for day trips and intercity travel, not medina navigation.

• Choose accommodation parking carefully. If your hotel is inside the medina, ask where cars stop and where the nearest paid parking is.

• Keep small cash for parking attendants and paid lots in busy zones.

If you’re staying in newer neighborhoods, parking is easier, and a rental car makes more sense for daily movement.

7. If availability is bad: the best backup plans

When cars are scarce or overpriced, a smart traveler switches plan instead of overpaying.

Three strong alternatives:

1. Delay car pickup by a day or two
   If you’re spending the first day exploring the medina, you might not need a car immediately. Picking up later can open availability.

2. Arrive by train, rent locally
   If you’re coming from another city, traveling by rail and renting in Fes can reduce stress. You can check schedules directly here: ONCF train timetables.

3. Use a driver for a single long day trip
   For peak weeks, a driver can be more practical than fighting for a limited car category, especially if you want a one-day loop (Volubilis + Meknes + viewpoints) without parking concerns.

FAQ

1) How early should I book a car in Fes for summer?
Ideally 3–6 weeks ahead, especially for automatics, SUVs, and family vehicles.

2) Do prices increase a lot during Eid periods?
They often rise because inventory tightens and trips cluster into a short window. Booking earlier usually protects you from spikes.

3) Is airport pickup always faster in high season?
Not always. When many flights land close together, counters can queue. City pickup can be calmer if the location is easy to reach.

4) What car is best for day trips from Fes?
A comfortable sedan or compact SUV with good A/C and stable handling is usually ideal for motorway + mountain roads.

5) Can I drive inside the Fes medina?
Practically, no. Plan to park outside and walk in. Use the car mainly for day trips and intercity routes.

6) What’s the single most important check before driving off?
A full photo/video walkaround plus confirming fuel policy and insurance/excess details.