Fes Car Rental for First-Time Morocco Drivers: Easy Routes to Start With

Driving for the first time in Morocco can feel intimidating, until you choose the right first routes. Fes is actually a good place to start because you can do a “soft launch”: begin with calmer roads outside the densest city traffic, build confidence, then graduate to longer drives once you’re comfortable.

This guide gives you easy starter routes from Fes, the best times to drive them, and the habits that make your first Morocco driving days smooth.

Table of Contents

1. First-time driving in Fes: what to expect

2. The best “confidence plan” for your first 24 hours

3. Easy Route #1: Fes → Ifrane (calm, wide, forgiving)

4. Easy Route #2: Fes → Azrou (add forests + easy stops)

5. Easy Route #3: Fes → Sefrou (short, simple, good practice)

6. Easy Route #4: Fes → Meknes (steady roads, clear structure)

7. Easy Route #5: Fes → Volubilis area (practice day-trip pacing)

8. Timing tips: when roads feel easiest

9. Parking and “city stress” tips for beginners

10. Quick answers

1) First-time driving in Fes: what to expect

Fes has two different driving realities:

• Inside/near the medina: tight streets, scooters, pedestrians, stop-start movement, confusing access points.

• Outside the core: wide boulevards, clear exits, and national roads that feel more predictable.

As a first-time Morocco driver, your win is simple: avoid starting your first drive in the most chaotic streets. Start from a calm pickup point and go outward.

2) The best “confidence plan” for your first 24 hours

Do this and you’ll feel in control quickly:

1. Pick up the car in a car-friendly spot (not deep inside medina lanes).

2. Do a 10–15 minute warm-up loop on wide roads: steering feel, braking feel, mirrors, lane changes.

3. Try one easy route with clear navigation and safe stopping areas.

4. Save “dense city driving” for later, when the car already feels familiar.

And before you move, do a 2-minute proof set:

• 4 corner photos, wheels, windshield, dashboard fuel + mileage
  This protects you and also forces you to slow down and get comfortable with the car.

3) Easy Route #1: Fes → Ifrane (calm, wide, forgiving)

Why it’s beginner-friendly:

• Roads are generally structured and easy to read

• Fewer “surprise” pedestrian zones than dense city neighborhoods

• Plenty of safe places to stop once you arrive

How to drive it smoothly:

• Start earlier in the day (less traffic pressure)

• Keep a relaxed pace through town transitions

• Use it as your “first longer drive” to get comfortable with speed changes

If you’re new to mountain driving, Ifrane is a gentle introduction because the driving rhythm is steady and the road feels open compared to tight city streets.

4) Easy Route #2: Fes → Azrou (add forests + easy stops)

Azrou adds a bit more distance and gives you practice with:

• steady cruising

• safe pull-offs and rest stops

• driving with scenic distractions (which is a real skill)

Beginner tip:

• Plan your stops before you leave so you don’t pull over randomly in unsafe places.

5) Easy Route #3: Fes → Sefrou (short, simple, good practice)

Sefrou is a great “training drive” because it’s short and low-pressure. It’s ideal if you want:

• a first test drive outside the city

• practice with roundabouts and small-town entries

• a quick return to Fes without committing to a long day

It’s also useful if you’re still learning your car’s turning radius, braking feel, and parking habits.

6) Easy Route #4: Fes → Meknes (steady roads, clear structure)

Meknes is a good next step for beginners because it teaches:

• longer straight driving

• managing entry/exit into another city

• calm pacing without mountain curves

Beginner-friendly strategy:

• park a bit outside the busiest center and walk in

• avoid “tight street parking” until you feel confident

7) Easy Route #5: Fes → Volubilis area (practice day-trip pacing)

This is a good “full day trip practice” route, not because it’s hard, but because it teaches:

• leaving early

• timing stops

• returning before dark

• managing navigation changes around tourist sites

If you’re new to Morocco driving, the skill you want is day pacing, not just steering.

If Volubilis is on your plan, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here’s the official listing (useful for confirming the site identity and context):
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/836/

8) Timing tips: when roads feel easiest

For first-time drivers, timing can make Morocco feel “easy.”

• Best: late morning (after rush pressure) or early afternoon

• Harder: early rush windows and late afternoon/evening return waves

• Avoid for beginners: night driving on unfamiliar roads

Also: don’t plan your first drive right after a long flight. Fatigue makes everything feel harder.

9) Parking and “city stress” tips for beginners

Parking is where beginners lose confidence. Keep it simple:

• Choose parking lots or wide streets over “squeeze spots”

• In busy areas, park once and walk, don’t chase the perfect spot

• Avoid medina-adjacent tight lanes until you’ve done 1–2 easy routes

• Use your mirrors, go slow, and let impatient drivers pass

If you’re unsure about a street, don’t force it, take the next turn and reset.

If you rely on navigation, save offline maps before your first drive so signal drops don’t stress you out. Official Google Maps steps:
https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838

10) Quick answers

What’s the easiest first drive from Fes?
Fes → Ifrane is one of the best beginner routes: structured roads, calm pacing, and safe stops.

What should beginners avoid first?
Dense medina-adjacent driving, tight parking, and night driving on unfamiliar roads.

How do I reduce stress on Day 1?
Pick up the car in a car-friendly spot, do a short warm-up loop, and choose one easy route.