Renting a car in Fes is one of the best ways to explore northern Morocco, whether you’re heading out to Meknes, Volubilis, Ifrane, or the Middle Atlas. But a low daily rate can quickly become a much higher total once delivery charges, fuel policies, and late return fees are added. The good news? Most of these “hidden” fees can be completely avoided with the right questions and a bit of documentation.
This guide walks you through exactly what to watch for in Fes in 2025, how rental companies calculate extra costs, and the simple steps you can take to keep your price as advertised.
Table of Contents
Common hidden fees in Fes car rentals
Delivery & pickup charges: airport vs city
Fuel policies: full‑to‑full vs same‑to‑same
Late returns and after‑hours penalties
How to document everything to avoid disputes
Booking tips to lock the real total
FAQs
1) Common hidden fees in Fes car rentals
When a rate looks cheap online, it’s often because the advertised price doesn’t include:
Delivery or pickup charges (especially at Fes‑Saïss Airport)
Fuel refill fees if you don’t return the tank correctly
Late return penalties (even 10–15 minutes late)
After‑hours handover charges
Optional add‑ons pushed at pickup (child seats, extra drivers, GPS)
All of these add up if you don’t plan for them. Knowing where they hide gives you control.
2) Delivery & pickup charges: airport vs city
In Fes, where you collect your car can add to the cost.
Airport pickup
Picking up at Fes‑Saïss Airport (FEZ) is convenient, but many rental companies charge a delivery fee for airport service. This covers staffing, parking access, and logistics near arrivals.
To get an idea of how the airport access and layout works so you can negotiate or choose a better pickup point, you can reference general airport information such as the overview for regional airports on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fes–Saïss_Airport
Tip: Ask the provider if city pickup (near your hotel or a central location) can be cheaper or free instead of airport delivery.
City pickup
Picking up in central Fes (near Ville Nouvelle or your riad) often avoids delivery surcharges because staff are easier to dispatch and the logistics are simpler.
Before you confirm, ask:
“Is this quote with delivery included?”
“Is there a fee for airport pickup?”
“What’s the alternative pickup location without delivery charges?”
3) Fuel policies: full‑to‑full vs same‑to‑same
Understanding the fuel policy is one of the biggest “hidden cost” areas.
Full‑to‑full
You receive the car with a full tank and return it full. This is usually the least expensive and most transparent fuel policy because you only pay for what you use at standard pump prices.
Same‑to‑same (or “as returned”)
The car is delivered with the tank at a specific level (e.g., ¾) and must be returned at that same level. This can be confusing if the gauge isn’t marked clearly, and it often leads to disagreements.
Fuel refill charges
If you return below the required level:
You may be charged a premium per liter plus a service/refueling fee.
This sometimes costs more than filling up yourself at the last station.
Tip: Take photos of the fuel gauge at pickup and at return. This protects you against disputes.
For broader context on fuel economics and pricing strategy (useful when planning your refuel stops and budget), the U.S. Energy Information Administration tracks fuel price trends globally: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/
4) Late returns and after‑hours penalties
Return time matters almost as much as where you return the car.
Late return fees
Many companies don’t offer a “grace period.” If you return the car even 10–15 minutes after the scheduled time, some treat this as:
an extra day, or
an incremental late fee.
This happens because the rental day is tied to a 24‑hour block in their system.
After‑hours charges
If your return is outside the agency’s normal operating hours, you may face:
a flat after‑hours fee, and
possibly a request to return the keys via a dropbox with a shuttle or additional service.
Tip: Confirm both the exact return cut‑off time and the after‑hours policy in writing before you finalize the booking.
5) How to document everything to avoid disputes
Documentation is your best friend when avoiding hidden fees. Always:
Take photos of the car from all sides when you pick it up (bumpers, wheels, roof).
Photograph the fuel gauge before you drive away.
Record the odometer reading.
Write down any existing dents or scratches on the contract (even tiny ones).
Get confirmation of all fees in writing (email or message is best).
If a charge comes up later that you weren’t told about upfront, you can show the timeline and photos to dispute it.
6) Booking tips to lock the real total
Here’s how to get the real price before you arrive in Fes:
Ask for an “all‑inclusive quote” that lists delivery, fuel policy, deposit method, and late return terms.
Clarify whether airport pick‑up is included or extra.
Confirm fuel policy in exact terms (full‑to‑full vs same‑to‑same) and whether premium refuel fees apply.
Note the return cutoff time and whether a grace period exists.
Ask about after‑hours return rules and fees.
A lot of surprise costs happen because travelers assume “included” means everything they need. The only way to avoid that is to get it in writing before you pay.
7) FAQs
What’s the most common hidden fee in Fes car rentals?
Delivery/pickup charges and fuel refill fees (for not returning full) are the most common surprises.
Can I avoid airport delivery fees?
Often yes—by picking up in the city instead of at Fes‑Saïss Airport.
What’s the best fuel policy?
Full‑to‑full is almost always the fairest and cheapest in total cost.
What happens if I’m late returning the car?
You may be charged a late fee or even an extra day unless you confirm a grace period upfront.
Are after‑hours returns always extra?
Not always, but many local agencies do charge a fee if staff must come in outside normal hours.
Same prices and offers