Bab Boujloud is the famous Blue Gate at the western entrance to Fes medina. Cars cannot enter most historic lanes, so pickups happen at nearby accessible roads or parking areas. Compare 3 main gates: the Blue Gate, Bab Ftouh and Bab Guissa. A nearby underground car park lists 121 spaces, although availability can change.
It can be confusing arriving at a Fes riad as your accommodation is within the historic medina. Because of the narrow streets, pedestrian zones and many entrance gates it is not easy to choose a place to pick up the car.
The closest gate to your riad is not always the most accessible by car. Knowing where to meet your driver or rental agent saves you from unnecessary walking with luggage.
These handy directions explain the main entrances, parking and pick up arrangements around the old city.
Where is Bab Boujloud & why is the entrance important?
Bab Boujloud is the famous western gate of Fes el-Bali, the historic medina. It is popularly known as the Blue Gate because of its unique decoration in blue ceramic.
Fez Bab Bou Jeloud: What to Know About The Blue Gate
People looking for fes bab boujloud, bab bou jeloud fes or fez bab bou jeloud are generally looking for this landmark.
The outer side of the gate is decorated with blue tiles, while green tiles are on the side facing the medina. Today it is monument dating from the early 20th century.
The area around gives access to Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira, two main streets of the medina.
Why are there limits on vehicles?
The entrance is facing the Medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
Most of the old lanes are not suitable for normal cars. Vehicles must use accessible roads and stopping points in and around the medina.
Visitors should check their walking route before leaving the vehicle with any suitcases.
Local tip: Use the Blue Gate as a meeting landmark, but be sure to agree on an exact location on the roadside. The monument itself is not a public parking lot.
Which gate of the Fes medina should you use for your riad?
The right entrance depends on the location of your riad, not just the most famous gate. There are three main entrances to different parts of the old city.
Blue Gate Fes: The West Gate
Bab Boujloud is a convenient entrance for accommodation near the upper Talaa streets.
People who are looking for blue gate fes, or fes blue gate, usually come to this area.
The neighboring Batha is also a useful reference point for drivers and riad guests.
Bab Ftouh: Entrance Southeast
Bab Ftouh serves the southeast side of Fes el-Bali, including access toward the Andalusian quarter.
It can reduce the unnecessary walking for accommodation in that part of medina.
Bab Guissa: North entrance
Bab Guissa is handy for riads near the northern edge of the old city.
Another way into the northern medina is via its peripheral roads. However there are slopes in the area that may be difficult for luggage transfers.
Other useful arrival points are Bab Rcif and Ain Azliten.
Local tip: Ask your riad which of these 3 entrances is their favorite gate. The map might display a short route but with steep stairs or narrow lanes.
Where to park close to Blue Gate?
Parking near Bab Boujloud is available outside pedestrian streets, including a dedicated underground parking facility.
Parking Bab Boujloud
The CG Park Bab Boujloud facility has 121 parking spaces, and 1 underground level.
This is a useful landmark for drivers coming into the medina from the west. Check parking availability and charges before coming.
Other parking lots
Another place to stay near the western entrance is Batha.
Some northern riads may be more conveniently parked around Ain Azliten or Bab Guissa.
For more information, please consult the Fes medina parking and car access guide.
Vehicle rental and parking
Pick a particular place and follow any posted rules. Take your valuables out of the car and take a photo of where you parked.
If a parking attendant asks you to pay, first ask how much and for how long .
Local’s tip: Budget an additional 10-15 minutes for parking and locating your meeting place. If it’s a busy time, think about an alternative car park.
How to arrange car rental pickup at the medina?
If you want to get a rental car near the Fes medina you will have to agree on a meeting point on a road accessible to vehicles.
Confirm correct pick up point
3 pieces of information to send the rental agent before picking up your vehicle: the name of your riad, a map pin and your preferred collection time.
The agent can then confirm a convenient meeting place by the correct gate.
If you are in a hotel in the medina ask how far the pickup point is.
Get ready for the delivery of the car
Depending on the booking, allow approximately 15 minutes as a planning buffer for the handover.
Please bring your driving licence, required ID and booking confirmation.
Check the condition of the vehicle fuel level insurance terms and agreed return location before you leave.
You can also see how car rentals can be delivered to the hotels and riads in Fes.
Moving around after pickup
Instead of trying to cut through the pedestrian areas, circumnavigate the outside of the medina.
For general Fes driving and rental information, see the Fes car rental city guide.
Local tip: If you have many suitcases, ask your riad if they have porter assistance. Arrange for a luggage pick up before the rental agent arrives.
Errors to avoid
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Choosing the wrong gate Check the nearest gate your riad has to the road before you set off.
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If the Blue Gate admits cars, use a pre-arranged parking area nearby or roadside meeting point instead.
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Follow GPS into pedestrian lanes: Check the route yourself and follow local road signs.
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Leaving parking until the last minute: Add 10–15 minutes extra and find another parking spot.
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Arrange the return: Confirm where the car will be returned and the inspection process when you pick it up.
If you’re visiting bab boujloud fes morocco, be aware that the historic entrance is mainly a pedestrian landmark. Correct vehicle meeting point may be other place on accessible road.
Easiest option: Car rental delivery in Fes
MarHire Car Fes offers free delivery to accessible hotels and agreed city pick up places.
Those staying inside the medina can be picked up near a suitable gate, rather than entering pedestrian streets.
The service offers transparent rental conditions, selected no-deposit vehicles, and 24/7 WhatsApp assistance for pickup arrangements.
Car rental in Fes. Confirm your preferred meeting location.
FAQ: Pickup at Bab Boujloud & Fes Medina
What is Bab Boujloud in Fez?
The famous Blue Gate is the western entrance to Fes el-Bali. It gives access to important historic streets, to traditional markets and to riads close by. The gate is a landmark for visitors coming in and out of the medina.
Where can I park in Bab Boujloud?
CG Park underground parking near the western medina entrance has 121 spaces listed. There are other parking options nearby in Batha and on adjacent accessible roads. Please check current charges and availability before you arrive especially during busy periods or local events.
Why is Bab Boujloud known as the Blue Gate?
One feature gives the gate its name: the exterior is adorned with blue ceramic tiles. Green tiles inside. The contrast of colors makes this entrance a landmark that visitors to the historic medina of Fes will recognize.
Can I get a rental car delivered near Bab Boujloud?
Yes, rental cars can be delivered to a mutually agreed vehicle-accessible location near the Blue Gate, subject to provider confirmation. Most riad's in the medina are not reachable by regular transport. Arrange a meeting point and time for collection prior to the agreed handover.
What we recommend
Budget visitors should compare parking. First time visitors should check their nearest gate. Families should arrange for luggage assistance. Self-drive travelers should pick up their vehicle outside the pedestrian zone.
See local pickup coordination options at MarHire Car Fes rental.
