Renting a Car in Morocco for AFCON 2025
Renting a car for this major football event remains the absolute best option for fans who want to avoid depending on overcrowded public transport or overpriced taxis. Renting a car transforms your football pilgrimage into a genuine Moroccan road trip.
But be warned: We are already in early December 2025, and vehicle stocks are vanishing fast.
Shortages and Pricing: Why You Must Book NOW
Let's be clear: you are already late. December 2025 is the final stretch before the kickoff, and rental agencies are showing reservation rates we've never seen before. Sporting events of this magnitude create a demand that far exceeds supply.
Current Market Situation:
- Stock Saturation: City cars and compacts are almost sold out in major cities.
- Price Explosion: Rates have doubled or even tripled compared to normal periods.
- Stricter Conditions: Agencies are demanding higher deposits, imposing minimum rental durations, and offering less favorable deductibles.
- Booking War: Every day you wait reduces your options and increases the final bill.
The Golden Rule: Book within the next 48 hours. Compare quickly, but don't wait for the "perfect price" that will never come. A reserved vehicle today is better than no vehicle at all.
Choosing Your Agency: International or Local?
Facing this urgency, you have two options.
The International Giants (Hertz, Europcar, Avis, etc.):
They offer a presence in all airports and recent vehicles. However, during AFCON, their rates see major markups (between 150% and 300% compared to standard periods), their airport stocks are saturated, and you can expect endless queues at the counters.
The Smart Alternative: Local Agencies
This is where trusted local agencies become the intelligent solution. I particularly recommend that you reserve with Jacaranda Car, a local agency that has built a solid reputation. Their personalized approach and generally more competitive rates make them a serious alternative to the overwhelmed giants.
Advantages of agencies like Jacaranda:
- Rates often 30 to 50% cheaper than big brands during high demand.
- Flexibility on rental conditions (negotiation is often possible).
- Personalized service with valuable local advice.
- Vehicle availability even when the big renters display "Sold Out."
- Delivery options directly to your accommodation depending on your location.
The price-to-quality ratio is often significantly better for a two-week rental.
The Prerequisites: Documents and Deposits
Prepare your file now to avoid any refusal at the counter:
- Valid Passport or ID.
- Driver's License: A national license is sufficient for Europeans and most English speakers. If your license is not in the Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is recommended.
- International Credit Card: Essential for the security deposit (ensure you have a high enough limit for the pre-authorization). Note: Debit cards can sometimes be problematic with major agencies; check beforehand.
- Booking Confirmation.
Important: During AFCON, expect higher security deposits than usual. Verify your deductible (the amount you pay in case of an accident). Supplemental insurance reduces this risk but adds a daily cost. Calculate this based on your budget and risk tolerance.
Navigating Between Stadiums: Highways and Traffic
Morocco boasts an excellent highway network connecting the host cities.
- A1: Connects Tangier - Rabat - Casablanca.
- A3: Connects Casablanca to Marrakech (approx. 2h30).
- A7: Leads to Agadir via Marrakech (approx. 5h).
- A2: Joins Fez from Rabat (approx. 2h).
Pro Tip: The Jawaz Badge (electronic toll tag) will save you precious time at crowded toll booths. Some agencies offer it as an option for a small daily fee. If not, you can buy one at gas stations.
Traffic Advice:
- Avoid leaving at noon on match days (everyone hits the road simultaneously).
- Travel early in the morning or late at night.
- Use Google Maps or Waze to anticipate jams in real-time.
- Always plan for 30% extra time on your initial GPS estimate.
Driving on Match Days
The areas surrounding the stadiums will become zones of "joyful chaos."
Parking Strategy:
- Arrive at official parking lots 4 to 5 hours before kickoff.
- Negotiate with private parking spots offered by locals and shopkeepers.
- Avoid illegal street parking: Tow trucks are active, and fines are expensive.
- Smart Move: Park 20-30 minutes away on foot in a residential area (it's free and faster to leave after the match).
Vehicle Security:
- Leave NOTHING visible inside (bags, phones, GPS).
- Lock doors and the trunk systematically.
- Remove team flags/decorations after the match to avoid unwanted attention.
- Take a photo of your parking spot and nearby landmarks to find your car easily.
Conclusion: Hit the Road for Adventure
AFCON 2025 in Morocco is a unique opportunity to experience African football in one of the continent's most welcoming countries. With a rental car, you transform a simple sports trip into an unforgettable experience: crossing the Atlas Mountains, stopping for mint tea between two matches, and exploring historic Medinas.
But time is running out. Every hour counts. Available vehicles can be counted on one hand, and conditions will only get tougher until D-Day.
Your Immediate Action Plan:
- Check rates at major international brands.
- Consult reliable local agencies like Jacaranda Car.
- Book within 48 hours maximum.
- Check your documents and bank card limits.
- Download navigation apps and prep your itinerary.
