Are you planning to visit Rabat by car?
Here’s everything you need to know to park without any stress:
- The Best Parking Spots for Exploring Rabat
- Where to park near the main sites
- Free options and secure parking
- Areas to avoid and safety tips
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is it hard to park in Rabat?
Rabat has a pleasant surprise in store for drivers: the Moroccan capital has significantly modernized its parking infrastructure in recent years as part of the large-scale urban development project “Rabat Ville Lumière.” We observed firsthand that several modern underground parking garages have sprung up near major tourist sites, which is a significant departure from the situation in other major cities in the Maghreb. That said, parking here still requires some planning. The city center and the areas surrounding the Medina remain congested during rush hour—on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.—and street parking spots fill up quickly. We recommend planning your parking before you arrive, especially if you’re visiting the Kasbah of the Oudayas or the souks. It’s not impossible to navigate the city by car, as long as you know the right spots.
Parking in Rabat: Summary
Careful street parking
In regulated areas, on-street parking is managed by Rabat Parking SA. Regulated zones are marked by blue lines on the ground and blue “P” signs—the official rate is 2 DH for 40 minutes (about 3 DH per hour), payable at a parking meter. These zones are generally in effect during the day, with standard hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, be sure to check the signs on site. The use of wheel clamps by the private parking meter operator has been deemed illegal in Rabat, but payment for parking remains mandatory, and you may still be issued a ticket. In practice, even in areas without parking meters, informal attendants wearing yellow or orange reflective vests manage the parking spaces. We recommend setting aside 3 to 5 DH during the day and 10 to 20 DH for a full night—this is customary, and it goes a long way toward ensuring your vehicle remains safe.
Free parking
Parking is completely free in Rabat, but only under certain conditions. On-street parking is free on Sundays, holidays, and every night starting at 7:00 p.m. Outside of these times, finding a spot that’s truly free requires heading away from the city center and into secondary residential streets in neighborhoods like Agdal or Hay Riad. We observed on the ground that even in these areas, it’s common to find a night or day parking attendant. We recommend setting aside 3 to 5 DH for the day or 10 to 15 DH for the night: this is the local custom, and it ensures peace of mind while your car is parked.
The main parking lots for tourists
- Bab El Had Underground Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
The closest to the entrance to the Medina, ideal for the souks and markets - Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
-Central, a 5-minute walk from the Rabat-Ville train station and Avenue Mohammed V - Place Moulay Hassan Underground Parking Garage – Underground, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
Very central, perfect for the business district and the Bouregreg riverfront - Outdoor Parking on Avenue Al Marsa – Outdoor, 24 hours a day, paid
. The ideal solution for the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Marina, and vans or RVs
Details on each parking lot are provided later in the article.
On-street parking costs 2 DH for 40 minutes (about 3 DH per hour).
24-hour flat rate: 60 DH at the Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage (about 5.50 €)
Full night of street parking (Avenue Al Marsa): about 40 to 60 DH
Essential tips
- On weekdays, street parking spots and parking garages in the city center fill up quickly between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and then between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. — try to arrive outside of these times.
- If you’re staying in a riad in Rabat’s Medina, choose a secure underground parking garage to leave your car for several days: the Medina is best explored on foot, and its narrow streets are not well suited for car traffic.
- If private parking is available, please provide your license plate number to your host in advance
- Do not leave any items or luggage visible inside the vehicle—store everything in the locked trunk before arriving at your destination
- And check out all our tips for renting a car and driving in Morocco
Accommodation with parking: our recommendations
If you’re looking to simplify your stay, choose accommodation with parking.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses Hotel – Valet Parking
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé Hotel – Secure Private Parking
See prices, photos and availability—and book - Rabat Marriott Hotel – Private outdoor parking on site
See prices, photos and availability—and book - See our selection of the best hotels in Rabat
WHERE TO STAY IN Rabat
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Hassan district
Hotel La Tour Hassan Palace – See prices, photos and availability
Rabat’s historic center
Riad Meftaha Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Marina Rabat-Salé
Hotel Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé – See prices, photos and availability
Where to park to get closer to specific locations in Rabat
Rabat has many attractions; many are concentrated around the Medina and the banks of the Bouregreg River, but some are located further out. Here are our recommendations for each area.
See our article on the best attractions in Rabat.
Where to Park When Visiting the Medina and the Souks
To explore Rabat’s Medina, its souks, and its bustling alleyways, the Bab El Had Underground Parking Garage is the most direct option. Located on Hassan II Avenue, it opens just a few steps from the Bab El Had gate, the natural entrance to the Old Medina. We particularly appreciate how easy it is to walk from the parking garage exit to the first market stalls: the route is direct, with no detours. The facility has 471 parking spaces spread over two levels, operates 24 hours a day, and features a high level of security—including HD video surveillance and round-the-clock security guards. We consider this parking garage the ideal starting point for a morning stroll through the Medina.
Where to Park When Visiting Mohammed V Avenue and the Parliament
The administrative and cultural heart of Rabat—Mohammed V Avenue, the Parliament, and the Mohammed V National Theater—is conveniently served by the Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage. We’ve noted that its exit leads directly to the Place des Arts Esplanade, a 5-minute walk from the Rabat-Ville train station. The Medina itself is less than a 10-minute walk away. We offer two main options for reaching this area:
- Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage — direct access to the Esplanade, a 5-minute walk from the train station, 24-hour rate: 60 DH
- Place Moulay Hassan Underground Parking — optional extra, very central, with easy access to the banks of the Bouregreg River
Where can I park to visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the Marina?
To reach the Kasbah of the Oudayas and its gardens, or to stroll along the Bouregreg Marina, the Avenue Al Marsa Outdoor Parking Lot is the most convenient starting point. Located along Avenue Al Marsa, it offers direct access to the entrance of the Kasbah, with an unobstructed view of the Bouregreg River. It has a capacity of approximately 80 to 100 spaces in a linear area monitored by local security guards. Please note that this parking area is also well-suited for tall vehicles—such as vans or RVs—that cannot fit into underground parking structures. We recommend arriving outside of peak hours, particularly on weekend evenings.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
The Best Parking Spots for Visiting Rabat
For the main tourist attractions in downtown Rabat, four options remain particularly convenient, even as the city continues to expand its underground parking facilities in other neighborhoods.
Bab El Had Underground Parking Garage
The Bab El Had Underground Parking Garage is the best starting point for any visitor who wants to explore Rabat’s Medina on foot.
- GPS coordinates: 34°01’19.2″N 6°50’29.4″W
- 471 seats
- Open 24/7
- Paid (about 5 to 6 DH per hour)
- Basement, 2 levels
- Secure: yes — HD video surveillance, 24/7 on-site security, fire detection, LED lighting
Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage
The Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage is the go-to option for parking in Rabat’s administrative and cultural center, especially for stays of several days thanks to its competitive 24-hour rate.
- GPS coordinates: 34°01’10.9″N 6°50’00.6″W
- 240 seats
- Open 24/7
- Paid (6 DH per hour — 24-hour flat rate: 60 DH)
- Basement, 2 levels
- Secure: yes — managed by Compagnie Générale des Parkings, with security cameras and regular patrols
- Access for people with disabilities: elevators available
Place Moulay Hassan Underground Parking Garage
The Place Moulay Hassan Underground Parking Garage is located in a very central area, equidistant from the business district and the banks of the Bouregreg River.
- GPS coordinates: 34°01’21.0″N 6°50’02.4″W
- 285 seats
- Open 24/7
- Paid (about 5 to 6 DH per hour)
- Basement, 2 levels
- Secure: yes — video surveillance, security control room, on-site guidance
- Retail spaces accessible from the street level
Outdoor Parking on Al Marsa Avenue
The Avenue Al Marsa Outdoor Parking Lot is the perfect solution for visitors coming to enjoy the Oudayas Kasbah and the banks of the Bouregreg River. Located along Avenue Al Marsa, it offers a direct view of the river and immediate access to the Kasbah’s gardens.
- GPS coordinates: 34°01’44.0″N 6°50’00.6″W
- About 80 to 100 seats
- Open 24 hours a day
- Paid (2 to 5 DH per hour — about 40 to 60 DH for a full night)
- Outdoors, unfenced linear area
- Safety: moderate — local security guards wearing vests, no locked fence
- Direct access to the entrance of the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the gardens
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Where can I park for free in Rabat?
There are free parking options in Rabat, but they come with certain conditions and often require a customary tip for the parking attendants. Here, we outline the available alternatives while being transparent about their limitations.
- Street parking outside paid hours: Parking is free in metered zones (blue lines) on Sundays, holidays, and in the evening from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the next day. This is the most affordable option for an evening or a Sunday, provided you can find an open spot.
- Outlying residential neighborhoods: To avoid any extra charges, head to the side streets of Agdal or Hay Riad, well beyond the tourist center. However, expect to tip the day guard 3 to 5 DH, or 10 to 15 DH for overnight parking—this is local custom and ensures a worry-free parking experience.
- Streets without parking meters on the outskirts of the Medina: a few side streets around the Rabat-Ville train station and on the edge of the city center allow for parking without a parking meter. However, an informal parking attendant is almost always present there, so the actual cost of parking is relative.
- If you visit the Royal Palace, you’ll need to park your vehicle in the parking lot within the palace grounds, near the entrance by the police station.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Where should you avoid parking in Rabat?
Parking regulations in Rabat are strictly enforced. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the high-risk areas before parking your car, or you could face swift and costly penalties.
- Inside the Old Medina: the alleys are strictly pedestrian-only, extremely narrow, and completely inaccessible to cars. Any attempt to enter them by vehicle is out of the question.
- Sidewalks painted red and white indicate a strict no-parking zone. In Rabat, vehicles are towed away by municipal tow trucks very quickly—and having the vehicle released is expensive.
- The heart of Mohammed V Avenue during rush hour: traffic is heavy on weekday mornings and late afternoons, double-parking is common, and the risk of a fender-bender or getting a ticket is high.
- Secluded, unlit side streets on the outskirts: Avoid parking there for long periods or overnight, especially on the outskirts of less-traveled neighborhoods.
FAQ — Parking in Rabat
Where can you park in Rabat without having to walk too far?
For families with strollers or people with limited mobility, two parking garages stand out for their direct accessibility. The Bab El Had Underground Parking Garage opens just a few steps from the entrance to the Medina, with no significant elevation change from the exit. The Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage, meanwhile, features elevators and well-designed accessibility for people with reduced mobility: it connects directly to the Place des Arts Esplanade at ground level. We highly recommend these two facilities to any visitor wishing to minimize the walking distance from their vehicle. We also note that no specific restricted traffic zone (ZTL) procedures are required in Rabat—unlike in some Italian cities—which simplifies matters for drivers with limited mobility.
Secure and underground parking lots in Rabat
If you’re leaving your car for several days or traveling with luggage, three parking garages stand out for their high level of security. The Bab El Had Underground Parking Garage, the Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage, and the Place Moulay Hassan Underground Parking Garage are all enclosed facilities with LED lighting, video surveillance, and 24-hour security. We recommend the Place des Arts Parking Garage for a stay of several days, particularly because of its 24-hour flat rate of 60 DH. We believe this fixed rate—approximately 5.50 €—offers the best value for security in the city.
Is there a parking lot in Rabat that’s open 24 hours a day?
Good news for travelers arriving at night or departing early in the morning: Rabat’s three main underground parking garages—Bab El Had, Place des Arts, and Place Moulay Hassan—are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These underground parking garages are well-lit, equipped with security features, and, depending on the location, monitored by video surveillance and staffed by attendants. We’ve confirmed that payment methods vary by facility, ranging from paying in dirhams at the cashier’s desk to paying the on-site attendant. We recommend that you have small bills in dirhams on hand to facilitate nighttime transactions.
What is the cheapest parking lot in Rabat?
For short-term parking, on-street parking with a parking meter remains the most affordable option: 2 DH for 40 minutes (about 3 DH per hour) in blue zones, Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For long-term parking, the Place des Arts Underground Parking Garage offers the best rate with its flat fee of 60 DH for 24 hours—about 5.50 €—combining maximum security with affordable pricing.
Can you reserve a parking spot in advance in Rabat?
For visitors, making a one-time reservation for a parking space in Rabat’s public parking lots does not seem to be common practice. The system is still primarily based on arriving on-site, except for parking passes or private hotel parking lots.
Is it possible to visit Rabat without a car?
Absolutely. Rabat has a modern tram system that serves the city’s main neighborhoods, as well as regular train service from Casablanca (about a 1-hour trip). For visitors who don’t want to drive in Morocco, combining the train, tram, and small taxis is a perfectly viable way to explore the capital.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
