Medina
Commercial, localSpice, gold, and fabric souks. Bab Sidi Abdelouahab and Bab El Gharbi mark the main entrance.
L'Oriental · Morocco
Location voiture Oujda
Oujda — Capital of the Oriental, Morocco-Algeria crossroads
A dynamic border city, Oujda is the gateway to the Moroccan Oriental: a bustling commercial medina, palm-lined boulevards inherited from the protectorate, and direct access to the Saïdia beach resort (60 km), the Beni Snassen mountains, and the Mediterranean hotel chain of Al Hoceïma.
- Region
- L'Oriental
- Population
- ~500 000 inhabitants
- Airport
- Oujda-Angads (OUD)
- Climate
- Semi-arid, hot summer (35 °C), mild winter
- Status
- Regional capital
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Why go
Why visit Oujda?
The real reasons that make the difference when planning your stay.
Strategic crossroads between the Mediterranean, the eastern Sahara, and Algeria
Authentic commercial medina, untouristy, local prices
Saïdia ("blue pearl") at 60 km: the most beautiful beach on the Moroccan Mediterranean
Beni Snassen mountains: Camel and Pigeon caves, Zegzel gorges
Hotel and rental rates among the lowest in the country
When to go
Best time to visit
Climate, crowds and surf season at a glance.
April → June
Ideal spring (22-28 °C), green Beni Snassen, Saïdia still quiet.
July → August
Saïdia beach season, very hot in Oujda (35-40 °C). High influx of MRE (Moroccans Residing Abroad).
September → October
Perfect late season: sea still warm, medina bearable.
December → February
Cool winters (8-16 °C), plummeting rates, city at a local pace.
Neighborhoods
Where to stay and wander in Oujda
The right neighborhood changes everything: vibe, parking, distance to the beach.
New Town / Boulevard Mohammed V
Lively, modernPalm-lined avenues, cafes, banks, business hotels. The heart of Oujda's life.
Sidi Yahya
Spiritual, calmOasis at 6 km, mausoleum of Sidi Yahya Ben Younès, poplars, and fresh springs.
Saïdia (beach resort)
Seaside, touristyAt 60 km: 14 km of fine sandy beach, marina, club hotels, golf. Very busy in July-August.
Things to do
What to do in Oujda
Our cliché-free selection, from must-see highlights to genuine local tips.
Oujda medina and souk
Souk El Mâa (water souk), Bab Sidi Abdelouahab, grand mosque. Free visit.
16 August Square
Historic square lively in the evening, bandstand, terrace cafes.
Sidi Yahya Oasis
Mausoleum, palm grove, springs. Nature outing 10 min from the center.
Saïdia Beach
60 km north, fine sand, warm sea, beach clubs, and marina.
Beni Snassen Caves (Camel, Pigeon)
Spectacular stalactites, Zegzel gorges. 1 h drive.
Fezouane Thermal Spring
Natural hot baths, little known to foreign tourists. 45 min drive.
Around the city
Day trips and road trips from Oujda
Distances, driving times and what to expect on site.
Saïdia
Beach and marina. Easy day trip.
60 km50 min
Zegzel Caves & Gorges
Beni Snassen, spectacular landscapes, Berber lunch.
50 km1 h
Berkane & citrus orchards
Clementine capital, orchards, Moulouya river.
60 km1 h
Nador & Marchica Lagoon
Mediterranean and turquoise lagoon. Ideal for a round trip.
130 km1 h 30
Figuig (Saharan oasis)
Exceptional Berber oasis on the Algerian border. Overnight stay essential.
370 km5 h
Al Hoceïma
Rif coast, national park. 2 nights minimum.
260 km4 h
Getting around
How to get around in Oujda
In practice
Oujda has a direct train to Fez, Rabat, and Casablanca (Oujda-Ville station). CTM/Supratours buses to Saïdia, Nador, Al Hoceïma. But to visit the Beni Snassen, Zegzel, or explore between Saïdia and Nador, a car is vastly more practical — and cheap in the Oriental.
Rent a car in Oujda
Prix réels, sans frais cachés. Filtrez par type de véhicule, transmission et politique carburant.
Car rental
Everything about renting in Oujda
Prices, conditions, driving: the full guide, no fluff.
Rent in Oujda center or at Angads airport?
Oujda-Angads Airport (OUD) is 15 km north of the center, 20 min via the N17. A small regional airport with daily flights to Paris, Brussels, Marseille, Casablanca. 4-5 rental counters open during flight hours.
If you arrive by plane to head directly to Saïdia or on a road trip to Nador, pick up the car at OUD: zero transfers. If you arrive by train and spend 2-3 days in the city before moving, renting downtown is more economical (no airport surcharge).
- OUD Airport: ~10 % airport surcharge, few local rental companies
- Center: major agencies on Boulevard Mohammed V, wider choice
- Cross-return OUD ↔ center generally included
How much does a rental cost in Oujda?
The Oriental is the cheapest region in Morocco for rentals. Indicative daily rates, basic insurance, 7 days:
- City car (Sandero, i10): 180–260 MAD / day (18–26 €)
- Compact (Clio, Polo): 260–380 MAD / day (26–38 €)
- Compact SUV (Duster, Captur): 380–550 MAD / day (38–55 €)
- Summer peak July-August: +30-40 % (MRE influx)
- Outside summer: unbeatable prices, negotiation possible at the agency
Conditions, deposit, and insurance
Credit card mandatory (Visa/Mastercard) in the driver's name. Deposit 5 000 to 12 000 MAD. Minimum age 21 years, young driver surcharge up to 25 years.
Important: crossing the Algerian border with a rental car is strictly forbidden (border closed since 1994 + contractual clause).
- Valid national driver's license (1 year minimum)
- Fuel: "full-to-full" policy
- Unlimited mileage with major rental companies
- Algeria border: forbidden, closed — never try
Driving in Oujda and the Oriental
Oujda center is easy to drive in: wide boulevards, decent signage. Heavy traffic during rush hours on Mohammed V and around the medina.
The A2 to Fez (340 km, toll ~95 MAD) is impeccable. The N2 to Nador (130 km) is free, fast, and beautiful. Towards Saïdia, the N17 is short and easy.
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in the city, 100 km/h on the road, 120 km/h on the highway
- Fixed speed cameras on A2 — stay vigilant
- Fuel: 13–15 MAD/L, stations everywhere
- Beni Snassen roads: winding, caution in winter
Budget
How much to plan per day
Indicative prices in Moroccan dirhams (MAD), per person.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (night, double) | 180 MAD | 420 MAD | 1 000 MAD |
| Meal | 30 MAD | 90 MAD | 220 MAD |
| Car rental / day | 190 MAD | 320 MAD | 550 MAD |
| Activity / excursion | 50 MAD | 180 MAD | 450 MAD |
| Total / day / pers. | ≈ 260 MAD | ≈ 600 MAD | ≈ 1 300 MAD |
Safety & advice
Good to know before you go
- Oujda is safe — family atmosphere, constant police presence in the border city.
- Never attempt to cross the Algerian border: it has been closed since 1994.
- Do not leave anything visible in the car, especially in Saïdia in summer.
- Useful numbers: 19 (police), 15 (Samu), 177 (royal gendarmerie).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions — Oujda
The questions we get most often by message.
Is it easy to park in the centre of Oujda?
Yes, it is generally easy to find parking spaces in the centre of Oujda, especially in public car parks or along main streets. Some hotels also offer private parking.
Can I rent a car in Oujda with a foreign driving licence?
Yes, most foreign driving licences are accepted for a limited time in Morocco. It is recommended to have an international driving permit as a supplement to avoid any inconvenience.
Are rental agencies in the centre of Oujda open on weekends?
The majority of rental agencies in the centre of Oujda are open on weekends, at least on Saturday mornings. It is best to check the specific hours of your chosen agency when booking.
Are there any hidden fees when renting in the city centre?
No, there are no hidden fees if you read your contract carefully. Make sure you understand the fuel policies, mileage fees (if applicable) and insurance options before signing.
Is it possible to rent a car in Oujda centre and return it in another city?
Yes, most major agencies offer one-way rentals, for an additional fee. Check with the agency when booking to find out the conditions and associated costs.
Is the traffic heavy in Oujda in summer?
Traffic in Oujda can be slightly heavier in summer due to MRE and family tourism, but it remains moderate and generally fluid compared to the major tourist cities of Morocco.
Go further
Tools & guides for your stay
Prepare every step with our dedicated guides and tools.
Oujda-Angads Airport (OUD) Guide
Counters, flights, transfers.
Should you rent a car in Oujda?
Interactive tool: 6 questions to decide.
Compare transfer vs rental
Estimate the cost OUD → Saïdia.
Calculate my Morocco trip budget
Accommodation, car, meals quantified.
Morocco road trip guide
Oriental loop idea: Oujda-Saïdia-Nador-Al Hoceïma.
Arriving by plane
Airports near Oujda
Local hub and regional alternatives to plan your arrival and rent a car straight from the terminal.
- Local hub
Oujda Angads
OUD10 km du centre · 15 minAéroport Oujda Angads, principal point d'arrivée de l'Oriental. Très saisonnier avec un fort pic estival lié à la communauté MRE.
Nador–Al Aroui
NDRAéroport régional · NadorL'aéroport Nador–Al Aroui est essentiellement un point d'arrivée pour la diaspora marocaine en Europe. Trafic très concentré sur l'été.
Fès–Saïss
FEZAéroport régional · FèsAéroport Fès–Saïss, porte d'entrée du Maroc impérial. Trafic essentiellement touristique avec une présence croissante des compagnies low-cost.
Nearby
Neighboring cities to combine with Oujda
Continue your road trip in the region.
app.karvyx.com
Ready to hit the road from Oujda?
Plus de 20 loueurs comparés en une seule recherche — tarif tout compris.
All destinations
Continue exploring Morocco with our other city guides.