Rabat to Meknes & Volubilis Day Trip — private day trip from Rabat, Morocco

Rabat to Meknes & Volubilis Day Trip

Imperial city splendor and Roman ruins—closer to Rabat than Fes for optimal exploration

9 Hours
140km
Departs 8:30 AM
Free Cancellation
Excellent on TripAdvisor
From2,400 MAD

About This Trip

Discover Morocco's most underrated imperial city and its greatest Roman archaeological site on a journey that takes you from the Atlantic coast to the Saiss plains. Unlike the grueling 300km trek from Casablanca, Rabat's position makes Meknes and Volubilis accessible for a relaxed day of historical immersion.

Meknes—the 'Versailles of Morocco'—was the 17th-century capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who envisioned a royal city to rival European courts. The result was 40km of walls, massive granaries, and stables for 12,000 horses, all built by European slaves captured from Barbary pirates. Nearby Volubilis (Walili) represents the western extent of the Roman Empire, where olive oil wealth financed magnificent mosaics that remain intact after 2,000 years.

This excursion offers the perfect combination: the 17th-century imperial ambition of Moulay Ismail with the 2nd-century Roman provincial capital. The short 140km drive from Rabat allows maximum time for exploration rather than transit, making this one of Morocco's most efficient historical day trips.

Your Itinerary

A carefully planned day from Rabat. Your expert driver ensures every moment counts.

Rabat Departure

Morning pickup from Rabat. Drive inland through the fertile Gharb plain toward the Saiss region.

Volubilis Roman Ruins

Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Roman city. Explore the Triumphal Arch, Capitol, Basilica, and houses with intact floor mosaics including Orpheus and the Athlete.

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Visit the holy town of Moulay Idriss—burial place of Morocco's founder. Panoramic viewpoints of the whitewashed town cascading over twin hills.

Lunch in Meknes

Drive to nearby Meknes for lunch featuring regional specialties—Meknes is famous for olives and wines from the nearby vineyards.

Bab Mansour & Imperial City

Visit Bab Mansour—Morocco's most magnificent gate with its marble columns and intricate zellige. Walk the Place el-Hedim (little brother of Jemaa el-Fna).

Heri es-Souani & Mausoleum

Explore Moulay Ismail's massive granaries (Heri es-Souani) with their incredible engineering, and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (open to non-Muslims).

Return to Rabat

Drive back to Rabat via the highway, arriving early evening.

Rabat Arrival

Evening return to Rabat.

Select Your Vehicle

Choose Your Level of Comfort

Fixed price for your entire 9-hour journey

Showing vehicles for 2 passengers

All vehicles available

Skoda Superb
Best Value

Skoda Superb

Up to 3 passengers
3 large suitcases
WiFi
A/C

Total Fixed Price

2,400 MAD

for 9 hours

Mercedes Vito
Premium

Mercedes Vito

Up to 7 passengers
7 large suitcases
WiFi
A/C

Total Fixed Price

3,000 MAD

for 9 hours

Mercedes Sprinter
Premium

Mercedes Sprinter

Up to 16 passengers
16 large suitcases
WiFi
A/C

Total Fixed Price

4,200 MAD

for 9 hours

Good to Know

Your price covers the private car and driver service. You have full freedom over where you stay, eat, and visit.

Licensed & insured private vehicle for touristic transport
Dedicated professional driver for the day
Fuel & highway tolls
All parking fees
Bottled water
Onboard Wi-Fi
Up to 10 hours of service (9 AM – 7 PM)
Free stops for photos, visits & breaks along the route
Pickup & drop-off at your accommodation
Free cancellation 24h before departure
Meals & restaurant expenses
Entry/admission tickets to attractions
Local guides at sites (driver is not a tour guide)
Travel insurance
Gratuity (optional)

Practical Information

Flexible departure between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Earlier departures recommended for longer distances.
Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Dress in layers and bring sun protection.
Weather can vary by destination. We monitor conditions and will advise if adjustments are needed.
Lunch is not included unless specified. Your driver can recommend excellent local restaurants.
Your driver provides a WhatsApp contact number for communication throughout the day.
Your driver speaks: English, French, Arabic
Complimentary pickup and drop-off at your hotel, riad, or preferred location.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Volubilis is remarkably well-preserved with intact 2,000-year-old mosaics, standing columns, and original streets. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Moulay Ismail modeled his capital on European courts, employing European architects. The scale of the walls, granaries, and stables was meant to demonstrate imperial power.

Yes—the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is one of the few in Morocco open to non-Muslims. The interior decoration is exquisite.

From

2,400 MAD/ vehicle

9h · Rabat pickup & return

Date

Pickup time

Travelers

2 travelers

Vehicle

Skoda Superb

3 pax · 2,400 MAD

Select a Date Above

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip

Reserve now, pay later – secure your spot while staying flexible

Book ahead! Day trips fill up fast — booking in advance guarantees your vehicle and departure time.

Why Travelers Love OPDM

107+ reviews

Trusted by travelers from around the world

Nous les avons engagés pour nous ramener à Tanger avec nos 2 vélos au terme d'un grande traversée cyclotouriste de Tanger à Mhamid. Ce n'est pas donné mais le service est hyper professionnel : communication fluide, adaptabilité (on a changé l'itinéraire quelques jours avant pour le fractionner en 2 étapes à une semaine d'intervalle), chauffeurs ponctuels et prudents, véhicule en parfait état...A recommander sans restriction.

Bertrand SMay 2026
Google

Shakib was a great driver, made every journey amazing!

Steph BasseyMay 2026
Google

I used this agency for intercity travel during my 9-day trip to Morocco. I selected this agency after comparing it with others because communication was quick and efficient. Tangier-Casablanca Casablanca-Marrakech Fez-Chefchaouen Chefchaouen-Tangier-Mer Port As a family of seven, I was worried about transportation, but thanks to this agency, we were able to travel comfortably and safely. The drivers arrived on time, were well-mannered, and communicated in English, which was great. I highly recommend them.

Hyunhee KimMay 2026
Google

We used Official Morocco Private Driver for three different legs of our trip through Morocco — Casablanca to Fez, Fez to Chefchaouen, and Chefchaouen to Tangier — and the experience was excellent from start to finish. We were a group of seven travelling together (six adults and one child), with ages ranging from 2 to over 80, so coordinating transportation could have been stressful. This company made everything incredibly easy. Communication through WhatsApp was prompt and organized the entire time. There was always someone available to answer questions, confirm details, and make sure we had everything we needed. The vehicles were clean, comfortable, and spacious enough for both our group and all of our luggage. I had requested a baby car seat for every transfer, and it was always there without fail, which we really appreciated. All of the drivers were polite, punctual, helpful, and safe drivers. Along the way they offered recommendations for places to stop for lunch and helped make the longer travel days much more enjoyable and relaxed. Overall, this service removed so much of the stress from planning transportation logistics for a large family group. We would absolutely use them again and highly recommend them to anyone travelling through Morocco.

Leslie KubursiMay 2026

Very pleasant man that drives very well ! Also in the mountains (Atlas) no problems with getting sick: smootyh driving.

Peter HMay 2026
Google

We relied on this company for our week-long tour of the imperial cities. From the first contact, the company stood out for its efficiency and courtesy. A heartfelt thanks to our driver, Mr. Ali, who, with his impeccable work, kindness, and great professionalism, managed to connect Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, and Rabat with the attention you'd give a family member or dear friend. Thank you so much!

Bruno CalandriMay 2026
Google

We had Shakib as our private driver for our trip and he was the best ever. He provided a level of service that was truly exceptional and one of a kind! He is so genuine, kind and pure hearted, and wanted to ensure everyone had a great time. He was punctual to every single event on our itinerary and did everything with a smile! Even helping us with tasks outside of just transport, where we would need the knowledge of a local, he went above and beyond to ensure our trip ran smoothly. Anyone who manages to have Shakib as a driver is so lucky and I will always recommend him to anyone coming to Marrakech

NuchiMay 2026
Google

I had an absolutely incredible experience in Morocco (Marrakech), and a huge part of that was thanks to Chakib, my private driver and personal tour guide. From start to finish, he was nothing short of spectacular. His knowledge of the area was outstanding—he didn’t just take me to places, he brought them to life with stories, history, and local insight that made everything more meaningful. Beyond that, his personality made the entire trip even better. He was friendly, professional, and genuinely cared about making sure I had the best experience possible. What really stood out was how comfortable and at ease he made me feel. It felt less like a service and more like traveling with a friend who truly wanted me to enjoy every moment. He went above and beyond in every way. If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, I can’t recommend Chakib enough. He turned a great trip into an unforgettable one.

High TideMay 2026
Google

Great service. We had three different trips and all very responsive and made sure all connections were super smooth.

Hugh LoganApr 2026
Google

We (3 couples) used this service for a 13 day trip from Rabat to Marrakech to Skoura. The Sprinter was clean, new and comfortable. We were glad that we had use of the vehicle for the entire trip and not point to point. The cost was very reasonable. Chakib was our driver and guide. He was wonderful and very helpful. He was always at our service and very helpful. We recommend Chakib and this service without reservation.

David CogginApr 2026
Google

Abdul was sensational. We couldn’t have asked for better: very patent, resourceful and always ensured our safety was his priority. When coming back,

Bethanie GustaveMar 2026
Google

Abdul was a fantastic driver and guide. He was always punctual and gave great recommendations for places to visit, as well as arranging excursions for us. We will be booking with him again on our next trip!

Kim BMar 2026
Google

This is a very professional service. I recommend it for group travel. The communication was excellent right from the beginning and our itinerary went to plan all 4 days. Abdul our driver had great recommendations from Quad biking to dinner restaurants. He knows it all- very reliable. We felt safe and well taken care of. The Sprinter was clean, comfortable and fully air conditioned. I never really leave reviews but for this service I had to. The customer service we received made our days even more memorable. Thank you once again

Yvonne Namara NamaraMar 2026
Google

Outstanding experience. Chakib was our Chauffeur, guide & friend. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

Raghesh VijaykumarMar 2026

Amazing experience. Our driver Ali was very personable, kind, and a very safe driver. Van was in great condition. Can highly recommend. Easy to work with their office to plan our itinerary.

Susi LarsenMar 2026
Google

I booked a transfer from Fes to Rabat. Online booking was clear and easy, and communications with the owner by WhatsApp prior to the transfer were timely and helpful. The English-speaking driver, Khalid, arrived punctually to meet me at my hotel in Fes, and I felt safe and comfortable in his car. He was polite and professional, and I liked the fact that he did not have any music or radio playing during the journey. The overall price seemed very reasonable. Therefore I highly recommend this company.

Stephen SMar 2026
Google

We used this service for a round trip between Agadir and Marrakech. We had two different drivers, both excellent. Professional, friendly and attentive, they gave us information about the country and tips on local attractions to discover. Communication was done via WhatsApp, from booking to return. Once payment is received, a driver is assigned to you and you can communicate directly with them. Water is provided and the vehicle has Wi-Fi. Overall, a very positive and excellent experience. We highly recommend this service to our loved ones. Thank you very much!

Dede TetehFeb 2026
Google

Exceptional experience. Chakib was our driver, our guide and a friend.

Raghesh VijaykumarFeb 2026
Google

Chakib was more like a host than a chauffeur for us during our Morocco trip. He took care of all our requirements and was very courteous right through.

Anil NairFeb 2026
Google

Our experience with this private driver service was exceptional throughout our trip to Morocco. From start to finish, the service was professional, punctual and remarkably attentive. Our driver was courteous, patient and knowledgeable, making our travels between cities smooth and stress-free. Even when faced with unexpected situations, he remained calm, accommodating and attentive to our comfort and safety. If you are looking for reliable, high-quality private transportation in Morocco, I highly recommend this team. I will undoubtedly use their services again.

KeonaFeb 2026

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