Dakar Rally 2027

The Dakar Rally 2027 is the 49th edition of the world's best-known rally-raid. It runs from 9 to 23 January 2027, starting in Loulé-Faro in Portugal and crossing Morocco to finish in Marrakech. It is for motorsport fans who want to see cars, bikes and trucks race across the desert, and for travellers who want to combine the race with a trip to Morocco.

About the Dakar Rally

The Dakar is organised by Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.). According to the official website, the 2027 edition will exceptionally move to Europe and Africa, and the rally will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 for its 50th edition. The Dakar Classic and other Dakar programmes follow the same move.

The 2027 race opens the season of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championships. The organiser describes the format as a prologue followed by twelve stages. The Algarve in Portugal hosts the prologue and the first special stage. Morocco hosts eleven stages and a rest day in Agadir, with a route that explores the country from north to far south.

The organiser says the route covers 7,824 km, including 4,341 km of special stages, with six different bivouacs. Most special stages will be between 350 and 500 km. The launch takes place at the Algarve Stadium in Loulé-Faro. After the Portuguese stages, competitors cross the Mediterranean overnight to Nador in Morocco, then race via Bouarfa, Zagora, Agadir, Smara and the far south before heading north along the Atlantic to Marrakech.

Dakar Rally 2027 dates and venue

• Dates: 9 to 23 January 2027 (prologue and twelve stages)
• Start: Loulé-Faro, Algarve, Portugal
• Finish: Marrakech, Morocco
• Rest day: Agadir, Morocco

The organiser notes that the dates are subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. Before the start, the service park opens on 5 January in Loulé-Faro and scrutineering takes place there from 6 to 8 January. The competition starts with the prologue on 9 January. Check the official Dakar website for the detailed stage plan.

How to get to Marrakech for the Dakar Rally

For the start in Portugal, the nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), which serves the Algarve. For the finish, travellers fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). Agadir, where the rest day takes place, is served by Agadir–Al Massira Airport (AGA).

The bivouacs move every day and many are in remote desert areas, so following the whole race is not practical for most travellers. A trip to Marrakech for the Dakar Rally is easier if you focus on the finish, or on the start in the Algarve. Check the official entry requirements for Morocco and Portugal for each traveller.

Where to stay

In Marrakech, popular areas are the historic Medina, with its traditional riads, and the modern districts of Gueliz and Hivernage. In the Algarve, travellers can stay in Faro or around Loulé, close to the start. For the rest day, Agadir has a long beachfront with many hotels.

January is a pleasant time to visit Morocco, so book early for the finish dates, especially in Marrakech.

Planning a group trip to the Dakar Rally

A group tour to the Dakar Rally works best when it is built around one location. Tips for a Dakar Rally travel package:

• Choose one base: Marrakech for the finish, Agadir for the rest day, or the Algarve for the start.
• Spectator information: check the official Dakar website for public zones and access rules. Do not promise access to bivouacs or stages unless the organiser confirms it.
• Package content: flights, hotel nights, airport transfers, a guided Marrakech city tour and optional excursions to the Atlas Mountains or the desert.
• Flexibility: dates are subject to final approval, so keep flexible terms where you can.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Dakar Rally 2027?

The Dakar Rally 2027 runs from 9 to 23 January 2027, with a prologue followed by twelve stages. The organiser says the dates are subject to approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

Where is the Dakar Rally 2027 held?

The 2027 edition starts in Loulé-Faro, Portugal, and crosses Morocco from north to far south before finishing in Marrakech. The rest day is in Agadir.

Why is the Dakar 2027 not in Saudi Arabia?

The organiser says the 2027 edition will exceptionally take place in Portugal and Morocco, and that the rally will return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 for its 50th edition.

What is the nearest airport to the Dakar Rally finish?

The finish is in Marrakech, which is served by Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). For the start in Portugal, the nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO).

Can the public watch the Dakar Rally?

The Dakar is a public sporting event, but stages often run through remote areas. Check the official Dakar website for spectator information and follow local safety advice.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Dakar Rally 2027 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.