The short answer
Yes, and it is one of the best day trips in Morocco, usually from Fes. Meknes is about an hour from Fes by road, and Volubilis lies about 33 km north of Meknes, some 30 to 40 minutes by car. The holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun sits next to the ruins and is usually part of the same day.
In more detail
Start in Meknes with the monuments of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made it his capital in the 17th century: the Bab Mansour gate, the vast Heri es-Souani granaries and stables, and his mausoleum, one of the few active royal mausoleums open to non-Muslims, with modest dress required.
Then drive out to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Roman city in Morocco. Its ruins include the Capitoline Temple, the Arch of Caracalla and houses with mosaic floors still in place. There is little shade, so go in the morning or late afternoon in warm months; golden hour is lovely for the mosaics and columns.
Meknes also rewards an overnight if you want to see it after the day-trippers leave. Its medina is calmer than Fes, and it fits naturally between Fes and Rabat on a northern route.
Good to know
- Take water and a hat to Volubilis; the site is exposed.
- There is no direct bus to Volubilis, so a driver or taxi is easiest.
- Combine it with a night in Fes on either side.