If you're planning a trip to Jordan, you're likely mulling over what the best means of transportation is to see all the mesmerising sights the country has to offer. If you are wondering whether it would make sense to rent a car and drive on your own, this guide provides you with essential tips and tricks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable car rental experience in the heart of the Middle East.
The Middle Eastern country is perfectly set up for a road trip: compact, accessible, well-connected by three north-south highways, not totally wild when it comes to driving etiquette, and with some of the most breathtaking switchback valley roads we've ever driven. We spent 7 days in Jordan, and rented a car to make the most of our trip. During these 7 days, we managed to explore most of what Jordan has to offer, from Jerash in the North to Aqaba all the way in the South. Having our own rental car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and on our own schedule.
To help you explore Jordan's mesmerising sights with confidence, we've put together this guide with 10 essential tips to make renting a car and driving through the country a smooth and enjoyable experience!
Create your itinerary
The first thing you'll want to do before renting a car is deciding what your itinerary will be. You may not want to be as neurotic as I am about planning out every detail of where you want to go and how much time you want to spend there, but it's a good idea to think through where you'd need (or want) a car and how long you would need it for.
For us it made sense to rent our car from Amman airport and drop it off there too when it was time to leave Jordan. We spent the first day of our trip in Amman, and we were planning on taking Uber for sightseeing in the city because we wanted to avoid the hectic traffic. We didn't necessarily need the car from day 1, however, our flight arrived after midnight and our options to reach the hotel with public transit were minimal, so we decided to drive to the hotel ourselves and leave the car in the hotel parking.
Make a booking before arriving in Jordan
Jordan can get busy during peak times so it’s worth booking your car well in advance of your trip to ensure availability. Selecting a reputable car rental company is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Opt for well-known international brands or trusted local agencies with positive reviews. Check for customer feedback online and ensure the company has transparent rental terms and conditions. You can use a platform such as Rentalcars.com to compare deals and find the best fit for you.
Choose the right rental
Any rental car will do just fine on Jordan’s roads. Since it was just the two of us with a little luggage, we went with a smaller car. A bigger car could be a bit more comfortable for longer trips, though. Whatever car you pick, make sure it has air conditioning. Jordan gets pretty hot in the summer, with temperatures in the 30s and even reaching 40°C, so good AC is a must for a comfy ride. No need for a 4x4 since you probably won't be going off-road.
Bring the right documents
You can drive in Jordan with a foreign license. Some sources will flag you'll need an International Driving Permit in Jordan, but in reality, this is not enforced. We did apply for an international driving permit, to be on the safe side of things, but our rental company (Sixt at Amman Airport) did not ask for this when we picked up the car.
That being said, getting an International Driving Permit is a relatively simple and cheap process. For UK driving license holders the cost is about GBP 5.50 and it's valid for 12 months.
Do not drive in Wadi Rum
Even though you can drive into the Wadi Rum Protected Area, it's definitely not the best idea. The desert is huge, the terrain is tough, and it's easy to get lost. Plus, cell reception is pretty spotty, so if something goes wrong, you might not be able to call for help.
It's much easier to visit Wadi Rum by booking a 4x4 tour with a local driver. Read all about it in our post here.
If you do decide to drive in Wadi Rum, you'll need to pay the entry fee for the Protected Area. Make sure you're in a solid 4x4, pack plenty of supplies, and bring an offline GPS.
Follow the rules
In Jordan they drive on the right-hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the left-hand side of the road, it may be handy to rent an automatic car, so you don't have to stress about using the stick on the opposite side.
The general rules are pretty much in line with the rest of the world: always wear your seatbelt, follow the speed limits, use your headlights when it is dark, do not text and drive and since Jordan is a predominantly Islamic country, drunk driving is strictly prohibited.
In Jordan, you'll notice that the speed limits are clearly marked with white signs featuring a red circle around the number. These numbers are in kilometers per hour, just like the speedometers in cars.
Here's a quick rundown of the general speed limits in Jordan:
Urban areas: 60 km/h
Rural roads: 80 km/h
Highways: 120 km/h
All road signs in Jordan are posted in both Arabic and English, so there's no need to worry about missing important information.
One thing to keep in mind is that there are speed cameras on the roads, so it's really important to stick to the speed limits. Otherwise, you might end up with some hefty fines from your rental company months after your trip!
Anticipate those speed bumps
Jordan is a country of many surprisese and one of those surprises comes in the form of unexpected speed bumps! They are not always signalled well and we almost broke the car the first day in Jordan going over an unnoticed speed bump. Adjust your speed and keep your eyes peeled, as they become almost invisible to spot when the weather is warmer. You will typically encounter them when the road takes you through small villages.
Next to the speedbumps, keep your eyes open for potholes too.
Be aware of driving customs
Next to the formal rules, there are a bunch of informal driving customs in Jordan you should be aware of, especially when driving in busier areas, like Amman.
Lane Discipline: Drivers may not always adhere strictly to lane markings, especially in busy urban areas.
Honking: Honking is quite common and is often used as a form of communication rather than an expression of frustration. Drivers use it to signal their presence or alert others to potential hazards.
Flashing Headlights: Flashing headlights can mean different things, but it is often used by drivers to signal that they are giving way or to warn of speed cameras or police ahead.
Turn Signals: Turn signals may not always be used consistently. Be cautious and don't always assume a car will turn or change lanes just because the signal is on (or isn't).
Pedestrians: Pedestrian crossings exist, but pedestrians may not always have the right of way. Drivers often don't stop for pedestrians, so be extra cautious.
Don't get lost
Navigating to the main tourist attractions in Jordan is generally pretty easy, as the sites are well signposted and easy to find. However, it's definitely a good idea to have a GPS system in your car or an offline version of Google Maps. This can be really handy, especially if you want to explore some of the lesser-known spots or if you find yourself off the beaten path.
Another tip is to consider getting an eSIM for your phone. This can make navigation even smoother by ensuring you have reliable access to maps and information, even when you're not in a Wi-Fi zone. I bought an eSIM through Airalo, and had good connection all throughout our journey.
Another thing I wish I had thought about was to pack a simple phone mount (link on Amazon), so it's easy to use your phone as GPS and you don't need to have it in your hand when driving.
Fuel up (and use the bathroom) before leaving the city
Gas stations are pretty common throughout Jordan, and you’ll find them regularly spaced between cities on the major highways.
However, one challenge I faced was finding a decent public restroom during long drives, like the one from Aqaba to the Dead Sea, or from Amman to Petra. The options along the highway weren’t great, so I ended up holding it until we reached the city. So remind yourself to make a quick bio-break before heading off to the next destination.
I hope these tips will help you make the most of your time in Jordan! And don't forget to take in the stunning scenery along the way.
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