Renting a car in Jordan in 2025: All You Need to Know

How to rent a car in Jordan

Jordan is full of marvels and must-sees, from its stunning red deserts and the Dead Sea to one of the world’s seven wonders. Though the country is relatively small, public transportation is very limited, meaning travel can take time and effort. Because of this, but also for the most flexibility and freedom, opt to rent a car in Jordan instead!

Drive along the ancient Kings Highway, looking out over the arid hills of the country, and park right in front of giant dunes or salty waters. Renting a car in Jordan allows you to explore what you like at your own pace.

What do you need to rent a car in Jordan?

When you rent a car in Jordan, there are a couple of documents that you’ll need to bring with you:

• Your driver’s license from your home country
• Your ID (passport)
• Valid Credit Card in your name
• International Drivers Permit (IDP)

The legal driving age in Jordan is 18 years old. However, to rent a car, you must be at least 21 years of age and have had your driving license for at least one year. Some agencies only allow people over the age of 25 to rent a car. Bring your passport, driver’s license, and a valid credit card for the payment and deposit.

Note that most car rentals in Jordan charge an extra fee if you’re under 25. You technically need an international driving license, though many rental agencies don’t ask for it. Nevertheless, it’s good to be on the safe side and get an IDP if you’re planning on getting a rental car in Jordan. An IDP costs just 20 USD and is valid for one year.

Rental car insurance in Jordan

Though most car rental companies in Jordan already include basic insurance coverage in their price, third-party liability often isn’t. They’ll hold a sum of money on your credit card for the deposit, which is usually between JD 250 – 350 (350 – 500 USD). You’ll get this back at the end of your trip when everything is okay with the rental. 

For third-party liability, you can purchase insurance directly from the rental agency or from a third-party insurance company. This also goes for any additional insurance like theft coverage, etc. Check with your credit card company if they cover rental insurance abroad, as it could be covered for you already.

Is it easy to drive in Jordan? 

Driving in Jordan can be an incredible experience and is relatively easy as most roads are well-maintained and traffic, apart from Amman, isn’t busy. Regardless of the car that you choose to drive, it’s always good to know some of the road rules and customs of the country.

Roads & Speed Limits

Just like in the US and most of Europe, people drive on the right-hand side of the road in Jordan. Roads are in very good condition and well-marked with signs posted. Most visitors will drive on the Desert Highway (35) and the popular King’s Highway, which are both well-maintained highways connecting the north and south. Easily drive from the capital, Amman, to the iconic Wadi Rum and the ancient city of Petra.

The general speed limits in Jordan are 60 km/h in cities, 80 km/h in rural areas, and 120 km/h on the highways. Speed and distances on the signs next to the road are always in kilometers. Try to stick to the speed limits, as there are several fixed speed cameras and police monitors. Additionally, there are a lot of speed bumps on the roads in Jordan – their form of speed management!

Traffic in Jordan

Due to its incredible desert landscape, traffic in Jordan is mostly very limited. Only in Amman, the capital city, can it get busy on the road. Not everyone follows traffic rules here, often switching lanes, so always drive with caution. We recommend exploring Amman on foot or by taxi and renting a car in Jordan after to see the rest of the country. 

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You’ll also notice that drivers frequently use their honks. Just like in Morocco, this can mean many different things: as a thank you, asking for permission, and so on. Pay attention as you navigate through traffic, and don’t be afraid to use the honk yourself.

Is driving in Jordan safe? 

Yes, driving is safe in Jordan! Roads are generally well-maintained, have good signage (spot the camel signs!), and are easy to travel on. This is especially the case for the larger highways that pass through some of Jordan’s most incredible landscapes, making it the perfect country for an epic road trip.

Note that while it’s possible to drive in Jordan at night, it’s not recommended, especially outside cities. Most roads aren’t lit, making it difficult to spot obstacles on the road, such as pedestrians, animals, and speed bumps.  

As Jordan lies amidst a few countries currently in conflict, you’ll likely also encounter a number of security checkpoints. Don’t worry if you pass one of these, as they’re there for everyone’s safety; just have your documents (passport and license) ready. 

Driving in Wadi Rum

With its red dunes and towering rock cliffs, Wadi Rum is something straight out of a fantasy film, making it a must-see on anyone’s Jordan itinerary. To access this area of the country, most travelers join a 4×4 tour with a driver rather than take their rental car. But it is possible to visit on your own.

To roam across the arid, sandy landscape of Wadi Rum, you’ll need a lot of experience off-roading on these kinds of surfaces. Deflate your tires slightly to maneuver better across the desert dunes. Keep in mind that there’s no cell service in this area, so if you do get stuck – you’re on your own. This also means that your GPS won’t work, so you’ll have to study beforehand where to go with a compass and map. Private cars pay an entrance fee of JD 25 (35 USD) for Wadi Rum.

Top Tips for Renting a Car in Jordan

1. Pick-up checklist

When you’re picking up your rental car, make sure to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before starting your journey. Together with your agent, do a walk-around and log any existing damages. We always recommend taking some photos of the damages if the car has any, just to have some extra ‘proof’.

Do the same with the inside of the car and check if the AC is working – you don’t want to be stuck in a hot car while driving through Jordan’s deserts! Gather all the necessary car documents and log the fuel level, and you’re ready to go! Most companies are reliable and trustworthy, but it’s important to note the damages.

2. Getting gas

Getting gas is relatively easy, as you’ll find many stations throughout the country. Once you get further south to Wadi Rum, there’ll be fewer stations, so make sure you have enough gas. Most gas stations are full-service, meaning an attendant will pump the gas for you. 

3. Be mindful of where you park

Because of its grand, open landscapes, it’s quite easy to find parking in Jordan. The only exceptions are in Amman and the Adventure Center parking lot at Wadi Mujib. Jordan’s capital can be full of traffic, and parking lots are limited (including roadside spaces). Because of this, you’ll often find cars double-parked.

As most visitors start or end their journey in Amman, we recommend dropping it off before exploring the city or renting it the moment you’re ready to start the rest of your Jordan itinerary. You can easily use the local taxis (book through your hotel) or walk through the stunning cubed city. 

4. Download offline maps to navigate

While you make your way through the desert dunes and remote rocky mountains, your signal might not always be as strong. Download offline Google Maps before your trip to always have your route ready. This way, you have access to roads, restaurants, and attractions, even in the most remote areas with no cell service (or only Arabic signs).

How much does a car rental in Jordan cost?

Overall, rental cars in Jordan are quite affordable, especially when compared to the US and Europe. The price depends on a few factors: time of booking, time of the year you visit, and the duration of your trip. 

It’s also cheaper to make your booking online in advance than walking into a rental car agency in Jordan. Lastly, if you book for a longer period, the price per day drops significantly. Enjoy all the incredible sights of Jordan on a week-long Jordan itinerary, roaming around the country on your own schedule.

Getting the right vehicle

Depending on your itinerary, it’s essential that you pick the right vehicle for the best experience. For example, if you’re visiting with your family, you probably want a safe and sturdy car. Or, if you’re planning on going off-road, you’ll likely need a 4×4 vehicle. 

There’s nothing worse than picking up your rental car in Jordan and realizing it’s too small! If you’re traveling around the country, pick a vehicle with enough space for you, your companions, and your luggage. Use your time online to browse for the best rental car, choose your preferences, and make sure it has air conditioning (a must with daily highs of 40°C!). Remember that personalizations like choosing an automatic instead of a manual car cost slightly more.

Where do I rent a car in Jordan?

As most visitors arrive in Jordan through the airport of Amman, this is the most common place to pick up your rental car. However, you can find good rental car agencies all throughout the country. If you plan on renting a car during the high season, we recommend booking in advance to ensure it’s available.

Are you considering dropping the car off somewhere else than you picked it up? That’s usually possible, though the company charges extra for one-way rentals. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to take your rental car outside of the country’s borders. Remember: most rental companies are closed on Fridays (the start of their weekend), so make sure you pick it up on Thursday if you’re going away for the weekend!