Should you actually rent a car in Jordan?
Often yes, but not always. The JETT bus reliably covers Amman to Petra and Amman to Aqaba. Beyond that, you need un-timed minibuses, negotiated taxis, or organized tours.
If you are sticking to Amman or Aqaba with a few day trips, a rental car does not make financial sense. Aqaba is walkable, Wadi Rum is just an hour away, and Petra is two hours. For a road trip covering the Dead Sea, the King's Highway, Petra, and Wadi Rum, having a car changes everything.
License and documents: what is required
For stays under 3 months, you need a valid US driver's license and you must be at least 21 years old. Rental agencies, and sometimes authorities at checkpoints, may request an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Our advice: get one before you leave. It is inexpensive and prevents any back-and-forth during traffic stops.
Key points to remember:
- Original passport (no copies) and your state-issued driver's license.
- International Driving Permit, just in case.
- A credit card, not a debit card, for the security deposit.
- A minimum age requirement of 21 at most agencies, though some rental companies set the bar higher.
What to budget
Rates vary heavily depending on the season and the provider. An economy vehicle generally runs between $28 and $45* per day (about $27 to $43), excluding extras. Budget 20 to 30 JOD (about $28 to $42) for insurance. Always compare the final price, deductible included.
There are no tolls on the highways, and gas remains reasonably priced. Major routes are free with no national toll system in place.
Which vehicle to choose
On the classic itinerary covering Amman, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba, all the roads are paved, meaning a standard subcompact or compact car is plenty. Skipping a 4x4 saves you about $17 to $28* per day (about $16 to $27).
A 4x4 is not even used in Wadi Rum. You leave the car at the visitor center and transfer into a Bedouin-driven vehicle. The same setup applies in Dana.
Where to pick up your car
- Queen Alia International Airport (Amman): convenient for heading straight down toward the Dead Sea or Petra without driving through city traffic.
- Aqaba Airport: rates are similar to Amman, though prices spike noticeably from September through November.
- Elsewhere: very few walk-in rentals exist outside these two hubs. Book well in advance.
Renting at the airport is usually a bit more expensive than going with a downtown or local agency. International brands are all there, but local fleets sometimes offer better deals.
Driving conditions: what to watch out for
The Desert Highway is straight and fast, while the King's Highway is much windier and slower. Portions of the former show some wear and tear with cracks and potholes.
- Police checkpoints: frequent but straightforward. Have your passport and rental paperwork ready. Officers sometimes ask for the registration card, which is usually tucked in the glove box.
- Speed bumps: often appear abruptly and are poorly marked, even on major roads.
- Night driving: stray animals and pedestrians can appear out of nowhere, making driving outside city limits risky after dark. Avoid driving after sundown.
- Amman: heavy traffic throughout the city. Pick a hotel with a dedicated parking lot.
Fines can show up after you drop off the car. They are tied directly to the vehicle registration and remain the renter's responsibility, along with any processing fees.
Insurance, borders, and disputes
Do not skip out on proper insurance. Watch out for shady operators who try to bill you at the end of the rental for minor scratches or alleged tire wear. Take a video of the car before driving off and make sure every existing mark is noted on the contract.
Be aware that third-party bookings and basic policies often exclude tires, windshields, and the undercarriage. Check the exact coverage before handing over your payment.
As for crossing international borders, most local agencies forbid taking the car out of the country. When it is allowed, it requires advance approval, extra insurance, and additional fees.
In case of a minor fender-bender, a casual settlement is sometimes possible on the spot, but many local drivers carry minimal coverage. For serious accidents, call the police to file an official report. The emergency number is 911.