Renting a car in Jordan can be the best way to explore the country and see all it has to offer! As one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East, Jordan is home to one of the modern World’s Wonders, incredible desert landscapes, and the famous Dead Sea. There is a lot to see, and public transportation in Jordan isn’t as easily accessible to all. While you can go on an organized tour through the country, my biggest piece of advice is to rent a car at a great price for these long drives through the desert.
But before you do so, it’s important to keep in mind a few things to ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a foreigner or a local, renting a car in Jordan comes with its own set of unique challenges. To help you navigate the car rental process in Jordan and make the most of your trip, I have compiled a list of tips for renting a car in Jordan. From researching different car rental companies to being aware of the traffic laws and parking situations, these tips will help you make a well-informed decision when renting a car in Jordan.
Why Rent A Car in Jordan?
Our trip to Jordan was truly incredible! Having the flexibility and freedom of being able to go wherever we wanted and when we wanted was huge for us. Renting a car in Jordan allowed us to visit all the best things to do in Jordan, such as visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exploring the ancient city of Petra, canyoning through Wadi Mujib, and camping in the red desert of Wadi Rum.
Renting a car in Jordan allows you to explore the country at your own pace and explore all the beautiful destinations and major cities there. This is why I am personally a huge fan of road trips when I travel.
If you want to check out some tours to go on in Jordan, then here are a few recommendations for you:
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour
- Petra Private Tour from the Dead Sea with Monastery and Lunch
Things to Know When Renting a Car in Jordan
1. Have a valid driver’s license
Make sure you have a valid driver’s license. In order to rent a car in Jordan, you will need to have a valid driver’s license from your home country. You may also be required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driver’s license. Make sure to check with the car rental company before you book to see what documents are required.
2. Research different car rental companies
Jordan has a number of car rental companies and car types to choose from. Do your research and compare prices and services to find the best option for you. Look for companies that have good customer reviews and a reputation for providing reliable and well-maintained vehicles.
I rented a small car from Autounion, which I found through Rentalcars.com. This website is great for searching for rentals and finding the best deals. There is a good range of rental car providers. The company had outstanding service and friendly staff. I definitely would recommend booking through them!
You can filter to see manual and automatic cars and small rentals vs. large rentals. I would recommend renting a small car instead of a large car, for parking can sometimes be difficult, especially when driving through the city of Amman.
Definitely don’t get an expensive luxury car, for you will be driving through the desert. It is common to get scratches and dirt on the car. Keep in mind the rental locations as well, and the easiest pickup location is from Amman airport or Aqaba airport. The company we booked through picked us up at the Queen Alia International Airport and took us to the rental office that was just a few minutes away. They even took us back to the center of Amman after we returned the car.
3. Learn the different traffic laws
Jordan has different traffic laws than what you may be used to in your home country. I am from the United States, so I am used to having to drive everywhere. However, make sure to familiarize yourself with the laws before you hit the road. This will help you avoid getting into any trouble with the local authorities. They do drive on the right-hand side of the road, so if you come from a country where that is the same, then you are in luck!
Pay attention to the speed limits. In residential areas, it is 60 kph, and in rural areas, it is 80 kph. For the most part, you will be driving along the ancient Kings Highway, which you can hit up to 120 kph. You can look all of this up online, and don’t be afraid to ask the rental car company questions if you are unsure. It is always best to be on the safe side.
4. Get travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must. Make sure you have insurance for the rental car. While you may be required to have insurance through the rental company, it’s always a good idea to have your own coverage as well. Some credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, can give you rental car insurance. If you get travel insurance with World Nomads, then your car is insured that way as well.
5. Inspect the car BEFORE you leave
Check the car before you leave. Before you leave the car rental lot, make sure to inspect the car for any damages. If you notice any issues, bring them to the attention of the rental company before you leave. This will help prevent any extra charges or misunderstandings later on.
I had to pay a large security deposit when renting the car, so keep this in mind. It wasn’t charged, just kept as a hold. If you travel with both a debit cards and a valid credit card, I would recommend using a credit card to book the car and put the deposit on.
6. Check for additional charges when booking
Definitely check for additional fees! Some car rental companies charge extra fees for things like GPS, child seats, and additional drivers. You can ask about free cancellation, unlimited mileage, and adding an extra driver (it is definitely nice to have a travel buddy, trust me!) Be sure to ask about any additional fees before you book to avoid any surprises later on. For five days with the car, we paid around $260 in total. Since I was traveling with a friend, we had both of us as accepted drivers, and we were able to split the cost. The average price of a rental car in Jordan is from $20 to $60 a day. The higher prices depend on the size, manual or automatic, and what extra amenities are needed.
7. Know the road conditions
The road conditions in Jordan can vary greatly depending on the region and the time of year. Overall, I found it to be a very solid road system. Be aware of this and plan your route accordingly. There are also many speed bumps along the way (even on the main highways) so always be paying attention to the cars in front and around you. As in many other Middle Eastern countries, the roads are well-paved and safe to drive on.
8. Be aware of the parking situation in Amman city center
Parking in Amman can be a bit of a challenge, so be aware of the parking situation before you rent a car. Some areas have paid parking, while others have limited street parking.
9. Know the fuel type of your rental car
Cars in Jordan typically run-on gasoline, but it’s always a good idea to check with the rental company before you book. The gas stations are not as plentiful as in other countries, so definitely keep an eye on your gauge. To play it safe, we usually filled up once we got about halfway empty.
10. Know the local currency and its exchange rate
While most car rental companies in Jordan accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand in case of an emergency.
11. Book in advance
If you’re planning to rent a car in Amman during peak season, make sure to book your rental car well in advance to ensure availability. We had booked a little over a month before and had no issues finding a car to rent. But as common practice, you probably want to book up to three months in advance.
12. Best times to drive
For drive times, it is recommended to drive only during the daytime. You want to avoid driving at night because there are minimal lights along the road. This makes it hard to see when other people (or camels) are on the road ahead of you.
13. Apps to use while driving in Jordan
If you don’t get a local sim card, then definitely download Google Maps offline. If you want Wi-Fi, then you can rent a hotspot at many of the rental agencies.
Another good app for getting maps offline is maps.me. I have used this in many countries where Google Maps isn’t the best.
14. Best things to see in Jordan on your road trip
There is a lot to see in Jordan, which is why I am glad to see that you have decided to rent a car and road trip through the country! If you need some recommendations of what to see or do in Jordan, then definitely check out this Jordan itinerary.
Renting a car in Jordan is a great way to explore this amazing country and all it has to offer. From the bustling city of Amman to the beautiful deserts and historic sites, Jordan is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can have an epic road trip in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well-prepared for your car rental experience and be able to make the most of your time in this wonderful country. Remember to check your fuel level on pickup, watch out for speed bumps, be aware of the road conditions, navigate safely and be respectful at police checkpoints. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable car rental experience in Jordan.
I love hearing about your travel experiences! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know how your rental car experience was in Jordan.
