Our road trip through Jordan was such a wonderful adventure! We picked up our rental car right at the airport in Amman, and our journey began.
You can also choose to start your road trip in Aqaba.
We want to share our tips and experiences with you, from the best travel time and most beautiful routes to places of interest. So have fun reading and preparing for your road trip through Jordan!
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The best time for a road trip through Jordan
It is best to visit Jordan during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these periods, temperatures are the most pleasant, and the weather is the least volatile. Want to see parts of Jordan in bloom? Then spring is the best period. Do keep in mind when Ramadan is. This may affect your travel plans.
Beautiful routes through Jordan
Curvy King's Highway
You can take several routes to drive from north to south (or vice versa) in Jordan. The King's Highway is the most scenic and popular route and is indicated on signs by the number 35. This highway takes you through an imposing area full of sights, and the many winding roads make the route a treat for drivers who like a bit of a challenge. The King's Highway's winding nature makes it the slowest way to travel through Jordan.
Desert Highway, Jordan
The Desert Highway (number 15), which - as the name suggests - runs straight through the desert, is the fastest route. It is a multi-lane highway where you are allowed to drive 68 ml (110km)/h. You will encounter a lot of truck traffic here, and the not-so-imposing surroundings have few tourist attractions. Along the way, watch out for slower stretches with speed bumps and police checkpoints. These are particularly near towns and small villages.
The final route connecting the north to the south is the Dead Sea Highway (number 65). The road runs along the border with Israel toward the Dead Sea. Many travelers find this route more scenic than the Desert Highway and faster than the King's Highway, but certainly not as scenic. Therefore, the Dead Sea Highway is not worth it if you need to take a detour. However, does this route fit best into your travel plans? Choose the highway that is best for you.
View of the Dead Sea, Jordan
Visit Wadi Rum with or without a rental car
Wadi Rum is a national park in Jordan. It is an imposing desert landscape with giant mountain formations and hardly any vegetation. The paved road leads up to Wadi Rum Village, where there is a large parking lot. Most people park their car there and travel on with guides. This is also strongly advised.
Sunrise in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Do not visit Wadi Rum on your own
Under certain conditions, it is possible to drive by yourself in Wadi Rum, but it is not recommended. You can easily lose your way, which can be life-threatening because you have no phone network coverage. In addition, you can damage the nature reserve by driving on stretches that you should avoid. It is more fun and safer to traverse Wadi Rum with a guide, and you can also enjoy the fantastic views that way.
Most famous sights in Wadi Rum
Highlights of the national park include the extraordinary rock formations "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" and the 1754-meter-high Jebel Rum. Also, the deep gorge of Barrah Siq is a photogenic place guaranteed to produce beautiful pictures. But the most impressive thing about Wadi Rum? That is the starry night sky. Therefore, spending the night in a Bedouin camp is highly recommended.
Local meal preparation in Wadi Rum
Other interesting sights in Jordan
Tombs in Petra, Jordan
Petra is a famous wonder of the world and an absolute must-see when in Jordan. Petra, along with Little Petra, is a great ancient city. You can easily spend half a week hiking there, although most people take two days. Everything in Petra is done on foot; you have to park your car in the parking lot outside the park.
Parking lot outside Little Petra
Aqaba is the only place where Jordan has a coastal strip. The country ends here in the Red Sea. Aqaba is a popular destination, even among Jordanians themselves. There is a Saint-Tropez-like atmosphere in town. You can enjoy diving, snorkeling, and eating in restaurants. There is an airport near Aqaba for tourists with offices of several car rental companies. People usually start their trip either from Amman or from Aqaba.
The road to the Red Sea near Aqaba, Jordan
The Dead Sea is a destination that must not be missed when visiting Jordan. Floating on the water is an experience in itself. Swimming is difficult, but reading a book is easy. There are well-known resorts along the Dead Sea, and despite the price tag, this is the best affordable way to experience the Dead Sea. At the most renowned hotels by the Dead Sea, you can take a mud bath by the water, with the mud fished fresh from the sea for you.
Taking a mud bath at the Dead Sea beach
Jerash is a must visit if you have enough travel days. Here you will find the best-preserved Roman complexes in the country. It is an incredibly large Roman city with temples, paved roads, fountains, and a hippodrome. Travel time from Amman to Jerash is about an hour, and you will see some beautiful views along the way.
Temple complex in Jerash
Amman is a capital of stature with more than 4 million inhabitants. It is bustling on the road, people drive crisscross, and finding a parking spot is challenging. You will encounter speed cameras everywhere, and driving a little too slowly rather than too fast is better. The roads and exits are designed differently than what you are used to back home. Many people start their tour of Jordan in Amman but soon leave the city to visit the popular sights.
Temple Hercules in Amman
Has all this beauty inspired you? Now you probably want to look for the best rental car for your trip. In our other articles, you can read all about renting a car and driving in Jordan. You can also go directly to our online car rental platform to easily find the vehicle to suit your needs.
Dana Trail, Palm Canyon, Jordan
