The best tips for renting a car in Jordan

Reading up on tips and experiences about renting a car in Jordan will help you make informed decisions. It also prepares you for driving through this Arab country. What about traffic regulations, for example? Can you drive a car if you have been drinking alcohol? And do you need a 4x4, or can you get by with an ordinary car?

Below we answer these and other questions. So, you can be well prepared to hit the road in Jordan with the rental car that suits you best. And a warning in advance: be aware of the camels walking along the road. Sometimes they cross out of nowhere!

What type of car should you choose?

You don't need a 4x4 car in Jordan, even though you may think your road trip will look like a Dakar Rally. There are good, paved roads throughout the country. You can hire a guide to help you navigate the areas that have difficult terrain.

You can get on the road in Jordan just fine with an ordinary passenger car. However, an SUV or a large passenger vehicle would be more comfortable if you are with more than two people and/or a lot of luggage. This is especially useful when you’re driving for a long time.

A car with a driver in Jordan

By far, most of Jordan is easy to explore on your own. The roads are of fine quality, and navigating them is not hard. However, Wadi Rum is an exception to this. To explore this national park, most visitors hire a driver with a car and a guide.

You can arrange this in advance, but it’s not necessary. Upon arrival at the large parking lot in Wadi Rum Village, plenty of companies offering 4x4 jeep tours are waiting for you. You can choose to take a group or a private tour. Logically, the latter is a bit more expensive.

Wadi Rum Village - considered the red desert landscape's gateway- is easily accessible via an asphalt road. It is over an hour's drive to the national park from Aqaba, and from Petra, just under 2 hours.

Stop for tours by car with driver and guide in Wadi Rum

The cost of a rental car in Jordan

How much a rental car in Jordan costs is sometimes challenging to estimate. This is because some rental companies hide some fees to appear cheaper. So how do you know if you're paying the right price for a rental car?

To give you a hand, we periodically research rental companies in Jordan. Our most recent research compared rental cars that are fully insured and have a €0 deductible.

Please note: the list below is an estimate. Actual prices may vary, especially during busy periods. Pay attention if you find a rental vehicle significantly cheaper than the prices below. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The cost of a rental car in Jordan with all-risk insurance:

• $/€68 per day for a small car, such as a Hyundai i10
• $/€52 per day for a medium car, such as a Hyundai Accent
• $/€159 per day for a large car, such as a Hyundai Sonata
• $/€102 per day for an SUV, such as a Mitsubishi Pajero

Wondering what other insurance options are available besides all-inclusive? In this article about car rental insurance in Jordan, you can read all about the different types of insurance, what kind of coverage they offer, and what conditions are attached.

What are the roads like?

The quality of the roads in Jordan is excellent. There is a lot of new asphalt, and work is underway to improve the existing road network. However, there is one danger on Jordan's roads, and that is the speed bumps. Bumps are literally put everywhere, and they are all shapes and sizes. Some speed bumps are long and smooth to go over, while others are short and steep like some curb was laid across the road.

Some speed bumps are painted, and therefore you can see them coming. Other speed bumps just have an asphalt color and are invisible until you are like 5 to 10 meters from them. You have to hit the brakes quickly, given how sudden they are. Signs often indicate speed bumps, but it’s not unusual for a warning sign to be placed just before or after the speed bump. By the time you notice that sign, you will have already met the roof of your car.

Some speed bumps have an asphalt color and are barely visible

It's inevitable that every now and then, you'll hit a speed bump with too much speed. Fortunately, there are some tips you can use to spot most of them:

• Keep an eye on cars driving a short distance ahead of you. Watch where they brake and how they go over the bumps.
• Are you approaching an intersection or roundabout? Be alert to the presence of speed bumps, both when entering and exiting.
• Bumps in Jordan rarely come alone. Have you just had one? Then there are bound to be several more to come.

Bumps are also common in Jordan's residential areas, especially when there’s a blind spot or a dangerous place. These are small but steep. In addition, checkpoints also have several speed bumps.

A street in Amman, Jordan

Navigation

Mobile data in Jordan is quite affordable. Therefore, many travelers buy a SIM card upon arrival at the airport and put it in their phone or device immediately. Buying a SIM card is highly recommended because then you can use Google Maps to go anywhere. An alternative is Maps.me. This navigation app also works well. Just make sure a passenger is watching and warning you of any strange or unpaved roads Maps.me sends you on.

Travel times are quite long in Jordan, even though the distances are not that long. On the highway, it is fast. But on King's Highway, for example, it is dangerous and practically impossible to quickly get from A to B. The scenic routes in Jordan are very long but take you past fantastic views. So be smart about how you’re going to drive, what you want to see, and when since driving on the mountain roads in the dark is really no fun in Jordan!

King’s Highway in Jordan

Have you run into road work? Then assume that your navigation is not aware of any construction or repairs on the road. It is best to follow the detours indicated by signs. Haven't seen a sign for a while? Don't try to find your way back on your own or listen to your navigation. This usually leads to you ending up in the middle of road work. Instead, follow the signs or the flow of cars, and you will be fine.

Traffic rules and safe driving

The first thing you will notice when getting behind the wheel in Jordan is that the standard driving rules do not apply there. There are no driving lanes, and road markings have no meaning in Jordan. So don't be surprised if you see cars driving five side by side on the three-lane roads in Amman.

So, when driving in Jordan, going with the flow is not crazy advice. Also, other people do not (consciously) drive anti-socially, although it sometimes seems that way in our eyes. Most drivers do not use their mirrors, so do not worry if another road user has not noticed you.

Useful to know: do not get behind the wheel in Jordan if you have drunk alcohol. It is forbidden to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Vehicle Horn

The people of Jordan use the horn frequently. They don’t do this to alert other road users to dangerous situations but to warn each other in advance that they are coming. They do this both to other road users such as cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians, but also to camels. So, honking at someone is a normal thing in Jordan. We are used to using our mirrors, but they simply signal to each other by honking their horn in Jordan.

Lighting

In Jordan, there is hardly any lighting. And when there is lighting, the lights are often dim and far apart. This makes it difficult to see anything around you. Given the country's many speed bumps, drivers always have their eyes on the road. However, focus on the sides of the road as well; people and animals can suddenly cross. Tourists are therefore advised against driving in the evening or at night.

Right of way

On through roads, drivers have and are given the right of way. Sometimes cars turn onto the road in advance so they can speed up to merge. On roads where priority is not clearly regulated, such as in the city merging cars have to pass in between cars.

In Jordan, pedestrians always have the right of way. In accidents involving pedestrians, the motorist is always found at fault.

Reversing

Turning around on the road is a common phenomenon in Jordan. Special lanes are set up for making a U-turn, even on highways. There are also special turning lights at intersections, indicating that turning around is allowed. Thus, cars can merge on the left and right sides when driving on a through road.

Overtaking

People pass each other left and right, including trucks. Sometimes people get in the right lane extremely early. We then think they are driving strangely on the left or right side of the road. So don't overtake without noticing, and keep an eye on their turning signals because you may be overtaking a turning vehicle without being aware of it.

Jordanians themselves prefer to drive on the left side of the road. Partly it has to do with the quality of the road. The left is often better than the right. Still, it is a confusing phenomenon but just go with it. It is not wrong to overtake people on the right or to be overtaken on the right.

Parking

Parking is easy outside of the busy city: pick a nice spot and park your car. Of course, make sure you're not in the driving lane, and it's fine. But downtown parking? That's a different story. In fact, cities in Jordan can be incredibly crowded. There are usually no parking spaces, most cars park diagonally towards the curb, or there is congestion parking. A combination of both or crisscrossing is also common. Parking at intersections and traffic circles is also common.

Streetview with parked cars in Amman

Curbs are marked with color to indicate whether or not you are allowed to park there. But in practice, this is not enforced. There may also be signs on the curb indicating that you are not allowed to park there. This is enforced a little better, so pay attention when you pick a parking spot. People also often park in places where they obstruct traffic, such as at bus stops. The police do check for this.

Many tourist spots also have paid parking, where you can park for a 1-3 JOD. Sometimes people try to make a space next to a tourist attraction look like a paid parking lot, when it is not. So be vigilant when picking such a paid spot.

Accident or breakdown

In case of car trouble, always contact the rental company. This also applies, of course, in case of an accident. If there are injuries, you must call the national emergency number 911 or 112 first. Then you also contact the traffic police at 190 or 191.

Police checks

Especially in the south of the country - around Aqaba - there are regular police checks. After all, Aqaba is the country's only port city, and the borders with Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are also near here. In the rest of the country, you are also very likely to encounter police checks.

Always stop at such a check and be friendly. Most officers speak (poor) English and will mostly welcome you. It is wise to have the proper papers ready in case you encounter an officer who does not speak English. Think of your passport, driver's license, and car papers.

In addition, in Jordan, a special form is provided with the rental car, where agents can note any fines. You can find this form - also called a Traffic Violations Card - in the glove compartment. Hand it over to the agent along with the other papers. Did you receive a fine? Don't forget to report it to the car rental company when you return the car.

A Traffic Violations Card

Sometimes you have to open the trunk of your car so the officers can check that as well. Since you only bring a backpack or suitcase and nothing else weird as a tourist, this is a formality, and you can soon drive on. You don't have to get out; just push the button to open the trunk.

Animals and other obstacles on the road

Sand piles blocking the main road or falling rocks in the mountains: the obstacles you may encounter vary from area to area. However, holes in the road are common throughout Jordan. They are difficult to see on long stretches of road because of the bright sun and lack of shade. A hole in the road is rarely alone. Therefore, slow down if you see one coming and maintain an appropriate speed.

In terms of animals, camels pose the greatest danger. In much of Jordan, they roam freely. They also like to walk along the road in herds. Planning to overtake a group of camels? Then be careful; camels are extremely large and heavy animals that can cause serious damage.

One of the typical road signs found in Jordan

Fueling

Fuel prices in Jordan are regulated. That means that you pay the same price per liter at every gas station. Also, the quantity of stations means that an unexpectedly empty tank is not likely to occur. Nevertheless, keep a close eye on the fuel gauge. The roads can be hugely winding and steep, causing you to use more fuel than expected.

• There are several fuel types in Jordan, including a cheaper gasoline variety with octane 92. You can generally fill up your rental vehicle with this. When in doubt, always check with the rental company.
• Make sure you have cash with you to pay. Unfortunately, credit cards are almost never accepted at gas stations.
• Pump attendants are present at gas stations. Generally, the pump attendants speak enough English to help you and ask if you are enjoying yourself in Jordan. And like everyone else in the country, they are always very welcoming!
• Always keep an eye out when filling up, though. Jordan is very friendly to tourists, but it is still wise to be alert for scams.

Speed cameras and road signs

Jordan is full of speed cameras. Newer speed cameras look familiar, like a box on a round pole. Older speed cameras look different, like rectangular towers on a round pole. Speed cameras can be either on the side of the road or in the middle, separating both sides of the road.

Amman, in particular, is full of speed cameras. There is even a speed camera on some stretches every few hundred meters. The rest of the vehicles on the road drive quickly but stick to the speed and avoid fines. Especially in the beginning, there are many new things to see on the road, and it is easy to overlook a speed camera.

Road signs in Jordan are in both Arabic and English. The route to tourist sights will be pointed out to you by brown signs.

One last tip!

Finally, every now and then, you will encounter annoying road users or people who find you, a Western tourist, very interesting. The best thing to do is ignore them and lock the doors. Other than that, road users in Jordan are relaxed.

The documents you need

In general, you need to have a driver's license for at least one year in Jordan to rent a car. In addition to this driver's license, you also need the following:

• An international driver's license (in English)
• A valid passport
• A credit card in the name of the main driver

To visit Jordan, you need a tourist visa. This visa is valid for three months and can be obtained at the airport upon arrival.

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 and includes 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.

Visiting Wadi Rum on your own

Under certain conditions, it is possible to drive yourself in Wadi Rum, but it is not recommended. You can easily get lost, and this can cause life-threatening situations 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 visit Wadi Rum with a guide, and you can also enjoy the fantastic views that way.

Enjoy such off-road views in Wadi Rum by using a 4wd with a driver

Where can I find a rental car in Jordan?

To secure a rental car and the best price, renting a car online in advance is best. Most visitors to the country arrive in Amman at Queen Alia International Airport. There you will find the rental car counter in the terminal, and you can pick up the car at the terminal entrance.

You will also find international and local rental companies branches in Amman. You will then have to get to Amman itself first. A cab ride will take 30 to 45 minutes.

European flights also land in the south of the country, in Aqaba. At this airport, you will also find counters for rental companies.