Car Rental in Jordan

Why rent a car in Jordan?

Combining true Middle Eastern charm with an openness to the rest of the world, Jordan has become one of the main travel destinations in the region. Whether you travel there for the fascinating sites of Petra and Wadi Rum, the Red Sea beaches, or unique traditions and genuine hospitality, you’re not going to be disappointed. 

Top ways to enter Jordan

• Amman Queen Alia Airport. Bearing the name of the former Jordanian monarch, Queen Alia Airport is the main port of entry for foreign visitors to the country and serves about eight million travelers every year. Large and modern, the airport is served by dozens of airlines, including European low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air, which provide connections with destinations across various continents. The airport is about a 40-minute drive south of the city center.
• Aqaba Airport. Also called the King Hussein Airport, it is located in the far southwest of the country and provides access to the short but beautiful Red Sea coast of Jordan. The airport has scheduled flights by six different airlines, although some are only active seasonally. 
• By land: It might be possible to enter Jordan from Israel, although the border situation depends on the political climate in the region and can change quite rapidly so make sure to follow the latest updates. You cannot cross the border in a rental car. The nearest international airport is in Eilat.

Top cities and places to visit

• Amman. Home to four million people, Amman is not just the capital and the largest city of Jordan, it is also one of the most interesting metropolises of the Arab world. Amman is known as the City of Seven Hills, in reference to its history of Roman rule. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities with a history spanning nine millennia! You’ll discover a fascinating mix of old and new neighborhoods made up of crumbling ruins, limestone desert buildings, and modern skyscrapers From landmarks like the Amman Citadel and Roman and Ottoman sites to delicious cuisine and fun, if somewhat crazy nightlife, this is one place that truly has something for everyone. Nearby is the ancient city of Jerash, one of Jordan's top attractions.
• Petra. Carved straight into the stone, the red city of Petra is one of the top tourist attractions in the Middle East. The crowds and the hassle can feel overwhelming, but no trip to the country will be full without seeing Petra’s monasteries, tombs, and facades, and rightly so - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most people visit to walk the 1.2 mil Siq for the iconic view of the Treasury. But don’t just take your photo here and go home. There are so many amazing things to see and do across the 263 square kilometers that make up this New Wonder of the World.   For a quieter Petra experience, take the back door hike into Petra via the Monastery.
• Aqaba. Located in the very south of the country, the resort city of Aqaba is another popular tourist destination. There’s plenty of culture here, exemplified by landmarks such as the Aqaba Castle and City Heritage Museum, but the number one attraction of Aqaba is its Red Sea coastline and wonderful diving. Read more about the possibility to cross the border into neighboring Israel below.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Jordan is the Kia Picanto, but the Toyota Yaris and the Citroen C3 are also quite popular.

Driver's license requirements

• Jordan recognizes valid foreign driver’s licenses if you’re visiting on a short trip. If you’re living in the country permanently, you need to obtain a local license instead.
• If your driver’s license is printed in a non-Latin, non-Arabic alphabet (Cyrillic, Chinese, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
• You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
• You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
• Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
• There may be additional requirements depending on the car supplier and category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Crossing borders

Jordan shares land borders with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It is not possible to cross any of the land borders with a rental car. Travel to Iraq and Syria is strongly discouraged by most Western governments due to the ongoing military conflicts in these countries.

Many travelers choose to travel from the Jordanian city of Aqaba to the Israeli city of Eilat as the two are only about 15 km (9 miles) apart. While you cannot travel with a rental car, it is possible to drop off one rental in Jordan and pick up a new one after arriving in Israel. Do keep in mind, however, that each of the countries has its own visa policy, so find out in advance about the entry requirements for your nationality. Also, make sure to look up the latest border situation because while the border is normally open, it has experienced sporadic closures during the last decade.

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular rental vehicle type in Jordan is economy, but fullsize and compact are also popular.

Top driving routes

• Wadi Rum. Located in the south of the country less than an hour’s drive from Aqaba, Wadi Rum, or the Valley of the Moon, is home to some truly otherworldly landscapes. A World Heritage Site, it is characterized by its canyons, rock formations, dunes, and the home of the Lawrence of Arabia. Hollywood filmed the first scenes from the movie Lawrence of Arabia here, as was Martian with Matt Damon, and the latest blockbuster, Dunes. You can get to the entry point of the area with a rental car, but need to join a guided tour in a 4x4 from there.
• Azraq Wetland Reserve. Located in the east of the country about a 100-minute drive from Amman, Azraq is an oasis in the desert known for its marshy landscapes and rich variety of birds that migrate through the area. The wetlands are bordered by the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve where it’s possible to see locally threatened species like Somali ostrich and Arabian oryx. Azraq and Shaumari are notably less touristy than some of the aforementioned destinations, so visiting here takes some planning, but can nonetheless be a very memorable experience.
• Dead Sea. At 420 meters below sea level, the Dead Seas is the lowest point on earth and one of the saltiest bodies of water. Visiting the Dead Sea is another fascinating adventure in Jordan (the country controls the sea’s eastern coast). Besides the sea itself, there are different attractions such as the Dead Sea Museum,Mujib Valley Reserve, and the religious historic sites of Mount Nebo, the Madaba Archaeological Park & Museum, and Bethany Beyond the Jordan (where Jesus was baptized). Different parts of the coastline can be accessed by car from either Amman, Aqaba, or the center of the country.  Whatever you choose to do, you must not leave without floating on the Dead Sea. Just let the salt water hold you up. You can rub cleansing mud from the Dead Sea all over your body beforehand.

Car rental prices in Jordan

• Small cars - from $15 per day
• Medium cars - from $24 per day
• Large cars - from $28 per day
• SUVs - from $40 per day
• Vans - from $72 per day
• Premium cars - from $45 per day
• Convertibles - from $1,086 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Jordan from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the tips that they mentioned:

1. Explore Iconic Locations:

• Key places like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea are must-visits: "Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea were amazing highlights."

2. Diving and Outdoor Activities:

• Take advantage of Jordan's outdoor activities, such as diving in Aqaba: "Incredible Wadi Rum. Very good Scuba Diving in Aqaba."

3. Hidden Gems:

• Discover lesser-known spots like Dana Biosphere Reserve: "Dana biosphere is a hidden gem that people need to know about."

and some issues to watch out for:

1. Short Trip Constraints:

   • A short trip may limit the ability to fully experience Jordan: "My trip was for a short time, which wasn't enough to see everything."

2. Cultural Sensitivity:

   • Understanding local culture and time management is crucial: "More experience with culture and how to use the time effectively would have made the trip better."

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Jordan:

• Compare rates
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements