Driving in Jordan – Your full guide to renting a car

Sharing is caring!

In this article, we’ll give you all the tips for driving in Jordan. We’ll tell you how to rent a car in Jordan, what the rules are for driving here, and what to watch out for. Learn everything you need to know about driving a rental car in Jordan.

When we started planning our Jordan itinerary, we knew there was one great way to discover everything we wanted. And that was renting a car in Jordan!

Nothing gives you more freedom and flexibility than having your own rental car.

As avid photographers, we knew we wanted to stop on the side of the road and take as many pictures as we wanted. We knew we wanted to have the flexibility to change our plans and itinerary on a whim.

And the only way to do this was to rent a car in Jordan!

It ended up being the best decision we made! To be able to go where we wanted, when we wanted was the best way to discover all the best places in Jordan.

In this article, we want to share all the information you need about driving a car in Jordan. We’ll give you all the best tips for renting a car here, what to look out for, what the roads are like, and what to do at police checkpoints.

So strap in and let’s go over everything you need to know about driving in Jordan in a rental car.

Road trip in Jordan. 14 day Jordan itinerary

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

We love helping you plan amazing trips. If you need any of these services, consider booking them through our affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, you will be helping support us so we can continue to write these blogs for you.

We thank you again for your continued support. 

🏠 Find the perfect place to stay with Booking.com

✈️ Get the cheapest flights with Skyscanner

🚣 Book your favorite activities with Viator

💻 Make sure you have everything you need for your epic trip by checking our store on Amazon

Why rent a car in Jordan

Before we get started on all the details about driving in Jordan, let’s get into the reasons why you should rent a car in Jordan. And there are many of them, depending on how you want to plan your Jordan Itinerary.

1. Renting a car in Jordan is cheap

We’re big believers in spending money on experiences and not things. And to us, if we can save on transport while traveling, we’ll totally go for the cheaper option. There are plenty of reasons to sit in a bus and not worry about driving around in Jordan.

But in this case, for two people, and for the amount of places we wanted to visit, it was cheaper for us to rent a car than to take the bus or take shuttles.

The truth is, renting a car in Jordan is actually quite affordable. Read on to see what average costs are.

2. The freedom to explore hidden gems and get off the beaten path in Jordan

One of the things we love about road trips, whether in Jordan or in Quebec or in Armenia, is the flexibility and freedom that comes with having your own car.

We love getting off the beaten path and we knew we wanted to explore some of Jordan’s hidden gems. So for us, it made sense to rent a car and go where we wanted, when we wanted.

Plus, we ended up changing our itinerary quite a few times. We wouldn’t have been able to do that if we didn’t have our own car.

Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan highway. Mountains in Jordan. Jordan Road trip in 7 days. Jordan itinerary

3. It’s easy to drive in Jordan

A quick note before we get started on this. The cities (like Amman and to a lesser degree, Madaba) are chaotic and hectic, but once you’re on the highways, driving in Jordan is really easy.

In fact, their highway system is fairly straight forward and getting lost in the country is not that easy to do. So if you love driving down winding roads with insane views, then renting a car in Jordan is a no-brainer.

The roads are also in quite a good state. You won’t need to be on a constant lookout for potholes in Jordan.

4. Driving in Jordan is safe

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, driving in Jordan is safe. Even at night, or in big cities, there isn’t any real danger around.

We left our car on the streets overnight. We drove in big cities at night. Took most of the highways and some smaller country roads through Jordan. We drove all the way from Umm Qais to Aqaba and all around, and we never had any issues.

Of course, we took precautions, but overall, we can say that you don’t worry too much about it. Driving in Jordan is safe!

Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan highway. Mountains in Jordan. Jordan Road trip in 7 days. Jordan itinerary

5. It’s a fast way to get around in Jordan

There are other ways to get around in Jordan. You can easily take the Jett buses, tourist shuttles or public transportation, but if you want to get around the country fast, then renting a car is the best option.

Also, if you have limited time in the country, 7 days in Jordan or less, we highly recommend renting a car so you don’t have to wait around or deal with delays.

6. Driving in Jordan is fun

We mentioned it, but the views in Jordan are insane! We drove on so many different highways here and each time, we got to enjoy something different.

Derek loves the winding roads and we love to stop and take pictures. We also enjoy listening to podcasts together or pumping up the jams, so having our own rental car in Jordan was the best option to have some fun while driving around for 18+ days.

Roads near Umm Qais in Jordan

7. Having a rental car in Jordan is convenient and freeing

If you plan on sticking to the main tourist route and you have the flexibility of time, you can absolutely get around without a rental car. Jett Buses will take you to all the main attractions in Jordan.

But if you’re like us and like to be free. If you like to change your plans on a whim. Or if you want the freedom to go where you want, when you want, get a rental car in Jordan.

There’s nothing better than exploring a new country on your own terms, whether that’s when to stop for a bathroom break, when to eat more snacks, when to pull over for an impromptu photoshoot or when to change the station, nothing beats having your own car!

8. Don’t worry about parking

You might be worried about having to park in big cities like Amman, Aqaba or Madaba, but having done this many times, we can tell you that parking is not an issue. Not in small towns and not in big cities either.

In fact, a lot of hotels have their own parking lots. And if they don’t, they can guide you to a safe paid parking area. Since so many tourists rent cars in Jordan to get around, the infrastructure is built for making this convenient.

So if you’re worried about parking your rental car in Jordan, don’t! It’s really a non-issue.

Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan highway. Jordan Road trip in 7 days. Jordan itinerary

Why not rent a car in Jordan

We know, we just gave you a bunch of really good reasons to rent a car in Jordan. But there are reasons why driving in Jordan might not be the best option for you.

1. If you’re a solo traveler in Jordan

The reason it makes sense to rent a car when you’re in a group or with another person is that it ends up being cheaper to rent a car and split the cost than it is to buy individual tickets for each person on the bus.

If you’re alone, and you don’t plan on moving around that much while you’re in Jordan, then renting a car might not be the best option for you.

2. You plan on only visiting the highlights in Jordan

If your goal is to visit Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and maybe Aqaba, then you can easily get around with buses and shuttles.

Jett buses have a great network that will take you to all the best sites in Jordan. If you want to go somewhere nearby or if you want to take day trips around big cities, then no need to rent a car in Jordan.

However, if you want to see some hidden gems and do it on your schedule, then renting a car here makes sense.

Amman Citadel. Where to go in Jordan. Jordan Road trip. Places in Jordan. Amman Landmarks

3. If you plan on only doing day trips around Amman or Aqaba

If you plan on setting up camp in Amman or in Aqaba and taking day trips to the highlights in Jordan, then renting a car doesn’t make sense.

Aqaba is fairly walkable and since it’s 1 hour away from Wadi Rum and 2 hours away from Petra, you can easily get around without a car.

Amman is hectic and chaotic to drive around in. If you get nervous in big cities and organized chaos, then don’t take a car while you’re here. You can easily visit many of the best sites in Jordan by taking day trips from Amman.

4. If you are nervous about driving in foreign countries

We mentioned it already, but driving in Jordan is very safe. But Amman and Madaba can get hectic to drive in. Nothing crazy, just chaotic – honking, merging and lots of cars around!

If you’re a nervous driver or unassertive, we recommend skipping the rental car. Although driving through the country is a lot less stressful and much more peaceful, you know what you’re comfortable with.

Everything to know about renting a car in Jordan

Now that you’ve decided on renting a car in Jordan, let’s jump into the details you need to know. We’ll cover where to rent a car in Jordan, how much it costs, what you need to have and all the other info you need to have the smoothest process yet.

Where to rent a car in Jordan

We chose to rent our car directly with Rushmore. We loved that they offered drop-off and pickup from any location in Jordan at no extra fee.

We spent 2 days exploring Amman when we first got to Jordan. They gladly delivered the car at our hotel in Amman on the day and at the time we requested.

After 15+ days of driving around Jordan, we dropped the car off at the airport, right before our evening flight. The process was easy and so convenient.

Halfway through our trip, the team at Rushmore checked in on us to make sure all was good. We loved the attentive service we got from them.

Another option is to shop around and check out what’s available on sites like RentalCars.com. We love using this service when we travel. It’s a quick and easy way to compare prices and offers.

Road trip in Jordan. 7 day Jordan itinerary

How much does it cost to rent a car in Jordan?

The cost of the rental car will vary greatly on when you go to Jordan, how long you rent your car for, what kind of car you rent and if you take an automatic transmission vs a manual one.

If you’re looking to rent a sedan, you’ll pay anywhere between $35-65 USD per day. As for a crossover or SUV, you’re looking at $65-120 USD per day.

We rented a simple sedan, and we can tell you that we had no problems getting around. There was no need to rent a 4×4 in Jordan, simply because all the roads we took were paved. And we went around quite a bit.

Do you need a 4×4 when driving in Jordan?

No, you can get around with a sedan quite easily.

In fact, most places where you would need a 4×4, like in the Dana Biosphere Reserve or Wadi Rum, you couldn’t actually take your car. In these places, you’ll need to park your car in a designated area, and your guides or accommodations will take you around.

Unless you’re a big group, or traveling with lots of luggage, we recommend getting a sedan.

Car rental in Jordan. Driving a car in Jordan. Road trip in Jordan

Documents you need for renting a car in Jordan

Renting a car in Jordan is fairly straight-forward. All you need is a valid driver’s license and your passport. No need to have your International driver’s license or anything else with Rushmore.

While driving, make sure you always have these two documents on you. Usually, at police checkpoints, they will ask to see them both… Or they won’t ask you for anything at all!

However, some car companies might ask for an International Drivers Licence. We had one, as it’s required to have one while driving in Armenia. We brought it with us, but never needed it.

Car insurance in Jordan

We have a great credit card that covers the insurance when we rent a car. But even with great cards like ours, in Jordan, you need to get Collision Damage Waiver, aka CDW.

When renting a car in Jordan, you’re legally required to have this coverage. The good news is that it’s usually built into the rates.

You can, however, choose to decline theft protection and other insurance “extras” with your rental company if your card covers that. If not, we recommend getting full coverage, as you never know what can happen.

Roads in Jordan. Paved highway in Jordan. Views on the road in Jordan

Deposit for car rentals in Jordan

When you rent a car, depending on the company, they will put a hold of about $250-300 USD on your credit card. This is in case something happens to the car.

As soon as you return the car, and pass the checks to make sure there are no new scratches or dents, this deposit will be reimbursed (or voided). So no need to worry about that.

The process for renting a car in Jordan

We have to say that with Rushmore, the process to rent a car was super simple.

They brought the car over to us at our hotel in Amman, and we filled out the paperwork. They showed us how everything works and that was it.

Of course, out of precaution, we took a video of the car, pointing out any little dings or scratches. We kept this video until we returned the car to make sure everything was ok.

We made sure we knew where the registration for the car was and checked to see how much gas was in the tank (to return it with the same amount) and that was about it!

When we returned the car, we did the same check with our clerk and we were done!

Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan highway. Mountains in Jordan. Jordan Road trip in 7 days. Jordan itinerary

Practical information about driving in Jordan

Now that you know where to rent a car in Jordan, let’s get into the nitty gritty about driving in Jordan.

In this section, we’ll give you all the practical information about driving a car in Jordan.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Jordan?

The good side! The right side!
Yup, like most of our readers, we Canadians drive on the right side of the road. And in Jordan, they do as well.

This was a relief to us, as we’ve had the experience of driving on the left side when we were in Australia and New Zealand, and although Derek did a great job, we weren’t fans of it!

Is there an age limit for driving in Jordan?

Residents and car owners can get their licenses as of 18 years of age in Jordan (although we swear we saw some younger kids driving around in the countryside)!

However, if you’re renting a car in Jordan, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old, or 25, depending on the company you choose to book with. This is pretty standard for most countries where you want to rent a car.

If you are under the age of 25 and still want to rent a car in Jordan, you’ll need to pay an extra fee called the Young Driver Fee. This is pretty standard in other countries too.

Regardless, you should always check with the rental company you go with to make sure there are no hidden conditions, fees or details.

Car rental in Jordan. Driving a car in Jordan. Road trip in Jordan

What is the speed limit in Jordan?

The speed limits in Jordan are pretty standard with the road regulations in other countries.

It’s important to note that speeds here are measured in kilometers and not miles.

In urban areas, like in the cities of Amman or Madaba, the speed limit is around 50-60 km/h. It may be lower in school zones or around mosques, so look out for speed signs.

In rural areas, the speed limit is a bit higher, going around 80-90 km/h. However, if you see shepherds or herds of sheep or goats (or camels) around, be mindful and slow down.

And on highways, the speed limit ranges from 100-120 km/h. Since the road conditions are quite good, and there might not be other cars around, you may be tempted to speed. We don’t recommend it.

There are police checkpoints around and they will stop you and fine you. That’s the last thing you want on your Jordan vacation!

What is the signage on the roads in Jordan?

You’ll notice plenty of signs on the roads in Jordan. A lot of it will be in Arabic, but luckily, the important signs will also be in English.

Often, we would see signs that were fully in Arabic, followed by all-English signage.

From what we gathered, the full Arabic signs were to point things out that weren’t important to tourists. Sometimes, they pointed at businesses or local spots that tourists don’t care to see.

Road Signs in Jordan. Driving a car in Jordan. Roads in Jordan.

Are there highway fees to pay in Jordan?

No, there are no fees you need to pay while driving in Jordan. All highways were free to use and in great condition overall.

Do you need to wear seatbelts when driving in Jordan?

Regardless of what the rules are, it’s always safe to wear seatbelts when in a car, whether you’re in the front seats or the back.

The rule in Jordan is that all front-seat passengers must wear their seatbelts. But if you’re on the highway, we recommend all car passengers wear them.

Gas stations in Jordan

One of the things we worried about driving in Jordan, especially when getting off the beaten path, was the availability of gas stations.

However, that fear was quickly put to rest! There are plenty of gas stations all around Jordan. And they are usually all marked on Google Maps as well. This made it easy to drive around without worrying on when to next fill up.

If you know you have a long day of driving, make sure you fill up early so you can go around and get off the beaten path without worries.

In Jordan, all the gas stations are serviced by attendants. You can’t fill your own tank. What we would usually do is either tell them to fill up or tell them how much to fill up for. You can show them the bill so it’s clear.

Although it was obvious most of the attendants didn’t speak English fluently, they did understand enough to get the order right.

We would usually fill up at JoPetrol stations. You’ll notice that most of them have a little store in case you need to fill up on snacks or other things. Most also had bathrooms available for clients.

Gas stations in Jordan. Driving a car in Jordan. Road trip in Jordan

The main highways in Jordan

We spent over 20 days in Jordan and most of those days were spent driving around. With our itinerary, we were able to drive on almost all the main highways in Jordan. Here’s a bit of information about each one.

Driving the King’s Highway in Jordan

This is the main highway in Jordan, Highway 35. In fact, locals and tourists alike will tell you to drive down this highway.

It was recently built in certain parts and it was renovated in others. It’s the highway that connects most of the country as it spans over 280 kilometers.

What we learnt was that the King’s Highway is actually a historic and biblical route. Back in the day, it was used as a trading route. It passes through Madaba, and many of the Crusader Castles like Kerak and Shobak as well the Wadi Mujib.

Another thing to note about driving the King’s Highway in Jordan is that it’s an incredibly scenic route. The views are beautiful, no matter which part of the country you’re driving in.

Desert Highway in Jordan. Road trip in Jordan. Driving in Jordan

The Desert Highway in Jordan

Highway 15 is the Desert Highway. It runs through Jordan, from the South to the North.

The Desert Highway actually starts in Aqaba and goes all the way up to Ma’an. When you get closer to Amman, it merges with the King’s Highway.

We thought that the Desert Highway would be boring, but it was actually quite surprising. You go from a desert with nothing around, until you get closer to Wadi Rum. There, these insane rock formations start to jut out!

When you’re closer to Aqaba, the road is actually surrounded by colorful mountains on either side. They reminded us of the Rainbow Mountains in Peru… even if we’ve never seen them.

Cruising along the Dead Sea Highway

Another epic road to drive in Jordan is the Dead Sea Highway (Highway 65). It spans the distance of the Dead Sea, and the views are epic.

This winding road will give you constant views of the Dead Sea and the mountains around it. It will also take you to the lowest point on Earth.

If you head to the Dead Sea, we recommend taking this route to the Dana Valley or up to Madaba, depending on which Jordan itinerary you follow. This is also the best way to discover the salt patches along the route.

There are many public beaches where you can stop and swim if you skip out on staying at a resort on the Dead Sea.

Dead Sea Salt patch in Jordan. Dead Sea in Jordan. Salt beach on Dead Sea.

The stunning Tafilah Highway

Highway 60 is known as the Tafilah Highway, and it just might be our favorite highway in Jordan. Winding roads. Mountains views. Drives on the edge of cliffs. This is what road trip dreams are made of.

The Tafilah highway stretches East to West. It starts at Highway 15, the Desert Highway, and ends at Highway 65, the Dead Sea Highway.

We took this route on the way from the Dead Sea to the Dana Biosphere Reserve. It was stunning. We must have stopped about 10 times to take pictures. Well worth it if you’re heading to any of these destinations in Jordan.

Jordan road trip. Driving in Jordan. Roads in Jordan

Questions about driving in Jordan

Let’s get into some of the most asked questions about driving in Jordan. And if you have any new questions, let us know in the comments, and we’ll be sure to update the blog and answer your questions.

Are the roads paved in Jordan?

Yes! Most of the roads are paved in Jordan. Sure, you may come across some unpaved roads, or sections of unpaved roads, but this is rare.

In fact, we found out that the King’s Highway was recently renovated and repaved, which made for very smooth driving.

In certain remote places like roads that were close to Umm Qais, or in the middle of nowhere (sometimes, our GPS chose to take scenic routes), we had sections of unpaved roads, but they were still very comfortable to drive on.

As we mentioned, no need to get a 4×4, you’ll be just fine with a sedan.

Roads in Jordan. Paved highway in Jordan. Views on the road in Jordan

Are the police checks safe in Jordan?

We probably had to do a police check every other day we drove in Jordan. But they were sometimes as simple as “Where are you going? … OK. Have fun!”

The majority of the checks we had, the cops didn’t even ask us anything. Derek would pull the window down, they would nod and say ok thank you.

The most we got asked for at a police check was in Aqaba. Here, the cops actually asked for Derek’s license and the car’s registration. But that only happened once.

Overall, there is nothing to fear with the police checks, as long as you’re not doing anything wrong, and that you have your paperwork with you. A polite As-salamu alaikum (a common Arabic greeting) goes a long way.

Police checkpoints in Jordan. Renting a car in Jordan. Road trip in Jordan

Does the GPS work in Jordan?

Overall, we had no problem with connectivity in Jordan. The only place we didn’t have wifi or any reception was in Wadi Rum.

We chose to get an eSIM through Airalo. Honestly, we love using this service every time we travel abroad. We don’t need to find telecom providers or think about refilling our cards. we can do everything on our app. It’s a great service!

One more place where we had connection problems was in Aqaba. Since Israel is jamming the signal, it has repercussions for the locals and visitors in Aqaba. It often happened that our GPS would indicate that we were in Cairo… when we were clearly in Aqaba.

Is it safe to drive at night in Jordan?

It happened a few times that we were caught driving in the dark in Jordan. Simply switch your lights on, and you’ll be fine.

In bigger cities, driving at night might be a bit more hectic as you have to deal with diminished visibility and lights, but it’s the same as driving during the day.

As for highway driving at night, we didn’t really experience it. We always aimed to be back at our hotel when it was really dark. But once again, as long as you have your lights on, you should be fine.

Road trip in jordan. Sunset in jordan

Why is everyone honking in Jordan?

At first, we were wondering the same thing. What’s up with all the honking?! And then, we got it!

They pretty much honk for everything here. But it’s never really aggressive honking and it shouldn’t be taken that way. Honking culture is quite different in Jordan (and many parts of the world) than it is back home in North America.

Here are some things we found out a honk can mean:

  • I’m behind you (or beside you)
  • The light is green. Yalla! Go.
  • I’m turning (because no, they rarely signal for turns)
  • Thanks for letting me in.
  • I’m cutting in front of you…
  • Do you need a taxi? I’m a taxi (especially when you’re walking around)

And so on…

So really, a honk can mean so many things. But basically, it’s to let you know they’re around.

Can you drink and drive in Jordan?

Absolutely not. Not even a little. The blood alcohol limit in Jordan is zero – 0. So not even a sip will do.

Driving at night in Jordan. Roads in Jordan. Highways in Jordan

Top tips for driving in Jordan

As we mentioned before, driving in Jordan is really easy. But here are some practical tips to keep in mind as well.

Driving a rental car in Jordan can be an exciting and convenient way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and historical sites. Here are some top tips to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience:

  • Drive defensively. This is Derek’s favorite thing to do. Be assertive. Take up room and don’t hesitate. Just go!
    As in many countries around the world, be prepared for unpredictable behavior from other drivers. Drive defensively, anticipate sudden movements, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Stay alert. This is tied to the previous tip. You need to pay close attention to your surroundings, especially in busy urban areas and on highways. Look out for pedestrians and livestock, particularly in rural areas.
Camels on the road in Jordan
  • Be mindful of road conditions. Road conditions can vary in Jordan. You can easily go from a well-maintained highway to rougher terrain in a matter of minutes. Drive cautiously, especially on winding roads. Although not frequent, watch out for potholes.
  • Look out for speedbumps. In cities, you’ll often find speedbumps. They’re not always well indicated, so keep an eye out for them.
  • Be patient and courteous. Driving customs differ from country to country. You can’t expect the same customs in Jordan. Which is why it’s important to maintain a respectful attitude toward other drivers.

Driving in the cities of Jordan

Finally, we want to tell you a bit more about driving in these different cities. If you’re heading to Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Musa (Petra), Wadi Rum, Jerash or Madaba, these short little guides might help you better anticipate what to expect.

Driving in Amman

We’ve mentioned it a few times. Driving in Amman is hectic and chaotic!

You have cars coming in all over the place. It seems like no one is in their lane, instead, encroaching on yours. Turning without signaling. And, they’re all honking… but why?

Add in pedestrians, lights, music, taxis… chaos!
But don’t worry. It’s more like organized chaos. In fact, the best way to drive around in Amman is to be assertive and drive defensively. Don’t hesitate and have no fear.

If you want to change lanes, there won’t be a perfect opening. You’ll need to go for it (safely, but directly). People will move when they feel you coming in.

Also, you’re quickly going to realize that lanes aren’t really a thing in Jordan, but mainly in big cities like Amman. You’ll see 4 cars in a 3 lane street. Totally normal. Again, just be assertive and alert about your surroundings.

View of Amman. Things to do in Jordan. Jordan Itinerary

When driving in Amman, expect traffic, especially in the downtown core. The highways around the city will also be busy, but the driving is a lot calmer there.

Truthfully, it’s better not to have a car in the city. You can easily walk around to the main attractions in Amman, or take taxis if you’re too tired from all the climbing.

We recommend only taking your car when you plan on leaving the city to head out on your Jordan adventure.

Driving in Aqaba

Although Aqaba is considered to be a larger city, you wouldn’t feel it by driving around here. In fact, driving in Aqaba is a lot more laid back.

It might be because we visited Aqaba during Ramadan, but there wasn’t that much traffic around. During the day, the streets were almost empty, while nighttime saw more people around, it was nothing like Amman. In town, the traffic is very manageable. It feels a lot more like a suburb than a downtown city.

Since we stayed between Aqaba and Tala Bay, we drove on the main route quite a few times. Here, you can expect a police check (on the side of the road going from Aqaba toward Tala Bay).

If you’re starting in Aqaba, you don’t need to take your car to drive around. The attractions in Aqaba are close together and very walkable. The only place where you might want to take your car is to go to Ayla Oasis.

Petra in Jordan. Treasury. Places in Jordan. Jordan itinerary.

Driving in Wadi Musa

If you’re visiting Petra, you’ll need to get to Wadi Musa. The road is beautiful, paved and has epic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

You can drive to Petra, there is a parking lot there, but we recommend staying in one of the hotels that are close to this Wonder of the Modern World. It’s the best way to explore the area.

One thing that you should note while driving in Wadi Musa and around Petra is that it is very high in altitude. The day we were leaving, a thick fog rolled in and for a good 1.5 hours, we drove around in what felt like zero visibility. We could barely see 5 meters in front of us… most of the time, it was hard to see 2 meters in front…

If this happens to you, make sure you have your hazards on and that you drive slowly. If you’re not comfortable, just pull over (try to get as far off the road as is safe) and wait as long as you can.

Driving in Wadi Rum

This is a trick title. You actually can’t drive in Wadi Rum!

The only cars that are allowed into the protected Wadi Rum reserve are the Jeep Tour guides and authorized vendors.

Everyone else has to park their car in one of the designated car parks. Your accommodations provider or your tour guide will tell you where to park and from there, they will take you inside the desert.

As for driving down the Desert Highway to get to to Wadi Rum, we thought it was quite nice, though most people will say it’s boring.

You start off with nothing around. A true desert.

And all of a sudden, these rock formations start popping up all around you until you’re in the otherworldly landscape of Wadi Rum. Magical!

Jepp tour in Jordan Wadi Rum. Wadi rum desert in jordan. highlights in Jordan

Other ways to get around in Jordan

If you choose to not rent a car, there are plenty of other ways you can get around in Jordan. From public buses to shuttles to taxis. Here’s everything you need to know about taking other transportation means in Jordan.

Taking public transportation in Jordan

If you’re planning on sticking to the highlights in Jordan, you can easily get around using their extensive public bus network.

This network connects major cities and towns, but know that the schedules aren’t always reliable. Often, transporters wait for the bus to be full before leaving. Routes can also be long. You may need to do transfers to get to your final destination.

If you have the time and the patience, it’s a great way to travel around. It’s cheap and more eco-friendly!

Another option is to take JETT buses, a popular option for intercity travel. The two Dutch girls we met in Wadi Rum traveled through the country using this service and they loved it (from what they told us). The routes were convenient, connecting major tourist sites. The service was reliable and good.

JETT buses have connections from Amman, the Dead Sea, Wadi Musa, Wadi Rum and Aqaba. An easy way to see the highlights on a budget, especially if you’re a solo traveler.

Just a reminder – if you are 2 or 3 people traveling together, a rental car may be a more affordable option than the buses.

Police checkpoints in Jordan. Renting a car in Jordan. Jordan road trip

Taking private shuttles and guided tours in Jordan

Another option for getting around Jordan is to take private shuttles or to do guided tours to the different highlights in Jordan.

If you’re not comfortable driving in a foreign country, or if you’re a group of 3-4 people splitting the cost of transport, this may be a more affordable and comfortable option for you. Again, depending on where you’re trying to go.

This is an easy way to take the hassle out of driving. You can still have the freedom to go where you want and stop when you see beautiful scenery. Plus, you can focus on other things as you travel, like reading a book or gazing at the scenery.

There are some great options for tours, transfers and guided tours available on Viator and on GetYourGuide.com. You can rank them by rating or price to find the best option for you.

Everything to know about renting a car & driving in Jordan

We hope that this article was helpful for you. We covered everything you need to know about renting a car in Jordan and all the tips and information about driving in the country.

Our top tip here is to drive with confidence but to be prudent. Our second tip is to enjoy the scenery as the roads here are truly stunning. Each part of the country has something unique to offer.

As a road trip country, Jordan is one of our favorites! Driving here was a real pleasure. It was safe, fun and easy. We highly recommend you explore the country by car. It’s really the best way to see the highlights, while still being able to discover the hidden gems of Jordan.

Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions you’d like us to cover. Are you excited about your road trip in Jordan? Where are you planning on going? We’d love to hear from you!


Thank you so much for reading the article all the way through!

We put a lot of time and effort into the content we create. Please like, comment and share – every action on your part helps us out tremendously and is very appreciated.

You can also help us by pinning this article for others to find.


0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Hi there!

We’re Carine and Derek, two Canadians in love with each other, the environment and this world. We left our old routines behind to discover all the wonders our planet has to offer. We want to inspire everyone to chase their dreams and leave a positive impact on Earth.

Carine and Derek aka We did it our way
Booking.com
31 easy ways to go plastic-free

31 easy ways to go plastic-free

For July, we joined hundreds of million people around the world to go plastic-free. Our goal was to avoid all plastic for #plasticfreejuly. During the whole month, we shared our tips with our Instagram community to help them ditch plastic too. These are our 31 easy...

Follow us on Social Media