Driving in Jordan: How to Plan a Road Trip
This guide focuses on providing practical tips for planning a road trip, safety information, and the benefits of self-driving while traveling through Jordan.
Jordan is a country rich in history and diverse landscapes, offering a range of experiences from the ancient ruins of Petra to the vast desert of Wadi Rum and the calming waters of the Dead Sea.
Whether you’re interested in exploring historic sites, natural wonders, or local culture, Jordan has something for every traveler. It is truly an amazing country and the perfect place for a road trip!
How to Get Around Jordan
The best way to get around Jordan is by renting a car and embarking on a road trip! Renting a car in Jordan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, whether you’re visiting well-known attractions or venturing off the beaten path.
If this is your first time driving in the Middle East, no need to worry. Driving in Jordan is relatively straightforward, with well-maintained highways, clear road signs in both Arabic and English, and scenic routes like the King’s Highway and the Desert Highway connecting major attractions.
Benefits of Driving in Jordan
The major benefits of renting a car and driving in Jordan are flexibility and independence. After traveling around Jordan for 10 days, I 100% recommend renting a car for a road trip. It’s the best way to explore!
Self-driving allows you to plan your itinerary according to your interests, giving you flexibility and access to areas that are less reachable by public transport. With proper preparation, renting a car and driving in Jordan is an efficient and rewarding way to fully experience the country.
How to Plan a Road Trip in Jordan
Renting a Car in Jordan
The major car rental hub is located at Queen Alia International Airport, approximately 30-40 minutes outside of downtown Amman. The airport is conveniently located right off one of the major highways you will be driving on in Jordan, the Desert Highway.
There are also car rental companies based in the city of Amman however, it was more convenient for us to rent a car at the airport for multiple reasons. First, we wanted to avoid driving in Amman traffic at all costs (more on that later). Secondly, we preferred the airport location for rental car pickup/drop off so we could end our road trip back at the airport and fly home.
You won’t have to worry about paying more for an automatic car because most rental cars in Jordan are automatic. On average, a standard sedan rental car is approximately $30-50/day and an SUV is approximately $40-60/day.
Necessary Documents for Driving in Jordan
Driving in Jordan with a foreign license is easy. The minimum age to rent a car in Jordan is 25 and all you need is your driver’s license, passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The necessity of an IDP is up for discussion. In our experience, we were not asked to show an IDP when we rented a car, only a driver’s license and passport. However, MOST rental car companies state on their websites that they require an IDP. I would suggest contacting the rental company for clarification.
It’s an easy process to obtain an international driving permit, but you have to plan ahead and do this before you arrive in Jordan. You can apply in person at an AAA office or send in your application (and other required documentation) by mail. You will need to have 2 passport pictures, your valid driver’s license, and pay $20 for the permit.
Insurance
It’s always a good idea to have car rental insurance, especially in a foreign country. We opted against paying for the rental car company insurance because our credit card (Platinum AmEx) offers built-in car rental insurance.
Check with your credit card to see if they offer this benefit as well so you don’t have to pay unnecessarily.
Document Any Damage to Rental Car Prior to Driving
Complete a thorough check of the car upon receiving it. Take pictures and/or video to document any previous damage to show to the car rental company. Make sure to include the condition of the inside of the car as well. Sometimes a rental car employee will complete a pre-rental check with you, but that’s not always guaranteed.
Navigation Tools for Driving in Jordan
We used Google Maps for navigation during our road trip and didn’t have any issues. If you don’t have cell service, make sure to pre-download the maps. Otherwise, I highly recommend downloading an eSIM through Airalo, they have options for 7, 15, or 30 days.
Also, the road signs in Jordan are displayed in Arabic and English which makes it a lot easier for foreigners to navigate.
Major Highways and Road Conditions in Jordan
With a car rental you can travel and take in the stunning desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and coastal views at your own speed.
Whether navigating the bustling streets of Amman or cruising through the vast desert landscapes, Jordan’s roads are generally well-maintained and accessible. Here’s a breakdown of road conditions for some of the key routes you will travel on during your trip to Jordan:
King’s Highway (Highway 35)
The King’s Highway is one of Jordan’s most scenic routes, stretching from Amman to Petra and offering picturesque views of valleys, mountains, and ancient ruins. This route is slower than the Desert Highway but is rich in history and natural beauty.
The road is generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding in places, especially as it passes through smaller towns and hilly regions. There are steep climbs and descents, particularly when passing through the Dana Biosphere Reserve and Mujib Dam area.
This highway is more suited to those who enjoy leisurely scenic drives. The views passing through Madaba, Mount Nemo, and Kerak Castle make it worth the journey.
Desert Highway (Highway 15)
The King’s Highway (35) and the Desert Highway (15) run parallel to each other from Amman into the southern areas of Jordan.
The Desert Highway is a major thoroughfare that connects Amman to Aqaba in the south, passing through major sites like Wadi Rum and Petra. It is the fastest route between these destinations.
The highway is paved and in good condition, with wide lanes and rest stops along the way. It’s generally a smooth drive, but be mindful of occasional speed traps and police checkpoints.
The landscape along the Desert Highway can be quite barren and flat, with few distractions. Drivers should be prepared for long, straight stretches of road, which can sometimes be monotonous, but it’s ideal for covering long distances efficiently.
Dead Sea Highway (Highway 65)
The Dead Sea Highway runs parallel to the Dead Sea, offering stunning views of the lowest point on Earth. It’s a popular route for those heading from Amman to the Dead Sea resorts (and vice versa) or continuing south to Aqaba.
The drive along the Dead Sea Highway is straightforward and relaxing, with beautiful views of the water and surrounding mountains. The road is paved and in good condition, with relatively few curves or elevation changes. The road is usually less busy than the highways in and around Amman, making for a peaceful drive.
You can cover a lot of ground driving in Jordan on a 7 to 10 day trip. The major tourist attractions are conveniently located off the major highways approximately 2-3 hours drive time apart from each other.
If you need ideas for planning a trip, here’s my 10 Day Jordan Travel Itinerary
Safety Considerations for Driving in Jordan
Driving Laws and Rules
When planning a road trip in Jordan, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the country’s driving laws and rules; however, there are no big surprises here. Jordan drives in the right lane, and all drivers must carry a valid driver’s license, car rental documents, and passport at all times.
The speed limit is typically 50-60 km/h in urban areas and 80-120 km/h on highways, with clear signage in both Arabic and English. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers, and using a cell phone while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.
It’s important to note that most car rental companies prohibit renters from driving outside the borders of Jordan in a rental car. Keep this in mind when planning your trip if you want to visit a neighboring country.
Police Checkpoints
Expect occasional checkpoints, particularly on major highways and near border areas. Most of the time you just have to slow down and they wave you on.
On one particular occasion we were stopped at a police checkpoint and they attempted to speak to us in Arabic. Once they realized we were foreigners and unable to communicate with them they waved us through.
It’s best to have your passport, driver’s license, and rental documents accessible for easy verification if needed.
Driving in Amman
I don’t recommend driving in Amman, unless you are very low stress behind the wheel. Picture 5 cars crammed into 3 lanes and that’s what driving in Amman is like in a nutshell.
Amman can be challenging for drivers who are not familiar with the roads, especially during rush hours. The streets are congested and can be difficult to navigate. We spent a day in Amman prior to picking up our rental car and used Uber to get around the city.
Local Driving Etiquette
In general, drivers seem to be more aggressive than what we are used to in the United States. Not aggressive in a hostile way, but more like no one following speed limits or standard driving laws.
People may drive into your lane, drift between lanes, or make sudden turns without signaling. We also noticed drivers passing on two-lane roads in blind conditions, so stay alert and use your mirrors. Lastly, be mindful of pedestrians, who often cross streets unexpectedly, even on highways.
Patience and defensive driving are key when navigating Jordan’s roads.
Emergency Preparedness
Keep emergency contacts handy, including rental agencies and local roadside assistance numbers. 911 is the emergency number in Jordan. Prepare for long drives through the desert and keep water and snacks in the car.
Plan ahead and activate either an international plan on your phone or an eSIM so you can have cellular service. This will give you peace of mind in case of emergencies.
Tips for Driving in Jordan
These tips are mostly common sense practices. Since you will be driving in unfamiliar conditions it’s important to keep your head on a swivel, stay alert, and drive defensively.
⚠️ Watch out for unexpected road hazards such as pedestrians and animals, especially camels and goats in rural areas.
⚠️ Be on the lookout for speed bumps on highways! Sometimes there are signs beforehand and sometimes they sneak right up on you without warning.
⚠️ Use extra caution driving at night, especially in rural areas with wandering animals and anywhere with speed bumps.
⚠️ Be careful when pulling over into the shoulder of the road. It’s not uncommon for some Jordanians to use the shoulder as an additional driving lane.
⚠️ Gas stations are available on all major routes but can be scarce in remote areas, so it’s important to fill up before long stretches of desert driving.
⚠️ Use bathroom facilities in major areas when they are available. Once you get into more rural locations options are limited and you may encounter a squat toilet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Jordan
How many days in Jordan is enough?
I personally recommend 10 days, but if you have upwards of 2 weeks that is even better! At bare minimum, 7 days in Jordan will be enough to cover the highlights.
Check out my Jordan 10 Day Travel Itinerary to help plan your trip!
Is it easy to self drive in Jordan?
From our experience, renting and driving a car in Jordan was a breeze. Once you are out of the city you will be driving on a few main highways and you won’t have to worry about traffic…only occasional speed bumps on highways. Oh, and camels, be careful of camels crossing the road! Navigation was easy using Google maps and signs were in Arabic and English.
How do tourists get around in Jordan?
Tourists have several options to get around Jordan when traveling between the major attractions. Renting a car and driving in Jordan is the best in my opinion, but you can also pay for an organized tour, hire a private driver, or travel by bus.
JETT Bus (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation) runs a daily route from Amman to Wadi Rum and Aqaba to Wadi Rum. Asri Tours is the go to for transportation between Wadi Musa (Petra) and Wadi Rum.
Is it safe to drive from Amman to Petra?
Yes, it’s an easy and safe drive. It’s a popular tourist route so you won’t be alone. You will only drive on 2 highways from Amman to Petra, so the chances of getting lost are extremely slim. The total drive time is approximately 2.5 hours so you might not have to make any stops along the way…easy peasy!
If you want more info about visiting Petra, here’s my blog post: How to Visit Petra in Two Days
Do you need a tour guide for Jordan?
No, a tour guide or organized tour is not necessary in Jordan. This is one country where you don’t have to rely on organized tours to take you everywhere, you can be totally self-sufficient if you choose.
Having a rental car provided us the ability to customize our itinerary to our interests and pace, which we loved! It’s also more cost effective to rent a car than paying for a tour company.
However, there are many benefits of a tour guide and booking with a tour company can greatly enhance your experience. Decide what kind of experience you want to have and plan from there.
I must mention that self-driving in the Wadi Rum desert is not recommended. Wadi Rum is a vast desert with no marked roads, and navigating it on your own can be challenging without a 4×4 vehicle and knowledge of the terrain. Most visitors opt for guided tours to explore the main attractions and to ensure safety, which you can book directly through your accommodation.
Here’s my Wadi Rum Travel Guide all about desert glamping and things to do
Do I need an international driver’s permit to rent a car and drive in Jordan?
The safe answer is, yes. We were not asked for it when we rented a car however, MOST rental car companies state on their websites that they require it. One company stated you “might” need it…so to be on the safe side, just get it or contact the rental company to ask.
It’s an easy process to obtain an international driving permit (IDP). You can apply in person at an AAA office or send in your application (and other required documentation) by mail. You will need to have 2 passport pictures, your valid driver’s license, and pay $20 for the permit.
There you have it, all my tips for planning a road trip in Jordan. It is the perfect destination to rent a car and hit the road with so many incredible sights to explore. Enjoy the adventure, watch out for those speed bumps, and don’t forget to pack road trip snacks!
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