Jordan · Getting around
Renting a car is one of the most flexible ways to connect Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea. The important decision is not simply finding the cheapest daily rate — it is understanding licence rules, pickup logistics, deposits, insurance and the route you actually plan to drive.
Driving side
Right-hand side
Road signs
Arabic + English
Best for
Multi-stop road trips
Pickup hub
Queen Alia / Amman
Quick answer
Yes for many independent road trips. Official Jordan tourism guidance says driving is on the right, highway signs are in Arabic and English, and a driving licence valid in your home country is acceptable if you have held it for at least one year. Rental-company age, document, deposit and International Driving Permit policies can still be stricter, so verify the exact supplier terms before booking.
Who should rent
01
Self-drive is strongest when you want to move between Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea on your own timing. It is less compelling for a short Amman stay or when every major day is already booked as a guided tour.
Licence
02
Visit Jordan states that a driving licence valid in your country of origin is acceptable provided you have held it for at least one year. Individual rental companies may impose additional requirements around driver age, International Driving Permits, passport, credit card or licence format. Always follow the stricter supplier rule for the vehicle you book.
Pickup
03
Current rental inventory is widely available around Queen Alia International Airport, but not every supplier has a desk inside the terminal. Some use meet-and-greet or shuttle pickup, so read the pickup instructions before choosing a low headline price.
Price comparison
04
Look at deposit, excess, mileage, fuel policy, additional-driver cost, cancellation, pickup model and insurance coverage. A slightly higher rate with clearer terms can be better value than the cheapest listing.
Road planning
05
Official tourism guidance describes an expanding road network and bilingual highway signs. It also advises filling up before long journeys, particularly on the Dead Sea/Aqaba road where fuel options are less frequent than in cities and on most highways. Avoid planning major night drives immediately after a long flight.
Rental comparison
06
Supplier rating, insurance, deposit, fuel policy, mileage and pickup location can matter more than a small price difference. Use those details to compare current rental options.
FAQ
Visit Jordan says a licence valid in your country of origin is acceptable if you have held it for at least one year. Always check the rental supplier’s own requirements as they may ask for additional documents or an International Driving Permit.
Yes. Jordan drives on the right-hand side.
Airport pickup is convenient for a road trip starting immediately, while city pickup can make sense if you plan to spend your first days in Amman without a car. Compare the total rental days and pickup logistics.
A normal rental car is for reaching the visitor/camp meeting point and regular roads. Desert exploration inside Wadi Rum is handled by local 4×4 tours/operators rather than driving a standard rental into the protected desert.
Keep planning
See where a rental car adds value.
Plan the classic southern leg.
Compare self-drive and transfer options.
Choose rental car as your transport style.
Last editorial review: 2026-09-01