Self-Driving in Jordan: Everything You Need to Know

Self-driving in Jordan? Isn’t this crazy? To be honest, that’s exactly what I was thinking before I traveled to the Middle East. However, I found that renting a car offers many advantages over using public traffic or taxis. Indeed, a rental car is ideal if you want to choose a route by yourself and want to be as flexible as possible during your trip. So, I’ve booked a car and I can say that I definitely haven’t regretted my decision. In this blog post, I’m sharing my experiences about self-driving in Jordan and will not only talk about safety concerns but also about costs, car rental places as well as the perfect route for your trip.

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Where to Find Car Rental Places in Jordan

Renting a car in Jordan is actually no big deal. Many international rental companies can be found in the big cities and at airports, especially in Amman. These include Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Rama, Dollar Car Rental, and many more. However, it is recommended to book the car from home as you often get a cheaper price. The most simple and popular international platform for booking a rental car in Jordan is Rentalcars. Of course, booking the car in advance also saves time on arrival. Considering the car rental contract, I would strongly recommend that you take a comprehensive insurance cover. On some of the paths and roads away from the modern highways, you can find potholes, brittle sections, and large stones, so good insurance will save you a lot of trouble in the worst case.

Costs of Driving in Jordan

Based on average numbers, a rental car in Jordan costs around $14-18 a day. For a week you pay around $95-120 (source: driveboo). So, in my opinion, the prices are absolutely justified. Especially when you consider that you do not have too many alternatives available. Even though traveling by bus is cheaper, most of the buses only run once a day between the main attractions. Taxis or personal drivers are also an option, but clearly a more expensive one.

Roads in Jordan

In general, the roads in the cities of Jordan are well-developed and the individual places of the country are well-connected. However, if you drive out of the big cities, the streets sometimes look a little different. Be aware that speed ​​bumps can appear on the highway completely out of nowhere. Unfortunately, the traffic signs only rarely point this out. On top of that, police officers with radar guns lurk for drivers who are too fast, especially on the more frequented highways and country roads such as the King’s Highway. Therefore, even though the wide roads with views of the desert landscape of Jordan invite you to drive fast, it is better to stick to the rules. And I think it goes without saying that you should always stay on the designated roads.

The Best Route for Self-Driving in Jordan

In my opinion, you must visit the country for at least a week to see all the main attractions. As I extensively described in my Jordan itinerary for 7 days, my trip started in Jordan’s capital Amman. From there, I drove south along the King’s Highway to Petra. Of course, the archaeological site of Petra, one of the new seven wonders of the world, should not be missed on a trip to Jordan.

After exploring the ruins of Petra, a trip to the Wadi Rum desert is should be on your list as well. The desert safari in Wadi Rum and the overnight stay in a typical Bedouin camp were definitely my highlights of the entire trip. After the adventurous experience, I drove to Aqaba to spend some relaxing days by the Red Sea. Before heading back to Amman, a stop at the Dead Sea, which is more than 400 meters below sea level, was worth it.

Is it Safe to Drive in Jordan?

To conclude, I would say it is safe to drive in Jordan and I can absolutely recommend everyone to book a rental car. Not only will you get a good value for money, but it also allows you to explore the country flexibly. In big cities like Amman, however, you should keep a cool head and get used to the driving style of the locals as much as possible. Outside the cities, you should always stick to the speed limit and drive with foresight. I can only speak for myself but for me, there was never a moment in which I felt scared or unsafe during my Jordan trip. So, in my eyes, self-driving in Jordan is absolutely feasible and will make your trip an unforgettable adventure!

Have you already been to Jordan? Or are you planning to go there anytime soon? Let me know in the comments down below! 😊

And don’t forget to save this post for your trip!