Asia > 🇯🇴 Jordan
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Jordan can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Jordan; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Jordan?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Jordan?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Jordan
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Amman | AMM |
🚘 Car or No Car in Jordan — Should You Rent One?
Jordan is a feast of ancient sites, sweeping deserts, and some of the most striking landscapes in the Middle East. Although it’s a compact country, its attractions are spread far beyond the capital city of Amman — and that raises the question: should you rent a car in Jordan? The short answer is yes for most travellers, but it depends on your plans, confidence, and how much independence you want.
Let’s break down whether hiring a car in Jordan is the smart move 💡 — or whether buses, tours, or taxis are enough.
🚗 Reasons to Rent a Car in Jordan
Renting a car gives you freedom, especially when you’re exploring Jordan’s vast open spaces. Here’s why many visitors choose the driver’s seat:
1. Total Flexibility for Exploring
Jordan’s biggest sights—Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Jerash—aren’t close to each other, and buses don’t always run at convenient times. With your own car, you control the schedule. Arrive in Petra at sunrise ☀️, stay late in the desert 🌌, or stop for a roadside falafel in a village — it’s all on your own terms.
2. Iconic Road Trips
Jordan is made for road trippers! The King’s Highway (35), an ancient trade route stretching from Amman to Petra, takes you through dramatic canyons, Crusader castles like the one in Karak 🏰, and endless desert vistas. Meanwhile, the Desert Highway (15) offers fast, direct travel, perfect when you want to reach your destination quickly.
3. Easy-to-Navigate Roads
Most major highways and tourist routes are modern, well signposted, and in good condition. Road signs are in Arabic and English, making it stress-free for international drivers.
4. Great for Groups and Families
For a family or group of friends, renting a car can even work out cheaper than booking tours and taxis — especially over multiple days.
5. Comfort and Climate Control
Jordan’s summer heat can be intense, especially in the desert 🌞. Having air conditioning and a comfortable ride makes the whole experience more pleasant.
🚫 Situations Where You Don’t Need a Car in Jordan
While a car works for many, it’s not always the best option. Let’s look at when not renting a car makes more sense:
1. Short City-Based Stays
If you’re only visiting Amman or Aqaba, a taxi, rideshare (like Careem), or walking will do the job. Parking is limited in Amman, and traffic can be chaotic, so driving there is more stressful than useful.
2. Organised Tours
If your must-sees are Petra and Wadi Rum, it’s easy to join group or private tours that take care of transport and local guiding. This is ideal for those who’d rather sit back and relax.
3. Solo Travellers on a Budget
Public transport in Jordan is limited, but Jett buses offer reliable air-conditioned coach services between major places like Amman, Petra, Aqaba, and the King Hussein Bridge.
4. Nervous Drivers
Jordanian drivers can seem assertive, especially in and around Amman. Roundabouts are fast-moving, and locals often ignore lane markings. If that sounds stressful, it’s fine to step away from the wheel and let someone else drive you 👍.
🛣️ What’s It Really Like Driving in Jordan?
Driving in Jordan is usually much calmer outside cities, and traffic thins as soon as you leave Amman or Irbid. Desert highways are long, straight, and well-paved. You’ll see few towns, but plenty of camels and goats 🐪.
Speed limits are about 100–110 km/h outside villages, but be prepared for sudden speed bumps that appear without much warning — especially when approaching small towns.
Police checkpoints are common but generally hassle-free. Drivers are routinely waved through, and rental cars rarely get more than a polite passport check.
Fuel stations are spaced out on major routes, especially on the Desert Highway, so don’t let the tank get too low. Petrol is cheaper than in Europe but more expensive than in some Gulf nations.
🅿️ Parking and Rules
Parking in Amman can be tricky, especially downtown, but hotels often provide spaces. In Petra (Wadi Musa), outside visitor areas, parking is well-managed. In most tourist spots, paid parking isn’t required.
Always carry your passport, insurance, and an international driving permit (IDP). Your standard licence may suffice, but an IDP makes checkpoints smoother.
💬 What About Car Hire Companies?
All the major international companies — Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Budget — operate in Jordan, mostly through Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) near Amman and in Aqaba. Local firms like Monte Carlo or Reliable Car Rental are often cheaper and still trustworthy. Book in advance during high season (spring and autumn), and double-check what your insurance covers — off-road driving is not allowed in rental cars (so you’ll need a local Bedouin guide for driving inside Wadi Rum).
✨ Key Routes
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Amman to Petra: 3–4 hours via Desert Highway (fast) or King’s Highway (scenic, slower).
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Petra to Wadi Rum: Around 1.5–2 hours.
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Wadi Rum to Aqaba: 1 hour.
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Dead Sea to Amman: About 1 hour.
You could do a classic 5-day loop: Amman → Dead Sea → Petra → Wadi Rum → Aqaba → back to Amman.
🧭 Conclusion
So, should you rent a car in Jordan?
✅ Yes — if you’re eager to explore freely, love the idea of epic desert drives, or want to visit multiple sites on your own time.
🚫 No — if you’re sticking to the main cities, dislike the idea of driving abroad, or prefer guided tours.
Car or No Car Rating: 🚗🌄 Mostly Yes — hiring a car unlocks the real Jordan and makes the journey as unforgettable as the destination.