Rental Cars & Self-Driving
A rental car is the most flexible way to travel around Jordan. The roads are well-developed, the signage is bilingual (Arabic/English), and the country is compact enough for a round trip.
Prices & Booking
| Vehicle Type | Price/Day |
|---|---|
| Small Car | 20–35 JOD (26–45€) |
| Compact SUV | 35–55 JOD (45–71€) |
| Off-Road Vehicle (4x4) | 55–90 JOD (71–117€) |
Providers: Hertz, Avis, Europcar at the airport. Local providers (e.g., Reliable Rent a Car) often 30% cheaper.
Important Driving Tips
- International Driving License: Recommended, in practice, the EU driving license is usually accepted
- Fuel: Approx. 0.95 JOD/liter (approx. 1.23€) — more expensive than in neighboring countries, but cheaper than in Europe
- Driving Style: Jordanians drive "creatively" — frequent honking, spontaneous lane changes, overtaking in curves. Drive defensively!
- Speed Controls: Speed cameras everywhere, especially on highways. Speed limit: 60 km/h in cities, 80–110 km/h on rural roads/highways
- Wadi Rum: A normal car is sufficient up to the Visitor Center. For the desert itself, you need a guided Jeep tour — own vehicles are not allowed
- King's Highway: The most scenic route (Amman–Petra via Madaba, Kerak). Winding, slower than the highway, but incredibly beautiful
Achtung
DO NOT drive on rural roads at night! Unlit vehicles, camels, and donkeys on the road are a real danger. Also: Traffic in Amman can be chaotic — a taxi is often the smarter choice here.
