Renting A Car In Jordan: Everything You Need To Know
Jordan is a compact and unique country that is perfect for a road trip. From the Wadi Rum desert and the lost city of Petra to the Dead Sea, there’s a lot to explore in Jordan. Exploring Jordan can easily be done by booking an organized trip, but when you want to make your own stops and create your own route, renting a car in Jordan gives you the ultimate freedom to do so. Here’s all you need to know about renting a car in Jordan.
How to rent a car in Jordan
If you’re planning on visiting Jordan, renting a car will be the most convenient and flexible way to get around. The country is relatively small, so you can cover a lot of ground on your first visit. Having a rental car to yourself gives you the freedom to see this incredible country at your own pace. From the Wadi Rum Desert and the ancient city of Petra to floating in the Dead Sea, a road trip through Jordan will be an amazing experience. Driving through Jordan by yourself is much easier than it looks. In this guide, you’ll find exactly how to rent and drive a car in Jordan. Read all about travel to Jordan here
What Do You Need To Rent A Car In Jordan
- Your passport – All visitors to Jordan must have a valid passport for at least six months after the date of entry.
- Your driver’s license from your home country
- An International Driving Permit. Officially not mandatory, but a lot of car rental companies ask for an IDP.
- Visa – Most foreign visitors need a visa in Jordan. You can check Project Visa to see if this applies to you. Tip: The cheapest way to get a visa for Jordan is by getting the Jordan Pass
- Credit Card
The driving licence requirements in Jordan state that you must have a full driving licence that is valid in your country of residence. An international driver’s licence is not required, but a lot of rental companies do require one. You can rent a car in Jordan when you are 21 years or older and have your licence for at least 1 year (this may differ between rental companies). Some rental companies require an age of 25 and older and will charge those between 21 and 25 an additional young driver fee.
Rental Car Insurance In Jordan
A Collision Damage Waiver, commonly referred to as CDW, is legally required to rent a car in Jordan. Apart from the CDW, it’s up to you to choose additional insurance. I strongly advise you to inform yourself well and in advance about the different insurance policies and options. I recommend to rent a car in Jordan through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and all insurance included. This way you’ll be on your way to a worry-free adventure. Book your rental car here.
Is It Easy To Drive through Jordan?
The roads in Jordan are generally in great condition, they are all paved and well-maintained. Driving around in the capital of Amman does require a strong heart, because traffic can be stressful and chaotic sometimes. Driving outside of Amman feels like a breeze, with wide roads and endless views along the way. Just put on a nice playlist and enjoy the ride!
Tip: If you don’t like chaotic traffic, I advise you to pick up your rental car after your visit to Amman. This can also be a great way to keep your budget in check, as you can save both on rental and parking costs. you can easily take a taxi from Queen Alia airport to Amman.
Fueling Up Your Car In Jordan
Most travelers to Jordan go on an extensive road trip through the country. Distances between places are luckily not that big, and you can find many service stations along a route. Make sure you have cash on you, as some gas stations don’t take credit cards. When you get to the pump, there will be an attendant to fill up the car for you. You simply tell them how much you want to spend on fuel and what type of fuel you need. Not sure which type of fuel your car needs? You can check this with your rental company.
Road Conditions In Jordan
Roads in Jordan are generally very well maintained. Almost all roads are paved, and traffic signs are in Arabic and English. When you’re driving on one of the main highways, be aware that you can encounter random speed bumps that seem to come out of nowhere. These speed bumps don’t get accompanied with a warning sign, so keep an eye out for them. In Jordan, driving is done on the right side of the road, so it might take some time getting used to if you usually drive on the left side of the road.
Is Driving in Jordan Safe?
Renting a car and driving in Jordan is safe. The roads are well-maintained and if you follow the traffic rules and the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be well on your way.
Can Women Drive A Car In Jordan?
Yes, women can rent a car and drive in Jordan. If you’re a solo female traveler, you might get a few stares from the locals (especially in rural areas) as they’re not used to seeing a foreign woman driving alone. Driving as a solo female traveler in Jordan is safe, and it’s an amazing country to explore by yourself!
The Best Tips For Driving And Renting A Car In Jordan
1. Book with a reliable rental company
In Jordan there are a lot of reliable rental companies, but there is the occasional rotten apple among them. Check beforehand with friends and family that traveled to Jordan and read reviews of several rental companies before you make a decision. When you find a company you like make sure to check which conditions apply on your contract.
2. Inspect Your Vehicle
When you pick up the car, inspect the car thoroughly before setting off. Walk around your rental car and photograph or film all existing damages on the car. Most rental cars in Jordan are not in mint condition and have at least a couple of scratches on them. To make sure that you don’t get charged for damages when returning your rental car, you can use the images or video as proof. You can do the same with the inside of the rental car. Also make sure to check whether you’ve got a full tank of fuel before you leave.
3. Be Prepared For Police Checkpoints
Checkpoints and random police checks are quite normal in Jordan. They happen because Jordan is located amid conflict zones, like Syria, Israel and Gaza. Police checks are nothing to worry about, as long as you’re prepared for them. If you encounter a police check while driving in Jordan, slowly pull over, and prepare your passports as well as your vehicle’s registration documents.
4. Don’t drive at night in Jordan
Driving at night in Jordan is not recommended, outside of the cities streets are not always lit and there are also different kinds of obstacles that might appear on the road at night, such as wandering wildlife and pedestrians. If you can, avoid driving your rental car outside of the cities at night in Jordan.
5. Download A Map Of The Area Beforehand
Cell reception in Jordan can be bad outside of the bigger cities. Download a map beforehand and bookmark all of the amazing spots you want to visit during your road trip!
Do I Need A 4WD Car In Jordan?
You do not need a 4×4 car to drive in Jordan. The roads are well-maintained and do not require a 4WD. However, if you’re planning to go off-road, like in the Wadi Rum Desert, you will need a 4WD to get a permit. If you’re planning on driving through Wadi Rum by yourself, make sure to take necessary precautions. Driving in the desert requires preparation and can be very dangerous if you’re ill prepared.
How Much Does A Rental Car In Jordan Cost?
Rental cars in Jordan are usually quite affordable, especially if you’re traveling with someone else or a group and split the price. The price will depend on the company you decide to rent from and the model of the car. You can expect a regular car or 2WD to set you back between €40 and €60 a day, which is the most affordable option. If you’re planning on renting a 4×4 car, expect to pay between €80 and €120 per day.
Where Do I Rent A Car In Jordan?
The easiest way to rent a car in Jordan is by booking it beforehand. You can do this online or through an agency. Because almost all travelers to Jordan go around by rental car, they can quickly sell out, especially during busier times. That’s why arranging a rental car ahead of time is recommended. This way you can make sure that there’s a rental car that will suit your needs waiting for you when you arrive. I recommend to rent a car in Jordan through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and all insurance included. This way you’ll be ready to hit the road when you arrive in beautiful Jordan! Book your rental car here.
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