Jordan Car Rental Costs, Insurance and Driving Tips (2026)
Quick answer
For a Jordan road trip, compare Queen Alia Airport (AMM) with Aqaba (AQJ) according to your route. UK drivers need their UK licence and a 1949 IDP. Check the supplier’s passport, payment and deposit requirements: Enterprise’s Shmeisani terms accept cash deposits, while other offers may require a card. A standard car suits the main paved routes to Petra, the Dead Sea and Rum village.
By Go & Discover · Updated
Compare car rental in Jordan
Key facts
- Main airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), south of Amman
- Second airport: King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Aqaba
- Driving side: right
- Minimum age: usually 21. Young-driver fees often apply under 25
- Documents: full licence held for at least one year, IDP (1949 Convention), passport, supplier-approved payment method
- Enterprise Shmeisani example: deposit equals the CDW excess, JOD 350–2,000 by vehicle group; cash deposits accepted
- Excess: check the supplier and car group; Enterprise examples are JOD 350–2,000
- Cross-border: Enterprise prohibits it; check your supplier's terms
Where should you pick up a rental car in Jordan?
For most itineraries, Amman Airport (AMM) is the best pick-up point. It has a range of international rental suppliers and works well for a route through the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum. Aqaba (AQJ) suits trips that start in the south, or one-way routes that finish there.
| Pick-up point | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Amman Airport (AMM) | Most road trips: Dead Sea, Jerash, Madaba, Petra | International rental brands. Some suppliers use meet-and-greet rather than a desk |
| Amman city | Trips that start with a few days in Amman | Avoids paying for days parked in the city. City traffic is busy |
| Aqaba Airport (AQJ) | Wadi Rum, Petra and the Red Sea | Convenient for the south. Enter both branches when comparing a one-way rental |
The airport lists international rental brands including Avis, Budget and Payless. Confirm desk location, opening hours and any meet-and-greet arrangements with your supplier, especially for a late arrival. Your voucher will say whether you go to a desk or meet a representative in the terminal.
Compare: Amman Airport car rental · Aqaba Airport car rental · All Jordan car rental
How much does car rental in Jordan cost?
The examples below come from Enterprise Shmeisani terms checked on 20 October 2026; they are branch examples, not rules for every Jordan supplier. Your total depends on your travel dates, car group and chosen cover.
Daily prices depend on the season, the car group and how far ahead you book.
| Cost | Published supplier example | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Collision Damage Waiver (if not included) | JOD 5–25 per day | Enterprise Jordan terms |
| Excess with basic cover | JOD 350–2,000 | Enterprise Jordan terms, by car group |
| Security deposit | Equal to the CDW excess: JOD 350–2,000 by car group | Enterprise Shmeisani example; cash deposits accepted |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | around JOD 4 per day | Enterprise Jordan terms |
| One-way Amman–Aqaba | Supplier-specific; compare the total quote | Shown when you enter a different return location |
Sixt Jordan: a separate supplier example
Sixt’s official Jordan rental information, checked 20 October 2026, lists the following advance charge approvals. These are vehicle-code examples, not prices for every car or every supplier.
| Example vehicle code | Basic protection | Super Top Cover LDW |
|---|---|---|
| MCMR / ECAR | JOD 350 | JOD 200 |
| ICAR | JOD 450 | JOD 200 |
| FPMR | JOD 700 | JOD 350 |
| LDAR | JOD 950 | JOD 450 |
The exact deposit is determined at collection. Sixt’s Jordan page states that the deposit is returned 14 days after the rental ends; confirm with the branch and card issuer when funds become available. Cash is not accepted, and Sixt reserves the right to require a credit card in the driver’s name with enough available limit. Check the payment method and protection attached to your actual offer.
Always compare the total price, not the daily rate. Mileage limits, the fuel policy, airport charges and one-way fees can make a cheap-looking quote the most expensive one.
What insurance do you need for car rental in Jordan?
Check whether your Jordan rental includes third-party liability, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection, and what excess applies. The excess is the amount you may have to pay towards covered damage. You can reduce your risk in three ways:
| Option | How it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier's own excess reduction (e.g. "Super Cover") | Reduces the excess directly, often lowering the deposit too | Usually the most expensive per day. Tyres, glass and underbody may be excluded |
| Comparison-site full coverage | Reimburses you after you've paid the supplier | The supplier still takes the full deposit |
| Standalone excess insurance (UK policy) | Reimburses eligible charges after a claim. Annual policies suit frequent renters | Check the exclusions and claim documents |
A police report is essential. Enterprise's Jordan terms say a police report is a legal requirement for any damage claim to be valid. If you have an accident, call 911 and wait for the police.
What documents do you need to rent a car in Jordan?
- A full UK driving licence (photocard), normally held for at least one year
- An International Driving Permit (1949 Convention), which UK government advice says you need alongside your UK licence. Get it before you travel.
- Your passport and the entry documents required for your nationality. A Jordan Pass is not itself a visa.
- The payment method accepted by your supplier for both rental and deposit. Enterprise Shmeisani publishes cash-deposit acceptance; confirm this for your branch and offer. Other suppliers may require a credit card in the main driver’s name.
Licence, IDP and road-rule details are in our driving in Jordan guide.
Do you need a 4×4 in Jordan?
No, not for the main tourist route. Amman, the Dead Sea, Madaba, Jerash, Petra and Aqaba are all linked by paved roads. A small SUV with more ground clearance is useful for rougher side roads, such as the steep approach to Wadi Bin Hammad near Karak.
You can't explore the Wadi Rum protected area in an ordinary rental car. Drive to the visitor centre or Rum village, leave the car at your camp or an agreed parking area, and explore with a local 4×4 and driver. Most rental agreements exclude off-road driving.
How long are the main drives in Jordan?
Check a live route planner for your actual collection point, travel date and overnight stop. Amman traffic, sightseeing detours and weather can change the journey considerably. Plan long journeys in daylight, allow breaks and check road conditions before departure.
What should you check before driving away?
- Photograph and video the car, including the wheels, windscreen, roof and fuel gauge
- Check that existing damage is marked on the paperwork
- Confirm the fuel policy (full-to-full is usually the fairest)
- Save the supplier's 24-hour phone number
- Carry cash for the south. ATMs are scarce around Wadi Rum
Frequently asked questions
Is it easy to rent a car in Jordan?
International and local suppliers operate at Amman Airport. Plan the main paved routes in daylight, check current travel advice and road conditions, and confirm the documents and collection process before booking.
Do UK drivers need an International Driving Permit in Jordan?
The UK government says you need a 1949 International Driving Permit with your UK licence. Get it in the UK before you travel, because you cannot buy one outside the UK.
How much is the deposit for car rental in Jordan?
It varies by branch, vehicle and cover. Enterprise Shmeisani states that its deposit equals the CDW excess (JOD 350–2,000 by car group) and accepts cash deposits. Confirm the current terms for your actual offer; other suppliers can require a card.
Do I need a 4×4 to drive to Petra or Wadi Rum?
No. Petra and Wadi Rum village are reached on paved roads. The Wadi Rum desert itself is explored with a local driver, not in a rental car.
Can I pick up a car in Amman and drop it off in Aqaba?
Some suppliers offer one-way rentals. Enter Amman as your collection point and Aqaba as your return location to see available cars and any one-way fee.
Can I take a Jordanian rental car into another country?
Do not assume cross-border travel is allowed. Enterprise's Jordan terms prohibit it; check your own supplier's terms before planning any border crossing.
What happens if I have an accident in a rental car in Jordan?
Call 911, stay at the scene and get a police report. Suppliers require one for any damage claim.
Is it safe to drive at night in Jordan?
The UK government advises avoiding unlit roads at night, where animals, broken-down vehicles and roadworks are hard to see. Plan long drives in daylight.
Compare car rental in Jordan
Compare prices, deposits, excess and fuel policies side by side before you book.
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Read a real family trip report
8 days in Jordan: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea on The World As We Found It. A family's road trip with an Amman Airport rental car.
