Driving in Jordan: A Practical Guide

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Jordan beyond Amman. You can visit ancient cities, travel through mountain landscapes and reach the desert at your own pace.

Car rental, also called car hire, can work well for a trip that includes Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. However, driving conditions vary, and some routes need more preparation than others.

This guide explains the main roads, driving rules, licence requirements and practical details to consider before travelling.

What you need to hire a car in Jordan

Before booking, check that you meet the rental supplier's requirements. These can differ between companies and vehicle categories.

Quick document checklist

• A valid driving licence (driver's license).
• An International Driving Permit (IDP), where requested or required.
• A valid passport.
• A credit card accepted by your rental supplier.
• Your booking confirmation and rental voucher.

Some suppliers set a minimum driver age of 21. Young-driver fees may apply between ages 21 and 24. Maximum ages and minimum licence-holding periods can also apply.

Additional drivers must satisfy the relevant conditions.

Do not assume that cash will be accepted for the deposit, even if some suppliers allow it. Check the exact payment requirements before travelling.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Jordan?

There is no single answer that safely applies to every visitor.

Requirements depend on the country that issued your licence and the rental supplier's terms. Official advice and rental-industry guidance do not always describe the requirements in the same way.

The safest approach is to carry your valid driving licence, an IDP and your passport together. Confirm the documents your supplier will accept before travelling. Check your booking voucher or contact the supplier directly.

An IDP helps authorities and rental staff understand a licence issued in another language or writing system. Suppliers may prefer licences written in English or using the Latin alphabet.

IDPs are issued in different versions. Check which version is accepted for your circumstances and confirm the applicable convention. [VERIFY: Jordan's applicable IDP convention and accepted permit versions.]

Obtain your IDP in the country where your licence was issued, before travelling to Jordan. Use the authorised issuer, not an unofficial website.

Licence and IDP requirements: country examples

These examples are guidance for licences issued in the United Kingdom, United States and France. They do not establish requirements for other countries.

United Kingdom: further information

UK drivers should consult the current GOV.UK travel advice for Jordan and check the supplier's rental conditions.

The UK guidance refers to a 1949 IDP. [VERIFY] You should not assume that another version will be accepted.

United States: further information

US drivers should apply for an IDP before leaving the United States.

The authorised issuers are AAA and AATA. [VERIFY] Avoid websites claiming to issue official permits without the proper authority.

Some sources describe an IDP as recommended rather than universally required in Jordan. Rental suppliers may apply different document rules.

Carry your licence, IDP and passport together. Confirm the documents with the supplier before collection.

Check the US State Department's driving information and the official IDP issuer's guidance. [VERIFY: source links.]

France: further information

Holders of French licences should check the Jordan guidance published by France Diplomatie.

Rental conditions may differ from the general rules for visitors. Some suppliers may require a permis de conduire international (PCI) or an official translation.

A minimum period of licence ownership may also apply. One supplier has indicated two years for certain vehicle categories. [VERIFY: exact licence-holding conditions.]

French residents applying for a PCI should consult the official Service-Public and ANTS guidance. [VERIFY: current application process.]

Apply well before travelling, as processing may take several weeks.

Not on this list?

Rules depend on the country that issued your licence and your rental supplier.

Check three things before booking:

1. Your supplier's licence and IDP conditions. Read the booking voucher or email the supplier.
2. The official organisation that issues licences and IDPs in your country. Use authorised issuers only.
3. Your own government's current travel advice for Jordan.

If you are still unsure, carry your valid licence, an IDP and your passport together.

The three main roads

Jordan has several routes between its major attractions. The fastest road is not always the most interesting.

Desert Highway (Highway 15)

This is the main north–south route between Amman and Aqaba. It is generally the faster option and carries significant traffic.

Fatal accidents have occurred on this highway. Avoid driving after dark, and allow time for safe breaks.

King's Highway (Highway 35)

The King's Highway takes you through mountains and historic towns, including Madaba, Karak and areas near Dana and Petra.

The scenic section is roughly 250 km and takes around 4.5 hours without sightseeing stops. Expect slower roads, bends and changing elevations.

Navigation systems may favour the Desert Highway. Check your route if you specifically want the King's Highway.

Dead Sea Highway

This road follows the Dead Sea shoreline and gives access to the surrounding area.

It is useful for travellers visiting the Dead Sea from Amman or combining a Dead Sea stop with a longer road trip.

Road rules and fines

Traffic in Jordan drives on the right. Road signs display distances and speed limits in kilometres.

Speed limits

Limits vary by location. They can be around 40 km/h in some urban areas and reach 120 km/h on certain highways.

Always follow the posted limit rather than relying on a general figure.

Speed cameras operate across Jordan, particularly around Amman, Aqaba and major highways.

Police may issue on-the-spot fines. Reported fines range from 15 to 150 Jordanian dinars (JOD), depending on the offence. [VERIFY: current fine amounts and payment procedures.]

A camera fine may also reach the rental company after you return the vehicle. Ask the supplier how it handles any fines or administrative charges.

Seatbelts and mobile phones

Driving or travelling in the front seat without a seatbelt is prohibited. Using a mobile phone while driving is also prohibited.

Use an appropriate hands-free or navigation arrangement and avoid handling your phone while driving.

What to expect on the road

Speed bumps

Speed bumps are common, especially on parts of the King's Highway. Some are difficult to see until you are close.

Reduce speed when approaching towns, villages and road junctions.

Police checkpoints

Police checkpoints are common on major roads.

Keep your driving documents and passport accessible. Follow officers' instructions and allow time for checks.

An IDP may help officers understand an overseas licence, particularly when the original is not in English.

Driving after dark

Night driving needs additional care.

Animals may enter the road, some vehicles have poor lighting, and speed bumps may be difficult to identify.

Plan longer journeys during daylight where possible. This is particularly important on the Desert Highway.

Dust, sand and heavy rain

Dust and sandstorms can reduce visibility quickly in desert areas.

Rain can also create dangerous conditions. Flash floods and damaged road surfaces may affect certain routes.

Check local weather and road information before departure. Do not enter flooded roads or attempt to cross moving water.

Example routes and approximate drive times

These times are planning estimates, not live travel information. Traffic, weather, stops and route choices can change the journey.

Check live journey times before driving.

Example seven-day Jordan road trip

This route begins in Amman and finishes in Aqaba.

You could return the vehicle in Aqaba or travel back to Amman, depending on your flight and booking arrangements.

A standard rental vehicle is suitable for the main paved routes. For Wadi Rum's desert interior, arrange transport with a local operator and leave the rental vehicle at the designated parking or meeting area.

For more inspiration, read the 8 Days in Jordan itinerary on The World As We Found It.

One-way rentals between Amman and Aqaba

A one-way rental can be practical if you arrive at one airport and depart from the other.

For example, you could collect a car at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport and return it at Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport.

One-way charges depend on the supplier, vehicle category, rental dates and locations.

When comparing options, enter the different return location before checking the total price.

Make sure the booking confirmation clearly shows the agreed return branch.

Can I take a rental car out of Jordan?

Do not plan to drive a Jordanian rental vehicle across an international border without written permission from the supplier.

The rental conditions reviewed for this guide prohibit cross-border use. One major supplier also states that insurance becomes invalid if the vehicle leaves Jordan. [VERIFY: current supplier agreements and insurance conditions.]

If your journey includes another country, arrange separate transport or rental arrangements and confirm the conditions directly with each provider.

If you have an accident

If you are involved in an accident, prioritise safety and follow instructions from the authorities.

Contact the police on 911 and report the incident. Do not leave the scene before police have attended and taken a statement, unless emergency safety instructions require otherwise. [VERIFY: emergency number and current accident reporting procedures.]

Obtain a police report, even if the damage appears minor. Some rental suppliers require one for an insurance or damage claim.

Contact the supplier using the emergency or roadside number provided with your car.

Before leaving the rental branch at the start of your trip, photograph the vehicle and record any existing damage.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Jordan?

Requirements depend on the country that issued your driving licence and the conditions of your rental supplier. Guidance is not always consistent about whether an IDP is mandatory or recommended. The safest approach is to carry your valid licence, an IDP and your passport together, and confirm the requirements with your supplier before travelling.

Can I rent a car in Jordan with a US driver's license?

US licence holders may rent vehicles subject to the supplier's document and eligibility rules. Some suppliers may request an IDP even where other guidance describes it as recommended. Apply through an authorised US issuer before travelling. Carry your valid US licence, IDP and passport, and confirm the requirements with the rental supplier.

Can I drive in Jordan with a French licence?

Some sources indicate that French licences are accepted for short tourist stays, subject to conditions. However, the exact duration, age limits and documentation need official confirmation. [VERIFY] Rental suppliers may request a permis de conduire international or an official translation. Check France Diplomatie and your supplier's terms before booking.

What if my country is not listed in the licence examples?

Check the requirements for the country that issued your licence. Start with your rental supplier's conditions, the authorised IDP issuer in your country, and your government's Jordan travel advice. Do not assume another country's rules apply to you. If uncertain, carry your valid driving licence, an IDP and your passport together.

Is driving in Jordan difficult?

The main paved routes connect major destinations, but driving conditions vary. You may encounter speed bumps, police checkpoints, fast traffic and winding mountain roads. Night driving can be more demanding because of poor lighting and animals near roads. Allow extra time, follow local signs and plan unfamiliar journeys during daylight where possible.

Do I need a 4x4 to visit Petra or Wadi Rum?

A standard rental car is generally sufficient for reaching Petra and the main Wadi Rum access or meeting points using paved roads. Driving inside Wadi Rum's desert terrain is different. Arrange a local 4x4 tour or transfer, and park your rental vehicle at the location agreed with your desert operator.

Can I collect a car in Amman and return it in Aqaba?

Some suppliers offer one-way rentals between Amman and Aqaba, including airport locations. Availability and additional charges depend on the supplier, vehicle category and rental dates. Enter your intended return location when comparing cars. Check that the final booking confirms the correct branch and includes any applicable one-way fee.

Can I drive in Jordan at night?

Driving at night is possible, but it requires extra caution. Animals, vehicles with poor lighting and difficult-to-see speed bumps can make journeys less predictable. Avoid the Desert Highway after dark. If your flight arrives late, consider whether staying near your arrival point is more practical than beginning a long journey.

What should I do after an accident in a rental car?

Contact the police on 911 and notify your rental supplier. Follow police instructions and obtain a written report. Some suppliers require a police report before considering a damage or insurance claim. Keep the rental agreement and emergency contact number accessible. Record relevant details and photographs when safe to do so. [VERIFY: emergency number and reporting procedures.]

Can I drive a Jordanian rental car into another country?

Do not assume that cross-border driving is permitted. The rental conditions reviewed for this guide prohibit it, and taking a vehicle outside Jordan may invalidate its insurance. Confirm the supplier's current conditions in writing before planning any international route. If cross-border travel is not authorised, use separate transport arrangements. [VERIFY: supplier and insurance conditions.]