Driving in Jordan

Overview

Jordan is a rewarding country to explore by car. The Dead Sea Highway, the King’s Highway through dramatic highlands, and the road to Petra and Wadi Rum offer some of the Middle East’s most memorable drives. Roads are generally well-maintained, and fuel is affordable. Traffic in Amman can be congested and chaotic, but outside the capital driving is more relaxed. Police checkpoints are common, especially near borders and major sites; have your documents ready.

Jordan drives on the right side of the road. An International Driving Permit is required for foreign visitors. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone has its own rules and is a popular entry point for those arriving from Israel or Egypt. Overall, driving in Jordan is moderate in difficulty: manageable for experienced drivers who prepare for local conditions.

License & Documents

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required alongside your domestic license. Obtain it in your home country before arrival.
• Valid domestic license: Must be held for at least one year.
• Passport: Carry at all times with license and IDP.
• Rental documents: Keep the rental agreement and insurance papers in the vehicle.
• Minimum age: 18 to drive; rental companies often require 21 or 25.
• Jordan Pass: If visiting Petra and other sites, the Jordan Pass can simplify entry; keep it with your documents.

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
• Speed limits: 40–60 km/h urban, 80–100 km/h rural, 100–120 km/h on highways. Enforcement varies; speed cameras exist on major routes.
• Blood alcohol limit: Effectively zero. Do not drink and drive.
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
• Mobile phones: Prohibited while driving unless using hands-free.
• Headlights: Use dipped headlights on highways; some drivers use them at all times.
• Priority: Traffic from the right has priority at unmarked intersections. Roundabouts: vehicles in the circle have priority.
• Child seats: Recommended for young children; enforcement is inconsistent.

Road Conditions & Types

Highways

• Desert Highway (Route 15): Amman to Aqaba. Well-paved, fast, and relatively straight. Main route for Petra and the south.
• Dead Sea Highway (Route 65): Scenic route along the Dead Sea. Good condition; popular for day trips.
• King’s Highway (Route 35): Historic and scenic. Winding mountain road from Amman south through Madaba, Kerak, and Tafilah. Slower but spectacular. Fully paved.
• Jordan Valley Highway: North-south along the Jordan Valley. Connects the Dead Sea region to the north.

Amman and Urban Areas

• Heavy traffic during rush hours. Complex intersections and aggressive merging.
• One-way streets common in older districts. GPS can be unreliable in dense areas.
• Parking can be difficult; use designated lots or hotel parking when possible.
• Road signs are in Arabic and sometimes English.

Rural and Desert Roads

• Main routes to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba are paved and driveable in standard cars.
• Wadi Rum village is reachable by paved road. Desert tracks require 4WD and local knowledge.
• Some rural roads are narrow; watch for livestock and slow vehicles.
• Flash floods possible in wadis after rain; avoid driving through flowing water.

Fuel & Charging

• Fuel types: Unleaded (90, 95 octane), diesel. Widely available in cities and along main routes.
• Prices: Relatively affordable compared to Europe. Government-regulated pricing.
• Remote areas: Fill up in Amman, Aqaba, or major towns before Wadi Rum or long desert stretches.
• Payment: Cash and cards accepted at most stations.
• EV charging: Very limited. Petrol or diesel recommended for road trips.
• Aqaba: Fuel in the free zone may have different pricing; check before filling.

Parking

• Amman: Street parking in some areas; paid lots and underground garages in commercial districts.
• Petra: Large parking lot at the visitor center. Secure and well-organized.
• Dead Sea: Hotels and resorts typically offer parking. Public beach areas have limited parking.
• Aqaba: Street and lot parking available. Hotels often include parking.
• Security: Do not leave valuables visible. Use guarded parking when available.

Tolls & Fees

• Highway tolls: Jordan’s main highways are generally free. No nationwide toll system.
• Petra: Entry fee (included in Jordan Pass). Parking fee at visitor center.
• Wadi Rum: Protected area; entry fee. Camp and tour fees apply for overnight stays.
• Border crossings: Visa fees may apply depending on nationality and entry point.
• Aqaba Free Zone: Special economic zone; different tax and customs rules apply.

Car Rental Tips

• Major companies: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, plus local firms (e.g., Dollar, Thrifty).
• Standard car: Sufficient for Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, King’s Highway, and Aqaba.
• 4WD: Recommended only for Wadi Rum desert exploration; most visitors join guided tours instead.
• Pick-up locations: Amman airport and city offices; Aqaba airport and city; some companies offer Allenby Bridge pickup.
• Insurance: Verify CDW and third-party coverage. See our car rental insurance guide — check excess and what is included.
• Documentation: Inspect the vehicle; photograph damage. Ensure rental agreement is complete.
• One-way rentals: Available; confirm drop-off fees for Aqaba or border returns.
• GPS: Useful but not always accurate. Have a backup map or offline navigation.

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Police / Ambulance / Fire	911
Tourist Police	962-6-569-5260
Civil Defence	199
Roadside assistance	Contact rental company

• 911 is the unified emergency number. English is widely spoken by emergency services.
• Tourist Police are trained to assist visitors and can help with accidents, theft, or disputes.
• Keep your rental company’s contact number and insurance details accessible.
• In remote areas, response times may be longer. Carry water and basic supplies.

Cultural Tips

• Courtesy: Jordanian drivers can be assertive but generally respectful. Avoid aggressive responses.
• Checkpoints: Stop when signaled. Have license, IDP, passport, and rental documents ready. Be polite.
• Overtaking: Common on two-lane roads. Ensure clear visibility; oncoming traffic may not slow.
• Pedestrians: Crosswalks exist but are not always respected. Slow down near schools and markets.
• Weekends: Friday is the main day off. Traffic may be lighter; some services reduced.
• Ramadan: Driving patterns may change; be extra cautious around sunset when people break fast.
• Hospitality: Jordanians are known for hospitality. If you have car trouble, locals often offer help.
• Dress: Modest dress is appreciated, especially when stopping in conservative areas.

Useful Resources

• Jordan Tourism Board
• Jordan Pass
• UK Foreign Office — Jordan travel advice
• US State Department — Jordan
• Wadi Rum Protected Area

Related Destinations

• Egypt
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates