Driving in Jordan is straightforward on the main roads and demanding everywhere else. Distances are modest, the scenery is the reason to go by car, and a rental or a private driver both work well. What catches visitors out is the small print: licence rules, speed cameras, fuel stops, checkpoints and the roads that take longer than the map says.
Short version. Take a private driver if you want to look out of the window, rent a car if you want freedom and don't mind concentrating. Carry your licence, an international driving permit (IDP) and your passport. Respect the limits, because cameras are widespread. Fill up before long, empty stretches, avoid night driving, and don't plan to take a rental car across a border (October 2026).
Private driver or rental car?
- Private driver:
you pay for someone who knows the roads, the checkpoints and where the good lunch stops are, and you can rest between sights. We arrange drivers: see our transport page
or ask us for a quote.
- Self-drive rental:
the daily rate is lower, plus insurance and fuel. Pick-up is easiest at Amman airport and Aqaba, and there are few spontaneous rental options outside them, so book ahead.
- Our view:
a first trip with Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea suits a driver. A second trip, or a trip focused on the King's Highway, suits a rental.
Our own
private transfers and drivers are on the transportation page.
Licence and permit
Rules on licences vary by rental company. Some accept a home-country licence, and others want an International Driving Permit (IDP), which is only a translation and should be carried with your original licence. The safe answer is to carry both, plus your passport and the rental agreement, and to ask your rental company what it accepts before you book.
Rules to know
- Side of the road:
the right.
- Alcohol:
treat the limit as zero, and don't drink and drive.
- Seat belts:
required for the driver and front passenger, and enforced by camera.
- Phones:
using one while driving can be fined and is detected by smart cameras.
- Fines:
violations in a rental car can be passed to the rental company, which charges you. We haven't verified current fine amounts.
Speed limits
Posted signs take priority, and the published numbers differ:
- Built-up areas:
roughly 50 to 60 km/h.
- Rural roads:
roughly 80 to 90 km/h.
- Highways:
from about 100 km/h, with some expressways higher.
- Follow the signs:
limits differ by road, so the posted sign beats any number here.
- Cameras:
smart cameras cover major roads and cities, and some are visible while others are not.
The main roads
- Desert Highway (Road 15):
the fastest north-south route, with cracks, potholes and heavy container lorries.
- King's Highway (Road 35):
scenic, winding and narrow, and it takes longer than estimated. Maps may route you onto faster highways, so override them if you want the King's Highway.
- Dead Sea Highway (Road 65):
runs beside the Dead Sea. Top up before the Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib, because stations are sparse.
- Jordan Valley Highway:
fast and in good condition, but it runs parallel to the border with Israel and the West Bank, and we advise against driving near borders for security reasons.
Add about 15 minutes for every hour of estimated travel. The map is optimistic on the King's Highway and around Amman.
Fuel
Attendants fill the tank, cards are accepted and it's worth carrying some cash. There are two unleaded grades, 90 and 95, so check which one your rental needs. A small tip is common. Stations can be sparse on parts of the King's Highway and beyond the Dead Sea, so fill up before them.
Checkpoints
Expect brief checkpoints near tourist hubs, Wadi Mujib, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and Amman airport. Slow down, wait to be waved on and keep your licence and rental papers handy. They are routine, and usually brief and polite. Documents may be requested, especially near Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
Night driving and animals
Avoid driving at night if you can. It's more stressful and risky, speed bumps are hard to see, rural roads are often unlit and some drivers don't use headlights. Goats, camels and other livestock can be on the road, so slow down and wait. Children at the roadside and roadside picnics need extra care.
Renting a car: what to check
- Insurance and deposit:
the deposit is usually a credit-card hold, and it can be large, so check the amount before you book. Debit cards and cash are often refused. Insurance and deposit are separate, so ask what's covered. We recommend full-cover insurance.
- Borders:
Jordanian rental companies generally won't let you take the car across the border. See our border crossing guide
for how to cross by land instead.
- Navigation:
download offline maps or use a local SIM.
- Signs:
mostly bilingual (Arabic and English) on highways and main routes.
FAQ
Do I need an international driving permit in Jordan?
Rules vary by rental company: some accept a home licence, others require an IDP. Carry both, and ask your rental company.
Is it safe to drive in Jordan?
Main roads are fine, but expect potholes, faded speed bumps and animals on the road. Avoid night driving and give yourself extra time.
Can I take a rental car to Israel or Palestine?
Jordanian rental companies generally won't permit it. Plan a land crossing without the car.
What are the speed limits?
About 50 to 60 km/h in towns, 80 on rural roads, and 80 to 120 on highways depending on the road. Posted signs rule, and cameras are widespread.
Is it worth hiring a driver?
For a first trip, yes, if you want to relax and see more. Ask us for a driver quote through our transport page.
Which petrol should I use?
There are 90 and 95 grades. Ask your rental company which one your car needs.
Plan your drive
Tell us your dates on the
contact page and we'll suggest a route, or book a driver for the whole trip. Our
hotel guide helps you pick where to stop.
Last updated: 2 November 2026. Rules, limits and rental terms change, so confirm them with your rental company and the traffic authorities.
Sources checked
Sources checked: our own experience on Jordan's roads. We haven't verified current fine amounts or licence rules with the authorities, so confirm them with your rental company.
