From cultural gems to breathtaking vistas, this Jordan road trip is a whirlwind adventure waiting to be discovered. Let’s hit the road, exploring ancient wonders like Petra and the mesmerizing terrains of Wadi Rum. Get ready for a quick escape into the heart of this Middle Eastern marvel!
I am sure you have been researching and found that there is so much to do on a trip to Jordan. And you are right. From snorkeling to desert exploring, I promise you will not be bored here.
With so many things to see and do, renting a car is the best way to see Jordan.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about exploring Jordan by car. It includes the best companies to use, Jordan driving rules, a Jordan Itinerary, and the best places to stay during your trip.
By the end of this article, I’m sure you will feel confident about renting a car in Jordan and finding the best places to visit!
Is it Safe to Drive in Jordan?
Driving around Jordan is not only very safe but pretty straightforward.
The great thing about the roads is that most road signs are in Arabic and English. This makes it much less stressful when trying to find your destination.
The roads are also in good condition, especially on the highways, so this instantly takes the stress away from damaging your rental car (just watch out for the curious camels!).
When driving through Jordan, you will find there are a lot of police checkpoints.
For some, this could make them uneasy, but it’s helpful. The police tend to give you useful information when stopping you, like the nearest petrol station and places we should take a detour to!
However, it’s worth noting that Amman can be tricky to drive through. This is simply because it’s like any other city, busy with many pedestrians. This is why most visitors start their journey in Amman and end up in a resort to relax for the last few days.
For the best journey, packing a good travel pillow for your road trip will help!
Essential Information For Driving In Jordan
Driving the roads in Jordan is pretty easy, but it helps if you know what’s going on like in any destination!
Here, you will find everything you need to know about car rentals and the roads in Jordan:
What Are The Speed Limits In Jordan?
🇯🇴 Town and city: 50 km/h (30 mph)
🇯🇴 Open roads: 70 km/h (40 mph)
🇯🇴 Motorways: 110 km/h (70 mph)
Your Visa
Make sure you sort your visa out on Arrival. It costs 40 JD (£40 or $56).
There are a few countries that are exempt from visas for Jordan. One of the most popular options for travelers is the Jordan Pass. The pass waives the visa fee and includes many benefits.
Renting And Driving A Car In Jordan
To rent a car for your Jordan Trip, you must be at least 25 years old and have your license for a minimum of 1 year. Renting a car in Jordan was incredibly easy. You should do it in advance to arrive at the airport and drive away.
Follow these tips when going through the car rental process to make your experience easier:
- Film around the car when you do the vehicle check. This is the best way to show any damage to the car before you receive it.
- If you spot any damage when receiving your car, make sure it is pointed out, and the company makes a note of it.
- Take a photo of car miles before you set up. This helps avoid any additional millage charges.
- Know your insurance options. Many people sort out their car insurance before their trip because they know exactly what is covered and any additional costs.
Car Rental Options And Prices
Avis is a good rental company for reliable service and easy communication.
Most travelers, including myself, loved that the car they gave us was spotless. Also, all the documents were in place, and we had no issues using them.
The average car rental price based on a standard vehicle for seven days is about £70/$99.
This may change based on the time of year you go, so the best option is to book in advance.
The Ultimate Jordan Road Trip Itinerary
Renting a car in Jordan allows you to move across the country and see everything. In just a few days, you can create the most unforgettable itinerary.
You will see so much more if you split your time over several destinations. Dedicating seven days to this trip is also recommended for the best experience. However, it can be done in much less.
For the best time, here are some of the best stops to add to your Jordan rod trip itinerary:
- Wadi Rum: there are lots of options here to explore Wadi Rum Reserve
- Amman: a really good base for not only exploring the capital but also Jerash and The Sand Castles
- Wadi Musa and Petra: the closest town to Petra
- Aqaba: the perfect location for scuba diving and relaxing at the beach
- Sowayma: an amazing base for the Dead Sea and the Baptism Site
Wadi Rum
To live out your Arabian fantasy, Wadi Rum is an all-around crowd-pleaser. With sunset camel rides, the Hejaz Railway Train of Wadi Rum, and jeep tours, this is the place for every adventurer.
There are many places to stay in Wadi Rum, but they are all camps. Each camp offers something slightly different, from luxury to family-friendly.
The Bedouin Lifestyle Camp is popular because it includes food, a private room under the stars, and many activities for a reasonable price. You could also add these activities as you went, so you didn’t have to book them all in advance.
There was also a car park at their HQ site, and we were taken into the camp by 4×4. So, there is no need to worry about your rental car getting damaged.
This is one of the more remote destinations in Jordan, so some visitors like to pack a walkie-talkie just for a backup in case they cannot get a phone signal.
Amman
This is the perfect place to start your ultimate Road Trip. Amman offers many great things to do for urban explorers. Amman Citadel is an amazing site to visit and offers the best landscape views over Amman (perfect for a photo or two!).
This site is also included in the Jordan Pass and includes Major buildings like the Temple of Hercules and The Jordan Archeological Museum.
One of the must-visit sites is Rainbow Street. This street is near downtown Amman and is full of bars and restaurants. This place is full of locals and Tourists enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
It is also where you find the best Falafel. So make sure you stop by Al Quds Falafel!
You won’t struggle to find a place to stay in Amman. There are so many options, so pick the one that’s best for you. However, I will always recommend The Sahara Gulf Hotel.
They have apartments at this hotel, which have a TV where you can access Netflix and other streaming services. It also had a kitchen so we could make food when wanting to keep costs low.
Make sure you bring some good luggage with you, as Amman also has some of the best shopping in the Country!
Wadi Musa And Petra
The main reason for visiting this location on your Jordan Road Trip is Petra. With only a few places to explore, it’s the perfect place to base yourself and relax.
The best tip for visiting Petra is to go as early as possible. It means you can avoid the high temperatures and take some amazing pictures. Petra gets incredibly busy around 11 AM, so avoid this time.
The night before you visit Petra, stop by the Cave Bar. Not only is it one of the oldest bars in the world, but it is also one of the oldest locations, dating back to 14AD.
It’s the most incredible setting for food and drink, creating the most unforgettable experience. A visit here isn’t cheap; a bottle of wine costs about £7. But as it’s a Muslim country, Alcohol is fairly expensive.
The Sunset Hotel is one of the best places to stay as It is only a 3-minute walk from Petra. It’s clean, amazing value for money, and the staff are great!
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city on the Red Sea’s gulf and the perfect location to relax on a Jordan holiday. This destination is extremely popular for scuba diving and beach lovers. And if you love a good sunset, this is the place for you!
The center is also a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening. Not only are the locals super friendly and wanting to chat, but there are so many amazing places to eat and drink!
One of the best places to stay is the Beau Rivage Resort. It has a large pool & private beach. The hotel also offers an evening meal for 10 JD PP, which is perfect for those on a budget and is really good quality!
Sowayma
Sowayma is the ideal location to stay if you want to take a dip into the Dead Sea.
Visiting Jordan is truly incomplete without a stop at the Dead Sea. The lowest point on Earth offers breathtaking views of surrounding landscapes. It is also perfect for those who want to experience this unique sensation, mud baths, and healing properties.
While in the area, jump in the car and visit the Baptism Site of Christ (Al-Maghtas). This sacred site is set along the Jordan River and holds historical and religious importance.
Even if you are not religious, this is a great place to visit and understand more about this place.
There are lots of hotels around the Dead Sea and The Baptism Site. But make sure you book these in advance because they tend to fill up quickly.
For somewhere that feels like pure luxury, book the Ramada Resort Dead Sea. This hotel has a pool, swim-up bar, and private beach. The private beach was amazing because it was quiet and had a mud pool to use before entering the sea!
Jordan Road Trip: Frequently Asked Questions
I’m sure a few more questions about planning the ultimate road trip have popped into your head. To help you plan the best trip to Jordan, here are the most asked questions and answers:
How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Jordan?
This depends on the speed you want to explore and what you want to see. However, a 7-day road trip across Jordan is plenty of time to visit the main attractions and have a few days relaxing at the beach, too.
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Jordan?
The best time to visit Jordan is during the Spring (March-June). There are usually fewer tourists during this period, and the days are warm.
May is a great time to visit because it is an off-peak travel period, so there are fewer tourists. Also, the weather is warm, but it’s not too hot to walk around Petra and other attractions.
Is Jordan Expensive?
Jordan is one of the destinations where you can easily overspend because there is so much to do.
However, accommodation and meals aren’t expensive unless you are near tourist places. One way to save money is to get the Jordan pass, which includes entry into over 40 sites and your Visa.
Jordan Road Trip: Final Thoughts
No matter when you visit Jordan, you are guaranteed the most epic trip. With natural wonders, thousands of years of history, and endless activities, you will not run out of things to do.
You can arrange some great tours to see the highlights around Jordan. However, if you want to save money and explore on your own terms, hiring a car is the best way.
Whether you spend two days or two weeks driving around Jordan, you will see some of the best places on Earth. For the most enjoyable experience, make sure you visit Petra, The Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum.
About The Author Of “The Ultimate Jordan Road Trip Adventure: Petra, Wadi Rum, And Beyond”
Lowri, the creator of Many Other Roads, has been exploring Europe for over ten years and has been to over 38 countries. Originally from Wales, you will now find Lowri exploring Europe with her border collie Scout, sharing in-depth knowledge and tips for those wanting to hit the road!
Social Media: Many Other Roads Instagram | Many Other Roads Facebook
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo
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