Jordan – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Jordan?

Anyone wishing to rent a car in Jordan must have held their driving licence for a minimum of one year. Age thresholds differ from one company to another. At Sixt’s Amman Airport branch, for instance, renters must be a minimum of 21 years old with a valid licence, though certain vehicle categories carry a higher age requirement, and a fee may be levied for younger drivers. A number of rental providers also add a surcharge for renters aged below 25. Before making a reservation, always confirm the exact minimum age requirements with your preferred company, as policies are not uniform.

A valid driving licence held for at least one year is mandatory for all renters. Visitors and foreign nationals are expected to present an International Driving Permit alongside a licence issued in English, while Jordanian nationals and registered residents may rent using their local Jordanian licence.

In addition to a driving licence, most rental companies in Jordan will ask to see your passport and a credit card to cover the security deposit. It is advisable to confirm in advance whether debit cards are accepted, as not all providers allow them.

Standard rental agreements across Jordan prohibit renters from driving the vehicle beyond the country’s borders. Attempting to enter neighbouring countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, or Iraq in a rental car will almost certainly invalidate your insurance. Reading the full terms of your rental agreement prior to signing is strongly recommended.

Jordan has national legislation requiring all occupants to wear seat belts where available, and using a mobile phone while driving is also prohibited by law. Speed limits are set at 60 km/h in built-up areas and 120 km/h on motorways. Under Jordanian transport law, a police report must be obtained and submitted with any insurance claim for the claim to be processed.

For the latest official requirements, refer to the Jordan Ministry of Transport or the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ), which serves as the official authority for International Driving Permits and road-related matters throughout the country.

Which major car rental companies operate in Jordan, and where can I find them?

Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is home to a broad selection of rental providers, making it straightforward to compare options and find a vehicle suited to your requirements. All major operators maintain customer service counters inside the terminal building, with their vehicle fleets located nearby for easy access.

The following international companies are active in Jordan, primarily at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman as well as at various city-centre locations:

• Avis — avis.com — operates around the clock at Queen Alia International Airport
• Hertz — hertz.com — counter located at Queen Alia International Airport
• Sixt — sixt.com — the Sixt desk at Amman Airport is situated in the arrivals hall, on the right-hand side as you exit baggage reclaim, within the airport’s car rental zone.
• Enterprise — enterprise.com — available at Queen Alia International Airport with round-the-clock roadside assistance
• Budget — budget.com — offers a meet-and-greet service at Queen Alia International Airport, open every day of the week
• Europcar — europcar.com — available at Queen Alia International Airport

Several reputable local and regional operators are also worth exploring, particularly for those seeking competitive rates, flexible vehicle delivery, or a more personal level of service:

• Monte Carlo Car Rental — montecar.com — a Jordanian company established in 1995 with a focus on serving the country’s tourism sector. They offer a 24-hour meet-and-greet service at Queen Alia International Airport.
• AutoNation Rent a Car — autonationrentacar.com — provides online booking for rentals from Queen Alia Airport in Amman with complimentary airport collection.
• Rushmore Transportation & Logistics — rushmorejo.com — specialises in car hire, long-term leasing, and ground logistics across Amman, Aqaba, Petra, and the wider country, with 24/7 support and a fully insured fleet.

Comparison platforms such as Kayak and Rentalcars.com bring together offers from both international brands and local providers, offering a useful starting point for price comparisons. As always, thoroughly review the terms and conditions before confirming any booking through a third-party website.

How does car rental pricing work in Jordan, and what should I watch out for?

Car rental pricing in Jordan follows a broadly familiar model — a daily base rate supplemented by optional extras — but there are local nuances that are worth understanding thoroughly before putting your signature on any contract.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): CDW provides coverage for damage sustained to the bodywork of a rental vehicle. It does not extend to tyres, windscreens, or underbody damage. A daily premium ranging from 5 JOD to 25 JOD is charged depending on the vehicle category, and in the event of a collision the renter remains liable for an excess ranging from 350 JOD to 2,000 JOD depending on the car group (as of 2025).

Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW): Certain local providers, including Monte Carlo, offer an SCDW upgrade requiring only a modest security deposit. When purchased, this reduces your excess liability to zero and provides fully comprehensive protection in the event of an accident, total loss, or theft. This is broadly equivalent to what is referred to as “excess waiver” cover in other markets and is worth considering for added peace of mind.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): PAI is an optional product that extends coverage to the driver and any passengers in the event of accidental death (up to 20,000 JOD) and covers medical and ambulance costs arising from an accident (up to 10,000 JOD) (as of 2025).

Fuel policy: Vehicles are provided with either a full tank or a minimum half tank of fuel, and must be returned at the same level. Returning a car with less fuel than at the time of collection will result in a refuelling charge with an additional 15% service fee on top of the current national fuel rate (as of 2025). Unlike some markets where prepaid full-to-empty fuel options are standard, most Jordanian rental companies operate on a same-level-return basis — refuelling before drop-off is advisable.

Delivery and collection fees: Vehicle delivery and collection services are available for 7 JOD within city boundaries and 3.50 JOD per kilometre beyond them (as of 2025). This can be a practical choice if you would prefer the car brought directly to your accommodation.

One-way rentals and young driver surcharges are both commonly encountered additional charges. If you intend to collect the vehicle in Amman and return it in another city such as Aqaba, check in advance whether a one-way fee applies. Drivers under 25 may also face supplementary charges with certain providers.

For concerns about disputed charges or unfair practices, you can reach out to the Jordan Tourism Board or the Jordan Consumer Protection Directorate, which operates under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Jordan?

Jordan is a signatory to the 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, which makes it a legal requirement for foreign visitors to carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) when driving in the country. In practice, however, enforcement of this requirement is inconsistent across different rental providers.

Renting from major international brands — including Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Thrifty — does not always require an IDP. Many local Jordanian rental agencies, however, do insist on one, meaning whether you need an IDP will depend largely on which type of company you choose.

An IDP becomes obligatory when your driving licence is issued in a language or script that cannot be read in Jordan. It is important to note that an IDP is only valid when presented together with your original national driving licence — it has no legal standing on its own.

Carrying an IDP also tends to speed up interactions at police checkpoints. The permit itself is inexpensive and widely recommended even in cases where it is not strictly enforced. You must obtain your IDP in the country that issued your licence before departing, as it cannot be arranged once you have already left.

Most IDPs remain valid for one year from their date of issue. Always carry your original national licence alongside the IDP. For the most current guidance, contact the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ) or speak directly with your rental company before travelling, as requirements can be subject to change.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Jordan?

Driving in Jordan takes place on the right-hand side of the road — an important consideration for those accustomed to left-hand traffic. Speed limits are 60 km/h within towns and cities, and 120 km/h on motorways.

Road quality across Jordan is generally good. Many visitors travel along the Desert Highway (Highway 35), which stretches from the Syrian border in the north down to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south. This well-maintained motorway offers the most straightforward route between Amman and Petra. The King’s Highway, an ancient trade road linking the two cities, is a more scenic alternative — it is winding in places but maintains a good road surface throughout.

Jordan has no toll roads, so drivers will not need to budget for any charges along their route. The Dead Sea Highway running from Amman and certain stretches outside Aqaba are worth approaching with care, as they can be narrow, steep, and subject to heavy truck traffic.

Traffic congestion in Amman can be severe, particularly during peak hours. Navigating the capital by car in summer months can be especially demanding owing to the influx of visitors from neighbouring countries and the wider region. During Islamic holidays, major highways often become congested as Jordanians living abroad return home.

Road conditions in Jordan deteriorate noticeably during the rainy season, which runs from December through March. Driving at night is best avoided where possible due to reduced visibility and variable road surfaces in rural areas. If your plans include exploring desert regions such as Wadi Rum, renting a 4WD or SUV is advisable, as some tracks leading to remote viewpoints are unpaved.

Keep all documentation — driving licence, IDP, and passport — easily accessible when approaching police checkpoints. Seat belt use is required by law, as is refraining from using a mobile phone while at the wheel.

Fuel is reasonably priced in Jordan, with prices set at a fixed national rate applicable at all petrol stations. Always check current fuel prices locally, as these figures may be subject to revision.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Jordan?

Every rental vehicle in Jordan must carry a minimum of third-party liability insurance as required by law. Beyond this baseline, rental companies make available a variety of additional coverage options that you should understand before collecting your vehicle.

Standard third-party liability is bundled into the rental rate and protects against injury or damage caused to other people or vehicles. It provides no coverage for damage sustained by the rental car itself.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): CDW covers damage to the rental vehicle’s bodywork but excludes tyres, windscreens, and the undercarriage. A daily premium of between 5 JOD and 25 JOD applies depending on the vehicle category, and the renter remains liable for an excess of between 350 JOD and 2,000 JOD in the event of a claim, again depending on the vehicle class (as of 2025).

Super CDW (SCDW): Upgrading to SCDW provides comprehensive protection and eliminates your excess liability entirely in cases of accident, total loss, or theft. This represents the highest level of cover typically available from rental companies in Jordan and is particularly worth considering for longer trips or journeys into less-developed areas.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is an optional supplement covering the driver and passengers for medical expenses and accidental death. Standard limits include accidental death cover of up to 20,000 JOD and medical and ambulance expenses of up to 10,000 JOD (as of 2025).

Whether your personal travel insurance policy or credit card travel cover extends to rental car excess in Jordan will vary considerably depending on the specific policy or card. Many international travel insurance policies and premium credit cards do include rental excess protection, but Jordan may not always be explicitly named as a covered destination. Confirm the geographic scope of your existing cover with your provider before travel and request written confirmation where possible. Never assume coverage applies without verifying directly.

Jordanian transport law mandates that a police report be obtained and submitted alongside any insurance claim for it to be considered valid. If you are involved in a collision, the vehicles must not be moved until the police have attended the scene and produced a report.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Jordan?

For short-term visitors, presenting a foreign driving licence along with an IDP is the standard procedure, as described throughout this guide. The picture changes considerably once you become a longer-term resident of Jordan.

If you are residing in Jordan on a permanent or extended basis, you are obliged to comply with local licensing regulations, which — as in many countries — require you to obtain a Jordanian driving licence once you take up residency or employment in the country.

One tangible advantage of holding a Jordanian licence is that it permits you to drive vehicles registered with Jordanian plates. Without one, you are restricted to driving vehicles bearing green rental plates. Driving a Jordanian-plated vehicle without a local licence carries a fine of 250 JOD, and more critically, being involved in an accident while driving such a vehicle without the appropriate licence will leave you without insurance coverage.

Converting a foreign licence to a Jordanian one requires you to hold a valid Jordanian residency card. While not all foreign licences are eligible for conversion without a driving test, those issued in the United States and Europe are generally accepted. Holders of such licences can typically obtain a 10-year Jordanian licence without sitting a test, at a cost of approximately 250 JOD (as of 2025).

The conversion process takes place at the Marka Department of Motor Vehicles Licensing Department. You will need to bring both your original foreign licence and a copy of it — the licence must remain valid in your home country. Expect to spend roughly two to three hours moving between departments, though everything can be completed in a single visit provided you arrive with the correct documentation.

Because the rules governing licence exchanges can be revised, it is essential to confirm current requirements with the Jordan Ministry of Transport or the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ) before beginning the process. An authoritative list of accepted foreign licences is not always publicly available, so contacting the licensing authority directly is the most reliable course of action.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Jordan?

The minimum age varies by company — at some providers, such as Sixt at Amman Airport, the threshold is 21 with a valid licence, while certain vehicle categories have higher age requirements and an additional fee may be charged for younger drivers. Many companies also apply a surcharge for anyone under 25. Always confirm the exact age requirements and any associated fees with the company you intend to use before making a booking, as these differ between providers (as of 2025).

Can I drive a rental car from Jordan into a neighbouring country?

No. Virtually all rental companies operating in Jordan prohibit cross-border driving as a standard contractual condition. Crossing into a neighbouring country in a rental vehicle will typically void your insurance and put you in breach of the rental agreement. If cross-border travel is essential to your plans, raise this explicitly with your rental company before booking — certain specialist operators may be able to accommodate such requests.

What happens if I have an accident in Jordan?

Jordanian law requires that a police report be obtained and submitted with any insurance claim for the claim to be valid. Do not move the vehicles involved until police have arrived and produced the report. Notify your rental company immediately. If you hold CDW cover, your excess liability will apply as specified in your rental agreement, and the police report is an essential part of processing any claim.

What if I return the car with less fuel than when I collected it?

The vehicle must be returned with the same fuel level as at the time of collection. Returning it with less will result in a refuelling fee plus a 15% service surcharge calculated on the prevailing national fuel rate (as of 2025). To avoid this cost, fill the tank to the required level before returning the car.

Is an IDP enough on its own, or do I also need my original driving licence?

An IDP serves only as a multilingual translation of your licence — it does not function as a standalone driving document. Your original national driving licence must be carried at all times when driving in Jordan. An IDP is only valid in conjunction with a valid domestic licence, and both rental companies and police may ask to see them together.

Are there toll roads in Jordan I should budget for?

There are no toll roads in Jordan, so you will not incur any route-based charges during your journey. This makes budgeting for road trips considerably simpler than in countries where motorway tolls represent a significant additional expense.

Do I need a 4WD or SUV for driving in Jordan?

For the principal tourist routes — Amman, the Desert Highway to Petra, and the Dead Sea Highway — an ordinary saloon or hatchback is more than sufficient. If your itinerary includes more remote desert terrain, such as the interior of Wadi Rum, Wadi Mujib, or off-road routes in the south, a 4WD vehicle is strongly advisable. Road conditions can change dramatically in rural and arid settings, so always verify with your rental company whether off-road use is covered under your insurance policy before venturing onto unsealed tracks.

How long can I drive on a foreign licence in Jordan before I need a local one?

Once you have taken up residency or employment in Jordan, local licensing laws generally require you to obtain a Jordanian driving licence. To begin the conversion process, you must hold a valid Jordanian residency card. Since the exact timeline is not consistently published, it is advisable to consult the Jordan Ministry of Transport or the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ) for guidance tailored to your specific residency situation.