Car Rental in Amman, Jordan: The Complete Practical Guide

With major rental desks located at Queen Alia International Airport and across the city center, finding a vehicle is straightforward if you meet the local age and licensing requirements.

Renting a car in Amman, Jordan gives you the freedom to navigate the country's well-paved road network at your own pace. The city of Amman, home to about 1,275,857 residents, serves as the primary hub for car hire in the region. Most travelers arrange their vehicles directly at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or at downtown offices. Driving here is relatively straightforward, thanks to bilingual Arabic-English road signage on major routes. However, navigating the hilly, bustling streets of Amman requires focus and an understanding of local traffic habits. This guide covers everything you need to know for a successful rental experience in 2026, including age limits, licensing rules, standard insurance deductibles, and essential driving regulations. By preparing the correct documents and understanding the local road conditions, you can enjoy a seamless journey from the capital to Jordan's historic landmarks.

L'essentiel

To rent a car in Amman, you must understand the local driving regulations and requirements. While the legal driving age in Jordan is 18, car rental agencies generally require drivers to be at least 21 years old (and up to 25 for certain suppliers or vehicle types). Additionally, you must have held your driver's license for at least 1 year. A young or senior driver surcharge of 5 JOD per day typically applies.

When driving, speed limits are standardized at 60 km/h in urban and built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Jordan enforces a strict zero-tolerance alcohol policy (0% BAC) for motorists, so do not drink and drive under any circumstances.

For documentation, you need a valid home driver's license, your passport, and a credit card for the security deposit pre-authorization. If your national driver's license is printed in a non-Latin script, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside it is strictly required. Rental contracts strictly limit driving to Jordanian territory; you cannot take rented vehicles across international borders.

Rental Costs and Booking Tips

Rental prices in Amman vary depending on the season, vehicle class, and how far in advance you book. Standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) deductibles or excess amounts in Jordan typically range between 750 JOD and 1,500 JOD. You can choose to purchase Super CDW or zero-excess protection to lower this liability.

To secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability, it is highly recommended to book your car rental online before your trip. When budgeting, factor in potential extra costs such as the 5 JOD daily surcharge for younger or older drivers. While motorways in Jordan do not have tolls, minor national park entry fees and parking rates in busy urban areas vary, so keep some local currency (Jordanian Dinar) on hand for daily expenses.

Where to Pick Up Your Vehicle

The two primary locations to pick up a rent a car in Amman are Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and downtown Amman.

Queen Alia International Airport is situated approximately 35 kilometers from central Amman. The drive between the airport and the city center takes roughly 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The airport hosts a wide range of international and local rental desks, making it the most convenient option for arriving travelers who want to start driving immediately.

Alternatively, you can pick up your vehicle at downtown rental offices. Downtown locations are convenient if you plan to spend your first few days exploring Amman's historic sites on foot or by taxi before heading out on a road trip. Be aware that traffic in central Amman can be highly congested, so picking up your vehicle at the airport is often preferred to avoid driving through dense city traffic.

Tips for Driving Out of Amman

Driving out of Amman to explore the rest of Jordan is highly rewarding. Major highways connecting the capital to key tourist destinations are well-paved and feature bilingual Arabic-English signage, making navigation simple.

When planning your routes, always adhere to the speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on rural roads. Keep an eye out for speed bumps, which are common near towns and are not always clearly marked. Police checkpoints are also frequent along major highways; always slow down, be polite, and have your passport, driver's license, and rental agreement ready for inspection.

Ensure your rental car is in good mechanical condition, especially the air conditioning and brakes, as you will encounter steep descents and climbs when traveling to areas like the Dead Sea.

Where to go by car

Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.