VRENTY CAR is an independent comparison service. The search above is provided by our partner Localrent and lists local agencies side by side; you book directly with the provider. Always confirm the price, insurance and deposit before you pay.
📍 Amman: the capital of Jordan, built over many hills; Amman Airport (AMM) is roughly 30–40 km to the south.
Do You Need a Car in Amman?
Not for downtown. Taxis and ride-hailing are inexpensive, and hills make walking tiring in summer. Streets in the older districts are narrow, parking is tight and drivers change lanes with little warning.
A car makes sense when you leave: Jerash and Ajloun in the north, Madaba and the Dead Sea to the south-west, then Petra and Wadi Rum. Our advice: book from the day you leave Amman and ask the agency to deliver it to your hotel.
Drive Times from Amman
Times are approximate and depend on traffic; use live navigation for the real figure.
| Destination | Approx. distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Amman Airport (AMM) | ~30–40 km | about 40–70 min |
| Madaba | ~30–35 km | about 40–60 min |
| Jerash | ~50 km | about 1 hour |
| Dead Sea resorts | ~55–65 km | about 1 hour |
| Petra (Wadi Musa) | ~230–250 km | about 3–3.5 hours |
| Aqaba | ~330–350 km | about 4–4.5 hours |
Steep Roads, Parking and Checkpoints
Amman is built on hills, with steep streets, sharp turns and frequent junctions where drivers merge without much warning. Rush hours are slow, and parking is limited around Downtown and the busy districts; use hotel, mall or signed car parks and keep the receipt. Police checkpoints can appear on the ring roads and highways out of the city.
- Use low gears on steep descents and leave a large gap
- Watch for speed bumps near schools and side streets
- Avoid the morning and evening peaks if you can
- Fines from police and cameras are sent to the agency, which charges you after the rental
Pick-Up and Delivery
Pick-up is usually delivered to your hotel in Amman, or collected at Amman Airport (AMM). Use the "Specify location" option in the search to choose, and check the car card for any fee. Do not rely on a named office unless it is written on the car card. If you arrive late, give the provider your flight number.
Documents and Age
- Valid driving licence, usually held for at least a year; minimum age is typically 21 (23 or 25 for larger or premium cars)
- International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence — requirements for foreign drivers differ by licence country and can change, so verify with the agency which documents it needs before you travel
- Passport and the booking voucher
- A payment method that matches the offer: many agencies block the deposit on a credit card; use the No deposit or No credit card filter if you need an alternative
Insurance and Deposit Explained
With basic insurance the excess — your share of any damage — can be large and the agency blocks a deposit. Full coverage brings the excess close to zero and, with many local agencies, means no deposit. Typical exclusions are tyres, glass, the underbody, interior damage and lost keys, and the cover is not valid off-road. Fines, parking and any border-related fees are billed separately. Photograph the car with the agent at pick-up and return and make sure all damage is in the acceptance document.
Driving in Amman: Roads and Habits
Expect abrupt lane changes, sudden braking and double-parked cars on narrow streets. Navigation apps are helpful but may route you through steep, narrow lanes; keep to main roads if unsure.
- Traffic drives on the right; overtake on the left and give way as signed at roundabouts
- Speed limits are signed and enforced by police checks and speed cameras; limits drop sharply in towns and on approach to checkpoints
- Expect speed bumps, sometimes unmarked, and drivers who brake suddenly or stop in the road; keep a generous gap
- Strict drink-driving rules — the safest rule is zero alcohol before driving
- No handheld phone; seatbelts are compulsory and children need a suitable seat
- Police checkpoints are common on main roads; slow down, keep your licence, passport copy and rental papers to hand
- Heavy rain in winter can cause flash floods in wadis and low-lying roads, and sandstorms can cut visibility on desert roads
- Do not take the car on desert tracks or off the paved road: insurance is not valid there
- Do not cross the land borders with a rental car unless the agency has confirmed in writing that it is allowed