Book through Localrent to access local car rental companies in Amman, Aqaba and Queen Alia airport, with Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum all within easy reach.
Capital city, Queen Alia airport 35 km south via Airport Road, local car rental companies in Amman centre and near the airport, departure point for Dead Sea (1 h), Petra (3 h via Desert Highway), Jerash (50 min), Madaba (40 min).
Red Sea resort, AQJ airport 10 km north, car hire Aqaba through Localrent, warmer winter climate 18-22C, access to Wadi Rum (1 h), Petra (2 h), ASEZA free zone, Tala Bay 15 km, ferry terminal to Nuweiba Egypt.
Most car rental companies Amman operate from Queen Alia International (AMM) and downtown locations around the numbered circles, while Aqaba offers pick-up at the airport and resort hotels. Localrent lists both options so you can compare what local providers offer in each area.
Aqaba stays warm through winter, with daytime temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees making it comfortable for Red Sea diving and beach days at Tala Bay. Amman and the highlands are cooler - mornings can drop to 5 degrees, afternoons climb to 15 - so you'll want a jacket for Petra and the Kings Highway.
Petra itself is crisp and quiet in winter months. Fewer tour groups mean you can walk the Siq and stand in front of the Treasury without crowds blocking your shot. The Dead Sea is about an hour from Amman and sits 400 metres below sea level, so it's a few degrees warmer than the capital even in January.
Wadi Rum is accessible year-round but winter nights get cold in the desert. Daytime exploring is fine; pack layers. Jerash, Madaba and the mosaics at Mount Nebo are all easy half-day trips from Amman, and the cooler weather makes walking around Roman ruins more pleasant than the summer heat.
Right-hand traffic. Roads are generally well maintained, though Amman's hills and the famous numbered circles (1st Circle through 8th Circle) take some getting used to. GPS helps, but locals still give directions by circle number rather than street names.
The Desert Highway runs straight from Amman to Aqaba - about 15 kilometres to Petra, then continues south. It's a fast dual carriageway with minimal tolls. The Kings Highway is the scenic alternative, winding through Madaba, Kerak and Shobak with views over valleys and crusader castles. It takes longer but the landscape is worth the extra hour.
An International Driving Permit is required alongside your home licence. Most car rental Amman Jordan providers check both documents at pick-up. Speed limits are posted in kilometres: 120 on highways, 80 on rural roads, 50-60 in towns. Police checkpoints are common but routine if your papers are in order.
Parking in Amman can be tight around Rainbow Street and the old souks. Paid parking lots are safer than street spots. Aqaba is easier - hotel parking is standard and the town centre is compact enough to walk once you've parked near the fort or the corniche.
| Class | Typical models | Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Hyundai Accent, Kia Picanto | Amman city, short trips to Jerash or Madaba | Adequate for paved roads, struggles on steep Amman hills when fully loaded |
| Compact | Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sunny | Couples, Dead Sea day trips, Airport Road | Most popular with local car hire Jordan Amman companies, good fuel economy |
| Sedan | Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla | Families, longer drives to Petra or Aqaba | More boot space for luggage, comfortable on Desert Highway |
| SUV | Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander | Wadi Rum access roads, Kings Highway in winter | Higher clearance useful for unpaved sections near Wadi Rum camps |
| 4x4 | Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler | Off-road desert tracks, remote wadis | Required if you plan to drive into Wadi Rum protected area; most rent a car Amman suppliers offer these |
Most visitors book a compact or sedan. The Desert Highway and main routes to Petra are fully paved, so you don't need four-wheel drive unless you're planning off-road desert exploration or backcountry camping.
Some local companies listed on Localrent operate without requiring a deposit hold at pick-up. Coverage terms and conditions are detailed in the voucher you receive after booking, so check what's included before you collect the car.
The advance payment you make online through the Localrent widget secures the reservation. The remaining balance is paid to the rental company at pick-up as stated in the voucher. Deposit policies vary by supplier, so compare offers in the booking engine or read more on the no-deposit guide.
You'll need your passport, a valid driving licence from your home country, an International Driving Permit, and the booking voucher. Car rental companies Amman verify all four at pick-up. Some also ask for a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit hold, even if you've paid the advance online.
The Jordan Pass covers entry to Petra, Wadi Rum and several other sites if you stay three nights or more. It doesn't affect car hire, but it's worth buying before you arrive to save on ticket queues. Keep the Pass and the rental voucher in the glove box - you'll need them at park gates.
The Desert Highway is faster; the Kings Highway is prettier. If you have time, drive south on the Desert Highway and return north via the Kings Highway to see both landscapes.
Yes, the Desert Highway from Amman to Aqaba is open all year and fully paved. Petra is 235 km south, about three hours, and Aqaba is another 125 km beyond. Local companies on Localrent allow one-way rentals between Amman and Aqaba, though policies vary by supplier.
You can drive a regular car to the Wadi Rum visitor centre on paved roads. If you want to explore deeper into the protected area on sand and gravel tracks, a 4x4 is required. Most tourists park at the visitor centre and arrange a jeep tour with local Bedouin guides.
Most local suppliers listed on Localrent have desks at Queen Alia that match flight arrival times, including early morning and late evening. Confirm pick-up hours in your voucher. Some companies deliver cars to the terminal if their desk is off-site.
Cross-border travel is usually restricted. Most car hire Amman Jordan contracts do not permit taking the vehicle into Egypt via the Nuweiba ferry or into Israel via the Wadi Araba crossing. Check the terms in your Localrent voucher and confirm with the rental company at pick-up.
Check the boot for a spare tire and tools at pick-up. If you get a flat, move the car off the highway and call the emergency number on your rental voucher. Most local companies provide roadside assistance. Mobile coverage is good along the Desert Highway, weaker on the Kings Highway.
Compare offers from local providers in Amman and Aqaba using the widget above. Your voucher will show pick-up details, the advance payment already made, and the balance due at collection. The rental agreement is signed directly with the local company listed in your voucher.