Renting A Car In Amman: All You Need To Know In 2026

Renting a car in Amman, Jordan? You’re in the right place!

I’ve rented a car in Amman, and I have tips to share including the best places to rent, driving tips, insurance tips, common scams to avoid and one really important tip for returning rental cars to the airport!

👉 What is the best place to rent a car in Amman?

I recommend the Queen Alia International Airport for car rentals in Amman, as it’s the most convenient, has many options and will save you from paying for a taxi and on time traveling to another car rental place.

If you’re traveling from Israel and crossing the border by land, it will depend on where you cross and what’s closest for car rentals (you are not allowed to drive a rental car over the border in either direction). These rental places include:

• Aqaba (King Hussein Intl.) for King Hussein border crossing
• Wadi Araba Border Road, Aqaba, Jordan

Popular one-way rentals in Amman are to Madaba and Aqaba.

Need to rent a car in Israel before or after crossing the border from Jordan? Read my guide here!

Renting A Car In Amman: Tips for driving in Amman & Jordan

👉 When You Get Your Rental Car in Amman

Here are the steps to know once you arrive at the airport or other Jordan car rental place:

• Find the car rental area, which is in the arrivals hall on level 1

• Have a credit card on hand (I recommend a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card, because you don’t want them leaving your debit card info on file/money out of your bank account. With a credit card it’s not taking money out of your account, plus you’ll get the points to use on future travel!)

• You might need an International Drivers’ License, or IDP (required by law, but they don’t usually enforce it) – you can get one here for around $30 using the urgent option in around 15 minutes if they do

• Get the number of the car rental place for if you need to call them

• At the car, check for scratches and any dings or damage of any kind, no matter how small (outside and inside) and take photos on your phone (to avoid possible charges upon return)

• Make sure everything is working (especially the AC)

• Check to make sure your smartphone is connected and you understand the audio (I ended up driving out of my way in Jordan because of this)

• Ask about the car rental return, and demand all the info (I didn’t and I had a lot of hassle upon my return). You have to enter the airport in a certain area or you’ll get charged – there’s literally no way around this. I waited for a long time before parking in the main parking lot and refusing to pay, because I did ask and they didn’t tell me all the info.

• Record the fuel level before you drive – this is the level you’ll want to return it with. If it’s not full, ask the rental people to make sure they don’t want to fill it up first.

• Download offline Google Maps onto your phone for Jordan, because the coverage can be spotty (and most road signs are in Arabic).

• Get a SIM card or eSIM (I recommend Airalo eSIM) to make sure you have data. eSIMs are needed with certain newer phones that don’t take physical SIM cards, and they’re less hassle: you can connect sooner, and if you’re traveling from/to Israel and/or Egypt or other countries on your trip, it’s way less hassle!

👉 Amman Driving/Traffic: How to Prepare

Be ready to be an aggressive/defensive driver more than anywhere in the US! As I mentioned already, the lanes are more like guidelines, and everyone hustles everyone at every stoplight, turn etc. There is unending honking in Amman, as well.

Personally, I felt like if toddlers could drive, this would be it. It was a bit fun, but also frustrating. Either way, it is doable and I was proud of myself for it!

Jordan has a lot of speed bumps on normal highways. The roads are in really good shape – so once I got out of Jordan, I was enjoying driving and kept forgetting to slow down for the speed bumps (I live in New Orleans, and when there aren’t potholes it’s difficult to slow down for me)!

As for speed, there are checkpoints, so be sure to stay within the speed limits.

👉 Getting Gas In Amman

Getting gas in Amman is also fairly easy, because the attendants pump the gas for you! Fuel prices are not too high, which is also nice.

The nearest gas station to the airport is Go Gas Jordan Al Watanieh on Airport Road 1090 (it’s open 24/7).

Keep reading for the scam to avoid at gas stations in Amman.

⚠️ Common Scams to Avoid with Amman Rental Cars

Scam 1: Fuel Stations

The scam is that the attendant will fill up your tank halfway and keep the price meter running. You can avoid this by listening to the sound – it will change. You can simply tell the attendant to stop filling the tank if you hear the sound.

Scam 2: Being Fined

If you get pulled over and fined, don’t pay on the spot – it’s likely going to be taken as a bribe rather than being used to pay the fine. If this happens, definitely don’t pay until you return your car to the rental company (otherwise, they’ll deduct the fine from your deposit). Learn more about Jordan traffic laws and fines here.

Scam 3: Parking ticket scam

Check any parking tickets you find on your car for your own license plate number – people will put their tickets on other people’s cars! If you do get a ticket, there are machines where you can pay, or you can simply have the rental car company deduct it from your deposit.

👉 Why Rent A Car In Amman?

Choosing to rent a car in Amman is generally cheaper, unless you’re traveling solo. I rented a car as a solo traveler because I wanted to drive myself to sites outside of Amman, plus avoid paying extra to get to and from the airport.

I also booked an Airbnb my first night (which I don’t recommend) which made it easier to arrive and leave as I pleased (especially because I cancelled the nights at the Airbnb following my tour to stay in a hotel instead!).

The public transportation in Amman and Jordan is not reliable, either, so unless you have a lot of time and patience, I don’t recommend this (a lot of people end up hiring a driver if they don’t rent a car; I like my freedom so much I’d rather not do this, but I have before in Egypt for a day trip from Cairo, where I wasn’t willing to attempt to drive!).

Amman is the starting and ending point for exploring Jordan, so renting a car when you arrive is the easiest option!

Taking a tour of Jordan is an excellent option, but personally I enjoy having extra days surrounding the tour to see more sites and enjoy actually seeing the city on my own (or with others from my tour group!).

Even with those in my tour group who arrived early, my car came in handy the first day for exploring Amman, and to have space for everyone the first night for dinner – our tour guide came with his car but it wasn’t enough space!

Also, tours only cover so many sites. Here are some additional, off-the-beaten-path sites (if you’re already going on a tour) to see with your rental car:

• Khirbet et-Tannur
• Khirbet ed-Dharih
• Qasr Amra, Quseir Amra or Qusayr Amra
• Monastery of St Lot
• Montreal (castle)
• Beidha (or Bayda)
• Umm ar-Rasas, Kastrom Mefa’a, Kastron Mefa’a
• Abila, Quwaylibah, distinguished as Abila in the Decapolis, Abila Dekapoleos, Seleucia
• Ajlun Castle, Qal’at Ajloun, Qa’lat ar-Rabad,
• Er Rabba
• Kerak Castle
• Qasr al-Abd

👉 Taxis & Ubers in Amman

Amman has white and yellow taxis plus Uber and Careem. Uber and Careem are both regulated and the cars are cleaner, and you can see your route on the app. The yellow taxis are a bit less money and use meters, but you can still get overcharged if you’re not a local.

👉 Car Rental In Amman: Book online in advance

The first thing to think about when renting a car anywhere is securing a good deal and the car you want – which means booking in advance (with a reputable car rental company).

Booking online in advance also helps you avoid long lines waiting at the airport (or wherever you’re renting from, but I recommend the airport), so you can quickly get your car and get onto your hotel or other destination.

Note: Aggregate search services check all the rental car companies in Amman at once to find you the best deals overall, so you can get the best prices from the best companies available.

This type of service helps you as well as the car rental companies, so it’s a win-win! It’s easy to book, and as long as you’re 25 or over, you’re good to go. If you have a driver’s license and are younger than 25, check to see if the rental company charges a fee before booking.

Renting a car in Amman

Here is what to do and know about when renting a car in Jordan:

👉 Amman Rental Cars: Always Get Full Coverage Insurance

The reasons to always get Full Coverage when you rent a car in Amman are (these details apply to Discover Cars rentals):

• It’s a reasonable price, at around $17-$18 per day

• Full coverage will refund you up to US $3300 for any damages, or if your car is stolen

• It covers: Deductible/excess charge for damage or theft; Repair costs, including windows, mirrors, wheels; Towing and taxi expenses; Lost keys or lockout fees; and Administrative charges

• There are great customer reviews of people getting easy and fast refunds for any issues

• You can cancel Full Coverage before your rental (not after) if you change your mind

👉 Here’s how to rent your vehicle in Amman with Discover Cars:

The first reason this is my car rental aggregate of choice is because they have the cheapest prices with no hidden fees and are the most trusted one that I’ve found!

The second reason they are my top pick is because they offer FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental reservation start date.

• You’ll need to check that the car rental company you’re booking is reputable!  Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Thrifty are some of the big-name rental cars that are in the airport in Amman that generally are trustworthy (still be sure to check for your rental car location, because they’re franchises).

• I recommend booking from locations with no less than 7 out of 10 on the company’s customer ratings.

• Go to the Amman homepage here.

• Input your dates and times for car pick up and drop off, plus the location (I recommend the Queen Alia Int’l Airport).

Important Tip: Most rental companies are closed on Fridays because the weekend starts on Fridays in Jordan – make sure you choose a day on or before Thursday (at the airport this is likely different).

• Click on search and wait for the results to populate. Here’s what it will look like once it populates:

• Once you have the results, you can use the left sidebar to filter the results for your own preferences – things like type of car, cost, passenger capacity, supplier rating (which I recommend) & more!

• Once you’ve chosen your vehicle, click the view button:

• The next screen has a place for your name, title, phone number, date of birth, country information – as well as adding on extras and insurance – and more extras, but it doesn’t yet ask for payment information. You’ll also get to see mileage and some insurance that is included:

• Check to include Full Coverage protection (around $18 per day), which I recommend (I’ll explain the next section).

• After you check the option to add insurance, you’ll enter your driver details and then click “Book Now” to be taken to the payment screen:

• You’ll then be taken to the secure booking screen where you’ll need to enter your information, including payment info (but your payment won’t be due until rental), to complete your car rental booking, plus check more details. You’ll need to click “Book now” on this page as well to complete your booking.

• You’ll then get a confirmation email with all your details. Be sure to keep it!

Begin booking your Amman Rental Car Now ▶️

👉 Car Rental Insurance Options, Explained

A CDW or Collision Damage Waiver is not required, but highly recommended for car rentals in Amman. Here’s why:

According to Avis Car Rental at the Amman Airport location: “Customer is liable for an amount ranging from USD $600.00 to USD $1,000.00, depending on the car group rented, if CDW is not taken. If CDW is purchased, the customer’s liability will be reduced to USD $200.00.” (You’ll want to check this policy with whatever car rental company you go with, and you can always compare their rates and coverage to iscover Cars’, as well!)

My main reason for always getting the CDW when I rent a car is because I’ve had the experience of having my car hit in a parking lot while I wasn’t inside the car (I was in a restaurant). Luckily, the person who hit my car left a note and I didn’t have to pay for any damages. Purchasing the waiver keeps any rental car damage claims off your personal policy in order to avoid rate increases.

Second, I’ve driven in the city of Amman, and the lanes are more guidelines than rules. You will definitely be glad you got insurance once you start driving in the city!

As far as adding on liability insurance, you’re likely already covered, but if you’re not sure it’s a good idea to check.

As for adding personal accident insurance, you also may already be covered, and it’s good to check in advance so you know what to say at the rental counter if asked (also, this is not mandatory).

Your credit card may also cover some things, but it might not cover as much as the rental insurance (as I discovered when renting a car in LA). It’s always good to do your own research before making a decision if you’re not sure!

👉 Check what’s covered when you rent a car in Amman

Here’s what the $17-$18 (in general) for the Full Coverage per rental day covers:

• Refundable theft deductible
• Bodywork and roof
• Windshield and windows
• Mirrors
• Wheels and tires
• Undercarriage
• Lost keys or lockout fees
• Taxi expenses
• Towing expenses
• Administrative charges
• Fees for supplier’s loss of use during repair

What’s not covered:

• Damages that occurred while not complying with the terms of your rental agreement
• Damages resulting from unforeseeable or uncontrollable events
• Cleaning costs or damage to the car’s interior
• Third-party damages

👉 The other good thing about checking the option for Full Coverage is that the policy is cancellable with 100% premium refund up until 48 hours before pick-up!

👉 What to do at the car rental counter

Once you’re at the counter of the rental car place in Amman, they will likely try to get you to add on the collision damage waiver (CDW) or more insurance. It’s best to already have it to lock in the best price (by checking the option when booking your rental, as described earlier). At the counter, just let them know you’re already covered.

They will probably place a hold on your credit card for a deposit (which is why you’ll need one with you even if you’ve pre-booked everything), which will be returned in full when you return the car free of damage. The deposit is typically around 250-350JOD, which is around $350-$500.

If there is damage to the rental car upon its return, they will take it out of your deposit, and then you’ll need to make a claim.

👉 What to do if you need to cancel or extend your car rental

You can cancel bookings by going to this page.

If you need to extend your rental, make sure to contact Discover Cars so your Full Coverage can be extended without extra fees.

👉How to make a claim

You can make a claim if you have any issues that need compensation by sending and application, and they’ll review and approve it within 48 hours on average.

Take the following steps to file a claim:

• Go to the My Booking page

• Click the button in the Full Coverage

• Upload documents within 28 days of dropping off the car: rental agreement you signed (you can request a copy if you don’t have this); rental company assessment of the condition of the rental at pickup and return; the invoice from the rental company for any damage or fees; statement or receipts of payment for these charges; your bank account details or PayPal address; a detailed account of the incident with photos and videos if you have them; and a written police report if there is one.

FAQs about Amman & Jordan car rentals

👉 Is it a good idea to rent a car in Jordan?

If you’re not going on a tour, or if you have some extra days, it’s a fantastic idea to rent a car in Jordan to go see some additional sites! If you’re just staying in Amman, I only recommend renting a car if you’re not staying at a hotel that offers transport options, or one that isn’t close to areas like downtown.

👉 Is it safe to hire a car in Amman?

Hiring a driver in Amman offers convenience and local expertise for navigating the city’s chaotic traffic and language barriers. Research reputable options, agree on terms beforehand, and respect local customs for a safe and enriching travel experience. Consider costs and benefits compared to renting a car or other transportation.

👉 What do you need to rent a car in Jordan?

To rent a car in Jordan, you’ll need a passport, driver’s license, IDL if you want to be safe, a valid credit card and some form of insurance. I also recommend booking your rental car in advance to avoid lines and other issues, and to get the best prices. In addition, you’ll need to be prepared to drive considering roads, traffic, language barrier and more (I recommend using google maps or Waze and downloading offline maps).

👉 Where can I rent a car in Amman?

You can rent a car in Amman from various reputable car rental companies located at Queen Alia International Airport, downtown Amman, or major hotels. It’s advisable to compare prices, read reviews, and choose a reliable rental agency that suits your needs.

👉 How much does it cost to rent a car in Amman?

Car rental prices in Amman can vary depending on factors such as the season, the type of car, and the duration of the rental. Generally:

• Small cars: $26+ per day
• Medium cars: $30+ per day
• Large cars: $33+ per day
• Premium cars: $60+ per day
• SUVs: $45+ per day
• Vans: $75+ per day

• High Season (March to October): Rental prices tend to be higher due to increased tourist activity and demand for vehicles.

• Low Season (November to February): Rental prices may be lower during these months when tourist numbers are reduced. The cheapest month to rent a car is February.

• Duration: The longer you rent, the lower the daily rate tends to be. Monthly rentals often offer better value compared to shorter-term rentals.

• Luxury Car Rental: Renting a luxury car in Amman can be more expensive compared to standard options. Prices will vary based on the specific make and model of the luxury car.

• Monthly Car Rental: Monthly car rentals are often more cost-effective if you plan to stay for an extended period. They can offer significant savings compared to daily or weekly rates.

To get the best deals, book well in advance and choose a more cost-effective car (smaller and more fuel-efficient).

👉 What side of the road do they drive on in Jordan?

In Jordan, people drive on the right-hand side of the road. This means that the steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle, and you will be driving on the right side of the road, overtaking on the left. If you are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, such as in the United Kingdom or Australia, you will need to adjust to driving on the right side when in Jordan.

All In All: Renting A Car In Amman, Jordan

I hope this guide helps you plan your car rental and more details for Amman, Jordan! Quick disclaimer: I can’t know what your experience will be like using Discover Cars, and I can’t guarantee anything (because I’m not them)!

Book your Rental Car for Amman Now ▶️

For more guides on Jordan & the Middle East, check out these posts:

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👉 Is Cairo Worth Visiting? 23 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile
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👉 The best time to visit Tel Aviv
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👉 Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? 18 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (+ Pros & Cons)
👉 Is Haifa Worth Visiting? 38 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (+ Pros & Cons)
👉 Israel Archaeology List: learn about famous sites

👉 For more International Travel guides, check out this page!