Car rental in Amman

Amman, Jordan's capital, offers numerous attractions worth visiting. Exploring them by rental car provides the most convenient option. Driving allows you to enjoy not only local landmarks but also the biblical city of Madaba, the hot springs of Hammam Ma'in, the desert palace of Qasr Amra, and unique red sand dunes.

Renting a car in Amman eliminates the need for taxis and public transport for both short trips around the city and longer journeys beyond.

Benefits of Renting with Localrent

Advantages of car rental in Amman through the Localrent booking service:

1. Fixed pricing. Select your vehicle, choose additional options, and see the total cost immediately. The system displays the final rental price without hidden fees or extra charges.
2. Competitive rates with minimal deposit. Some vehicles are available with no deposit at all.
3. Low advance payment. Before booking a car in Amman, you only need to pay 15–20% of the total cost.
4. Convenient filters for selecting vehicles from local rental companies. Customize parameters including pickup and return locations, rental dates, transmission type, engine, drivetrain, payment method, and insurance options.
5. Vehicles for leisure or business travel in Amman. Choose luxury cars or budget-friendly economy options.

Simple booking process – Localrent features an intuitive interface with detailed descriptions for each vehicle.

Required Documents for Car Rental

To rent a car in Amman, prepare:

• Valid Category B driver's license
• Passport
• Bank card for advance payment; some companies accept cash for the balance at pickup

Each vehicle listing specifies minimum driving experience and age requirements for primary and additional drivers. Review these rental conditions in Amman beforehand.

Traffic Regulations and Local Driving Conditions

Amman is Jordan's largest city, resulting in heavy traffic flow. Understanding local traffic patterns is essential for efficient navigation:

Peak congestion periods:

• Morning rush: 7:00 am to 9:00 am
• Evening peak: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Highway conditions: Many rural routes lack street lighting. Plan accordingly for nighttime travel.

Local driving style: Drivers in Amman tend to be assertive, sometimes appearing chaotic to visitors. Maintain a calm, defensive driving approach. Rural roads may have animals, including camels, crossing unexpectedly.

Speed limits in Amman:

• Up to 60 km/h in urban areas
• Up to 80 km/h on general roads outside cities
• Up to 120 km/h on highways

Mandatory requirements:

• Headlights must be on during darkness and poor visibility
• All passengers must wear seatbelts
• Phone use prohibited without hands-free system
• Children under 10 must sit in the rear seat in a car seat or child restraint system

Police presence is common on Amman's roads, though officers typically treat tourists leniently. Expect routine checks of driver's licenses and vehicle documents.

Fuel Stations

Fuel stations in Amman are located along major roads. If traveling outside the city, refuel beforehand—gas stations are less common in rural areas.

Urban stations are well-equipped facilities where you can purchase food, automotive accessories, and beverages. Rural stations offer more basic services. Some operate on a self-service basis.

Parking

Paid parking in Amman is marked with blue-white lines or signs. Some parking areas require payment for the entire duration, while others offer initial "free" time ranging from several minutes to 3 hours before charges apply.

Payment options include mobile apps or payment machines accepting cash or cards.

How to Book a Car in Amman

Step-by-step booking process through Localrent:

1. Enter rental dates and pickup/return cities. If returning the vehicle to the same location, select "Same location" in the Return section.
2. Select your vehicle. Choose from budget-friendly options or premium cars for business travel. Use filters to sort by transmission type, engine, drivetrain, payment options, and insurance coverage.
3. Add necessary options (such as child seats) and enter driver information. Provide first name, last name, date of birth, email, and phone number. If another person will drive, add them as an additional driver. The rental company will include their details in the contract at vehicle pickup.
4. Review the rental cost. The system calculates the total rental price, including separate amounts for deposit and advance payment.
5. Submit advance payment. Pay 15–20% upfront; the driver pays the balance to the manager at vehicle pickup.

Before payment, review the selected vehicle's listing for additional details on mileage limits, required experience and age, insurance specifics, and payment methods.

Attractions Near Amman

Top 5 destinations within driving distance:

1. Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas). Archaeological site where, according to biblical texts, Jesus was baptized. The nearby Greek Orthodox Church of John the Baptist draws religious pilgrims. Al-Maghtas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Petra. Carved directly into rock, this former capital of the Nabataean Kingdom is now the Middle East's largest archaeological park. Ancient temples, caves, water reservoirs, altar platforms, and palaces remain preserved.
3. Kerak Castle. Situated 900 meters above sea level, this former Crusader stronghold also served as the residence of the King of Transjordan.
4. Mount Nebo. Also called Mount Moses, as Deuteronomy states this is where God showed Moses the Promised Land. At the summit, view ancient mosaic panels and ruins of a church built in the late 4th century.
5. Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan's largest nature reserve features numerous gorges, scenic valleys, and exotic plants. The area offers hiking trails, campsites, and tourist camps.

Travel tip for mountain destinations: Select vehicles with engines of 1.6 liters or larger and account for increased fuel consumption on mountain roads.

Best Pickup Locations in Amman

When selecting where to rent a vehicle, note that different companies offer various pickup and return locations. Popular options include:

• Rental company office
• Central Amman
• Central Bus Station
• Queen Alia International Airport (32 km from the city)

Use the "Specify location" filter to choose your preferred option.

Rental Tips: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Make informed decisions and ensure comfortable travel with these practical car rental tips for Amman:

Plan Who Will Drive

Only individuals listed in the rental agreement may drive the vehicle. Most cars offer the option to add an additional driver. The same driving experience and age requirements apply to additional drivers as to the primary renter.

Follow the Fuel Policy

Return the vehicle with the same fuel level as at pickup. Check the vehicle handover document to see the initial fuel level. Returning with less fuel requires paying the difference at the rental company's rates, which typically exceed gas station prices.

Choose Higher-Power Vehicles for Mountain Travel

Small-displacement engines are unsuitable for comfortable mountain driving. Optimal choice for mountain routes: all-wheel-drive vehicles with engines of 1.6 liters or larger. Avoid unpaved roads—insurance does not cover them.

Frequently Asked Questions