Hi, we're thinking of going to Jordan next Easter and think the best way to get around would be to hire a car to give us better flexibility and it will probably be cheaper as there are 4 of us to share costs. We would pick it up at the airport in Amman and drive via the Dead Sea to Petra where we'd want to stay for at least 2 days. Then going to Wadi Rum for another couple of days before finishing at Aqaba where we would leave the car.
Firstly, does anyone know whether picking up and leaving a hire car at different locations will cost a significant amount extra?
2) we assume fuel is cheap (compared to UK at least!) but is that true?
3) what are driving conditions like and is it an easy/safe country to drive in?
4) Will I need an international driving license or is my UK one satisfactory?
5) From Aqaba, we might want to cross into Israel and then go to Jerusalem before flying back from Tel Aviv. Can we take a rental car across with us should we want to or would it be more sensible to hire a 2nd car at Eilat in Israel?
Lastly, are we missing anywhere interesting on our route in Jordan that we should go and see?
Thanks for your help!
Driving in Jordan
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Just did a weekly rental out of Amman in early April. No special international drivers permit needed. Drove to Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Jerash and returned car in Amman. Very easy to drive, signs show destinations in English, road map is very simple outside Amman (just not extensive - north south either Desert highway, King's highway or Dead Sea road - we traveled sections of all three), fuel was comparable to US (cheaper than UK). Pretty sure that you can not take car into Israel but would need to confirm (most likely pick up a car in Eilot after drop off in Aqaba). Local and international companies have offices both north and south so drop offs easy. Only challenging driving were traffic circles in Amman - great fun!! Overall, very easy driving conditions with several hours between points of interest - - only way to go!
Can you rent automatics, and people drive on the right?
We wound up with an automatic (but usually manuals are the norm) ...driving is on the right side of the road.
Thanks very much for your help AlohaBoston. Only other thing I'd ask is that we would like to spend a few days on the red sea coast chilling out somewhere with a nice beach but good nightlife. Am I right that Eilat is better for bars and clubs and general nightlife than Aqaba, or are both places comparable? Thanks a lot for your help everyone!