Top Tourist Destinations in Jordan You Can Visit with a Rental Car

Jordan is one of the Middle East’s most exciting travel destinations—rich in history, culture, deserts, mountains, and breathtaking landscapes. The best part? Most of Jordan’s attractions are spread across the country, making renting a car the most convenient and flexible way to travel.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top tourist attractions in Jordan and explain which routes, road conditions, and car types are best for each destination.


1. Petra — The Rose-Red Ancient City

📍 Location:

South of Jordan — approx. 230 km from Amman
Driving Time: 3 hours

🛣 Road Conditions:

Smooth highways with occasional hills.

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • Sedan

  • Mid-size SUV (for comfort)

📝 Why Visit:

Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, famous for:

  • The Treasury (Al Khazneh)

  • The Monastery (Ad Deir)

  • The Siq canyon

  • Ancient tombs and temples

Exploring Petra with your own car allows you to start early, avoid crowds, and continue south to Wadi Rum or Aqaba easily.


2. Wadi Rum — The Valley of the Moon

📍 Location:

Southern Jordan — approx. 320 km from Amman
Driving Time: 4 hours

🛣 Road Conditions:

Excellent highways to Wadi Rum village.

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • SUV (best choice)

  • Crossover

📝 Why Visit:

Wadi Rum is Jordan’s most iconic desert landscape, known for:

  • Sand dunes

  • Red mountains

  • Jeep tours

  • Stargazing

Having your own rental car allows you to reach camp sites and enjoy full flexibility.


3. The Dead Sea — Lowest Point on Earth

📍 Location:

West of Jordan — approx. 55 km from Amman
Driving Time: 45 minutes

🛣 Road Conditions:

Excellent roads, mostly downhill.

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • Any car (economy → luxury)

📝 Why Visit:

The Dead Sea offers:

  • Natural salt beaches

  • Health resorts

  • Floating experience

  • Mud therapy

It’s one of the easiest day trips from Amman.


4. Jerash — The Ancient Roman City

📍 Location:

North of Jordan — 45 km from Amman
Driving Time: 40 minutes

🛣 Road Conditions:

Smooth roads; light mountain curves.

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • Economy

  • Sedan

  • Small SUV

📝 Why Visit:

Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities, featuring:

  • The Oval Plaza

  • Colonnaded streets

  • Temples

  • Large amphitheaters

A perfect half-day trip.


5. Ajloun — Forests, Castles, and Mountain Views

📍 Location:

Northwest Jordan — 75 km from Amman
Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

🛣 Road Conditions:

Curvy mountain roads — still safe.

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • Sedan

  • SUV (better for hills)

📝 Why Visit:

Ajloun is ideal for nature lovers:

  • Ajloun Forest Reserve

  • Ajloun Castle

  • Hiking trails

  • Scenic lookouts


6. Aqaba — Jordan’s Red Sea Paradise

📍 Location:

Southern Jordan — 330 km from Amman
Driving Time: 4 hours

🛣 Road Conditions:

Excellent highways.

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • Sedan (fine)

  • SUV (for comfort)

📝 Why Visit:

Aqaba offers:

  • Beautiful beaches

  • Diving & snorkeling

  • Seafood restaurants

  • Water sports

Ideal for weekend trips.


7. Madaba — City of Mosaics

📍 Location:

South of Amman — 30 km
Driving Time: 25 minutes

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

Any vehicle.

📝 Why Visit:

Famous for:

  • Byzantine mosaics

  • St. George’s Church

  • Mount Nebo (nearby — and a must-visit)

This area is close to the airport, making it a quick trip.


8. Mount Nebo — Historical Viewpoint

🏔 Panoramic views of the Holy Land

📍 Location:

Near Madaba — 45 minutes from Amman

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • Any car

  • SUV recommended for comfort

📝 Why Visit:

  • One of the holiest sites in Jordan

  • Incredible sunset views

  • Biblical history


9. Dana Biosphere Reserve — Nature at Its Best

📍 Location:

Southern Jordan — 180 km
Driving Time: 2.5 hours

🚙 Recommended Car Type:

  • SUV highly recommended

📝 Why Visit:

  • Deep canyons

  • Wildlife

  • Nature lodges

  • Hiking trails

Dana is peaceful and remote — having your own car makes it much easier to explore.


10. Amman City Exploring

Even inside Amman, having your own car makes life easier.

Best places to visit:

  • Rainbow Street

  • The Citadel

  • Roman Amphitheater

  • Abdali Boulevard

  • Local restaurants and cafés

Recommended cars:

  • Economy

  • Sedans

Parking is available in most locations.


Best Car Types for Each Destination (Quick Guide)

DestinationBest Car Type
PetraSedan / SUV
Wadi RumSUV
Dead SeaAny
JerashEconomy / Sedan
AjlounSedan / SUV
AqabaSedan / SUV
DanaSUV
MadabaAny
Mount NeboAny
AmmanEconomy / Sedan

Why a Rental Car Is the Best Way to Explore Jordan

  • No strict schedules

  • Easy access to remote areas

  • Saves money on taxis

  • More comfort for families

  • Safer for long-distance travel

RentCarJo makes travel easier with:

  • Affordable rates

  • Wide range of cars

  • Airport pick-up

  • 24/7 customer support

  • No hidden fees


🔚 Conclusion

Jordan offers endless beauty, history, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re heading to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, or the northern forests, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.

A reliable car from RentCarJo ensures a smooth, safe, and enjoyable journey.

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