Driving in Jordan: Is it easy?

Driving in Amman

Many travelers wonder: Is driving in Jordan easy?
The answer is yes… but! Let’s just say that depending on the area, you need to hold on tight. The place to watch out for is Amman, the capital, where the traffic is intense and unpredictable.

I know… The next question that immediately comes to mind is: do they have a highway code? Well, yes, they do. But do they actually follow it? Not necessarily! You’ll quickly realize that Jordanians handle situations that seem completely crazy to us incredibly well.

Priority to the right? Maybe by chance!
No overtaking on the right on the highway? That’s perhaps not set in stone… Let’s just say they do things their own way. And if you’re really lucky, you might even see Jordanians driving in reverse on the highway.

Just be careful not to tailgate other cars when possible. But with a little courage and anticipation, you’ll be fine. Knowing what to expect will make you more vigilant, especially in the capital.

The most amusing (and stressful) place is Amman’s Old City. If you feel overwhelmed by driving there, don’t worry: yellow taxis are everywhere. Make sure the meter resets to the base fare, around 0.35 JD. Otherwise, Uber and Careem work perfectly well in Jordan and are often more stress-free.

And what about the rest of the country?

I think every visitor to Jordan has experienced their first encounter with our infamous “dodanes” (those giant speed bumps!).

Unpredictable, never well-marked, always incredibly high… If you hit them at over 80 km/h, you’re guaranteed a spectacular flight, with a good laugh (or a fright) guaranteed!

So, keep your eyes peeled: they appear in unexpected places. The warning sign? It might be a kilometer before… if you’re lucky.

One more piece of advice: be extra careful on the roads, especially at night or in more remote areas. And depending on the location, the internet connection can be very weak. Remember to download your offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before you leave; it could save your life!

In short, yes, anything is possible on Jordanian roads. You just need to stay alert, as in any country where driving habits differ from our own.

But you’ll be glad you chose a car: it offers incredible freedom to explore at your own pace! Enjoy the deserted roads and breathtaking landscapes between the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum.

Enjoy our magnificent country!

Looking forward to seeing you in our sublime desert! ❤️🥰