Driver or rental car?
| Private driver | Rental car | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | No driving, Kings Highway without stress | Freedom, often cheaper for groups |
| Limit | Price per day, hours to negotiate | Night driving and bends not recommended |
| Ideal for | Short stays, families, long trips | Stays of 7 days or more |
To rent: car rental in Jordan.
Typical routes and durations
| Route | Indicative duration |
|---|---|
| Queen Alia airport to Amman | about 45 minutes |
| Amman to Petra (Desert Highway) | about 3 hours |
| Petra to Wadi Rum | about 1 hour 30 to 2 hours |
| Wadi Rum to Amman | about 4 hours |
| Amman to Kerak | about 1 hour 45 to 2 hours |
These are orders of magnitude; add stops. On the Kings Highway, allow more time for the bends.
Example prices found
| Private excursion | Price found (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Petra and Wadi Rum, day from Amman | about 94 to 132 USD per person |
| Dead Sea and Kerak Castle, about 8 hours | about 99 USD for a small private group |
| Taxi to Wadi Rum from Aqaba or Petra | about 25 to 35 JD one way |
These prices come from excursion listings and unofficial readings: inclusions change (entries, meals, guide). For travellers who want a full circuit: tours in Jordan.
How to choose
- Ask what is included: entries, meals, parking, guide. A driver is not always a guide: some reviews note it.
- Fix the price and hours in writing before leaving.
- Choose an operator with many reviews and free cancellation up to 24 hours.
- Plan the tip: see money and tipping in Jordan.
- For full trip prices: the travel budget.
Going further
Jordan in 3 days, Jordan in 7 days and the Jordan Pass, which covers entries but not transport.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a driver in Jordan? No, but it is the most comfortable for long trips and the Kings Highway.
Is a driver a guide? Not always: check what is included before booking.
What tip? See the money and tipping page.
La rédaction Jordan Authority, 23/10/2026.
