Planning to use Car Rental Aqaba No Deposit, No Credit Card to explore Jordan from the Red Sea? This page gives an overview of driving rules in Aqaba and Jordan, plus practical tips on parking, fuel, speed limits and popular routes such as Aqaba – Wadi Rum – Petra.
1. Basic Driving Rules in Jordan 🚦
- Side of the road: Jordan drives on the right-hand side. Overtaking is usually on the left.
- Seat belts: the driver and all passengers should wear seat belts where fitted.
- Child seats: young children should travel in an appropriate child seat or booster.
Order a child seat from your rental partner when booking, not on arrival. - Documents: always keep your driving licence, passport, rental agreement and insurance papers with you in the car.
- Mobile phones: avoid using a handheld phone when driving – use hands-free or stop safely.
- Alcohol: Jordan has strict rules on drink-driving. The safest approach is not to drink at all if you drive.
- Traffic style: in cities, driving can feel more “informal” than in Europe – stay calm, leave space and avoid sudden lane changes.
1.1 Typical Speed Limits (check local signs)
⚠️ Speed cameras and police checkpoints are common on main roads. It is cheaper – and safer – to respect the posted limits.
2. Driving in Aqaba City 🏙️
Aqaba is relatively compact, with a grid of streets along the Red Sea coast. With a
Car Rental Aqaba No Deposit, No Credit Card vehicle you can move easily between:
city hotels, beach clubs, shopping streets and port/Marina areas.
Traffic is usually moderate compared to big capitals, but it can get busy around peak times.
2.1 Parking in Aqaba
- 🅿️ Street parking: in many central areas you can park on the street where it is clearly allowed.
Look for signs or painted lines and avoid blocking driveways or junctions. - 🏨 Hotel parking: many hotels and resorts in Aqaba offer on-site or nearby parking for guests.
Ask your accommodation to confirm if you have a reserved spot. - 🧾 Payment: some central streets or private lots may charge a fee. Check local signs or attendants,
and keep small cash for parking where needed. - 🚫 Do not park: on corners, in front of entrances, on pedestrian crossings or in spaces reserved for taxis/buses.
💡 Tip: If you plan to walk around the centre, it is usually easier to park slightly outside the busiest core and walk the last few minutes.
3. Main Routes from Aqaba – Wadi Rum, Petra & Beyond 🗺️
Aqaba is a great starting point for classic Jordan road trips. With a rental car you can organise your own timing instead of relying fully on tours or taxis.
- Aqaba – Wadi Rum: around 1 hour – 1h15 by car, mostly on good main roads.
You usually park near the visitor centre or your chosen camp’s meeting point, then switch to a 4×4 tour vehicle for deeper desert areas. - Aqaba – Petra (Wadi Musa): around 2 hours – 2h30, depending on route and traffic.
Early departures help you enjoy Petra with cooler temperatures. - Aqaba – Amman (via Desert Highway): around 4 hours. A long but straightforward highway drive with fuel stations and rest stops along the way.
For most travellers, a standard sedan or small SUV is enough for these routes, as long as you stay on paved roads and follow your rental agreement.
3.1 Important: Off-Road & Desert Driving
- Most standard rental contracts do NOT allow off-road or deep desert driving.
- Access to Wadi Rum is typically via paved road to the village/visitor centre, then your camp or local guide takes over with a licensed desert 4×4.
- Always check your rental agreement and ask the local partner before attempting any track that looks unpaved or rough.
4. Fuel, Checkpoints & Practical Details ⛽
4.1 Fuel Stations
- Fuel stations are available in Aqaba city and along main highways (towards Wadi Rum, Petra and Amman).
- In more remote stretches, stations may be further apart – it is a good idea to top up before long drives.
- Many stations accept card, but keeping some cash in Jordanian dinars (JOD) is always helpful.
4.2 Police & Checkpoints
- Checkpoints on main roads are normal. Officers may ask where you are going and may glance at documents.
- Stay calm, be polite, have your passport, licence and rental papers easy to reach.
- Follow instructions and continue once waved through.
5. Tolls, Road Fees & Navigation 🛣️
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- Jordan does not have a large motorway toll system like some European countries. On most main routes around Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra you will not encounter classic toll gates.
- Some roads or projects may have small local fees or parking charges (for example near attractions or within protected areas). These are usually paid in cash on site.
- Google Maps or similar apps (download offline maps before driving),
- signs for major cities (Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra/Wadi Musa, Amman),
- directions from your hotel or campFor navigation, a combination of works well for most visitors.
6. Safety Tips for RentGo Aqaba Drivers ✅
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- 🕐 Plan timing: in summer, long drives are more comfortable in the early morning or later afternoon.
- 🚰 Bring water: always keep drinking water in the car, especially on routes through desert landscapes.
- 🌙 Avoid unnecessary night driving: outside cities, lighting can be limited and you may encounter animals or pedestrians near the road.
- 📄 Keep paperwork handy: licence, passport and rental agreement should be accessible (not buried under luggage).
- 📞 Save numbers: store your rental company’s emergency/roadside assistance number in your phone and on paper.
This guide is designed for travellers using Car Rental Aqaba No Deposit, No Credit Card options with RentGo Aqaba and our local partners. It is an overview only and does not replace local laws or the specific conditions of your rental agreement. Always follow road signs, police instructions and the rules provided by your car rental supplier.