Cars

Some of Jordan’s greatest attractions are not served by the public transportation system. For groups of four to six, renting a car can be an affordable and efficient way to reach less accessible sights. With a car, for example, the round-trip to Azraq via four or five desert castles can be done in 8-12 hours. The unsurpassed Kings’ Highway route, hardly served by other modes of transportation, can be seen from a private car in another full day. Some rental agencies will even let you return a car from Amman in Aqaba; ask around.

If you can’t split the costs, car rental in Jordan will break your budget. Most rental agencies charge from JD22 to JD29 per day, including insurance, plus 45 to 55fils per kilometer. Unlimited mileage deals are cheaper (JD17-2O per day), but you must rent the car for at least a week.

(See Amman and Aqaba Practical information sections for details.) Always ask whether the car has a fire extinguisher. Really. The desert heat warrants it and the police require it. The four-wheel drive cars that companies push are unnecessary except to reach Qasr at-Touba, south of Azraq. Ordinary cars will do even at Wadi Rum. Government-set rental fares for car type A are US$19.10 per day, US$115 per week, and US$0,044 per km.

Gas costs about 220fiIs per liter. The law requires seatbelts to be worn (JD5 fine for naughtiness), and speeding tickets can cruise to an exorbitant JD50. Many rental companies require an International Driver’s License. Road accidents should be reported to the traffic police (tel. 89 63 90); for an ambulance call 199.