Car Hire in Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan’s gateway to the Red Sea, a lively coastal city offering year-round sunshine, coral reefs, excellent diving and easy access to some of the country’s most famous landmarks. Hiring a car here gives you complete freedom to explore at your own pace, from the beaches of Aqaba to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and the archaeological wonders of Petra.

With Rhino Car Hire you can collect your vehicle either in the city or at King Hussein International Airport, making it easy to start exploring as soon as you arrive.

Getting Around Aqaba

Aqaba is compact and easy to navigate, with well-maintained main roads and clear signposting for major attractions. Road signs are usually in Arabic, but most important destinations are shown in English too.

Traffic levels
Aqaba is calmer than larger Jordanian cities such as Amman, though traffic builds up near the beach roads during weekends and holidays.

Driving culture
Drivers can be assertive and lane discipline may be relaxed, so defensive driving is recommended. Horn use is common but rarely aggressive.

Speed limits
Speed cameras operate on main roads. Limits are typically:
Urban roads: 40–50 km/h
Major routes: 70–90 km/h
Highways: 110 km/h

Animals and pedestrians
Outside the city you may encounter goats, camels or slow-moving farm vehicles, especially near rural villages.

Why Hire a Car in Aqaba?

Flexibility for day trips
A hire car allows you to cover Jordan’s standout destinations easily:

Petra
Around two hours north of Aqaba. Driving gives you the flexibility to arrive before the crowds or stay later at sunset.

Wadi Rum
Only an hour’s drive away. You can pick up your car in Aqaba and continue into the reserve with a local Bedouin guide.

The Dead Sea
A scenic three-hour drive to the lowest land point on Earth with spa hotels and viewpoints along the way.

Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s largest nature reserve, known for dramatic landscapes and hiking trails.

Exploring Aqaba itself
A car makes it easier to reach different beaches, dive centres, snorkelling spots and the relaxed waterfront promenades.

Car Hire with Rhino Car Hire

We compare prices from trusted suppliers in Aqaba and at King Hussein International Airport to give you a straightforward, good-value booking experience.

What’s included
Clear, transparent pricing
A wide range of vehicle types for both city and desert travel
Airport or city pick-up options
Unlimited mileage with most suppliers
Customer support whenever you need it
Optional extras such as GPS, additional drivers, enhanced insurance and child seats

Booking ahead is recommended from October to April when Aqaba is at its busiest with divers and winter-sun travellers.

Popular Drives from Aqaba

Aqaba to Petra
About two hours. A scenic journey through desert valleys and small towns.

Aqaba to Wadi Rum
Around one hour. Ideal for a half-day or full-day trip with sunset views.

Aqaba to the Dead Sea
Roughly three hours. A peaceful drive along the Jordan Valley Highway.

Aqaba to Amman
A four-hour drive heading north along the main highway, passing several viewpoints and archaeological sites.

Aqaba to Dana Biosphere Reserve
Around two and a half hours into rugged mountain scenery.

Aqaba Car Hire FAQs

Do I need a car in Aqaba?
A car is very useful if you plan to visit Petra, Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea. Public transport between major sites exists but is limited and infrequent.

Is driving in Jordan safe?
Yes, as long as you drive defensively. Roads are good, but traffic rules are sometimes interpreted loosely.

Are road signs in English?
Most major signs include both Arabic and English, especially on routes to Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman.

Can I drive into Israel or Saudi Arabia?
Rental cars from Jordan cannot usually be taken across international borders.

Where can I park in Aqaba?
Parking is generally easy along the beachfront and around hotels. Some central areas have paid parking during peak times.

Start Your Journey

Begin your exploration of Aqaba and southern Jordan with the comfort and convenience of a hire car. Book today and enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace.