If you plan to explore Jordan’s desert landscapes, there are a few key things to remember. Renting a car in Jordan opens up a world of adventure, allowing you to roam from ancient ruins to vast stretches of red sand. But with that freedom comes the need for preparation—think sudden terrain changes, limited gas stations, and remote routes that demand extra awareness.
Whether you're mapping out a loop through Wadi Rum, Petra, or the shores of the Dead Sea, here’s how to stay safe behind the wheel.
Driving is the best way to see Jordan's desert wonders. Here are some key points to know before hitting the road:
Jordan has main desert regions. Some of the best desert routes in Jordan connect these areas, making for an unforgettable road trip. Here’s a guide to each desert and how to reach it by car:
Wadi Rum, often called the "Valley of the Moon," is one of Jordan’s most breathtaking destinations. This protected desert wilderness is known for its dramatic red sand dunes, towering sandstone cliffs, and surreal rock formations. In fact, it’s been the filming location for movies like The Martian and Dune.
Visitors can sleep under the stars in traditional Bedouin camps, take a 4x4 jeep tour across the desert, or even ride a camel at sunrise. Wadi Rum is a great destination if you’re into stargazing, photography, or craving peace in a jaw-dropping setting.
How to Reach Wadi Rum
It's about a 4-hour drive south from Amman via the Desert Highway (Route 15). Once you reach the town of Wadi Rum Village, you’ll need to park at the visitor center. Private cars aren’t allowed inside the protected area.
From there, local guides will take you into the desert, typically by jeep. Ensure your car is well-fueled before leaving major cities, as gas stations become scarce the closer you get to Wadi Rum.
Jordan’s southern desert, including the vast Wadi Araba valley, offers some of the country’s most expansive and untouched landscapes. This region stretches from the southern tip of the Dead Sea to Aqaba, blending rust-colored sand dunes with rugged mountain backdrops.
Unlike more touristed areas, the Southern Desert remains quiet and open, offering dramatic views without the crowds. Whether chasing epic road trip scenery or looking for a peaceful stretch between Petra and the Red Sea, this region delivers a calm and endless sky.
How to Reach the Southern Desert
The most scenic way to explore this region is by taking Route 65, which runs from Petra or the Dead Sea down to Aqaba. This cut straight through the heart of Wadi Araba. The road is fully paved and easy to navigate, but services are few and far between along the way. Fuel up in Petra, the Dead Sea area, or any nearby town before setting off.
The Syrian Desert, or Hamad, stretches across Jordan’s northeast and into neighboring countries. This forms one of the region's most remote and desolate landscapes. This endless gravel plain, dotted with ancient trade routes and early Islamic relics, offers an experience more about isolation and scale than sightseeing. With little vegetation, no crowds, and almost no development, it’s a place for seasoned adventurers looking to truly disconnect.
How to Reach the Syrian Desert (Hamad)
Accessing the Hamad region starts with heading northeast from Azraq along Highway 10, toward the Iraqi border. The road is paved, but services drop off quickly once you leave Azraq.
You may drive for hours without passing another vehicle, so this journey is for those well-prepared and experienced with desert travel. Ensure your vehicle is in top condition, ideally a 4x4 with spare tires. There are no gas stations, shops, or towns for long stretches, and mobile coverage is limited. Only take this trip if you're fully equipped and confident navigating remote terrain.
Jordan's Black Desert, also known as Harrat al-Sham, is an expanse of dark volcanic basalt stretching across the country's eastern reaches. This otherworldly terrain is punctuated by ancient Roman ruins, prehistoric hunting traps known as "desert kites," and early Safaitic inscriptions. Despite its harsh environment, the Black Desert also harbors unique ecosystems, including the Azraq Wetland Reserve, a vital oasis teeming with birdlife amidst the arid surroundings.
How to Drive to the Black Desert
To explore the Black Desert, begin your journey from Amman or Azraq, then head east along Highway 40 or 30. The terrain is generally flat, but the roads leading into the basalt fields can become rough, unpaved, and challenging. So a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended if you're venturing beyond the main roads.
The area isn't completely off-limits to regular cars, but must plan fuel stops carefully. Offline maps and extra supplies are essential, especially if you're planning to explore deeper into the darker corners of the landscape.
Road conditions in Jordan are generally good on main routes, but remote desert roads can be challenging. Overall, driving in Jordan is straightforward, but it’s wise to know what to expect to stay safe:
The best time for a desert road trip in Jordan is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Summer brings intense midday heat, while winter nights can be surprisingly cold. Here's how to stay safe.
A road trip in the Jordanian desert isn’t just about driving. It’s also about experiencing incredible sites along your route. Plan to visit some of these highlights:
Start your days early to beat the heat and maximize the daylight. Desert driving is safer in the morning, and you’ll avoid navigating unfamiliar roads after dark. Plan your stops with time to spare so you’re not rushing through remote stretches.
Carry some Jordanian dinars with you, especially when heading into less populated areas. While many places accept cards, smaller gas stations and roadside shops often don’t. Cash also comes in handy for tipping guides or buying local goods.
Hiring a local Bedouin guide in areas like Wadi Rum is well worth it. They know the terrain, can take you to hidden spots, and help if anything goes wrong off-road. For a real desert experience, stay overnight at a Bedouin camp, drive to Wadi Rum Village, park your car, and let the camp team handle the rest. Dinner under the stars in the silence of the desert is the kind of memory that sticks.
A desert road trip through Jordan is the best way to see the country on your terms. With smart planning and solid driving habits, you’ll cover more ground and skip the crowds.
While buses work for big cities and taxis can get you around locally, renting a car through Finalrentals gives you full control. Choose from a wide range of vehicles from compact to luxury and confidently hit the road.
