🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Jordan
✈️ Flying to Jordan
Main Airports
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) - Jordan's main hub, 35km south of Amman. Modern, efficient terminal opened in 2013. Serves all major international destinations. Most travelers start here.
King Hussein International Airport (AQJ):
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) - Near the Red Sea, about 100km from Petra. Good option if combining beach time with desert exploration. Smaller than Amman but convenient for south Jordan circuit.
💡 Insider Tip
Fly into Amman for most trips. Only choose Aqaba if you're planning significant Red Sea time or want to start your trip in Petra and Wadi Rum.
🚆 From Airport to Amman City Center
Airport Bus
Public bus service runs between Queen Alia Airport and Amman city center. Journey time: 45-60 minutes. Ticket: around 3-5 JD. Cheapest option but infrequent schedule.
Private Taxi
Official taxis available at the airport. Fixed-price system to avoid haggling. Journey time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: 20-25 JD to central Amman. Book through official taxi desk inside terminal.
Careem/Uber
Ride-sharing apps work from the airport. Often slightly cheaper than official taxis. Journey time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: 15-22 JD depending on demand.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Land borders from Israel—multiple crossings (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Wadi Araba/Aqaba, Sheikh Hussein Bridge). Check current status and opening hours before traveling. Expect thorough security checks.
Ferry from Egypt—Aqaba to Nuweiba route operates irregularly. Not reliable for tight schedules. Check current schedules well in advance.
Land borders: Saudi Arabia (south), Iraq (northeast), Syria (north). Syria border situation varies—check government travel advisories. Saudi border requires proper documentation.
Regional situation changes—always verify border status before booking travel. Some crossings close on religious holidays.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities can get visa on arrival. Single-entry tourist visa costs 40 JD at Queen Alia Airport or major land crossings. Valid for approximately 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
The Jordan Pass (70-80 JD) includes visa fee if you stay at least 3 nights, plus discounted entry to Petra and 40+ sites. Usually worth it for tourists visiting major attractions. Buy online before arrival at jordanpass.jo
Check visa requirements for Jordan →🚗 Getting Around Jordan
JETT Buses
Jordan's main tourist bus company. Comfortable coaches connect Amman, Petra (Wadi Musa), Aqaba, and Dead Sea. Book in advance at jett.com.jo. Amman to Petra costs around 10 JD one-way, takes 3-3.5 hours. Fixed schedule—usually early morning departure, late afternoon return.
Public Minibuses
Local minibuses run between major towns. Cheaper than JETT but less comfortable and irregular schedules. Good for budget travel but requires patience. Ask locals or hotels for current departure points.
Private Taxis and Transfers
Negotiate day-trip prices or point-to-point transfers. Amman to Petra private transfer costs 80-120 JD depending on car size. Convenient for groups or flexible schedules. Hotels can arrange reliable drivers.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
Buy the Jordan Pass before arrival if visiting Petra plus at least 1-2 other paid sites. It covers visa fee (if staying 3+ nights) plus entry to 40+ attractions. More convenient than buying tickets individually.
🚋 Local Transportation in Amman
Amman has local buses and shared service taxis (servees) but they're confusing for tourists. Most visitors use taxis or ride-sharing apps.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
- Yellow taxis: Metered, insist driver uses meter or agree price before starting
- Careem: Middle East ride-sharing app, works excellently in Amman, price shown upfront
- Uber: Also available in Amman, similar to Careem
Short taxi rides within Amman cost 3-7 JD. From downtown to western Amman areas: 5-10 JD. Ride-sharing apps slightly cheaper and more transparent.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended if you want flexibility exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, and Jerash at your own pace. Roads are generally good.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Desert Highway (Highway 15) is modern and well-maintained
- King's Highway is scenic but slower with mountain curves
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80-100 km/h (rural roads), 120 km/h (highways)
- Expect police checkpoints—keep passport and rental papers ready
- Major rental companies available at airports and Amman
⚠️ Driving in Jordan
Driving standards vary. Be defensive. Avoid driving at night in rural areas due to limited lighting. Fuel stations common on major routes but plan ahead in desert areas.
🚗 Book a Rental Car in Jordan
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Buy Jordan Pass: Saves money if visiting multiple sites plus covers visa fee
- Use JETT buses: Much cheaper than private transfers for long distances
- Share taxis: Split costs with other travelers between Petra/Wadi Rum
- Negotiate day trips: Taxi drivers often offer full-day rates cheaper than separate rides
- Book Wadi Rum camps direct: Often cheaper than booking through agencies