Getting Around Jordan
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use taxis or buses in Amman. Rural: Rent a car for Petra and Wadi Rum exploration. Desert: Organized tours or 4x4 vehicles. For convenience, book airport transfers from Amman to your destination.
Train Travel
Hedjaz Railway (Tourist)
Limited passenger service on historic railway, mainly for tourists from Amman to Aqaba with scenic desert views.
Cost: Amman to Aqaba ~JOD 20-30 ($28-42), journeys 4-6 hours on select days.
Tickets: Book via Jordan Heritage Revival or at Amman station, advance reservation recommended.
Peak Times: Operates weekends and holidays, avoid summer heat for comfort.
Alternative Long-Distance
No national rail pass; instead, use JETT bus multi-ride cards for unlimited travel between major sites.
Best For: Multiple stops like Amman-Petra-Aqaba, savings for 3+ trips at JOD 50 ($70) for 10 rides.
Where to Buy: JETT offices, bus stations, or app with instant digital tickets.
Freight & Future Lines
Current freight lines from Aqaba port; planned passenger rail to Dead Sea and beyond by 2026.
Booking: Monitor Jordan Ministry of Transport for updates, potential discounts for early adopters.
Main Hubs: Amman central station for future connections, Aqaba for port links.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and rural areas. Compare rental prices from JOD 20-40 ($28-56)/day at Amman Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised for desert roads, includes off-road options for Wadi Rum.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 100-120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads like Amman-Aqaba, pay at booths ~JOD 1-5 ($1.40-7).
Priority: Roundabouts common, yield to traffic already in circle; watch for pedestrians in cities.
Parking: Free in rural areas, metered in Amman JOD 0.50/hour ($0.70), use guarded lots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations widespread at JOD 0.80-1.00/liter ($1.10-1.40) for petrol, subsidized for locals.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation in remote desert areas.
Traffic: Congestion in Amman rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), lighter on highways to Petra.
Urban Transport
Amman Buses & Minibuses
Public buses and servees (shared minibuses) cover Amman, single fare JOD 0.50-1 ($0.70-1.40), day pass JOD 3 ($4.20).
Validation: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, no tickets needed but hold on tight in crowded vehicles.
Apps: Amman Bus app for routes, real-time arrivals, and fare calculators.
Bike Rentals
Bike Rentals
Limited bike-sharing in Amman via Spinneys or tourist rentals, JOD 5-10/day ($7-14) with stations in parks.
Routes: Flat paths along Jordan River Valley, guided tours in Aqaba for coastal cycling.
Tours: Eco-bike tours to Dead Sea or Petra outskirts, combining history with light adventure.
Buses & Local Services
JETT and public operators connect Amman to Petra, Aqaba; intercity buses JOD 5-15 ($7-21).
Tickets: JOD 1-2 per local ride, buy at stations or use Careem/Uber apps for shared rides.
Desert Shuttles: Organized minibuses to Wadi Rum camps, JOD 10-20 ($14-28) round-trip.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in Amman for easy access, close to Petra entrance for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for spring (Mar-May) and major events like Ramadan.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected desert plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, AC inclusion, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities like Amman, 3G/4G in rural and desert areas with some gaps in Wadi Rum.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from JOD 3.50 ($5) for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Zain, Orange, and Umniah offer prepaid SIMs from JOD 7-14 ($10-20) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, malls, or provider shops with passport required for registration.
Data Plans: 5GB for JOD 10 ($14), 10GB for JOD 18 ($25), unlimited for JOD 21 ($30)/month.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, and tourist sites like Petra visitor centers.
Public Hotspots: Amman malls and bus stations offer free access, but speeds vary.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, sufficient for maps and social media.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, no daylight saving (UTC+3 during Ramadan periods).
- Airport Transfers: Queen Alia Airport (AMM) 30km from Amman, bus JOD 3 ($4.20) (30 min), taxi JOD 20-25 ($28-35), or book private transfer for JOD 25-40 ($35-56).
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (JOD 2-5/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis vary; major sites like Petra have ramps, but desert tours may need 4x4 adaptations.
- Pet Travel: Limited on public transport; check tour operators for pet-friendly desert safaris.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on buses for JOD 2 ($2.80), rentals include transport options.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Jordan
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is the main hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Queen Alia (AMM): Primary international gateway, 30km south of Amman with bus and taxi links.
King Hussein (AQJ): Aqaba regional hub for Red Sea flights, 10km from city center.
Amman Civil (ADJ): Domestic and small international, convenient for northern Jordan access.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for spring travel (Mar-May) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Tel Aviv or Cairo and bus to Jordan for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Flydubai serve Amman and Aqaba with regional connections.
Important: Include baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, airport fees higher for last-minute services.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee JOD 1-3 ($1.40-4.20), use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and shops, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in Amman, Apple Pay and Google Pay at major spots.
- Cash: Essential for taxis, markets, and small vendors, keep JOD 50-100 ($70-140) in small notes.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, add 10% in restaurants or JOD 1-2 ($1.40-2.80) for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with high fees.