Getting Around Jordan

Transportation Options in Jordan

Jordan offers various transportation options to suit different travel styles and budgets. From self-driving adventures to guided tours, understanding your options will help you navigate the country efficiently and make the most of your visit.

Rental Cars

Renting a car in Jordan gives you the most flexibility and is highly recommended if you're comfortable driving in a foreign country. Jordan's main highways are well-maintained, and road signs are in both Arabic and English.

Advantages

• Complete freedom to create your own schedule
• Ability to reach remote areas not served by public transportation
• Convenience of door-to-door travel
• Cost-effective for groups of 3 or more
• Option to stop at viewpoints and small attractions along the way

Considerations

• International Driver's Permit recommended (but not always required)
• Fuel is relatively expensive in Jordan
• Navigation can be challenging in cities like Amman
• Aggressive driving style in urban areas
• Limited parking in city centers

Rental Tips

• Major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) have offices at Queen Alia International Airport and in Amman
• Local companies often offer better rates but may have older vehicles
• Book in advance, especially during high season
• Thoroughly inspect the vehicle and document any existing damage before driving off
• Consider a 4WD vehicle if planning to visit Wadi Rum or other desert areas
• Most rentals are manual transmission; specify automatic if needed

Private Driver/Guide

Hiring a private driver or guide is a comfortable and stress-free way to explore Jordan. This option combines the convenience of door-to-door service with local knowledge and expertise.

Advantages

• No need to navigate or worry about driving in unfamiliar territory
• Local insights and recommendations
• Ability to customize your itinerary
• Convenient for families or travelers with limited mobility
• Driver can help with language barriers and cultural context

Considerations

• More expensive than self-driving or public transportation
• Less spontaneity unless arranged in advance
• Quality of guides can vary

Booking Tips

• Book through reputable tour companies or your hotel
• Clarify what's included (entrance fees, meals, etc.)
• Discuss your interests in advance so the guide can tailor the experience
• Expect to pay $100-200 per day depending on the itinerary and vehicle type

Public Buses

Jordan has an extensive network of public buses connecting major cities and towns. These range from modern coaches to older minibuses.

Types of Buses

• JETT Buses: Modern, air-conditioned coaches that operate on fixed schedules between major cities. Comfortable but limited routes and frequencies.
• Local Buses: Smaller, often older buses that serve more routes but with less comfort and no fixed schedules (they depart when full).
• Minibuses: Serve shorter routes within cities or to nearby towns. Very economical but can be crowded.

Popular JETT Routes

• Amman to Petra (3-4 hours)
• Amman to Aqaba (4 hours)
• Amman to Dead Sea (1 hour)
• Amman to Irbid (1 hour)

Considerations

• Most economical option for solo travelers
• Limited schedules may restrict your itinerary
• Not all tourist destinations are well-served by public buses
• Language barriers can be challenging at bus stations
• Luggage space may be limited on local buses

Shared Taxis (Service)

Shared taxis, locally known as "service" (pronounced "ser-veess"), are a common mode of transportation in Jordan. These are typically white taxis that operate on fixed routes between cities or within urban areas.

How They Work

• Depart from designated stations in each city
• Leave when full (usually 4-5 passengers)
• Fixed price per seat
• Faster than buses but more expensive
• Can drop you along the route if needed

Considerations

• Good balance of cost and convenience
• More frequent departures than buses
• Limited luggage space
• May need to wait until the taxi fills up
• Not ideal for reaching remote tourist sites

Private Taxis

Yellow taxis are available in all major cities for point-to-point transportation. They're convenient for getting around within cities or for day trips to nearby attractions.

Tips for Using Taxis

• Insist on using the meter or negotiate the fare before starting the journey
• Most drivers in tourist areas speak basic English
• Have your destination written in Arabic if possible
• Tipping is not required but rounding up is appreciated
• For day trips, negotiate a waiting fee or round-trip fare

Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber and Careem operate in Amman and some other major cities. These apps provide the convenience of cashless payment and predetermined fares.

Domestic Flights

Royal Jordanian Airlines operates domestic flights between Amman and Aqaba. This can be a time-saving option if you're planning to visit the Red Sea and are short on time.

• Flight time is approximately 45 minutes
• Multiple daily flights
• Can be cost-effective if booked in advance
• Convenient if you're starting or ending your trip in Aqaba

Organized Tours

For travelers with limited time or those who prefer a structured experience, organized tours are an excellent option. Many companies offer day trips from major cities or multi-day packages covering Jordan's highlights.

Types of Tours

• Day trips: Popular options include Amman to Dead Sea, Jerash, or Mount Nebo
• Multi-day tours: Comprehensive packages covering major attractions
• Specialized tours: Hiking, photography, culinary, or historical focus
• Group tours: Join other travelers for a more economical option
• Private tours: Customized itineraries with dedicated guide

Considerations

• All logistics handled for you
• Expert guides provide historical and cultural context
• Fixed itineraries with limited flexibility
• Group dynamics can impact your experience
• Usually more expensive than independent travel

Transportation to Specific Destinations

Getting to Petra

• From Amman: JETT bus (3-4 hours), rental car (3 hours), or tour
• From Aqaba: Taxi or minibus (2 hours), rental car (1.5 hours)
• From Wadi Rum: Taxi (1.5 hours) or tour

Getting to Wadi Rum

• From Aqaba: Taxi (1 hour) or tour
• From Petra: Taxi (1.5 hours) or tour
• Note: Public transportation to Wadi Rum is limited; most visitors arrange transportation through their camp

Getting to the Dead Sea

• From Amman: JETT bus (1 hour), rental car (1 hour), or tour
• Public beach access: Amman Beach or O Beach (entrance fee applies)
• Resort day passes: Available at most Dead Sea resorts

Border Crossings

If your itinerary includes neighboring countries, here are the main border crossing options:

Jordan-Israel Crossings

• King Hussein/Allenby Bridge: Near the Dead Sea, connects to Jerusalem (not open for foreign tourists entering Jordan)
• Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein: Northern crossing, connects to Nazareth/Tiberias
• Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin: Southern crossing between Aqaba and Eilat

Transportation to/from Borders

• Taxis are the most reliable option for reaching border crossings
• No public buses go directly to borders
• Some tour companies offer transfer services
• Rental cars typically cannot be taken across borders

Accessibility Considerations

For travelers with mobility challenges, transportation in Jordan requires some planning:

• Major hotels can arrange accessible transportation
• Public transportation is generally not wheelchair accessible
• Private drivers with suitable vehicles are the best option
• Many tourist sites have limited accessibility features

Final Recommendations

• For first-time visitors: Rental car or private driver provides the most flexibility
• For budget travelers: Combination of JETT buses and shared taxis
• For short trips (3-4 days): Organized tour covering major highlights
• For families: Private driver or rental car
• For solo travelers: Public transportation is economical but requires more time and flexibility

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