Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital city, a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life set across a dramatic hillside landscape. The city is home to Roman ruins, vibrant souks, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the Middle East's most compelling destinations.
- Public
- Amman's public bus network is limited for tourists — infrequent schedules, Arabic-only signage, and no easy route information. JETT buses work well for intercity travel.
- Taxi
- Yellow metered taxis are abundant and affordable. Always insist on the meter starting. Uber and Careem are often more convenient — cashless and transparent.
- Rental
- Car rental is good value and opens up Jordan's countryside, but driving in central Amman is stressful. Consider a driver rather than self-drive for day trips.
- Walking
- Individual neighborhoods (Rainbow Street, downtown Balad, Jabal Al Luweibdeh) are very walkable. Moving between neighborhoods typically requires wheels due to the hilly terrain.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- JOD 17–20 fixed rate, 30–45 min to city center
- Taxi Info
- Official airport taxis have a fixed fare system — pay at the counter inside arrivals. Do not accept rides from unlicensed drivers outside the terminal.
- Shuttle
- JOD 3, JETT bus service (limited schedule)
- Shuttle Info
- JETT buses depart from outside arrivals to Abdali bus station. Check schedule in advance — limited frequency especially at night.
- Bus
- JOD 3 — JETT intercity bus from airport to Abdali
- Bus Info
- Runs several times daily; not practical late at night or with heavy luggage
- Private
- JOD 25–40 pre-booked car service
- Private Info
- Book online through hotel or reputable operators; meet-and-greet service available. Best option for first-time visitors arriving late.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Local buses charge JOD 0.35–0.70 per ride on fixed routes — practical only if you know the routes well. Not recommended for tourists.
Alternatives
Uber and Careem cover virtually all of Amman and are the practical choice for tourists. Many hotels arrange trusted taxi drivers for extended stays.
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- JOD 0.25 base fare + JOD 0.25/km (metered yellow taxis)
- Apps
- Uber, Careem
- App Names
- Uber, Careem
- Typical Fare
- JOD 4–6 for an average city trip (downtown to 3rd Circle for example)
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
JETT buses to Aqaba (JOD 10, 4 hours), Irbid (JOD 3, 1.5 hours), Dead Sea (JOD 5, 1 hour)
Shared
Shared taxis (service) available from North Station (Mahatta) to Jerash, Irbid, and nearby towns — JOD 1.50–3 per seat
Flights
Royal Jordanian operates domestic flights from Marka Airport to Aqaba (Queen Alia also serves Aqaba)
Private
Private car hire with driver from JOD 40/day — arrange through hotel for reliability
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Amman lacks a comprehensive metro or rail network, making taxis and ride-hailing apps the most practical transport for visitors. The city's hilly topography makes walking between neighborhoods challenging, though individual areas like Rainbow Street and downtown are very walkable. Uber and Careem are widely available and highly recommended.
Airports
Queen Alia International Airport
Marka Airport (King Hussein International Airport)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Best for convenience — English interface, cashless payment, upfront pricing. Available throughout Amman including the airport.
Careem
Regional alternative to Uber, very popular in Jordan. Similar features and pricing. Sometimes offers better deals during promotions.
JETT Bus App
Jordan's main intercity bus operator — book tickets to Aqaba, Dead Sea, and other destinations online.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Uber and Careem apps before arriving in Amman — they work immediately and are safer than street taxis
If taking a yellow taxi, insist the driver starts the meter ('Istakhdem al-'addad') — most will comply
The official airport taxi counter inside arrivals prevents price gouging — always use this for airport pickups
Friday and Saturday nights after midnight can be very busy for taxis — book an Uber in advance
Ask your hotel or hostel to recommend a reliable taxi driver for day trips — they often have trusted contacts
Traffic is worst Sunday–Thursday, 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM — leave extra time during peak hours
JETT buses to the Dead Sea run only a few times per day — book the earliest departure for maximum beach time
Hiring a private driver for Jerash + Ajloun in one day is excellent value at around JOD 40–50 total