Getting Around Jordan 2025
Navigate Jordan like a local with our transportation guide.
Jordan captivates travelers with its blend of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly wadis and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern kingdom offers unforgettable experiences. Whether floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, camping under stars in Wadi Rum, or exploring Roman ruins at Jerash, Jordan rewards visitors with authentic culture and timeless beauty.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Jordan.
Public Transit
Public buses serve Amman neighborhoods but are confusing for tourists with Arabic-only signage and no fixed timetables. Useful for budget travel between Amman neighborhoods but most visitors use taxis or rideshare apps.
Taxis
Yellow metered taxis are widely available throughout Amman. Uber and Careem apps are more convenient and often cheaper. Always insist on the meter or agree a price before starting.
Car Rental
Car rental is excellent value for touring Jordan's attractions — Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, and Jerash are all much more accessible with a vehicle. International companies at Queen Alia Airport.
Walking
Amman is walkable within individual neighborhoods but very hilly — the citadel, Rainbow Street, and downtown can be done on foot. Between neighborhoods, taxis or rideshare are practical.
Getting There
How to arrive in Jordan.
✈️ By Air
Queen Alia International Airport
King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba)
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Jordan.
🚌 Buses
{'description': 'Public buses serve Amman neighborhoods but routes can be confusing for tourists. Fares are very cheap (0.25-0.50 JOD / $0.35-0.70) but schedules are irregular. Minibuses (servees) follow set routes, pay driver directly. Most tourists avoid public buses due to language barriers and complexity.', 'tips': 'Ask locals for help, have exact change, learn basic Arabic numbers'}
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
{'JETT': "Premium bus company with fixed schedules and comfortable coaches. Routes include Amman-Petra (10 JOD/$14, 3 hours), Amman-Aqaba (10 JOD, 4 hours), Amman-Hammamat Ma'in. Advance booking recommended, especially for Petra. Air-conditioned, reclining seats, more expensive than alternatives but most reliable for tourists.", 'Trust_International': 'Another reliable company serving major tourist routes. Similar prices and comfort to JETT. Amman-Petra service daily.', 'minibuses': 'Cheap public minibuses connect all cities from various stations. Amman-Petra about 7 JOD ($10), but can be crowded and circuitous. Depart when full, no fixed schedule. Budget option but requires Arabic and patience.', 'tips': 'Book JETT online or at Abdali station. Public buses leave from multiple Amman locations depending on destination - Wahadat station (south), Abdali (north), Raghadan (west).'}
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
Royal Jordanian operates Amman-Aqaba flights (45 minutes, from 35 JOD/$50 one-way). Only useful if very short on time as bus is much cheaper and not much longer with airport time included.
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Jordan
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Download Uber and Careem apps before arriving — both operate 24 hours in Amman and Aqaba and are safer and cheaper than unmetered taxis
For Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea day trips, renting a car ($35-50/day) gives much more flexibility than organized tours
JETT buses from Abdali station are the most reliable public transport for intercity routes — book tickets online at least a day ahead for Petra
The Jordan Pass ($70-80) is excellent value as it covers the Petra entry fee ($70) plus visa cost plus 40+ attractions
Always insist on the meter in yellow taxis in Amman — say 'adaad' (meter) when getting in; if driver refuses, find another taxi
Wadi Rum requires a 4x4 vehicle and local Bedouin guide — private car rental is not sufficient without an organized desert tour
Aqaba is completely different transportation-wise — taxis are affordable and the city is compact enough to walk between many attractions
Useful Apps
Uber
Best for reliable rides in Amman and Aqaba with English app interface, card payment, and driver tracking
Careem
Local ride-hailing app with excellent Amman coverage, sometimes better availability than Uber; also offers scheduled rides
JETT (jett.com.jo)
Jordan's premium intercity bus company with online booking for routes to Petra, Aqaba, and Dead Sea
Google Maps
Works well for Jordan with driving directions and some public transit routes, but coverage of small roads can be patchy
Navigate Jordan Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
Download Transport Guide