How do you get to Amman?
Getting There1.4/10Among the 5% hardest cities to reach
- Main airport
- Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: amman-airport.com, touristjordan.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Always use official airport taxi desk to avoid overcharging and scams. Fixed rates are government-regulated.
- Cash in Jordanian Dinars is preferred for taxis and buses; ATMs available at airport but charge fees.
- Sariyah Express bus is most economical option but allows 45-60 minutes travel time and departs when full off-peak.
- Book JETT intercity buses in advance for popular routes; minibuses operate on 'leave when full' system with no fixed schedule.
- Minibus fares are very affordable but require flexibility; buses stop running early evening and not all run on Fridays.
- Peak traffic in Amman is early evening; allow extra time if traveling during rush hours.
- Jordan requires valid driver's license (international recommended) and passport for car rentals; insurance is mandatory and included in quoted rates.
- Royal Jordanian domestic flights offer fastest option to Aqaba but are more expensive than road travel.
- Multi-day tours from Amman combining Petra, Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum provide good value and logistical convenience.
- Day-trip to Petra from Amman is feasible (2.5-3 hour drive each way) but 1-day tours require early start and long day.
- Speak with your hotel about arranging private transfers for convenience and fixed pricing, especially for popular sites.
Rail
- Status
- Limited service. Hejaz Jordan Railway operates heritage/occasional services between Amman and Al Jizah (approx. 35 km). Services are infrequent and mainly for tourists.
- Note
- No regular daily passenger rail service for domestic travel. Damascus-Amman passenger link in restoration (as of 2026), expected completion by end of 2026.
Airport
- Name
- Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)
- Flights
- Well connected to Europe, North America, Middle East, and Asia. Over 40 airlines operate here including Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.
- Location
- Zizya, approximately 30-34 km south of Amman city center
- IATA Code
- AMM
- Note
- Jordan's largest and main international airport. Hub for Royal Jordanian Airlines and Jordan Aviation.
Intercity Buses
- Jett Bus
- Jordan Express Tourist Transportation. Air-conditioned coaches on main routes (Amman-Petra, Amman-Aqaba, etc.). Comfortable, reliable, bookable online.
- Minibuses
- Shared 15-18 seater minibuses. Depart when full, no fixed schedules. Very affordable but require flexibility.
Internal Flights
- Cost
- JOD 56
- Route
- Amman (QAIA) to Aqaba only domestic route
- Duration
- Just over 30 minutes flight time; ~90 minutes city-center to city-center with check-in/transfers
- Operator
- Royal Jordanian Airlines
- Frequency
- 2-3 daily flights
- Note
- Faster than 4+ hour road journey but more costly. Scenic views available.
Airport To City Transport
45-60 Minutes to Downtown Amman (North Bus Station/Tabarbour)
- Cost
- JOD 3.30
- How to get there
- Sariyah Express Bus (Official Airport Bus)
- Details
- Yellow bus departing from outside arrivals terminal, clearly signposted. Stops at 7th Circle, 6th Circle, and North Bus Station. Most economical option.
- Payment
- Cash at kiosk near bus stop or directly from driver. No online advance booking available.
- Frequency
- Every 30 minutes during day (08:00-18:00), hourly at night
- Availability
- 24/7 operation
30-45 Minutes to City Center
- Cost
- JOD 23
- How to get there
- Official Airport Taxi
- Details
- Fixed government-regulated rates (yellow taxis). Up to 4 passengers. Official taxi desk outside arrivals hall main exit. Pre-arranged coupon system to avoid scams. Most convenient for travelers with luggage.
- Payment
- Cash (JOD preferred), some taxis accept cards.
- Availability
- 24/7
30-45 Minutes
- Cost
- JOD 24
- How to get there
- Private Transfer/Hotel Shuttle
- Details
- Pre-booked drivers meet in arrivals hall with name sign. Air-conditioned vehicles, often with English-speaking drivers, Wi-Fi, bottled water.
- Note
- Per group; costs vary by vehicle size and destination. Range typically 24-55 USD per group.
30-45 Minutes
- Cost
- JOD 15
- How to get there
- Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Careem)
- Details
- Available at airport. Transparent pricing through app. Uber and Careem both operate in Amman. Can be less reliable during night hours.
- Note
- Price range typically 15-25 JOD, varies with demand and traffic.
Car Rental
- Cost
- JOD 25
- Details
- Rental desks in arrivals hall. Companies: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and local providers. Valid driver's license (international recommended), passport, credit card required.
- Note
- Per day; range 25-40 JOD depending on season and car type. Insurance included.
Ground Transport Within Amman
- Buses
- 27 public bus routes around city. Generally clean. Buses depart when full rather than on schedule.
- Taxis
- Yellow taxis are most common; can be hailed on street or from hotels. White service taxis operate shared fixed routes. Use meter ('il adad') or negotiate fare beforehand. Typical in-city ride: 2-3 JOD.
- Rideshare Apps
- Careem, Uber, Jeeny, and Petra Ride operate in Amman. Popular for convenience and transparent pricing.
- Note
- Avoid driving/renting within Amman city center—heavy traffic and difficult parking.
Day Trips And Nearby Destinations
Petra
- Distance
- Approximately 240 km south of Amman
- Travel Time
- 2.5-3 hours by car; 2 hours 40 minutes by minibus
- Minibus Cost
- JOD 3.00
- Private Taxi Cost
- JOD 50
- Transport Options
- JETT bus, shared minibus (Wahdat station), private transfer/taxi, guided tour, or car rental
- Note
- Popular day-trip destination. Tours from Amman typically include transport, guide, and lunch.
Jerash
- Distance
- Approximately 50 km north of Amman
- Travel Time
- 1-1.5 hours by car
- Transport Options
- Private transfer, taxi, minibus from Abdali station, or organized tour
- Minibus Approximate Cost
- JOD 1.50
- Note
- Well-preserved Roman city. Popular day-trip option.
Dead Sea
- Distance
- Approximately 50-60 km west/southwest of Amman
- Travel Time
- 45 minutes to 1 hour by car
- Transport Options
- Private transfer, taxi, ride-sharing apps, or organized tour
- Typical Tour Cost
- Private day trips vary; budget tours available from tour operators
- Note
- Half-day to full-day trips common. Resort access with resort fees, mud, and floating experiences.
Madaba And Mount Nebo
- Distance
- Approximately 30 km south of Amman
- Travel Time
- 30-45 minutes by car
- Transport Options
- Private transfer, taxi, or minibus
- Typical Private Taxi Cost
- JOD 50
- Note
- Often combined with Dead Sea or as part of multi-site day tours.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Amman
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.