Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Jordan.

Long-Distance Trains [القطار]

The Hejaz Railway operates limited tourist services between Amman and Zarqa only; it does not connect major cities despite historical significance. Don't rely on trains for intercity travel—buses dominate Jordan's transport network.
Heritage rides — The Hejaz Railway offers scenic heritage journeys on weekends and special dates, departing from Amman station. Book ahead through the railway office or hotels, as capacity is very limited and prices are higher than buses.
Station location — Amman's main railway station is in the old downtown area near Raghadan bus station. Arrive early; trains run infrequently and delays are common.

Amman buses — The JETT and Amman City Bus Company operate numbered routes across the capital. Download the Amman Now app or ask locals for route numbers; fares are cheap (under 1 JD) but schedules are irregular.
Buses are extremely crowded during rush hours and pickpocketing is common in packed vehicles. Keep valuables secure, avoid standing near doors, and be extra cautious with phones and bags.
Bus cards — Buy a rechargeable Amman City Bus card (Nol card) at major stations for discounted fares. Single trips cost 0.5–0.75 JD; cards save you 10–15% per journey.
Women and elderly passengers have reserved seats; giving up your seat is expected. Separate seating areas exist on some buses during peak times.

Major operators — JETT (state-run), Hijazi, Masa, and AlFares operate routes to Aqaba, Dead Sea, Jerash, Irbid, and Petra. JETT is most reliable and tourist-friendly; private companies are cheaper but less comfortable.
Minibus alternatives — Shared minibuses (servees) depart from minibus stations when full, costing 50% less than luxury buses but with no fixed schedules. They're slower and more crowded but connect smaller towns cheaply.
Strikes occasionally disrupt bus services with little warning, especially around public sector pay disputes. Check local news before long journeys and have a backup plan.
Booking & prices — Book JETT online or at stations 1–2 days ahead, especially in peak season. Fares are fixed: Amman–Aqaba is ~10–15 JD; Amman–Petra ~8–12 JD.

Amman's yellow taxis rarely use meters; agree on a fare before entering or use Uber/Careem. Drivers may overcharge tourists by 50–100%, especially from the airport.
Ride-sharing apps — Uber and Careem operate in Amman and Aqaba with transparent pricing; both are safer and cheaper than street taxis. Prices surge during rain or late night (2–3× normal rates).
Airport & hotel taxis — Pre-book taxis through your hotel or use airport official taxi counters to avoid unlicensed drivers. Hotel concierge fares are slightly higher but reliable and negotiable.
Taxi drivers may refuse short trips (under 2 JD) even if legal; politely insist or use a ride app instead. Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is customary for good service.
Avoid hailing taxis late at night alone, especially if female; use apps or arrange rides in advance through hotels. Street theft and harassment are rare but possible after dark.

Rental companies — Avis, Hertz, Budget, and local firms like Europcar offer rentals at Amman airport and city centers. An International Driving Permit and valid home license are required; insurance is mandatory (~10–15 JD/day).
Jordanian driving is aggressive with frequent speeding, lane-cutting, and minimal seatbelt use; traffic accidents are common. Avoid driving at night outside major cities, especially alone.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 80–100 km/h on highways; fines for speeding start at 30 JD. Traffic police use radar guns and unmarked cars; cameras also monitor main roads.
Petrol stations close early in small towns and rural areas are rare; fuel up in cities. Mechanical repairs are cheap but quality varies; trust major towns over remote garages.
Parking — Hotels and malls have secure parking; street parking in Amman is paid (0.25–0.5 JD/hour) and monitored by attendants. Never leave valuables in vehicles, even locked.

Queen Alia Airport — Amman's main airport (AMM) is 30 km south; allow 45–60 minutes by taxi (15–20 JD) or bus (2 JD on JETT). Airport express buses depart hourly from downtown Amman (Raghadan station).
Aqaba airport — Aqaba Civil Airport (AQJ) handles regional flights; taxis to city center cost ~8–10 JD (15 minutes). It's smaller and less crowded than Amman's.
Departure tax (JD 10–20) is included in international ticket prices; no extra payment at check-in. Arrive 2–3 hours before international flights.
Airport facilities — Queen Alia has ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants, and Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi requires registration but is free for passengers.
Pre-book airport transport if arriving late at night; taxis are available but rates double after 10 pm. Avoid unmarked vehicles and confirm the driver is official.

Cash-based system — Most local transport (buses, minibuses, taxis) accepts only Jordanian Dinars in cash. ATMs are plentiful in cities; exchange money at banks or registered changers for better rates than tourist shops.
Tourist passes — Amman offers 1-day or 3-day tourist bus passes (~3–8 JD) covering all city buses; buy at Raghadan or Abdali stations. They're useful if making 4+ trips daily but buses are cheap individually.
Online booking — JETT and some intercity operators allow advance bookings on their websites or through hotels. Mobile payment is limited; book in advance via card then collect tickets at stations.
Fraudulent tickets exist on secondary markets; buy directly from official operator offices or authorized agents only. Counterfeit JETT tickets have been reported.

SIM providers — Three major networks operate: Zain, Orange Jordan (Fastlink), and Umniah. Buy prepaid SIMs at airport kiosks, city shops, or supermarkets for ~2–5 JD with activation credit included.
Data packages — Data plans are affordable: 1 GB for ~3–5 JD, 5 GB for ~8–10 JD valid 7–30 days. Activate via SMS, call center, or the provider's app; coverage is excellent in cities, patchy in desert areas.
Wi-Fi access — Hotels, cafes, malls, and buses increasingly offer free Wi-Fi; ask for passwords. Airport and major stations have free Wi-Fi but may require phone registration.
Mobile roaming charges are high; buying a local SIM is far cheaper for data and calls. International roaming can cost 5–10 JD per MB if not on a roaming package.