Getting Around Jordan

Transport, Drivers, Buses, and Practical Travel Tips

Jordan is compact, dramatic, and rich in history — a place where Roman ruins, desert landscapes, and Red Sea coastline all sit within a few hours’ reach.

In a single trip, travellers can move between the capital Amman, the ancient city of Petra, the desert of Wadi Rum, and the waters of Aqaba.

This guide explains how transport works in Jordan — car hire, buses, private drivers, taxis, and tours — with realistic travel times, costs, and context for exploring both cities and remote areas.

Transport Options in Jordan

Car Hire (Recommended for Flexibility)

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Jordan independently.

• Ideal for visiting multiple sites in one trip
• Great for routes like the Dead Sea and King’s Highway
• Gives full control over timing and stops

Typical cost:
USD $30–70 per day

Road conditions are generally good, and signage is improving, though driving in Amman can feel busy and unstructured.

Buses in Jordan

Buses connect major cities, though the network is limited for tourist sites.

Main operator:

• JETT

Popular routes:

• Amman → Petra
• Amman → Aqaba
• Amman → Madaba

Typical cost:
USD $10–30 depending on distance

JETT buses are comfortable and reliable but run on fixed schedules — often just once daily per route.

Minibuses & Service Taxis

Local minibuses and shared taxis (service taxis) operate between towns.

• Very cheap
• Leave when full (no fixed timetable)
• Limited luggage space

Best for short distances or local travel rather than tight itineraries.

Private Drivers & Transfers (Highly Popular)

Hiring a private driver is one of the most common and stress-free ways to explore Jordan.

• Flexible itineraries
• Hotel-to-hotel service
• Local knowledge and insights

Typical costs:

• Amman → Petra: USD $90–150
• Multi-day driver: USD $120–200 per day

This is especially useful for routes like the scenic King’s Highway or when visiting multiple sites in one day.

Taxis & Ride Apps

Taxis are widely available in cities.

What to know:

• Meters are sometimes used — confirm before starting
• Ride apps like Careem and Uber operate in Amman

Typical prices:

• Short city rides: USD $2–10

A convenient option for getting around Amman or short trips.

Domestic Flights

Jordan has limited domestic flights, but one useful route exists:

• Amman ↔ Aqaba: ~1 hour

Useful for saving time compared to a 4-hour drive.

Getting Around Jordan’s Main Areas

Amman (Capital City)

Amman is the main entry point and transport hub.

• Taxis and ride apps are the easiest way to get around
• Traffic can be heavy
• Walking is limited due to hills and layout

Nearby highlights:

• Amman Citadel
• Roman Theatre

Airport → city centre:
30–45 minutes | USD $20–30

Petra & Wadi Musa

Petra is Jordan’s most famous attraction.

Base town:

• Wadi Musa

Access:

• JETT bus from Amman (~4 hours)
• Private driver (most flexible)

Once there:

• Walking is essential inside Petra
• Local taxis for short distances around town

Wadi Rum (Desert Region)

Wadi Rum offers vast desert landscapes and Bedouin experiences.

Access:

• 1.5–2 hours from Petra
• Usually arranged via tour or camp

Transport inside Wadi Rum:

• 4WD vehicles only
• Guided desert tours

Independent travel here is limited — most visits are organised through camps.

Aqaba (Red Sea Coast)

Aqaba is Jordan’s coastal city.

• Easy to get around by taxi
• Compact and walkable in parts

Access:

• 4-hour drive from Amman
• 1-hour flight
• 1 hour from Wadi Rum

Ideal for diving, snorkelling, and relaxing after inland travel.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is one of Jordan’s easiest day trips.

Access:

• 1 hour from Amman by car or driver

Transport tips:

• Best visited with a private driver
• Limited public transport

Popular Routes: Travel Times & Costs

Amman → Petra
• Car: ~3–4 hours
• JETT bus: ~4 hours
• Private driver: USD $90–150

Petra → Wadi Rum
• Car/driver: ~1.5–2 hours

Wadi Rum → Aqaba
• Car: ~1 hour

Amman → Dead Sea
• Car: ~1 hour

Amman → Aqaba
• Car: ~4 hours
• Flight: ~1 hour

The King’s Highway (Scenic Route)

One of Jordan’s most rewarding drives.

Route highlights:

• Madaba
• Mount Nebo
• Dana Biosphere Reserve

Best explored with:

• Rental car or private driver

Slower than the Desert Highway, but far more scenic and culturally rich.

Top Places to Visit in Jordan

• Amman – Culture, food, and history
• Petra – World Wonder and ancient city
• Wadi Rum – Desert landscapes and Bedouin camps
• Aqaba – Red Sea coast
• Dead Sea – Floating and relaxation
• Madaba – Mosaics and history
• Dana Biosphere Reserve – Nature and hiking

Practical Notes for Travellers

• Distances are short, but travel times can vary
• Private drivers are excellent value for flexibility
• Public transport is limited outside main routes
• Cash is useful, especially outside cities
• English is widely spoken in tourist areas

Jordan is easy to navigate with the right approach.

Getting around Jordan is straightforward once you choose your transport style.

With a mix of car hire, private drivers, buses, taxis, and occasional flights, it’s entirely possible to explore everything from Amman and Petra to Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba in a single trip.

Travel at a comfortable pace, allow time for stops, and let the landscapes — and history — unfold along the way.

N.B. Prices shown are indicative and reflect typical costs in Jordan as of March 2026.