Day trips from Amman: the best places within two hours
Amman is an ideal base for exploring Jordan. Many of the country's great sites lie within an hour or two of the capital, so you can keep the same hotel and come back each evening to the city's restaurants and cafés. Here are the classic day trips, with driving times and the best ways to combine them.
How to get around
The easiest way to take day trips is with a private driver or a rental car; most hotels can arrange a driver for the day. Buses and minibuses from Amman's bus stations reach Jerash, Madaba and Salt, but they are slower, usually leave when full, and do not go to the Dead Sea beaches or the desert castles.
Choosing your day trips
If you have only one day, Jerash is the classic choice. With two days, add Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea. The desert castles and Umm Qais suit travellers who have already seen the main sites.
Petra is too far for a comfortable day trip from Amman: it is about three hours each way and deserves at least one night nearby.
The best time of year
Spring and autumn are ideal for every trip on this list. In summer, start early for Jerash and the desert castles and keep the hottest hours for the Dead Sea or a museum in Amman. In winter, the north can be cold and rainy, while the Dead Sea is pleasantly warm.
Day trips, one by one
Jerash and Ajloun Castle
Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, lies about an hour north of Amman. Spend the morning among its colonnaded streets, theatres and oval plaza, then drive about half an hour through green hills to Ajloun Castle for the view at sunset.
JerashAjlounMadaba, Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site
Start with the sixth-century mosaic map in Madaba's Church of St George, continue about 10 km to the Mount Nebo viewpoint over the Jordan Valley, then descend to the Baptism Site on the river Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Madaba and Mount NeboBaptism SiteThe Dead Sea
Descend more than 1,200 metres from Amman to the lowest point on Earth to float in the salty water and cover yourself in mud. Hotel day passes and public beaches with showers make it an easy half day; combine it with the Baptism Site or Mount Nebo.
Dead SeaThe desert castles
Head east into the desert to the Umayyad castles: the fortress-like Qasr Kharana, Qusayr Amra with its painted frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the black basalt fort of Azraq. Take water and fill up with fuel before leaving Amman.
Desert CastlesSalt
The hill town of Salt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021, is famous for its honey-coloured stone houses, stairways and old markets. It makes a relaxed half day and combines well with a drive down to the Jordan Valley.
As-SaltUmm Qais
In the far north, the Graeco-Roman city of Gadara (Umm Qais) stands on a hilltop with sweeping views over the Jordan Valley and the Yarmouk gorge. Pair it with Jerash for a long day, or stay a night in the north.
Umm QaisWadi Mujib
From about April to October, walk and wade up the Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib, a narrow canyon of water and sandstone near the Dead Sea. Book ahead with the reserve and check that the trail is open.
Wadi MujibFrequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Amman?
Jerash and Ajloun, Madaba with Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site, the Dead Sea, the desert castles, Salt and Umm Qais. All are within about two hours of the capital.
Can you visit Petra as a day trip from Amman?
It is possible, but it means about six hours on the road in one day and little time at the site. It is far better to spend at least one night in Wadi Musa.
How do I get from Amman to Jerash?
By private driver or rental car in about an hour, or by bus or minibus from Amman's North Bus Station.
Can I visit the Dead Sea on a day trip from Amman?
Yes. The Dead Sea is about an hour from Amman by car. Many resorts sell day passes with access to the beach, pools and showers.
More travel essentials
Shrines of the Prophet's Companions in Jordan
Prophets in Jordan: holy sites linked to their stories
Dead Sea products: mud, salt and minerals, and how to use them
Is Jordan safe to visit? A practical guide for travellers
Jordan Pass and visa: what it includes and is it worth it?
