Roads & Getting Around

Arriving by air

Most international visitors arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, which lies in the desert about 30 to 35 kilometres south of central Amman. It is Jordan's largest airport and the main base of the national airline. Buses, taxis and car rental counters connect the airport with the capital and other cities, and the Desert Highway passes close by, making it convenient for travel south.

In the far south, King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba serves the Red Sea coast and is used by some international and seasonal flights, as well as domestic flights to Amman. Amman Civil Airport, in the Marka district of the capital, handles a smaller number of regional, charter and private flights. Jordan can also be entered by land through several crossings with neighbouring countries.

The three great roads

Three main highways run the length of the country. The Desert Highway is the fastest route between Amman and Aqaba, used by most freight and buses. The King's Highway follows an ancient route through the highland towns and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The Dead Sea Highway runs along the floor of the Rift Valley, linking the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Wadi Araba.

Many travellers combine these roads, for example driving south along the King's Highway to visit Madaba, Karak and Dana, then returning north on the faster Desert Highway. Other important roads connect Amman with Irbid and Jerash in the north, with Zarqa and Mafraq in the north-east, and with Azraq and the desert castles in the east.

Buses and shared transport

Comfortable intercity coaches run between Amman and major destinations such as Aqaba, Petra and Irbid. JETT is the best-known company, and several others offer similar services. Seats can often be reserved in advance. Smaller public buses and minibuses connect towns and villages; many leave from regional bus stations when they are full rather than at fixed times.

In Amman, the Bus Rapid Transit system, known as the BRT, runs on dedicated lanes along main roads and connects with other routes, including services towards Zarqa. Service taxis, usually white cars that follow fixed routes and carry several passengers who share the cost, are a traditional and inexpensive way to move around cities and between nearby towns.

Driving in Jordan

Renting a car gives freedom to explore at your own pace. Traffic drives on the right, main roads are generally in good condition, and signs on major routes are written in Arabic and English. Speed limits are enforced with fixed and mobile cameras, so it is wise to follow the posted limits carefully. Speed bumps are common at the entrance to towns and villages.

Police checkpoints are a routine part of road travel, especially near tourist areas and on desert roads. Officers are usually courteous, and visitors are typically asked to show a passport and driving licence before continuing. Mountain roads can be steep and winding, and animals such as sheep, goats and camels may cross. Driving at night in the desert is best avoided, because some roads are unlit and animals are hard to see.