How to Get from Amman Airport to Amman
Most likely, at some point during your time in Jordan, you will need to get to or from Queen Alia International Airport. Read our travel guide on how to get from Amman Airport to the capital city Amman (or vice versa). We share tips on how to get to or from Amman from the airport by either rental car, public transport, or taxi.
Lately, Jordan has become a country every traveler wants to visit. We were no exceptions. Since the day when we found out that there is a new flight line connecting Prague with Amman, the capital city of Jordan, the question was no longer if we visit this small Middle Eastern country, but when.
It did not take us long to find the right date at the beginning of spring, and we were ready to go.
When making our plans and creating Jordan itinerary, we soon realized, that the county's main airport, Queen Alia International Airport, is approximately 30 kilometers from Amman, and only about 20 kilometers away from another must-visit destination, Madaba.
Because Amman is infamous for its heavy traffic and hilly landscape, we did not see a reason why to spend our precious time driving first to the capital city, when we knew we would visit the city at the end of our trip anyway.
Therefore, we drove first to Madaba - you can read our guide on how to get to Madaba from the airport - and after a bit more than a week in Jordan, we drove from Amman back to the airport.
Regardless of what option suits the best your needs and travel plans, in this travel guide, we will share with you tips on how to get from Amman Queen Alia International Airport to Amman (or vice versa).
No matter if you plan on renting a car, hiring a taxi, or getting around Jordan by public transport, we've got you covered.
RENTAL CAR
The majority of travelers to Jordan, including us, decide to rent a car. Getting around the country by car is by far the easiest and most efficient way how to see the best this small kingdom has to offer.
In case you are planning on renting a car, there is no reason why not to rent the car at the Amman airport.
This will give you freedom from the very beginning, it is the fastest option, and you won't have to look for other ways on how to get from the airport, as you will simply drive from the first moment.
It is necessary to reserve your rental car before your holiday. Rental car companies are in the arrival hall on the right end of the terminal, and we had the keys of our car in approximately thirty minutes after landing.
And how to get from Amman airport to Amman by car?
From the airport follow the Airport Road (road number 15), drive across Madaba Bridge, where the road changes into highway number 35. This road will take you to Prince Hussein Interchange, where you will continue slightly right to Abdoun Corridor.
And by the way, Highway 35 is also known as King’s Highway, which is one of the most scenic drives in Jordan.
Said that this particular part of the road is not scenic at all, and in order to see the best places this road has to offer such as Lost City of Petra, Umm ar-Rasas, or Karak Castle, you would need to drive down south.
But today we want to travel north.
Then exit the corridor before Prince Hashim Interchange, and follow Prince Hashim Street. In a few minutes, you will reach a roundabout, and here use the third exit to Zahran Street.
Now you are in the center of Amman, and your next steps depend on the hotel where you made a reservation.
The center of Amman is often described as hell for drivers, especially drivers who are not used to a sometimes confusing style of driving, but we did not find it that bad. It is necessary to have your GPS on, and then just follow the instructions.
We used Google Maps, and they worked like a charm.
The traffic is heavier in the morning and then later in the afternoon, so if it is possible, try to avoid these time slots.
PUBLIC BUS
Unlike Madaba, Amman has a direct and frequent bus line between the city center and Queen Alia International Airport.
It is the slowest option, the drive will take approximately one hour, depending on the traffic, but on the other hand, using public transport is the cheapest possibility, which will be appreciated especially by budget travelers.
The bus ticket from the airport to Amman center costs 3.3 JD, and you can buy the ticket inside the airport terminal.
The shuttle bus is run by Sariyah company, and you will find the bus in front of the arrival hall. The bus leaves every thirty minutes from 6:30 AM till 5 PM, and then it goes every hour from 6 PM until midnight.
The bus does not run after midnight till 6:30 AM, but we think there are not many flights scheduled during this time anyways.
The bus runs at the same intervals from the Amman center to the airport. Here is the list of stops: North Bus Station in Amman - Housing Bank Complex - Fourth Circle - Fifth Circle - Six Circle - Seventh Circle - Queen Alia International Airport.
Depending on your hotel's location, you will have to walk a bit from the bus station or take a taxi from your accommodation to the bus stop.
TAXI
If you are looking for a door to door service, but do not have a car, taxi is the last option you have to get from the airport to Amman or vice versa.
You can either let your hotel arrange the car for you, or it is possible to hire a driver at the airport (or it is possible to use Uber as well).
Taxi drivers in Jordan usually do not use the meter, so you need to agree on the price before you jump on.
The price for the ride varies, expect to pay anything between 20 - 25 JD per ride. Even though this option is definitely more expensive than the bus, you will not have to worry about driving, and it will take you only 30 - 40 minutes to get to the city, so eventually, you will have more time for sightseeing.
Alternatively, in case you do not want to take your chances, it is possible to reserve the taxi service in advance.
This transfer from the airport to Amman or vice versa is well-rated and reliable.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WHERE TO STAY IN AMMAN
No matter if Amman is your first or last stop in the country, we believe the city deserves at least one day of your time, therefore finding suitable accommodation is a must.
Even though Jordan is not the cheapest destination in the world, we still were able to find a pretty hotel in the city center in our budget category.
As most of the top attractions in Amman are reachable on foot, we recommend you to stay in the downtown, so you will have all the best things within walking distance.
We've handpicked three best hotels in Amman in every budget category, and one near the airport, in case your flight is either early in the morning or late at night.
Budget | Gallery Guest House - We stayed in this hotel for a couple of days, and really enjoyed clean, air-conditioned, and quiet rooms, lovely breakfast, and helpful staff. This hotel is located a walking distance to Amman Citadel, super popular Hashem Restaurant, or Rainbow Street. Great value for money. Free parking on the street in front of the hotel.
Mid-range | Nomads Hotel - One of the favorite hotels in this price category in Amman is located close to the famous Rainbow Street and within walking distance to the city center. Friendly staff, tasty breakfast, and clean rooms are the reasons to make a booking here.
Luxury | Amman Rotana - Super modern hotel in the new business center of Amman is really impressive. The rooms are comfortable, the views of the city superb, and the service is excellent. For sure this is a place to stay for customers looking for an exceptional hotel.
Airport | Amman Airport Hotel - This hotel is close to the airport which is convenient, and you will find here comfortable rooms, which is basically everything you need here.
Alternatively, search for your accommodation via Hostelworld.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
