In short
- Airport → city ≈ 30–45 min by car.
- Airport Express bus, airport taxis (fixed fares) or Uber/Careem.
- Abdali, Tabarbour (north) and the South Bus Station serve intercity routes.
From Queen Alia International Airport
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is about 35 km south of the city. The Airport Express bus runs to the city (check the current terminus and timetable on arrival), airport taxis operate at fixed fares posted in the arrivals hall, and Uber and Careem pick up at designated points. A pre-booked transfer is easiest after a late-night landing.
Queen Alia Airport (AMM) to Amman transfer
Pre-booked private transfer between the airport and your Amman hotel — useful after a late arrival when taxis and buses are thin.
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Check availabilityIntercity bus stations
| Station | For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JETT (Abdali / 7th Circle area) | Petra, Aqaba, King Hussein Bridge | Book on jett.com.jo |
| North Bus Station (Tabarbour) | Jerash, Ajloun, Irbid | Minibuses leave when full |
| South Bus Station (Mujamma al-Janoub) | Petra (Wadi Musa), Karak, Aqaba, Madaba | Minibuses and buses |
Getting around Amman
- Taxis: cheap, metered — ask for the meter ('addad').
- Uber and Careem: widely used and recommended by the UK FCDO over street taxis.
- Bus Rapid Transit (Amman BRT) and city buses: useful along main corridors; buses use contactless cards.
- Walking: pleasant within downtown, Jabal Amman and Weibdeh — wear good shoes for the stairs.
Arriving at night
Many flights land late at night. Airport taxis run around the clock at posted fixed fares, and ride-hailing works at all hours. If your hotel is downtown, have the address in Arabic; drivers navigate by landmarks and circles rather than street numbers.
Amman's circles and addresses
West Amman is organised around eight numbered roundabouts ('circles', duwar) along Zahran Street, from the 1st Circle near Rainbow Street to the 8th. Locals give directions by circles and landmarks such as hotels, malls and mosques. Use the hotel name and nearest circle with taxi drivers.
Leaving Amman for the rest of Jordan
Rental cars are easiest to collect at the airport or in West Amman; leave the city early to avoid traffic. JETT coaches to Petra and Aqaba leave from the JETT station; minibuses for the north go from Tabarbour and for the south from the South Bus Station.
Airport to Amman: options compared
| Option | Time | Cost guide | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | ≈ 30–45 min | About JD 15 to the centre (Jordan Tourism Board); fixed fares posted | Late arrivals, families |
| Uber / Careem | ≈ 30–45 min | Varies with demand | Card payment, solo travellers |
| Airport Express shuttle bus | ≈ 45–60 min | JD 3 | Budget travellers in daytime |
| Pre-booked transfer | ≈ 30–45 min | Agreed in advance | First-time visitors arriving at night |
| Rental car | ≈ 30–45 min | Daily rate | Starting a road trip straight away |
Arriving by land
From the north of Israel, the Sheikh Hussein (Jordan River) crossing is about 90 km from Amman and issues visas on arrival to most nationalities. The King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge is only about 57 km from Amman but requires a visa arranged in advance and is mainly used by travellers coming from Jerusalem and the West Bank; JETT runs buses between the bridge and Amman. From Saudi Arabia, the Al-Omari crossing is about 155 km east of Amman and open 24 hours. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 3 km of the Syrian border. Crossings can close at short notice — check the latest before you set out.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Queen Alia Airport to Amman?
Airport Express bus, fixed-fare airport taxi, Uber/Careem or a pre-booked transfer; about 30–45 minutes by car, longer at rush hour or by bus.
How much is a taxi from Queen Alia Airport to Amman?
The Jordan Tourism Board gives about JD 15 to central Amman; fixed fares are posted in the arrivals hall. The ride takes 30–45 minutes, longer at rush hour.
Is there a train from Amman airport?
No. Jordan has no passenger rail link to Queen Alia; the historic Hejaz Railway only runs occasional heritage trips. Use the Airport Express shuttle bus, a taxi, Uber or Careem, or a pre-booked transfer.
Can I rent a car at Queen Alia Airport?
Yes — international and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals area. Many travellers collect the car at the end of their Amman stay instead, to avoid city driving and parking.
Sources and official information
Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.
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