Discover Jordan's Nature & Cultural Heritage



Transportation

Amman and other cities are relatively small, and most places of interest, hotels and restaurants are well known. Street addresses are rarely used (mail is delivered to post office boxes, not to the door) and only the larger street names are well known. When giving directions, therefore, people will usually tell you the area or a nearby landmark (a large hotel, ministry building or supermarket, for example) and instructions from there. This works more efficiently than it sounds!

One final word...if you’re having trouble finding your way, don’t hesitate to ask a passer-by; most people will be delighted to help. Visas are valid for two weeks, but can be extended at any police station. No inoculations are required for entry into Jordan, although preventive shots for hepatitis, polio, tetanus and typhoid are recommended.

Roads and highways

Jordan has a good road network. Driving is on the right; road signs on the highways are in Arabic and English. Most tourist destinations are within a four-hour drive of Amman. While there are plenty of petrol stations in cities and on major routes, it makes sense to fill up before long journeys.

Taxis

Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transportation, even over substantial distances such as the trip from Amman to Aqaba.

Private taxis are painted in yellow and can be taken from the ranks outside larger hotels or hailed in the street. Taxis have meters but these are not always used at night, so it is advisable to agree on the fare beforehand. Taxi drivers are friendly, know the city well and often speaks English. Tipping is not required, but it is customary to round up from the figure on the meter.

Buses and trains

Several companies offer regular and charter bus tours to tourist attractions. Jett, Alpha and Petra Transport companies operate a modern, air-conditioned fleet.

No passenger trains operate within Jordan with the exception of the Hijazi Railway (Amman - Damascus), a steam locomotive that may be hired for special events.

Car hire

Self-drive touring is a good way to see the country and car hire companies offer a variety of saloon and four-wheel drive vehicles.

Walking

Jordan is an unusually safe and friendly place to travel, and it is enjoyable to scroll through the old souqs of Amman and the other major cities. The people are unfailingly helpful and it is generally safe to walk around at any time of the day or night. It is, of course, sensible to take obvious precautions: look after your belongings and keep valuables in the hotel safe. Lost property should be reported to the police. If you lose your passport, you should contact your embassy.