Transfer to the Airport, Dead Sea, or Petra from Amman: Guide to Public Transportation

Planning a trip to Amman and need to get to the airport, Dead Sea, or Petra? You’ve come to the right place! Transporting yourself to the common places in and around Amman is easy and convenient with public transportation. In this guide, we’ll give you tips and tricks on traveling between these destinations effortlessly.

Transferring to The Airport

Amman is served by the Queen Alia International Airport, which is located 25 kilometers south of downtown. Whether you’re traveling from Amman or from somewhere in the Dead Sea or Petra, it shouldn’t be hard to catch a ride towards the airport. Let’s look at the different options available.

Taxi

Taxis are the easiest way to get to and from the airport. You can simply go to any nearby taxi stand, queue up, and make your way to the airport. There are both metered and flat rate taxis available in Amman. Unfortunately, taxis don’t accept credit cards so you’ll have to pay in cash. A taxi will cost you around 40 JOD (around 56 USD) to/from downtown Amman depending on traffic.

Bus

Another option is to take public transport via the JETT Bus company. From Amman’s Jabal Al Hussein station, buses run every 40 minutes, 7 days a week from 5:00am till 10:00pm (till 5:00am on Thursdays & Fridays). The trip to the airport costs 5 JOD (7 USD) and takes about an hour depending on traffic. If you’re coming from somewhere else like the Dead Sea or Petra, make sure to check the JETT airport timetable for the nearest pick-up station.

Car Rental

If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or want a more comfortable ride, a car rental is the way to go. Simply book one from a leading car rental agency like Sixt, Avis, Europcar, etc., and pick it up at the car rental office at the arrivals area of the airport.

Transferring to The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is located around an hours drive away from Amman and Jordan’s coastline that graze it, making it quite easy to get there. Here are some of your options:

Taxi

Hire a taxi from one of the many taxi stands throughout Amman and head off towards the Dead Sea. There are both metered and flat rate taxis available in Amman, though regular metered taxis can only take you as far as Madaba (30 kilometers away from the Dead Sea). If you’re coming from Madaba, you can usually find private taxis who will agree on a rate for taking you directly to your hotel or resort near the Dead Sea.

Bus

JETT buses from any of their 13 pickup stations in Amman run daily trips at 8:15am and 6:15pm everyday (except Fridays) straight to hotels and resorts by the Dead Sea. The trip takes about an hour and a half depending on traffic and costs 15 JOD (around 21 USD).

Transferring To Petra

Petra is slightly further away, yet easy to get to by both public transport or taxi.

Taxi

Take a private taxi either in Amman or Madaba, should you be transferring from the Dead Sea. An Uber will cost you around 110 JOD (153 USD) or you can opt for a taxi that will cost slightly less though it will be hard to come by. Make sure to agree on a rate before hand in either case.

Bus

JETT buses run twice daily (at 4:00am and 6:00pm) from Amman’s Abdali station straight to Petra at 30 JOD (41 USD) per ticket. Trips usually takes around 4 hours but could stretch longer depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Transferring between these places in and around Amman is quite easy and convenient thanks to public transportation available through buses and taxis. While taxis are an easier option for getting around, buses provide an affordable alternative that help you save some money on your trip. No matter your mode of transportation though, make sure you account for any potential traffic delays when planning your journey. Additionally, make sure that your transport can drop you off at exactly where you need—be it your hotel near the Dead Sea, your resort by Petra, or right at the Queen Alia International Airport itself. And if you’re looking for something with a bit more comfort and luxury, then car rental services may be ideal for you. In any case, now that you know how to get around tour destinations in Amman, book an activity with GetYourGuide today and start exploring!