How to Get from Aqaba to Amman:
A Complete Guide

For a small country, Jordan has a lot to offer. Historic sites, natural wonders, and cities all compete for the attention of every first-time traveler. Most travelers discover that they need to move around a bit – a night here, two nights there – to see it all, and that means figuring out the logistics of getting between places.

As you plan your Jordan itinerary, you’ll soon discover that for a country with a somewhat limited infrastructure for mass tourism, there are plenty of transportation options available – and you’ll sometimes find yourself sharing them with locals rather than other tourists.

All of these options are available if you need to get from Aqaba to Amman or vice versa, and the only factors that will constrain your choice are personal considerations like price, schedule, and your sense of adventure.

So whether you need to get from Aqaba to Amman or from Amman to Aqaba, this post will help you figure out the best way to travel between these two cities. Read on to learn your options and make the right choice for your Jordan trip and budget.

How Far is it from Aqaba to Amman?

As Jordan’s capital city, you’ll find no shortage of transport alternatives to reach Amman from different parts of the country, including Aqaba. Before we dive into the transport options that connect both cities, let’s take a look at how far Aqaba is from Amman and how much time you’d spend to cover that distance. 

Distance-wise, Aqaba sits 207 miles (334km) south of Amman via Desert Highway and Route 15. Time-wise, it will take visitors around four to five hours to cover that distance when traveling by land. By contrast, a flight is a lot shorter. The distance to get from Aqaba to Amman by plane reduces to 174 miles (281 km) and it takes only 51 minutes to cover it. As you’ll see, factoring in price and time available is the most important way to decide how you should travel between Amman and Aqaba.

Aqaba to Amman Bus Options

Taking a bus is an affordable alternative to get from Aqaba to Amman. If you’ve been doing your research, you’ll know that Jordan’s public transportation is not exactly traveler-friendly and that’s a big downside for visitors with a tight budget. However, there’s a savior for budget-conscious travelers: JETT Buses. 

JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation) is a Jordanian company offering affordable coach services to the country’s iconic landmarks. 

The company offers daily services from Aqaba to Abdali station in Amman. The ticket costs 10.00 JOD for adults and it takes around five hours to make the journey – the bus will make at least two stops along the way. 

You can book at the JETT office (beside Movenpick Hotel in Aqaba) to purchase your ticket. 

Aqaba to Amman Taxi Options 

Taxis are widely popular in Jordan for locals and tourists alike. This alternative is a bit more complex as you can choose between yellow taxis, which work with a meter, and white taxis, which drive a specific route and passengers pay a fare previously arranged with the driver. 

On average, visitors can expect to pay at least 90 to 100 JOD for a one-way trip to the capital city. If you choose yellow taxis, you can ask your hotel to arrange it in advance or hail one off the street. 

Service taxis are more difficult to find as these will mainly be drivers who live in Amman and are just making their way back home from Aqaba. The easiest way to find a service taxi is to ask your hotel to let you know if there are any heading from Aqaba to Amman. 

Private Driver from Aqaba to Amman

Booking a private driver from Aqaba to Amman is a fantastic alternative if you just want to relax and enjoy the ride. The main advantage of traveling with private drivers is that you already know what you’ll be paying, where you’ll be going, and who your driver will be. So, there’s little room for unexpected events. 

Private driver tours start at 106.67 USD one-way and the journey takes over four hours depending on how many stops you make. 

You can always ask your hotel to suggest a few companies or check out online and arrange a trip on your own. Most drivers speak decent English so you can communicate your needs and destination without much inconvenience. Here are a couple of private drivers from Viator you can check out to know what to expect: 

• Private Transfer from Aqaba to Jordan
• Jordan Tours

Car Rental for Visiting Amman

Renting a car is the best way to get around Jordan. However, it’s not for everyone as driving in a different country can pose certain logistic challenges.

In case you’re considering this alternative, here’s a quick guide covering the main points of driving in Jordan: 

• Drivers must be over 25 years old to rent a car.
• Companies require you to show your driver’s license and passport as part of the rental process. 
• Foreigners might want to get an International Driver’s License. The Jordanian tourism board and car rentals state visitors only need to be over 25 years old and have a driver’s license to rent a car. However, the International Driving Permit organization says that travelers must get an international driving permit to rent a car in Jordan.
• Jordanians drive on the right side of the road. This means driving will be fairly easier for travelers coming from the US or Canada.

Most rental car companies are in Amman. However, most have websites where you can check their services and prices – I always use Kayak to browse car rental options. These companies typically charge around 35 JOD (50 USD) per day for a new model with air conditioning and insurance.

Like other land transport options, driving from Aqaba to Amman will take around four hours, depending on traffic and the roads you make on your journey. 

Aqaba to Amman Flight Options

Unlike other popular destinations within Jordan, Aqaba does have its own airport, King Hussein International Airport, which means visitors have an extra alternative to get from the port city to Amman. Time-wise, flying from Aqaba to Amman is by far the most convenient alternative. 

It’s pretty affordable, too. Royal Jordanian Airlines operates direct flights between the cities on a daily basis. The flight takes fifty minutes and starts from $113 for a one-way trip. You’ll find tons of affordable deals online. So I recommend you check flight options in advance to find the cheapest deals. 

The Best Way from Aqaba to Amman

The best ways to get from Aqaba to Amman are by plane, private driver, or bus. To choose the right alternative you should focus on your flexibility, budget, and preferences. 

Flying is a fantastic option if you’re short on time and don’t want to spend four to five hours on the road – but you’ll also miss seeing the Jordanian countryside. It also isn’t that expensive and most travelers will be able to afford it unless their budget is really tight. Remember you have to add the costs of the transfer to Aqaba’s airport and then from Amman’s airport to your hotel. 

Private drivers are great options if you want to make a road trip out of your drive to Amman. They don’t differ much in terms of prices with flights, but you’ll get more comfort than on a bus. Also, you have more flexibility along the journey and can make stops for photos or souvenirs. 

Finally, buses are the go-to alternative for travelers with a tight budget. A one-way trip is only 10 JOD, and the journey is pretty direct despite the extra stops.

Have any questions about how to get from Aqaba to Amman or reverse? Let me know in the comments!