Overview
Jordan is a country in Asia according to neovideogames. Once a major trading center of the Roman Empire, Jordan straddles the Holy Land of the world’s three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It’s a tiny but storied desert kingdom. On Mount Nebo, like Moses, one can see the promised land and swim in the Dead Sea without sinking—right next to the pillar of salt that Lot’s disobedient wife became in the Old Testament. Wherever you go, every stone tells a story, most notably the mosaic map of Madaba. Petra, the jewel in the crown of Jordanian antiquities, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The magnificent rock city of the Nabataeans has been a popular travel destination, especially for Europeans, since the 19th century. At winter sunset, when the pink city seems to burst into flames, it’s easy to see why generations of visitors are drawn to this enchanting place.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Jordan’s national airline Royal Jordanian (RJ) flies non-stop to Amman from Munich, Frankfurt am Main, Geneva, Zurich and Vienna. Lufthansa (LH) flies non-stop from Frankfurt/M. and Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna to Amman. There are no direct flights from Zurich to Amman; Swiss (LX) flies from Zurich in cooperation with Lufthansa (LH) via Frankfurt/M. and Royal Jordanian (RJ) via Geneva to Amman. easyJet (U2) flies weekly non-stop from Berlin and Geneva to Aqaba. Turkish Airlines (TK) fly from Frankfurt/M., Munich, Vienna, Geneva and Zurich via Istanbul to Aqaba. Jordan Aviation (R5) connects Amman with Egypt, Dubai, Iraq and Ukraine. Ryanair (FR) flies from Memmingen to Amman. Wizz Air (W6) flies from Vienna to Amman and Aqaba.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Amman: 4 hrs 10 mins; Vienna – Amman: 3 hours 35 minutes; Geneva – Amman: 4 hours 5 minutes (both non-stop); Zurich – Amman: 5 hrs 45 mins (with stopover). Frankfurt/M. – Aqaba: 7 hrs 20 mins; Vienna – Aqaba: 6 hours 10 minutes; Zurich – Aqaba: 7 hours 30 minutes (each with a stopover); Berlin – Aqaba: 4 hours 45 minutes (non-stop).
Departure fee
There are no airport taxes to pay.
Arrival by car
The border areas from Jordan to Syria and Iraq are restricted military areas with special regulations. For your own safety, we strongly advise against traveling to these areas. There are three border crossings from Israel; the Allenby Bridge, the Sheikh Hussein Bridge to the north and Wadi Araba to the south. Coming from Saudi Arabia, you cross the border into Jordan at Al-Haditha (Saudi Arabia) and Al-Omari (Jordan). Long-distance buses: The Jett bus company offers regular trips from Amman to Cairo (Egypt) as well as to Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Tolls: There are no toll roads in Jordan. Documents: Even if the national driver’s license is usually recognized, it is advisable to additionally carry the international driver’s license. When entering the country with your own car, a Carnet de Passages (border crossing permit) is required, which can be obtained from German automobile clubs. In addition, temporary liability insurance must be taken out at the border (costs: approx. €27), as European liability insurance is not valid in Jordan.
Arrival by ship
Jordan’s only seaport is Aqaba. There are ferry connections with Egypt and a lively cruise traffic.
Cruise ships
AIDA starts cruises in Hamburg and Kiel, which also include Aqaba in the program. Coming from Europe, shipping companies such as MSC, Phoenix, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas also call at Aqaba on their cruises.
Ferry provider
An AB maritime passenger ferry (journey time: 3 hours) and a catamaran (journey time: 2 hours) run daily from Aqaba to Nuweiba (Egypt).
Transportation
warning
Travel to the Syrian-Jordanian border area and the border region with Iraq is strongly discouraged due to repeated incidents. In the vicinity of the Israeli border (on border roads or when sailing and swimming in the Red Sea without a guide/tour guide) you should always have your travel and identity papers to hand.
Traveling by plane
The national airline Royal Jordanian regularly connects Amman and Aqaba. Charter airlines Arab Wings and Jordan Aviation operate domestic charter flights.
Traveling by car/bus
The Jordanian road network is very well developed and has a total length of approx. 8,000 km. When driving on back roads and desert roads, it is important to use roadworthy vehicles, take enough water with you and follow all advice from the local population. Driving at night is generally not recommended. The most traveled road is the Desert Highway, a desert highway that runs from Aqaba via Ma’an, Amman to the Syrian border. The winding Kings Highway west of the desert highway, which begins south of Amman, runs through Kerak, Madaba, Wadi Mujib and Petra and ends in the desert highway south of Ma’an, is interesting for tourists. Tolls: Jordanian roads are not subject to tolls. gas stations: There are enough petrol stations in the cities. In the south of Jordan, travelers should refuel when the opportunity arises, as the gas station density is lower here. Older petrol stations often only accept cash payments.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The highways are in good condition.
Car rental
Car rentals are available from both major international and domestic rental companies at hotels, travel agencies, Queen Alia Airport, Amman, Allenby Bridge and Sheik Hussein Bridge. Rental car bookings are also possible on a daily basis with a driver. Minimum age for drivers is 21 (may vary by vehicle category) and they must have held their driving license for at least one year. Drivers under the age of 25 often pay a young driver fee on site.
Taxi
Taxis are yellow and stand in front of hotels, among other places, or can be hailed on the street. While taxis are metered, travelers should check prices beforehand. Taxis are also relatively cheap for long distances. Shared taxis run between the cities on fixed routes. Shared taxis can also be hired privately.
Bicycle
Bicycles and scooters can be rented in Amman.
Coach
The bus service is inexpensive and works smoothly. The JETT bus company operates services between Amman and Petra and serves various other locations from Aqaba. Bus operators such as Alpha and Petra also serve routes throughout the country with air-conditioned long-distance buses.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰; – Children under the age of 13 must be carried in the back seat; – Fire extinguisher and warning triangle must be carried; – Helmets are compulsory for motorcyclists and moped drivers. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on motorways: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, for illnesses: +49 (89) 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club in Jordan is the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ) in Amman, Tel. +962 ( 6) 585 06 26.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, it is recommended to carry the international driver’s license with you. Vehicles with Jordanian number plates may only be driven by Jordanian driver’s license holders.
Traveling in the city
In Amman, both regular buses and Servees shared taxis operate on fixed routes. The Servees taxis are state-licensed and have standard fares but no fixed stops. They often pick up their passengers at terminal stops in the outskirts or in the center and then drive straight to their destination.
Locally on the way by train
There is currently no reliable passenger traffic.
