Jordan (JO)

Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.

Capital: Amman

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: JOD (JD)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 39)

Emergency: 911

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Jordan.

Public Transport Overview

Public transport in Jordan is limited compared to European standards. Amman has no metro or tram. The main options are JETT buses (intercity), yellow taxis, ride-sharing apps (Careem, Uber), and private minibuses (service taxis). The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line opened in Amman (2022) on a limited route. Most expats in Amman rely on private cars or ride-sharing apps for daily commuting.

Main operators:

Careem (ride-hailing — most popular, English app)Uber JordanJETT Bus Company (intercity)Amman Bus (limited city routes)Service taxis (shared minibuses, called "service")Yellow taxis (metered, but meter use inconsistent)

🎫 Transit Passes

Amman Bus Monthly Pass JD 15–20/month

Limited Amman bus routes. Not comprehensive enough for most expats.

💡 Purchased from Amman Bus stations. Check abb.com.jo for current routes.

BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) — Amman JD 0.35 per trip

East–West corridor through Amman (limited route, expanding)

💡 Pay by smart card or cash on board. Most useful for commuters in specific corridors.

JETT Intercity Pass JD 3–15 per journey (Amman–Aqaba: JD 15)

Amman to Aqaba, Petra, Irbid, Jerash, and other cities

💡 Book in advance for popular routes (especially Aqaba). JETT buses are air-conditioned and punctual.

Taxi & Rideshare

Yellow metered taxis are available throughout Amman but meter use is inconsistent — always insist on the meter ("al-Addad, min fadlak") or agree the price before getting in. Typical trips within Amman: JD 2–8. Ride-sharing apps (Careem, Uber) are strongly recommended for price certainty and safety — payment is in-app or by cash. Careem is the dominant ride-hailing platform in Jordan.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Careem (owned by Uber) is the go-to ride-hailing app in Jordan. Very reliable in Amman, available in Zarqa, Irbid. Uber operates separately. Both apps offer English interfaces, upfront pricing, and GPS tracking — far preferable to street taxis. Booking in advance for airport trips is recommended.

Cycling

Cycling infrastructure in Amman is very limited — the hilly terrain and lack of dedicated lanes make urban cycling difficult. Cycling is popular for sport and recreation in flatter areas (Jordan Valley, Aqaba). Amman's Rainbow Street and some parks have limited cycling areas. E-bikes and delivery-style bikes are growing. Not recommended as primary transport for expats.

Intercity Trains

Jordan has no operational passenger rail service as of 2026 (the Hejaz Railway is heritage-only). Intercity travel uses JETT buses, private minibuses ("service"), or private cars. Amman–Aqaba by JETT bus takes approximately 4–4.5 hours. Amman–Petra: 3.5 hours by bus or car.

Driving

Driving is the primary mode of transport for most expats in Jordan. Roads in Amman and between major cities are generally good. Desert Highway (Amman–Aqaba) is modern and well-maintained. Speed limits: 60–80 km/h in urban areas, 110 km/h on highways. Traffic congestion in Amman, especially on the main circle roads (1st–8th Circle), can be severe during rush hours (7:30–9:30am, 3:30–6pm). Roundabouts are common — yield to traffic from the right. Right-hand drive. Seatbelts mandatory.

Airports

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is located 35 km south of Amman. Transport options: Airport Express Bus (JD 3.5 one-way, 75 min to downtown), taxis (JD 25–35, metered), Careem/Uber (JD 12–18 via app — significantly cheaper). No direct rail link. Aqaba has a smaller King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) serving budget and regional flights.