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How to Get Around Amman: Taxis, Buses, and Apps

March 8, 2025 • by Jordan Explorer Team
Transportation in Amman

Navigating Amman can be an adventure in itself. Built across numerous hills, Jordan's capital presents unique transportation challenges and opportunities. While the city lacks a comprehensive metro or tram system, visitors have several options for getting around, from traditional taxis to modern ride-hailing apps. This guide will help you understand the various transportation methods available in Amman, their costs, advantages, and limitations, so you can explore the city with confidence.

Taxis in Amman

Yellow Taxis

The ubiquitous yellow taxis are the most visible form of public transportation in Amman. They're abundant, relatively affordable, and can be hailed directly from the street.

  • How to use them: Simply raise your hand to flag down an empty taxi (look for the green light on top indicating availability). Tell the driver your destination before getting in to ensure they know where you're going.
  • Meters: All yellow taxis are required to use meters. The starting fare is 0.25 JOD, with additional charges of approximately 0.35 JOD per kilometer. Always insist on using the meter to avoid overcharging.
  • Language considerations: Many taxi drivers speak limited English. It's helpful to have your destination written in Arabic, know major landmarks near your destination, or be able to show the location on a map app.
  • Typical costs: A ride within central Amman typically costs between 2-5 JOD depending on distance and traffic. Longer journeys, such as to the airport, will cost more (around 20-25 JOD).
  • Tips: Tipping is not expected but rounding up to the nearest dinar is appreciated for good service.

Pros: Widely available, relatively inexpensive, no need for advance booking

Cons: Potential language barriers, some drivers may refuse to use the meter with tourists, quality of vehicles varies

White Taxis (Service Taxis)

White taxis, also known as "service" taxis, operate on fixed routes like buses but with the comfort of a car. They're shared with other passengers and only depart when full.

  • How to use them: Find the appropriate service taxi station for your desired route (usually located near major transportation hubs). Tell the driver your destination to confirm it's on their route.
  • Routes: Service taxis typically run between specific neighborhoods or from Amman to nearby cities. Common routes include Downtown to University of Jordan, Sweileh, or Madaba.
  • Costs: Fares are fixed based on the route, typically ranging from 0.35-0.70 JOD for routes within Amman. Intercity routes cost more.
  • Capacity: Service taxis typically carry 4-5 passengers, with 3-4 in the back seat and 1 in the front.

Pros: Very economical, fixed prices, good for common routes

Cons: Limited routes, can be crowded, wait times until the taxi fills up, not ideal for tourists with limited local knowledge

Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber

Uber operates throughout Amman and offers a convenient alternative to traditional taxis, especially for visitors concerned about language barriers or negotiating fares.

  • How to use it: Download the Uber app and create an account before your trip. The app works the same way as in other countries, allowing you to set your pickup location and destination.
  • Vehicle types: Uber offers several service levels in Amman, including UberX (standard cars), Uber Comfort (newer, more spacious vehicles), and UberXL (larger vehicles for groups).
  • Payment: Credit cards linked to your account or cash (select "cash" as your payment method in the app).
  • Costs: Generally 10-20% more expensive than yellow taxis when using the meter, but the convenience and reliability often justify the premium.
  • Coverage: Available throughout Amman and for trips to nearby cities like Madaba, the Dead Sea, and even Petra (though long-distance trips can be expensive).

Pros: No language barrier issues, no haggling over prices, driver and route tracking for safety, generally newer and more comfortable vehicles

Cons: Slightly more expensive than metered taxis, requires data connection, may have surge pricing during peak times

Careem

Careem, now owned by Uber but operating as a separate service, is another popular ride-hailing option in Amman with strong local roots in the Middle East.

  • How to use it: Similar to Uber, download the Careem app and create an account. The interface is intuitive and offers similar functionality.
  • Vehicle types: Careem offers various car types including Economy, Business (premium cars), and Max (larger vehicles).
  • Payment: Credit cards or cash, with cash being a popular option in Amman.
  • Costs: Comparable to Uber, sometimes with slight variations in pricing depending on demand and promotions.
  • Coverage: Excellent coverage throughout Amman and surrounding areas.

Pros: Similar advantages to Uber, sometimes better local knowledge, occasional promotions and discounts

Cons: Similar to Uber, though some users report varying levels of service between the two platforms

Public Buses

City Buses

Amman has an extensive but somewhat confusing bus network that covers most of the city. While not always the most tourist-friendly option, buses are extremely economical.

  • Types of buses: Amman has several bus systems operating simultaneously:
    • Large public buses - Operated by the municipality, these follow numbered routes
    • Coaster buses - Medium-sized private buses that follow specific routes
    • Minibuses - Smaller private buses with more flexible routes
  • How to use them: Board at designated bus stops and pay the driver directly. For public buses, you'll need exact change. Signal to stop by pressing the button or calling out to the driver.
  • Routes: Major routes connect Downtown (Raghadan Terminal) with various neighborhoods including Sweifieh, University of Jordan, and Abdali.
  • Costs: Extremely affordable, with fares ranging from 0.35-0.55 JOD depending on distance.
  • Hours: Most buses operate from around 6 AM to 10 PM, with reduced service on Fridays and holidays.

Pros: Very economical, good way to experience local life, environmentally friendly

Cons: Confusing for visitors, limited English signage, can be crowded, schedules are irregular, not ideal for those with limited time

Amman Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The relatively new Bus Rapid Transit system offers a more modern and efficient bus experience, operating on dedicated lanes to avoid traffic congestion.

  • Routes: Currently limited but expanding, with the main line running from Sweileh to Mahatta via Sports City and University of Jordan. Additional routes are under construction.
  • Stations: Modern, covered stations with electronic displays showing arrival times.
  • Payment: Requires a prepaid card that can be purchased and recharged at stations.
  • Costs: Fares start at 0.50 JOD and increase based on distance.
  • Frequency: Buses run every 3-5 minutes during peak hours and every 8-10 minutes during off-peak times.

Pros: Fast, reliable, modern vehicles with air conditioning, avoids traffic congestion

Cons: Limited route network (though expanding), requires purchasing a special card

Walking in Amman

Walking can be a pleasant way to explore certain neighborhoods in Amman, though the city's hilly topography and sometimes limited pedestrian infrastructure present challenges.

  • Walkable areas: Rainbow Street and Jabal Amman, Jabal Al-Weibdeh, parts of Downtown (though crowded), Abdali Boulevard
  • Challenges: Steep hills, inconsistent sidewalks, limited pedestrian crossings on major roads, hot summers
  • Navigation: Streets don't always follow a grid pattern, and addresses can be confusing. Using Google Maps or other navigation apps is highly recommended.
  • Safety: Amman is generally very safe for pedestrians in terms of crime, but be cautious of traffic, especially when crossing busy streets.

Tips for pedestrians:

  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the steep and sometimes slippery streets
  • Carry water, especially in summer months
  • Be prepared for significant elevation changes
  • Use pedestrian bridges where available for crossing major roads
  • Consider combining walking in specific neighborhoods with taxis or ride-hailing apps for longer distances

Rental Cars and Driving

Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility but comes with challenges in a city known for its traffic congestion and unique driving culture.

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license (an International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required), major credit card, minimum age typically 21-25 depending on the rental company
  • Rental companies: Major international companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) have offices at Queen Alia International Airport and in central Amman, alongside local companies that may offer lower rates
  • Costs: Starting from around 25-35 JOD per day for a basic car, plus fuel (relatively inexpensive in Jordan)
  • Parking: Can be challenging in busy areas. Look for paid parking lots near major attractions and commercial areas. Some hotels offer free parking for guests.
  • Traffic: Congestion is common during rush hours (roughly 7:30-9:30 AM and 3:30-6:30 PM). Traffic rules are sometimes treated as suggestions rather than laws.
  • Navigation: Street signs are in both Arabic and English. GPS or navigation apps are highly recommended.

Pros: Maximum flexibility, convenient for day trips outside Amman, no need to negotiate with taxi drivers

Cons: Traffic congestion, aggressive driving culture, limited parking, one-way streets and complex road systems can be confusing

Airport Transportation

Getting to/from Queen Alia International Airport

The airport is located about 35 kilometers south of central Amman, with several transportation options available:

  • Airport Express Bus: The most economical option, costing 3.3 JOD one-way. Buses run approximately every 30-60 minutes from 6:30 AM to 12:30 AM, departing from the South Terminal. In Amman, they stop at Tabarbour Bus Station, North Bus Station, and 7th Circle.
  • Taxis: Airport taxis have fixed rates to different areas of Amman, typically ranging from 20-25 JOD to most central areas. The taxi stand is located outside the arrivals area.
  • Ride-hailing apps: Both Uber and Careem operate at the airport. Prices are similar to airport taxis, sometimes slightly lower. Follow signs for the designated pickup area.
  • Rental cars: Multiple rental agencies have counters in the arrivals hall.
  • Hotel transfers: Many hotels offer airport pickup services, usually at a premium over taxi rates but with the convenience of a driver waiting for you with your name on a sign.

Tip: If arriving late at night, pre-arrange transportation as options may be more limited.

Specialized Transportation Options

Tour Buses and Hop-On Hop-Off Services

For tourists looking to visit major attractions efficiently, specialized services include:

  • City Sightseeing Amman: A hop-on hop-off bus service with audio commentary in multiple languages. The route covers major attractions including the Citadel, Roman Theater, and Rainbow Street. Day passes cost around 25 JOD.
  • Organized tours: Many companies offer day tours of Amman's highlights, often combined with nearby attractions like Jerash or the Dead Sea. These typically include transportation in air-conditioned minibuses or coaches.

Private Drivers

Hiring a private driver for a day or your entire stay offers convenience and local knowledge:

  • Costs: Typically 50-80 JOD per day depending on the vehicle type and distances covered
  • Advantages: Flexibility, local insights, no need to navigate or park, driver waits while you visit attractions
  • Arrangement: Can be booked through your hotel, tour agencies, or online platforms

This option is particularly valuable for day trips outside Amman or for those with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing efficiency.

Navigation and Transportation Apps

Several smartphone apps can make navigating Amman much easier:

  • Google Maps: Generally reliable for navigation in Amman, with good coverage of major roads and points of interest. Public transportation information is limited.
  • Uber and Careem: Essential for ride-hailing services as discussed above.
  • Amman Bus: Official app for Amman's public bus system, showing routes, schedules, and real-time bus locations (though information is not always up-to-date).
  • Maps.me: Useful offline maps app that works without data connection once maps are downloaded.

Tip: Download these apps and any necessary maps before your trip, as they'll be immediately useful upon arrival.

Transportation Tips for Different Areas

Getting Around Downtown (Al-Balad)

  • Best option: Walking is ideal for exploring the compact downtown area with its souks, Roman Theater, and historic sites
  • Challenges: Crowded sidewalks, some steep sections
  • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, use the stairs connecting the upper and lower parts of downtown, take a taxi to/from other neighborhoods

Navigating Between Amman's Hills

  • Best options: Taxis or ride-hailing apps for moving between Jabal Amman, Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Abdoun, etc.
  • Challenges: Steep climbs make walking between hills strenuous
  • Tips: Walk within each neighborhood, but use vehicles to travel between them

Western Amman (Abdoun, Sweifieh, etc.)

  • Best options: Taxis, ride-hailing apps, or rental car if staying in these areas
  • Challenges: More spread out, less pedestrian-friendly in some sections
  • Tips: Many shopping malls and commercial areas have taxi stands for easy pickup

Accessibility Considerations

Travelers with mobility challenges should be aware that Amman presents significant accessibility issues:

  • Terrain: The city's steep hills and numerous stairs can be difficult to navigate for those with mobility limitations
  • Sidewalks: Often narrow, uneven, with high curbs and few ramps
  • Public transportation: Generally not equipped for wheelchair access
  • Recommended options: Private transportation arrangements through hotels or tour agencies that can accommodate specific needs, ride-hailing apps (specify needs in advance when possible)
  • Newer areas: Abdali Boulevard and some modern shopping malls have better accessibility features

Budget Considerations

Transportation costs in Amman can vary widely depending on your choices:

  • Budget option: Public buses (0.35-0.55 JOD per ride) combined with some walking
  • Mid-range: Yellow taxis using meters (2-5 JOD for most in-city trips)
  • Convenient option: Ride-hailing apps (slightly more than metered taxis)
  • Premium: Private drivers (50-80 JOD per day) or rental cars (25-35 JOD per day plus fuel)

Money-saving tips:

  • Stay in a central location to minimize transportation needs
  • Combine walking with occasional taxis rather than taking taxis for every journey
  • For groups of 3-4 people, taxis or Uber/Careem can be more economical per person than individual bus fares for some journeys
  • Consider the Jordan Pass if visiting multiple attractions, as it includes entry fees to many sites (though not transportation)

Navigating Amman may seem daunting at first, but with a combination of transportation methods and a little planning, you can explore this fascinating city efficiently and affordably. Most visitors find that a mix of walking in specific neighborhoods and using taxis or ride-hailing apps between areas provides the best balance of convenience and cost. Whatever methods you choose, Amman's transportation challenges are far outweighed by the rich cultural experiences and warm hospitality you'll encounter throughout the city.