Day Trip to Pella from Amman: Complete Itinerary

Planning a Day Trip to Pella from Amman

Pella (known locally as Tabaqat Fahl) is one of Jordan's most significant archaeological sites, yet it remains refreshingly uncrowded compared to more famous attractions. Located in the Jordan Valley about 130 kilometers northwest of Amman, Pella makes for an excellent day trip that offers a glimpse into multiple layers of human history spanning over 10,000 years.

This comprehensive itinerary will guide you through planning a perfect day trip from Amman to Pella, including transportation options, timing, what to see, and how to combine it with other nearby attractions.

Getting to Pella from Amman

By Rental Car (Recommended)

The most convenient way to reach Pella is by rental car. The drive takes approximately 1.5-2 hours from Amman, depending on traffic. Follow these directions:

• Take Highway 35 north from Amman toward Jerash
• Continue north past Jerash toward Irbid
• Before reaching Irbid, take the exit for Highway 65 heading west toward the Jordan Valley and follow signs for Pella/Tabaqat Fahl
• The road descends dramatically into the Jordan Valley with some spectacular views, so drive carefully and enjoy the scenery

By Taxi

You can negotiate with a taxi driver in Amman for a day trip to Pella. Expect to pay around 60-80 JOD for the entire day, including waiting time. Make sure to agree on the price and itinerary before departing.

By Public Transport (Challenging)

Public transportation to Pella is limited and not recommended for a day trip unless you're an experienced traveler with plenty of time. You would need to:

1. Take a bus from Amman to Irbid (1 hour)
2. From Irbid, find a service taxi to the town of Mashare'a near Pella (45 minutes)
3. Walk or find a local taxi for the final stretch to the archaeological site

Suggested Itinerary

7:30 AM: Depart from Amman

Leave Amman early to maximize your time at the site and avoid the midday heat, especially if visiting between May and September.

9:30 AM: Arrive at Pella

Purchase your entrance ticket (3 JOD per person) and begin exploring the site. Consider hiring a local guide (available at the entrance for around 10-15 JOD) to enhance your understanding of the site's historical significance.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore Pella Archaeological Site

Don't miss these key attractions at Pella:

• The Civic Complex: Including a nymphaeum (public fountain), baths, and an odeon (small theater)
• Byzantine Church: The remains of a 6th-century church with some visible mosaics
• West Church: Another Byzantine-era church with well-preserved architectural elements
• East Church: The largest of Pella's churches, dating to the 5th century
• Canaanite Temple: Dating back to the Bronze Age, one of the oldest structures at the site
• Tell Husn: The high mound overlooking the main site, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley (requires a moderate uphill hike)

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch

There's a small rest house near the entrance where you can enjoy a simple lunch. Alternatively, bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the shade of the site's olive trees.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Continue Exploring or Visit Nearby Attractions

If you've seen everything at Pella, consider visiting one of these nearby attractions to complete your day trip:

Option 1: Umm Qais (Gadara)

Located about 30 km north of Pella, Umm Qais offers spectacular ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara, with panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Jordan Valley.

Option 2: Ajloun Castle

Head east toward Ajloun (about 45 km from Pella) to visit the impressive 12th-century Muslim castle built by one of Saladin's generals.

5:00 PM: Return to Amman

Begin your journey back to Amman, arriving in the early evening around 6:30-7:00 PM, depending on traffic and whether you visited additional sites.

Practical Tips for Your Pella Day Trip

Best Time to Visit

The ideal seasons to visit Pella are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild. Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot in the Jordan Valley, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).

What to Bring

• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Camera
• Small backpack
• Cash for entrance fees and purchases (ATMs are not available at the site)

Photography Tips

The morning light is excellent for photographing the eastern parts of the site, while afternoon light works better for the western sections. For panoramic shots of the entire site, climb Tell Husn in the late afternoon when the light is softer.

Why Pella Deserves Your Time

While less famous than Jerash or Petra, Pella offers a unique archaeological experience with far fewer crowds. The site's multi-layered history—spanning the Bronze Age, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Early Islamic periods—provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich past.

What makes Pella particularly special is the ongoing archaeological work. Unlike many "finished" sites, Pella continues to reveal new discoveries, with only about 5% of the ancient city excavated so far.

Conclusion

A day trip to Pella from Amman offers a rewarding journey into Jordan's ancient past without the crowds of more famous sites. With proper planning and an early start, you can fully experience this archaeological gem and even combine it with other nearby attractions for a comprehensive northern Jordan experience.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply looking to explore beyond Jordan's main tourist trail, Pella provides a fascinating window into the many civilizations that have called this fertile valley home over the millennia.