Amman and Northern Jordan are easily organised from Amman as a base camp — all major destinations (Jerash, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Ajloun) are accessible as day trips.
From Queen Alia Airport (AMM, 35 km south of Amman): the Airport Express Bus (Sariyah Express) reaches Amman 7th Circle in 45 min for 3.50 JOD (€4.50) — comfortable and reliable, every 30 min from 6 am to midnight. Private taxi: €20-30 to Amman centre, to be negotiated at the official counter at the arrivals exit (avoid touts). Uber operates in Amman and allows you to know the price in advance (€15-25 from the airport).
In Amman, official yellow taxis are plentiful and meter-operated (minimum 2 JOD = €2.50, city ride 3-7 JOD). Uber and Careem (the 'Arab Uber') work very well and are often cheaper than taxis (no negotiation, displayed price). Metro and city bus are of little use to tourists (limited network, impractical). To explore the city on foot, know that Amman is very hilly (seven hills) — plan for real physical effort, especially for the Citadel and Rainbow Street.
To Jerash (50 km, 1h): three options. 1) Organised excursion from your hotel: €35-60 per person for a half-day, transport + guide included, often combined with Ajloun (€60-90). 2) Private taxi for the day: €50-80 for 6-8h on site. Negotiate before departure. 3) Public minibus from Tabarbour bus station (north Amman): 2-3 JOD per person, departs when full, 1h15 journey — economical but unpredictable.
To Madaba and Mount Nebo (30 km, 45 min): organised excursion (€40-70) or private taxi (€40-60 for the half-day). If you are heading down to the Dead Sea or Petra, combine Madaba + Mount Nebo en route — the classic Amman → Madaba → Mount Nebo → Dead Sea → Petra itinerary is one of the most practised (panoramic King's Road as an option, longer but magnificent).
To Ajloun (75 km, 1h30): organised excursion from Amman (often combined with Jerash, €60-90) or rental car for a quiet day of exploration (€50-80 at Hertz, Avis or Sixt at the airport).
Car rental: alternative for autonomous travellers. Excellent roads outside Amman (English signage), right-hand driving. Avoid driving in Amman itself — chaotic traffic, almost impossible parking, unpredictable drivers. Prefer to pick up the car on leaving the city. For the north-south crossing of Jordan (Amman → Dead Sea → Petra → Wadi Rum → Aqaba), the French-speaking private driver is the most practical solution (€200-350 for 7 days, shareable up to 4).
Read also
- Petra and the South — UNESCO Petra, Wadi Rum desert, King's Road: Jordan's mythical dimension.
- Dead Sea — Lowest point on Earth, unique buoyancy, hotel complexes.
- Aqaba and Red Sea — World-class diving, alternative to Egypt.
- Jordan — Complete country guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and the best time to visit.