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Public transport

The larger cities such as Amman and Irbid have a cheap bus service, with routes within the city and the country. These buses do not operate on a regular timetable, and only leave a stop when the bus is full. This can be problematic if you’re looking to get somewhere quickly, as wait times of over an hour are sometimes possible. For a faster way to get where you’re going, and with the added bonus of driving there directly with no stop-offs for passengers, we recommend using the national bus company JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transport) which operates on a fixed schedule. They run buses from Amman to Aqaba, as well as to King Hussein Bridge (7am daily) and Petra (6:30 am daily). There is also Trust International Transport which operates Amman – Aqaba and Irbid – Aqaba, and the company Hijazi operates Amman – Irbid.

Shared taxis are also quite a common way of getting around within the city. These large white cars sit seven or eight people and run on a set route with no stop offs, offering locals and tourists alike a quicker way to hop from place to place. It’s important to respect customs in Jordan at all times, so please remember that it’s improper to take a seat next to a Jordanian of the opposite sex when using public transport.

Taxis

There are a lot of taxis in Jordan and most are fairly reasonable in price. An average 20-minute journey should cost no more than 5 USD, and it’s even possible to charter them for the day. Just be sure to negotiate a price you’re happy with before you set off.

If for any reason a taxi driver refuses to turn on his meter when you step into his cab, simply get out – you may be faced with an exorbitant cab fare when you get to your destination.

Also note that it is not customary for women to sit in the front seat when travelling alone.

Private vehicle hire

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities offer private vehicle hire with guides who are extensively knowledgable about Jordan, and make for an ideal way to learn the most about this fascinating country as you travel through it at your leisure. The licensed guides all wear a badge from the ministry with their name and photo.

Some yellow taxis will also offer their services for the day at a rate of about 10JD per hour. Although they aren’t certified guides, they often have a thorough knowledge of the area and provide a quick, efficient way of getting out of the city for a day trip.

Car hire

If you’re planning on renting a car in Jordan you’ll be pleased to hear that driving is relatively safe here once you get outside of the capital. You can rent a car with a standard driving licence, but it does pay to have an International Driving Permit in case you have an accident. You should also check with the rental agency if there are any age restrictions on renting a car, as each company tends to have its own policy.

The roads are fairly well maintained so you shouldn’t have too many problems, so long as you stick to the right and always obey the police. You will still have to watch out for the occasional pothole or unmarked speed bump, though. This is especially true at night, as most roads aren’t particularly well lit.

There are also a number of checkpoints along the roads of Jordan, so keep your passport, licence, registration papers and other documents handy at all times (though as a foreigner you’ll probably be waved through with no hassle at all).

All in all, renting a car really is a great way to get around, with plenty of informative directional signs to point out all the major attractions and help you see everything the country has to offer in your own time.

Domestic flights

You can also fly between Amman and Aqaba with Royal Jordanian. Flights are twice daily and take about 50 minutes for approximately 55 JD per person each way.

Amman
If you're looking to immerse yourself in a labyrinth of souks and bazaars, where all kinds of colourful and exotic fruits, clothes and jewellery spill out from their stalls onto the streets, then look no further than Amman. What really makes the city unique, however, is how it has managed to combine both the ancient and the modern like no other city in the region. As you wander the bustling interwoven streets that flow through the valleys of Downtown you're forever in the shadow of Jabal Al Qal'a - the highest hill in the city, and home to the sprawling ruins of the Roman citadel. In fact, wherever you go in Amman you'll find ancient history around every corner, such as the spectacular Temple of Hercules and the magisterial Umayyad Palace. When visiting Jordan, Amman is one of the must-see places on your visit.
Jerash
The Roman ruins of Jerash are among the most well-preserved in the world; so well in fact that it's very easy to lose yourself in its history and imagine how it was back in its day. There's the hippodrome, where chariot races were once held, Hadrian's arch, built purposely for a visit from the emperor Adrian, and the Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis. If you love history make sure it's on your itinerary.
Petra
Jordan is famously home to one of the seven modern wonders of the world - the ancient, rose red city of Petra - which is so utterly captivating that it's reason alone to travel there. You arrive at Petra through the Siq, a long narrow canyon formed over many years, which gradually opens out onto the most elaborate of Petra's facades - the treasury. Carved out of sandstone onto the face of the rock itself, the size and grandeur of this sight will simply take your breath away, making it the perfect introduction to this awe-inspiring city. If you have the time, don't miss the chance to wander Petra by night - the magical, candlelit facades make for the experience of a lifetime.
Wadi Rum
The deserts of the Wadi Rum are simply packed with things to see and do. Whether you fancy camping and stargazing under a perfect night sky, rolling down immense sand dunes, riding in 4x4s with experienced guides, or simply pretending to be Lawrence of Arabia - here at FleeWinter we can help you do them all. You'll discover Bedouin tented camps, fantastic natural rock bridges, ancient drawings carved into the stones thousands of years ago, all set against the gorgeous red and yellow backdrop of the desert itself. An absolute must.
Dead Sea
What trip to Jordan would be complete without a visit to the Dead Sea? It's impossible not to be amazed at the salinity and viscosity of the water as you wade in, desperately trying to make your foot touch the floor - something which catches all first-timers by surprise. Be sure to take a newspaper with you for the customary floating and reading pic, and be sure to treat your skin to a good soak in the rich, black, mineral-infused mud you'll find along the shore. The most beautiful health spa you'll ever visit.
Aqaba
The waters of Aqaba are among the most colourful in the world, so be sure to take the time to try a little snorkelling. Even right by the coast you can float over vast, sloping coral gardens but go a little further to the King Abdullah Reef in the middle of the Red Sea and you can share the water with turtles, rays, and huge shoals of brightly coloured neon fish. Be sure to take an underwater camera.
Dana Nature Reserve
Dana is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, covering spectacular mountains and wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley. From scorching sand dunes in the west to cool mountain tops in the east, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is home to a great variety of wildlife. There are plants and animals characteristic of true desert, of Mediterranean forests and of the dry plains of Russia. In fact, Dana is really a melting pot of species from three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia.
Madaba
Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics" is best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Madaba is home to the famous 6th century Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. With two million pieces of vividly coloured local stone, it depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta.

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