Jordan » Getting Around

Royal Wings operates regular flights from Amman to Aqaba (website: www.royalwings.com.jo). It is also possible to hire executive jets and helicopters.

There is no longer a public railway service.

Main roads are good, but desert tracks should be avoided unless a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle is used. It is important to make sure that the vehicle is in good repair if travelling on minor roads or tracks. Take plenty of water and follow local advice carefully.

Bus: Services are efficient and cheap. Alpha (tel: (06) 585 0626), JETT (tel: (06) 566 4146) and Trust International Transport (tel: (06) 581 3427) all operate modern, air-conditioned fleets.

Taxi: All taxis operate a meter and can be hired for the day. Share-taxi service to all towns on fixed routes is also available and can be hired for private use. Share-taxis to Petra should be booked in advance owing to demand. Tips of around 10% are appreciated.

Car hire: Major international car hire companies and a number of local companies operate services in the main towns, including Amman and Aqaba; car hire is also available from hotels and travel agents. Drivers are available for the day.

Emergency breakdown service: In case of breakdown, contact the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (tel: (06) 585 0626; website: www.racj.com).

Regulations: Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 60kph (38mph) in cities, 80kph (50mph) on country roads and 120kph (75mph) on motorways. There are frequent passport controls along the Red Sea and travellers are advised to have their papers ready.

Documentation: National driving licences are accepted if they have been issued at least one year before travel. However, an International Driving Permit is recommended. Visitors are not allowed to drive a vehicle with normal Jordanian plates unless they have a Jordanian driving licence.

Note: When using routes which go near the Israeli border (and even when sailing or swimming in the Red Sea without a guide), the traveller should always have all papers in order and within reach.

There are conventional buses and extensive fixed-route ‘servis’ (share-taxis, most seating up to seven) in Amman. The ‘servis’ are licensed, with a standard fare scale, but there are no fixed pick-up or set-down points. Vehicles often fill up at central or outer terminal points and then run non-stop.