Trip to Jordan: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Getting Around

• Planning transit in Jordan is essential due to aggressive local driving, limited public options, and long desert highways.
  
  
  • Renting a Car: Offers maximum freedom for main sites and off-beat ruins like Iraq Al Amir. Driving is challenging with passing on both sides, erratic parking, and heavy horn use
    Rules & Tips: Minimum age is 21; an International Driving Permit and valid license are legally required. Rental agencies abound in Amman and Aqaba (note that many close on Fridays). Inspect heating/AC and existing damage prior to pickup. Choose an economy car for city parking or a 4x4 for rough terrain (avoid soft sand dunes unless experienced).
  • Taxis & Rideshares: Yellow city taxis require cash (carry small bills under 5 JOD) and an immediate request to use the meter. To avoid overcharging, harassment, or smoke-filled cars, rideshares like Uber or Careem are cleaner and safer options.
    Etiquette: With male drivers, solo men sit in front and women in back; with female drivers, women sit in front and men in back.
    
    
  • Buses & Public Transit: Public buses and local minibuses are unreliable and wait to fill up. Instead, use JETT buses, which are comfortable, air-conditioned coaches covering key tourist routes (Amman, Petra, Aqaba, Wadi Rum). Booking ahead is recommended. For airport transit to Amman, the Sariya Airport Express shuttle is a solid budget choice.
  • Private Drivers & Guided Tours: The most stress-free option. Eliminates traffic hassle while adding rich local context. Reliable drivers are frequently recommended in groups like EXPATS in Amman.
  • Domestic Flights: A 1-hour flight connects Amman and Aqaba, though total travel time matches driving once airport check-ins and traffic are factored in.
  • On Foot & Hiking: Urban walking is tough due to hills and broken sidewalks, but great in Amman’s Rainbow Street, Al Webdeh, and Al Balad. Outdoor trekkers can hike the 675 km Jordan Trail from Umm Qais to Aqaba. (Hitchhiking is not recommended).

  Culinary in Jordan

  Jordanian cuisine is rich, flavorful, and deeply rooted in community. Food here is meant to be shared, starting with spreads of warm flatbread, hummus, mutabal (roasted eggplant dip), and fresh salads like tabbouleh.

  Must-try dishes include:

  • Mansaf: The national dish of Jordan. It features tender lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed) served over spiced rice and flatbread, topped with toasted nuts.
  • Zarb: Also known as Bedouin BBQ, this feast of meat and vegetables is slow-cooked underground in a submerged oven, giving it a rich, smoky flavor.
  • Falafel & Shawarma: Ubiquitous, affordable, and delicious street food options found in every town.
  • Kunafa: A popular Levantine dessert made of spun pastry layered with sweet cheese, soaked in syrup, and topped with pistachios.