By Car
A rental car is the best way to see Jordan, particularly if you want to drive the King's Highway through Madaba, Karak, and on to Petra. The main tourist sites are spread across the country, and public transport between them is patchy. Driving here is easier than in many Middle Eastern countries — roads are reasonable and distances manageable. An international driving permit is officially required alongside your home license.
The three main arteries are the Desert Highway (fast, direct, connects Amman to Aqaba), the King's Highway (slower, scenic, passes through most of the interesting middle of the country), and the Dead Sea Highway (runs along the western rift valley).
By Bus
JETT runs air-conditioned coaches on the main tourist routes — Amman to Petra, Amman to Aqaba, Amman to the Dead Sea — at reasonable prices. These are comfortable and worth using if you are sticking to the main sights. For other routes, local minibuses are the alternative: they are cheap but run on no fixed schedule, leaving only when full. Do not plan anything time-sensitive around them.
By Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Amman and the larger towns. Yellow taxis in Amman should use meters; in practice, you may need to insist. White "service" taxis run fixed routes between cities — you share the vehicle with other passengers and leave when full. They are faster and cheaper than buses for inter-city travel on popular routes.
Hiring a private taxi for a full day is a sensible option for routes like Amman to Jerash, or for exploring the King's Highway at your own pace. Agree on a price before you set off.
Getting Around Amman
Amman is built on a series of hills (jabals), and most neighborhoods are oriented around numbered traffic circles. Streets have names on maps but are rarely signposted — locals navigate by landmarks and circles. Taxis are the easiest way to get around the city; the city bus network exists but is confusing for visitors.
In Remote Areas
For Wadi Rum, most visitors arrange jeep trips and guides through desert camps in advance. The remote Eastern Desert and the fringes of the King's Highway can be difficult without your own transport.