Transport and Driving in Jordan

The options for getting around in Jordan are limited. Most roads are in good condition, but unpredictable Jordanian drivers make getting behind the wheel less than appealing. Meanwhile, the country's mountainous terrain largely rules out cycling and walking as forms of transport.

Taxis are popular with locals and expats alike and are useful for everyday transport, while buses are ideal for getting from city to city.

Public transport in Jordan

While Jordan is a highly developed country in areas such as education and health, its public transport infrastructure is lacking. Nevertheless, with some planning and patience, it is possible to get from point A to point B using public transport.

Trains

There is only one passenger train in operation in Jordan: a steam train running along the Hedjaz Jordan Railway, which goes daily from Amman to Damascus in Syria and back. With the railway's long and fascinating history, a trip along this route is more for the experience of the ride rather than any practical use.

Mini buses

Mini buses are shared taxis that carry seven to nine passengers. They are known locally as servees and can be frustrating to use as they do not follow regular timetables. Rather, drivers will wait until they have a full complement of passengers. While this is not too inconvenient on popular and well-used routes where mini buses will fill up quickly, if you're planning to take more obscure routes, you will usually be in for a long wait. Once a minibus is full, it will depart and generally only stop if a passenger asks them to.

Buses

JETT buses are the best option if you're looking for a bus service that adheres to a schedule. Apart from the benefit of predictable and reliable timing, JETT buses also offer passengers a comfortable journey with air conditioning and toilets onboard.

Useful links

• Hejaz Railway
• JETT

Taxis in Jordan

Taxis are a popular and cost-effective way of getting around Jordan. They are the main form of transport for many in Jordan, especially in Amman. Taxis are typically yellow with green Arabic writing.

Expats should be aware that taxi fares in Jordan are anything but straightforward. Firstly, prices are typically in fils, not dinars – and taxi drivers are unlikely to correct anyone who mistakenly pays in dinars.

If the taxi has a meter, ensure the driver turns it on, as this will usually be cheaper than paying a set price. Although metered taxis are abundant in Amman, taxis in the rest of Jordan seldom have meters, which is necessary to negotiate a flat fare before getting into the taxi.

When negotiating a fare for a group, taxi drivers are notorious for quoting a seemingly low price for the ride and later claiming that the quoted price was per person. Be sure to clarify this before accepting.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are hugely popular in Jordan. Many expats will find this to be the most cost-effective way of travelling by taxi in the country. These apps can also help you overcome the language barrier since you can book a ride through an app or website.

Useful links

• Jordan Cab
• Uber
• Careem

Driving in Jordan

Driving in Jordan is not for the faint of heart. Although most roads are in good condition and signposted in Arabic and English, Jordanian drivers have a reputation for driving erratically and unpredictably.

The roads are full of hazards, from unmarked speed bumps to wandering livestock – in fact, livestock collisions are one of the most common causes of car accidents in Jordan.

The roads are poorly lit at night, and many local drivers believe that driving without headlights makes it easier to see. Therefore, it is inadvisable to drive after dark unless absolutely necessary.

Driving licences in Jordan

Expats from certain countries can simply exchange their foreign driving licences for a local driving licence if their home countries have exchange agreements with Jordan. If your home country doesn't have an exchange agreement with Jordan, you must secure a local driving licence within six months of moving to Jordan.

You will need to take and pass a driving test at a certified driving school to secure a local driving licence. Additionally, expats must prepare copies of their passports, resident permits if they have one, a certificate of good conduct, as well as their foreign driving licence or international driving permit.

Useful links

• Jordan Driving and Vehicle Licences Department

Cycling in Jordan

Cycling in Jordan can be hazardous. Not only do motorists lack knowledge of cycle safety, but there is little to no cycling infrastructure in even the most developed parts of the country. Jordan's hot and stifling weather, along with the hilly landscape, also make cycling difficult.