Getting to Jordan

With daily international flights and plenty of overland transport options, getting to Jordan has never been easier. Whether you are flying from far afield or traveling to Jordan via a neighboring country, there are plenty of ways to get to Jordan.

Getting to Jordan by Plane

The main airport in Jordan is Queen Alia International Airport, which is home to popular national airlines, including Royal Jordanian. Visitors can get to Jordan by plane from almost any country on a daily basis. Visitors can fly directly into Queen Alia International Airport from many European cities, including London, as well as North America and Asia.

Those flying from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa should note that there are no direct flights into Jordan; however, it is possible to get a connecting flight via Thailand and other surrounding nations. The airport is located just 30 km from the capital city of Amman, making it the best option for those who wish to get around easily.

Getting to Jordan by Boat

For those who are visiting both Egypt and Jordan, it is possible to travel to Jordan by ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba. Ferries operate between Nuweiba in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan, with the main operator being AB Maritime. The journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, though slower ferries may take longer.

Ferry schedules are limited and can vary depending on the season, so it’s important to check times in advance. Prices usually range from $70 to $100 one way.

From Aqaba, visitors can explore the city’s beaches, coastline, and nearby attractions before continuing inland. The journey from Amman to Aqaba (or Aqaba to Amman in reverse) takes approximately 4 hours by car.

From Amman, travelers can continue to discover the country’s highlights, including the Dead Sea, Madaba, and day trips into the desert landscapes.

Getting to Jordan With a Tour Group

Another way to get to Jordan is by joining a pre-booked tour group. These tour groups are excellent if you wish to see more than one destination in Jordan and prefer someone else to organize it all. The tour groups usually consist of flights and overland transport through Jordan, whilst covering the most beautiful sites.

Getting to Jordan by land

Travelers can enter Jordan overland from Israel through several official border crossings. The three main crossings are the Wadi Araba (Yitzhak Rabin) Crossing in the south, the Jordan River (Sheikh Hussein) Crossing in the north, and the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) near the West Bank.

The Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Crossing, located near Eilat and Aqaba, is often the most convenient option for tourists. It generally offers the shortest processing times, though wait times can vary from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on traffic and security procedures. Some travelers may be eligible for a visa on arrival or can enter using the Jordan Pass, depending on nationality.

The other crossings include the Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein Crossing and the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) Terminal. The Allenby Bridge is primarily used for travelers coming from the West Bank and has more restricted visa procedures, so it is important to check the requirements in advance.

For travelers coming from Egypt, the most common and direct route into Jordan is by ferry between Nuweiba and Aqaba, rather than transiting through Israel. Overland travel via the Taba-Eilat crossing is possible, but it requires full Israeli border control procedures and is not the typical route for Egypt-Jordan travel.

Overall, reaching Jordan is relatively straightforward, whether arriving by air or crossing from a neighboring country, but visa rules and border procedures vary by nationality and should always be checked before travel.

Be sure to check out our full flight lists of incoming flights to Amman and our list of flights to Aqaba to help you choose the best route to Jordan.