Ask and …you shall be given (directions) !
Amman and other cities are relatively small, and most places of interest, hotels and restaurants are well known. Street addresses are rarely used (mail is delivered only to post office boxes located at neighborhood post office centres) and only the larger street names are well known. When giving directions, therefore, people will usually tell you the area or a nearby landmark (a large hotel, ministry building or supermarket, for example) and instructions from there. This works more efficiently than it sounds.
Amman itself is built on seven hills, or jabals, each of which more or less defines a neighborhood. Many jabals once had a traffic circle (roundabout) at their peak, and although most of the circles have now been replaced by traffic lights, the junctions are still known as 1st Circle, 2nd Circle… 8th Circle. Other Amman neighborhoods were once separate villages, now swallowed up by the expanding city.
One final word… if you’re having trouble finding your way, don’t hesitate to ask a passer-by, most people will be delighted to help, and in some cases, they’ll even jump in your car and direct you to your destination!
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transportation in Jordan, even over substantial distances, such as the trip between Amman and Aqaba. The white-painted “service taxis” ride fixed routes and are shared. Private taxis are painted yellow; they can be taken from ranks outside larger hotels, or hailed in the street. Taxis have meters, but these are not always used at night, so it is advisable to agree the cost beforehand. The same applies on long journeys. Taxi drivers are friendly, know the city well, and usually speak English. It is considered appropriate for a woman to sit in the back of the taxi. Tipping is isn’t compulsory, but it is customary to add about 200 fils to the price of the meter.
Buses
Several companies offer charter bus and regular tours in a fleet of modern, air-conditioned coaches. For schedules please ask your hotel concierge or visit the destinations page on this site, click here for the major attractions and destinations.
– Alpha Tours: 7th Circle, Amman.
– JETT: 7th Circle, Amman.
– Rum: Abdali, Amman.
– Sahara: Al Madina Al Munawara St.
Car Rental
Jordan has an excellent and expanding road network, and renting a car can be a good way to see the country. A driving license valid in your country of origin is acceptable, provided you have held it for at least one year. Driving is on the right. Road signs on the highways are in Arabic and English. Brown signs are designed for tourists. There are plenty of petrol stations in Amman and other cities, and on most highways (except the Dead Sea / Aqaba road), but it makes sense to fill up before embarking on any long journey. There are many car rental offices; the following is a selection. Many hotels have car rental offices on their premises.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
