How to Get from Amman to Aqaba
Complete 2026 guide — compare flights, buses, driving, and guided tours with prices, durations, and insider tips.
The fastest way from Amman to Aqaba is a 1-hour domestic flight with Royal Jordanian (~€60-120). The JETT bus takes 4-5 hours and costs ~€10. Driving takes about 3.5-4 hours via the Desert Highway. Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, located on the Red Sea at the country's southernmost tip.
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ By Flight | 1 hour | €60-130 | Time-conscious travelers |
| 🚌 By JETT Bus | 4-5 hours | €9-11 | Budget travelers and most visitors |
| 🚗 By Rental Car (Self-Drive) | 3.5-4 hours | €30-50 (fuel) + rental from €30/day | Road trip travelers combining multiple destinations |
| 🚕 By Private Taxi / Transfer | 3.5-4 hours | €90-130 (whole car) | Groups and families |
By Flight
Royal Jordanian operates daily flights from Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to Aqaba King Hussein International Airport (AQJ). Flight time is approximately 1 hour. There are typically 1-2 flights per day. Aqaba airport is small and located just 15 minutes from the city center and resort hotels. Fares vary by season and advance booking.
- Fastest option at just 1 hour flight time
- Avoids the long 4-hour drive through the desert
- Small airport — quick check-in and bag collection
- Convenient for connecting with international flights
- Significantly more expensive than the bus
- Limited to 1-2 flights per day
- Need to add airport transfer time at both ends
- Luggage limitations on some fare classes
By JETT Bus
JETT operates regular daily buses from Amman Abdali station to Aqaba bus station. Departures are typically at 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:00 PM (schedules may vary seasonally). The journey takes 4-5 hours via the Desert Highway. Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable with reserved seating. The Aqaba bus station is centrally located near the city center.
- Very affordable at approximately 8-10 JOD
- Multiple daily departures
- Comfortable air-conditioned bus with reserved seats
- Direct service — no transfers needed
- Long 4-5 hour journey through monotonous desert
- Fixed departure times
- No stops along the way
- Can fill up during holidays and peak season
By Rental Car (Self-Drive)
The drive from Amman to Aqaba via the Desert Highway (Route 15) is about 330 km and takes 3.5-4 hours. The highway is well-maintained and mostly straight through flat desert terrain. Speed limits are 110 km/h on most stretches with frequent police speed traps. Having a rental car allows you to stop at Wadi Rum or Petra en route, making it ideal for a multi-destination Jordan road trip.
- Flexibility to stop at Petra or Wadi Rum en route
- Drive at your own pace
- Aqaba has a Special Economic Zone — fuel and goods are tax-free and cheaper
- Ideal for a multi-destination road trip
- Very monotonous desert highway
- Frequent police speed traps — stick to limits
- Return drive can feel long after a beach holiday
- Some rental agencies charge extra for one-way drop-off
By Private Taxi / Transfer
Private taxis and pre-arranged transfers from Amman to Aqaba take approximately 3.5-4 hours. The price is for the entire vehicle, making it cost-effective for groups of 3-4 people. Many hotels and tour agencies in Amman can arrange transfers. You can negotiate stops at Wadi Rum or scenic viewpoints along the way for an additional fee.
- Door-to-door service
- Comfortable and private
- Can include stops en route (Wadi Rum junction, viewpoints)
- Good value for groups of 3-4
- Expensive for solo travelers
- One-way pricing — need separate return transport
- Long journey
By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free)
One Nation Travel Jordan tours that include Aqaba typically visit it as the final stop after Petra and Wadi Rum, allowing time for Red Sea snorkeling, diving, or beach relaxation before returning to Amman. All transport between destinations is included in the tour package. Some tours include a glass-bottom boat trip or snorkeling excursion in Aqaba's coral-rich waters.
- Transport and logistics fully arranged
- Aqaba included as part of a comprehensive Jordan circuit
- Snorkeling or diving excursions often included
- Perfect way to end a Jordan trip with beach relaxation
- Set itinerary with fixed time in Aqaba
📊 Amman to Aqaba — At a Glance
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ By Flight | 1 hour | €60-130 | Time-conscious travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚌 By JETT Bus | 4-5 hours | €9-11 | Budget travelers and most visitors | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚗 By Rental Car (Self-Drive) | 3.5-4 hours | €30-50 (fuel) + rental from €30/day | Road trip travelers combining multiple destinations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚕 By Private Taxi / Transfer | 3.5-4 hours | €90-130 (whole car) | Groups and families | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🎫 By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free) | Included in multi-day package | All-inclusive from tour price | Travelers wanting a complete Jordan experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🧳 Travel Tips for This Route
Aqaba is a Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) with duty-free status. Shopping, dining, and fuel are cheaper here than the rest of Jordan. Stock up on souvenirs and fill your fuel tank before heading north.
Aqaba is only 1 hour from Wadi Rum. The ideal itinerary is Petra (2 nights) - Wadi Rum (1 night) - Aqaba (1-2 nights). This way you end your trip with beach relaxation before flying or driving back to Amman.
Aqaba has some of the best and most affordable snorkeling and diving in the Middle East. The coral reefs in the Aqaba Marine Park are vibrant and accessible from shore. A half-day diving trip starts from around 35 JOD.
The Desert Highway between Amman and Aqaba has frequent police speed cameras and checkpoints. Stick to the posted speed limit (usually 110 km/h). Fines are payable on the spot and can be significant.
Aqaba has both public beaches and resort beaches. The South Beach / Berenice Beach Club area has the best coral reefs for snorkeling. Resort hotels offer day passes typically from 15-25 JOD.
Aqaba is a year-round destination. Winter (December-February) offers pleasant 20-25C temperatures while the rest of Jordan is cold. Summer is extremely hot (40C+). Spring and autumn are ideal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Royal Jordanian operates daily flights from Amman (AMM) to Aqaba (AQJ). The flight takes approximately 1 hour and fares range from 40-90 JOD one way depending on season and advance booking. There are typically 1-2 flights per day.
The JETT bus takes approximately 4-5 hours from Amman Abdali station to Aqaba bus station. Buses depart several times daily (typically 7 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM). The fare is approximately 8-10 JOD. Buses are modern and air-conditioned.
Yes, especially for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Aqaba has some of the best coral reefs in the Red Sea, accessible directly from shore. It is also a tax-free zone with good shopping. Most Jordan itineraries include 1-2 nights in Aqaba for beach relaxation after visiting Petra and Wadi Rum.
Yes. AB Maritime operates a fast ferry and a slow ferry from Aqaba to Nuweiba in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The fast ferry takes about 1 hour and the slow ferry takes 3-4 hours. This is a popular route for travelers continuing to Dahab, Sharm el-Sheikh, or Cairo. You need to arrange your Egyptian visa in advance.
Aqaba is approximately 70 km (44 miles) from the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre, about 1 hour by car. This makes it very convenient to combine both destinations — spend a night in Wadi Rum's desert camp then continue to Aqaba for Red Sea relaxation.
Aqaba is actually cheaper for many things due to its Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) status. Goods and fuel are tax-free. However, beachfront resort hotels can be pricey. Budget hotels and Airbnbs are available from around 25-40 JOD per night.
Skip the Hassle — Book a Guided Tour
Let One Nation Travel handle your Amman to Aqaba journey. All transfers, flights, hotels, and guides included in one package.
