How to get to Jordan

If you're planning a trip to Jordan, getting there is straightforward. Daily nonstop flights connect London to Amman, with easy one-stop routes from across the UK. Most international flights land at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, while a few arrive at King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba.

Best time to travel

The best time to visit Jordan is in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is pleasant. However, this is also when flights and package deals are at their most expensive. Winter offers lower fares, but sightseeing can be chilly.

Flight prices also rise around major Islamic holidays, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and during the hajj pilgrimage season. Since many flights to the Middle East get booked in advance for pilgrims, it’s best to check dates early if you plan to travel around these times.

Another factor to consider is flight schedules. Many flights from London arrive in Amman late at night, and return flights often depart early in the morning, requiring a pre-dawn wake-up.

Flights from the UK and Ireland

Royal Jordanian and British Airways offer daily nonstop flights from London Heathrow to Amman (flight time: 5 hours). Wizz Air also flies from London Luton to Amman three times a week.

For travelers from other UK or Irish cities, there are many one-stop options. Lufthansa connects via Frankfurt, Austrian Airlines via Vienna, and Ryanair via Budapest, Madrid, or Rome. Turkish Airlines operates flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and Dublin, with a stop in Istanbul before continuing to Amman or Aqaba.

Flights from the US and Canada

From North America, Royal Jordanian flies nonstop to Amman from New York, Chicago, Detroit, Montreal, and Toronto. Other airlines, including United, British Airways, and Air Canada, offer one-stop routes via London, Frankfurt, or Vienna.

Turkish Airlines has direct flights from Chicago, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles to Istanbul, where you can transfer to a connecting flight to Jordan. EgyptAir does the same from New York via Cairo.

Flight time to Jordan is about 11 hours from the US East Coast and 15 hours from the West Coast, not including layovers.

Flights from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

There are no direct flights from Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa to Jordan, but one-stop options are available.

• From Australia and New Zealand: Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, or Qantas and Thai Airways via Bangkok.
• From South Africa: The best connections are Emirates via Dubai, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, Qatar Airways via Doha, EgyptAir via Cairo, or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.

Overland travel to Jordan

From Israel

There are three border crossings between Israel and Jordan:

• King Hussein/Allenby Bridge (between Jerusalem and Amman) – Visas are not issued here, so you need to get one in advance.
• Sheikh Hussein Bridge (near Beit She’an) – Visas available on arrival.
• Wadi Araba Crossing (between Eilat and Aqaba) – Standard visas are not issued here, though travelers often receive a free entry visa.

Be prepared for security checks and delays at all crossings. If traveling from Jerusalem to Amman, expect the journey to take at least a few hours, depending on wait times at the border.

From Egypt

The overland route from Cairo to Amman is long and difficult, with much of the Sinai considered unsafe for travel. Flying is the better option, with direct flights from Cairo, Alexandria, and Sharm el-Sheikh to Amman.

Ferries also operate between Nuweiba (Egypt) and Aqaba (Jordan), but they are notoriously unreliable, with frequent delays and schedule changes. If you plan to take this route, check updates from AB Maritime.

A more reliable way to travel from Egypt is to cross into Israel at Taba, then enter Jordan via Eilat/Aqaba. However, this route requires multiple border crossings.

From Syria and Iraq

• The Syrian border is open, but travel through Syria remains unsafe.
• The Iraqi border is open, but travelers should check visa requirements in advance.