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How to Get to Irbid

How to Get to Irbid

Irbid Jordan Travel Guide

Major Airport & Airlines

Queen Alia International Airport AMM

AMM, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Amman, is Jordan's busiest airport. Irbid is about 90-100 kilometers north of AMM. This airport serves as your international air travel point of entry. It joins Amman to key hubs across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Direct Flight Options

  • Flights straight to AMM are available from major global cities like London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, New York, and Montreal.
  • It varies in availability by airline and season.
  • Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Airlines & Seasonal Prices

AMM hosts a wide array of international airlines, including Jordan's national carrier, Royal Jordanian, along with large global airlines like The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ba, and numerous budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.

Price Fluctuations

  • Flight prices typically increase during peak tourist seasons (spring, autumn) and major holidays.
  • Lower prices appear during summer (due to intense heat) and winter (cooler, wetter weather).
  • Book flights well in advance, especially for peak times, to secure better fares. Compare choices on Skyscanner.

Airport Services

Queen Alia International Airport provides duty-free shops, numerous restaurants and cafes, car rental services, currency exchange, ATMs, VIP lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

Private Taxi to Irbid

A lift to Irbid costs approximately JOD 50-70. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours, offering the most non-stop and convenient option.

Budget Bus Transfer

Take the Airport Fast Bus to Amman's North Terminal (JOD 3-4), then catch a JETT bus or local shared taxi to Irbid. This option requires more time and transfers.

Pre-booked Transfers

Advantages of Pre-booking

  • A driver awaits your arrival, eliminating wait times.
  • Direct and comfortable journey to your accommodation.
  • Fixed price, avoids negotiation upon arrival.
  • Customer support for any unforeseen issues.

Booking Recommendations

  • Many hotels or tour operators offer pre-booked private transfers.
  • Contact your accommodation directly to coordinate.
  • Utilize online travel agencies or dedicated transfer services.
  • Confirm pick-up details and destination clearly.

Travel Tip: Pre-book Airport Transfer

Comfort

For a comfortable and direct getting from Queen Alia International Airport to Irbid, think about pre-booking-booking a private taxi or transfer service before your arrival.

Convenience

This saves you time and stress upon arrival, especially after a long flight, as a driver is going to be waiting for you.

Cost

While pricier than buses, it offers peace of mind and direct travel to your accommodation.

Land Transportation to Irbid

Border Crossing Information

Irbid in northern Jordan sits relatively close to several international land borders. While you typically fly into AMM, knowing about these crossings is useful for regional transportation.

Crossings

  • Sheikh Hussein (Jordan River) Crossing (with Israel): Located north of Irbid, frequently used by tourists.
  • King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge (with the West Bank): Closer to Amman, mainly for Palestinians, stricter procedures.
  • Jaber (Nassib) Border Crossing (with Syria): Status varies due to security; check advisories before considering.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses offer a reliable and economical way to travel to Irbid from Amman and other Jordanian cities.

JETT Bus

  • JETT operates comfortable, air-conditioned buses between Amman and Irbid.
  • Scheduled, dependable service having frequent departures throughout the day.
  • Purchase tickets online through the JETT website or at their offices.

Self-Driving Considerations

You must possess a valid national driver''s driving license from your country of origin and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry both documents at all times. The minimum age for car rental is typically 21-25, depending on the company. Roads between major cities like Amman and Irbid are generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be less maintained.

Driving Tips

  • Traffic in downtown areas, especially Amman, can be congested with aggressive driving.
  • GPS applications (like Google Maps) are highly useful for navigation.
  • Major international car rental companies have offices at AMM airport and in Amman. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main highways connecting metropolises are in good condition. Exercise caution on country roads, which are narrower, have unmarked speed bumps, or encounter livestock. Avoid night driving outside of major cities if possible due to poor lighting and risks like unlit vehicles or animals. Observe posted speed limits (SIXTY kilometers/h urban, 80 kilometers per hour rural, 110 km/h highway).

Safety Measures

  • Seatbelt use is required for all occupants.
  • Be prepared for aggressive road behavior habits, including frequent lane changes and horn usage. Maintain a defensive driving approach.
  • When taking a shared taxi (serwis), confirm your destination clearly with the driver before getting on.

No Passenger Train Services

  • Jordan does not have passenger train services.
  • Train connections are not an option for reaching Irbid from other cities.
  • This transportation method is not available for travel within Jordan.
  • Irbid is a city not on the coast; sea or river arrivals are not relevant.
  • Jordan's only seaport is Aqaba, in the far south of the country.
  • Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable for Irbid.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

For departures out of Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), any airport departure taxes or fees are typically included in your airline ticket price. You do not usually pay a separate exit fee at the airport. However, if departing Jordan via a land border crossing (e.g., to Israel), a departure tax (around JOD 10 per person) may apply. Confirm this at the specific border crossing.

Departure Timing Recommendations AMM

  • Allow ample time for travel from Irbid to AMM (1.5-2 hours), accounting for potential traffic.
  • Arrive at AMM at least 2-3 hours before your international flight for check-in, security, and immigration.
  • During peak seasons or holidays, consider arriving even earlier to avoid last-minute stress.

Airport Facilities AMM

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) offers a wide range of facilities for departing travelers, including taxes-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs. Irbid Bus Stations (e.g., North Station, South Station) are more basic, providing waiting areas, some food stalls, and restrooms.

Bus Station Facilities

  • Irbid bus stations serve as embarkation points for buses and shared taxis to Amman and other northern destinations.
  • These stations offer basic amenities for travelers awaiting their departure.
  • No extensive retail or eating selections are present at local bus stations.

Passport Control

Ensure all necessary departure documents are ready for passport control procedures at the airport.

Boarding Pass

Have your boarding pass, either printed or on your mobile device, ready for scanning.

Security Screening

Prepare for numerous security checks by having liquids and electronics ready for inspection.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable for Irbid

No Water Transport

Irbid is a landlocked city in the northern part of Jordan. Therefore, sea or river arrivals are not relevant for reaching this location directly. Jordan's only seaport is Aqaba, positioned on the Red Sea in the far south of the country.

Irrelevance of Water Travel

  • Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable for Irbid.
  • River transit choices are not available for Irbid.
  • Connections to land transportation from seaports are not relevant for Irbid.

Geographical Context

Irbid's location far from any major body of water means that all travel to the city is set to be via land or air. This geographic reality shapes the transportation options available to visitors. Focus your planning on flights to Queen Alia International Airport and subsequent land transfers.

Focus on Land & Air

  • Air travel to AMM is the main international entry point.
  • Land transport via bus, taxi, or rental car are the main methods to reach Irbid.
  • The city's inland position dictates travel logistics for visitors.

Departure Preparation

Confirm Flight Details

Confirm your flight status and departure terminal at Queen Alia International Airport before leaving Irbid. This helps prevent last-eleventh-hour worry.

Travel Time Advisory

Factor in sufficient travel time from Irbid to the airport, considering potential traffic variations.

Check-in Early

Arrive at the airport with ample time for check-in, security, and immigration, especially during busy periods.

Travel Tip: Reconfirm Departure Details

Always reconfirm your flight status and departure terminal at Queen Alia International Airport before leaving Irbid. This helps prevent last-eleventh-hour worry and makes sure a smooth journey.