Getting There & Away: Aqaba

Air Travel

Flights to Aqaba

Flying is often the quickest way to reach Aqaba, especially for international travelers.

Airlines & Routes

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is the main airport.
Royal Jordanian offers daily domestic flights from Amman (AMM) to AQJ.
European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air offer seasonal direct flights from various European cities.

Airport Transfers & Facilities

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is compact and efficient.

Services at AQJ

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal; fares typically JOD 15-20 to city/Tala Bay.
Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers.
Careem ride-sharing app provides fixed, transparent fares from the airport.

Seasonal Availability

European low-cost carriers increase frequency during high tourist season (October to April).

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices are higher during peak season, major holidays, and school breaks. Book in advance.

Global Connections

No direct long-haul flights. Connect through Amman or major European/Middle Eastern hubs like Istanbul or Dubai.

Finding Flights

Best Flight Deals

Explore services like Dollar Flight Club for discounted fares.
Use flight comparison websites to find the best rates.
Flexibility with travel dates can reduce costs.
Consider flying during shoulder or low seasons for lower prices.

Flight Search Engines

Skyscanner for comprehensive flight comparisons.
Check direct airline websites for special offers.
Use price alerts to monitor fare changes.
Download airline apps for easy check-in and updates.

Car Rental

Availability

Car rental services are available at King Hussein International Airport and in Aqaba city center.

Companies

Major international companies (e.g., Hertz, Avis, Europcar) operate, alongside local agencies. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.

Requirements

A valid national driver's license (held for at least one year) and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are needed.

Land Transportation

Bus Services

Long-distance buses offer views of Jordan's diverse landscapes.

JETT Bus

The most comfortable, reliable, and popular option for intercity travel.
Operates daily services connecting Aqaba with Amman, Petra (Wadi Musa), and Wadi Rum Village.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Self-Driving

Self-driving offers flexibility for exploring Jordan.

Driving in Jordan

Road conditions between major cities are generally good; Desert Highway (Route 15) is well-maintained.
Valid national driver's license and IDP are needed.
Navigation apps like Google Maps work well.

Border Crossings

Travelers can cross land borders, with specific considerations for each.

Entry & Exit Points

Yitzhak Rabin/Arava Border Crossing (Israel): Located south of Aqaba, open daily (check holidays).
Be aware of visa rules for both sides and any exit fees from Israel.
Durra Border Crossing (Saudi Arabia): Mainly used by Saudi and Jordanian nationals, rarely by tourists.

Road Conditions & Safety

Driving Safely

Local driving habits can be aggressive; defensive driving is recommended.
Speed cameras are common on highways; adhere to speed limits.
Roads within Wadi Rum are unpaved tracks, requiring 4x4 vehicles (usually via guided tours).

Important Land Travel Notes

No passenger train services connect Aqaba with other Jordanian cities.
Local minibuses (Servess) are cheaper but wait until full, delaying departure.
Parking can be challenging in central Aqaba, but designated lots exist.

Motorcycle/scooter rentals are less common and not generally recommended for tourists due to traffic.
Traffic can be congested in city centers.
Avoid unmarked cars offering rides; they are not legitimate taxis.

Sea & Departure Information

Sea Arrivals

Sea arrivals for tourists are less common than air or land travel to Aqaba.

Port & Ferry Details

Aqaba Port mainly handles cargo but occasionally welcomes cruise ships.
High-speed ferries historically operated between Aqaba and Nuweiba (Egypt), but services are inconsistent. Check with AB Maritime for current status.
Immigration procedures are conducted at the port terminal for international arrivals.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No separate exit fees are typically paid at King Hussein International Airport (AQJ); they are usually included in airline tickets.
For international flights from AQJ, arrive at least 2 hours prior; for domestic, 1.5 hours.
Allow 2-4 hours for land border crossings due to potential queues.

Airport Facilities

AQJ offers basic duty-free shopping, a cafe, and limited seating in the departure lounge.

Bus Station

Arrive at the JETT bus station 15-30 minutes before departure.

Confirm Ahead

Confirm your flight status or bus schedule the day before departure.

Departure Reminder

Booking JETT bus tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as seats fill quickly.

Getting There & Away