Jordan Travel Internal

AIR: Royal Wings operates regular flights from Amman to Aqaba. For further details, contact the following: (tel: (6) 487 5201; website: www.royalwings.com.jo). It is also possible to hire executive jets and helicopters.

RAIL: There is no longer a reliable public railway service.

ROAD: Main roads are good (there are nearly 3000km (1900 miles) of paved roads in the country), but desert tracks should be avoided. It is important to make sure that the vehicle is in good repair if travelling on minor roads or tracks. Take plenty of water and follow local advice carefully. In case of breakdown, contact the Automobile Association. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 60kph/38mph (cities), 80 kph/50mph (country roads) and 120kph/75mph (motorways). There are frequent passport controls along the Red Sea and travellers are advised to have their papers ready. Bus: Services are efficient and cheap. Alpha, JETT and Petra all operate modern, air-conditioned fleets. Taxi: Share-taxi service to all towns on fixed routes is also available for private hire. Share-taxis to Petra should be booked in advance owing to demand. Car hire: Avis and four national companies operate services in the main towns, including Amman and Aqaba, available also from hotels and travel agents. Drivers are available for the day. Documentation: National driving licences are accepted if they have been issued at least one year before travel. However, an International Driving Permit is recommended. Visitors are not allowed to drive a vehicle with normal Jordanian plates unless they have a Jordanian driving licence.

Note: When using routes which go near the Israeli border (and even when sailing or swimming in the Red Sea without a guide), the traveller should always have all papers in order and within reach.

URBAN: There are conventional buses and extensive fixed-route ‘Servis’ (share-taxis, most seating up to seven) in Amman. The ‘Servis’ are licensed, with a standard fare scale, but there are no fixed pick-up or set-down points. Vehicles often fill up at central or outer terminal points and then run non-stop.