Buses

Public buses supplement the service taxis in Amman. The intercity bus network is sparse due to the monopoly granted by the government to the Jordan Express Tourist Transport (JETT) company. Private buses, however, cover the most popular routes, and private minibuses travel to more remote areas. Regular service on JETT buses is limited to daily schedules from Amman to Aqaba, Petra, Ma’an, and the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, from Amman to Damascus, and to Cairo via Aqaba and the Sinai. (See Amman Practical Information for details about schedules and the station.) JETT also sponsors tours to Jerash, Madaba, Petra, Ajlun, and the Desert Castles. For information, call 66 41 46/7.

The Arabella and Hijazi bus companies travel to Jerash and Irbid. Minibuses are usually used for intercity transport. Bus fares are slightly lower than service rates, but buses travel more slowly. The JETT luxury coaches cost more than regular buses, but are usually air-conditioned, and those running from Amman to Aqaba come with hosts, professional wrestling videos, and highly dramatic Egyptian movies. Do note, however, that you will be charged for each and every “in-flight” bologna and mayo sandwich you eat, regardless of how earnest the attendant seems when handing you one. The buses depart more or less on schedule. Booking ahead is advisable and often necessary. Most towns have one main terminal shared by intercity buses and service taxis; Amman and Irbid have several. In Amman, most buses follow the pattern of service, with traffic to the north leaving from Abdali Station and buses to the south leaving from Wahadat Station.