Irbid

Much like Amman, Irbid (lhr. north of Jerash) is an industrial center which has overwhelmed the site of its ancient Decapolis city (Arbila). But while expansion in Amman has nonetheless left some areas uninhabited, Irbid’s narrow streets remain stuffed with merchants, kung fu theaters, and restless taxis. Besides the tiny Natural History Museum (open Wed-Mon. 8am-5pm) on the sedate campus of Yarmouk University, there is little to do here but plan your junket to Umm Qeis or Al-Hamma.

Practical Information Irbid’s post office (open Sat.-Thurs. 7:30am-7pm; Fri. and holidays 8am-l :30pm) and telephone office with international phone and telex services (open Sat.-Thurs. 7:30am-10pm; hrs. vary Fri. and holidays) are located just off the central square. AN2 Grindlay’s Bank in Central Square, across from the post office, exchanges cash and traveler’s checks (open Sat.-Thurs. 8am-12:30pm). The telephone code is 02.
Many have an easy time hitching to Irbid via Jerash, but the quickest way to the city from Amman is by the Arabella or Hijazi bus companies (570fils, with A/C 810fils). Minibuses from Amman, Jerash, and Ajlun take somewhat longer and drop you off at Irbid’s South Station, at which point you can take a service taxi to downtown (55fils) and then from downtown to North Station (55fils). You can also catch a taxi to Yarmouk (700fils, JD 1 at night). The last buses depart for Amman at about 8pm, sometimes as early as 5pm in the winter.