Best Day Trips from Amman
Base yourself in Amman for a couple of days and explore its surroundings. In this blog post, we will share with you the best one-day trips from Amman, such as Jerash, the Dead Sea, Desert Castles, Madaba, Mount Nebo, or even Petra.
Amman, the capital city of Jordan, deserves at least a day of your time. Then, most of the visitors usually hit the road and travel to the most popular sites Jordan has to offer.
Sometimes, they spend only a couple of hours in the Jordanian largest city, which is a shame as there is plenty of things to do in Amman.
But what if you do not want to make a road trip? What if you want to stay in Amman longer, take it leisurely, without the necessity to move from one place to another every day? Well, we guess this is also an option, it is your holiday.
And the good news is that Jordan is a small and compact country, so you won't waste your precious time by basing yourself in Amman without seeing some of the top attractions of Jordan as you can make several day trips from Amman.
This way it is possible to visit some of the best destinations.
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM AMMAN
Even though we made the 1-week road trip around Jordan, we were quite surprised that many places we had visited were actually so close to Amman and doable on one-day trips.
If you are short on time, there is nothing easier than renting a car, joining a tour, or, in some cases, hopping on a bus (public transport often do not connect Amman with all the finest attractions) and start your journey.
Here is the list of the best one-day trips from Amman.
JERASH RUINS & AJLOUN CASTLE
After Petra, Jerash ruins is the second most visited attraction in Jordan.
Those wonderful ruins are only about an hour's drive north of Amman, so no wonder it is one of the most popular day trips from the capital. These well-preserved ancient ruins cover a large area, so you will need at least three to four hours to see the best of Jerash.
Jerash is a place where you can really soak in the history of the country, and where you will realize the impact of the Roman empire on Jordan's past, culture, and architecture.
Because in all honesty, who would have expected one of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy here in Jordan?
Thanks to its accessibility from Amman, Jerash is a must-see stop on every Jordan itinerary for both independent travelers and tour groups. But this fact should not put you off visiting.
The ruins are absolutely stunning and if you arrive early in the morning (let's say before 9 AM), you will have the site almost for yourself.
The entrance to the ruins is imposing as you will walk through Hadrian's Arch, but other top places such as Hippodrome, North and South Theatre, Cardo Maximus, Forum or Temple of Zeus are waiting to be explored.
Jerash also known as Gerasa in the ancient times was back in the past a normally functioning city where tens of thousands people lived.
Even today you can admire the structure of the city, the layout, and also the practical features such as drainage systems, wells, fountains and baths that kept the city running.
Jerash day tour can be also combined with visiting a nearby Ajloun castle - alternative to Karak Castle - and Umm Qais ruins.
Getting to Jerash from Amman is easy, and there are several options for every type of traveler. Obviously, the easiest way to get to Jerash from Amman is by rental car.
Alternatively, you can join a Jerash and Ajloun one-day tour.
This option is great for all of you who do not want to drive, but prefer the comfort of having a driver and a guide.
Last but not least, it is possible to reach Jerash from Amman by public transport from the northern bus terminal called Tabarbour. The busses leave frequently when full.
THE DEAD SEA
Relaxing on the shores of the Dead Sea is one of the reasons why traveling to Jordan has been lately on the top of travelers' bucket lists.
Who would not want to enjoy floating in the healing waters of the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is shared by two countries, Jordan and Israel, and on both sides, it is equally famous. Once we will visit Israel, we will share with you a report on which side is the experience better. But back to the point.
For us, driving along the shores of the Dead Sea was an unforgettable experience. If you had imagined the Dead Sea like a deserted piece of land far away from the civilization, you could not have been more wrong.
The Dead Sea is actually about an hour's drive from Amman therefore, it must be included in our list of the best day trips from the capital of Jordan.
Even though the northern shore of the Dead Sea is lined with luxurious resorts, such as Dead Sea Kempinski Hotel, many travelers decided to visit the area only briefly.
First of all, the resorts are quite expensive, so it is much cheaper to stay either in Amman, Madaba, or any other city along the way, and secondly unless you like to be pampered in a hotel spa, the visit of the sea won't take you longer than several hours.
The sea below the sea level is specific for its salinity and healing effects of the mud, but you should not swim in the Dead Sea for more than fifteen minutes, especially if you have sensitive skin.
To swim in the Dead Sea you have several options.
The most budget-friendly way is to rent a car and then find a free-swimming spot.
All other options will take you either to resorts or to public beaches, where you need to pay quite a high entry fee.
If you are not planning on self-driving through Jordan and do not mind to pay for the access to the Dead Sea, catch a bus from Amman's Mujaharin bus station to Rame and from here take a taxi to public Amman Beach.
Or book a Dead Sea Tour from Amman.
DESERT CASTLES LOOP
Jordan is a very diverse country, and it has so much to offer. From ancient cities carved into a pinkish sandstone, Roman ruins, religious sites, wonderful landscapes to canyons.
But even though the country is extensively traveled, the eastern part is often bypassed by travelers rushing to the most famous sights.
If you are looking for yet another tip on the day trip from Amman, we recommend you to check out Desert Castles Loop.
There are several desert castles in the eastern part of the country, but three of them stand out in particular. You can visit them all from Amman in only one day, which is great news.
Usually, people travel to desert castles by rental car, but you can also either hire a taxi in Amman or reserve a half-day tour which will show you the best castles in the area.
Unfortunately, public transport from Amman to the castles in non-existent.
And what will you see once you decide to make a trip from Amman to Desert Castles?
The first stop on your itinerary will be Qasr Kharana. Qasr Kharana is not a typical castle, many scholars think, that this might be a 'khan' or inn, which would make it the earliest known inn of the Islamic Period.
Then continue to Qusayr Amra. This castle is one of four cultural UNESCO sites in Jordan, so it, for sure, deserves your attention.
Qusayr Amra used to be a royal retreat and is famous for the colorful frescoes on the ceiling and walls. The last traditional castle on the day-trip is Qasr Azraq which finally reminded us of a castle how we imagine it.
We spent a pleasant afternoon by visiting Desert Castles, hopefully, you will include these sites on your itinerary as well.
MADABA & MOUNT NEBO
Only 45 minutes drive from Amman lies Madaba, another destination which is worth a visit. Madaba is quite a large city, but its city center is very compact, and it is easy to see the best attractions Madaba has to offer in only a couple of hours.
Madaba is famous for Saint George's Church alias the Church of the Map, where on the floor can be found a large mosaic from the 6th century.
Jordan is famous for its mosaics, but the mosaic here in a church in Madaba is one of the most impressive ones you are going to see on your journey.
Not only because of its dimensions, but it is also historically significant. Madaba is also one of those cities where on almost every step you can witness the connection with the Byzantine and Roman empire.
Visit Archeological Parks with the remnants of churches, mosaics, and columns, admire modern mosques, climb to a tower of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church and do not leave out Church of the Apostles.
To get a little more background information, head to Madaba museum.
Only fifteen minutes from Madaba lies Mount Nebo, and because it is yet another must-visit place, those two sites are usually visited together. Mount Nebo is over 800 meters high hill from where you will get amazing views of the Dead Sea, and when the visibility is good, Israel as well.
Mount Nebo is a place from where Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time, that's why it is a pilgrimage site with a statue and a church on the top.
Frequent buses run between Amman and Madaba daily, so your day-trip from the capital is absolutely doable. Only if you would like to visit Mount Nebo as well, you will have to take a taxi from Madaba to Mount Nebo and back.
Getting from Amman to Madaba and Mount Nebo is super-easy although the traffic can be sometimes heavy, there is also a large number of one-day tours you can choose from.
AS-SALT
Forty minutes' drive from Amman is as-Salt, a city spread on the surrounding hills, which is usually not on the list of must-visit places in Jordan.
We came across as-Salt by accident on the way from the Dead Sea to Jerash, and because we really enjoyed our time there, we want to inspire you to include as-Salt in your travel itinerary as well.
You do not need much time for the city, a few hours will be enough.
Centuries ago as-Salt was a prosperous city on the trade route between Jordan and Israel, the city of Jerusalem to be precise, but then it lost its importance once the city was bypassed and the political power was moved to Amman.
Thanks to it as-Salt still keeps its charm and laidback atmosphere.
Nowadays the city is worth visiting because of the lively market, wonderful views, mosques and architecture from the Ottoman rule.
The houses are significant because of the traditional yellow stone houses, arched windows, interior courtyards, and domed-roofs.
The yellow stone with colorfully painted doors is photogenic, and we have a feeling that it won't take long and as-Salt will become a new touristy destination in Jordan.
Even during our visit we met a group of tourists wandering around the market, but once all the buildings will be renovated and the city council will take care of the essential tourist infrastructure, as-Salt will rise from the ashes.
As the city is only a short drive from Amman, you can either self-drive, take a frequent minibus leaving when full from Amman's North Terminal, or reserve a as-Salt Tour from Amman.
This tour has many positive reviews, and if you want to know more about the history, this alternative might be the right one for you.
BETHANY BEYOND THE JORDAN
Jordan is a country closely connected with many Biblical events, and many places you are most likely going to visit, such as Umm ar-Rasas or Mukawir are mentioned in the Bible.
One of the most sacred places in Jordan is Jordan River, and if you want to see a spot where Jesus was baptized, you must head to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan is located less than an hour's drive from Amman.
You cannot visit the site independently, but you need to take a tour which starts at the parking lot every hour.
The entrance fee is 12 JD, but you can get it cheaper if you decide to purchase it together with your Jordan Pass before arrival in Jordan.
This baptismal site is heavily visited by pilgrims from all over the world, and it is one of the most significant places for believers, even though it is often disputed where the act had happened because Jordan River creates a natural border between Israel and Jordan.
But the latest discoveries confirmed that Jesus was baptized on Jordan's side.
Getting to the site by public transport is not possible, so you can either use your rental car or book a Baptism Site Tour. Tours usually include other sites to maximize your time effectively.
WADI MUJIB
Wadi is a very common word in Jordan that you will hear a lot, and the famous Wadi Rum is not the only 'wadi' you can visit in Jordan. Wadi means valley in English, and adventure travelers cannot miss Wadi Mujib, one of the most spectacular valleys in the country.
Wadi Mujib is a river canyon, and you will see it from King's Highway on the way to Petra.
The canyon is really spectacular from above, but it is also great to see it up close.
You can get to the entrance of Wadi Mujib if you are self-driving along Jordan Valley Highway, but we noticed that a large number of travelers visit Wadi Mujib on a one-day trip from Amman as a part of a tour.
The canyon offers a large selection of activities, the most popular one is hiking and canyoning.
The easiest hike through Siq can be done without a guide, but the harder activities where you will get wet require a guide. If you are planning your Jordan itinerary and desperately want to visit Wadi Mujib, it is necessary to know that the canyon is open to visitors only six months a year.
Between November and the end of March, the canyon is closed because of the danger of flash floods.
We were in Jordan at the beginning of March, as it’s arguably the best time to visit Jordan.
However, we only saw the mouth of the canyon and could not do any hiking, but even that one look persuaded us that we must one day return to the country in the summer season.
IS IT WORTH TO VISIT PETRA ON A DAY TRIP?
Even though it might sound like overkill, it is possible to visit the UNESCO highlight of Jordan, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, on a one-day trip from Amman.
We know that many travelers are looking for this option because of limited time, so here you go.
If you are driving around Jordan, we do not recommend you drive to Petra on a one-day trip from Amman as you would be very tired and could not enjoy your time in the Lost City as you should. After all, this is the main reason to travel to Jordan.
Said that, several travel companies in Amman offer a one-day tour from Amman which includes transport, and if there is no other alternative how to get there, go for it.
Petra is an absolutely magical place, and even though visiting it only in a day form Amman is challenging, you will be rewarded by seeing a New Wonder of the World in person.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
