Car Rental at Amman International Airport Queen Alia

Airport travel guide

Both historic and modern, hectic and timeless, the capital of Jordan is one of the most interesting cities in the Middle East. Continuously inhabited for millennia, Amman has plenty of fascinating sites left by different cultures and empires.

Served by Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman can serve as a base for exploring the northern part of Jordan and some of its most famous landmarks. With that in mind, these are four of the most interesting attractions in Amman:

• The Amman Citadel. Ruled by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Romans, and Ottomans — and located in an area that’s allegedly been inhabited for 7,000 years — the Amman Citadel is definitely the main symbol of the city. A large complex rather than a single structure, it is home to sites like the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and nowadays also the Archaeological Museum of Jordan.
• Jordan Museum. Dedicated to all the aforementioned chapters of Jordanian history and more, this is arguably the most important museum in the country. There is a significant focus on archaeology, but the museum also explores social, cultural, and ethnographic aspects of the country’s history. Most of the exhibits are in both Arabic and English. Visit the official website to learn more about admission and its collections.
• Roman Theater. Over 2000 years old, the 6,000-seat ancient theater is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, built into the foot of Jabal Al-Jofah. The theater has been restored and is often home to summer concerts and festivals.
• Rainbow Street. Named after a now-closed cinema that used to be open in the area, Rainbow Street is one of the most interesting thoroughfares of Amman. An attraction of foreigners living in the city and tourists alike, it is known for the diversity of its restaurants and bars, but also the redevelopment of some of its buildings and historical landmarks like the Al-Mufti house. The cinema connection survives thanks to the street being the home of the Royal Film Commission, which sometimes organizes outdoor screenings. Rainbow Street is just west of the city center, near the aforementioned Amman Citadel and many other landmarks.

Within an easy day trip distance of Amman, you could also visit these popular attractions in the north of Jordan: 

• Madaba. Located less than an hour’s drive southwest of the capital, Madaba is one of Jordan’s most interesting attractions. The little town punches way above its weight with attractions like the Greek Orthodox St. George Church (which remains active to this day), Madaba Archaeological Park, and the haunting dolmens of Al Fayha. If time permits, after seeing Madaba you can continue to nearby Umm-ar-Rasas (a world heritage site of different civilizations which is about a 40-minute drive to the south) or the stunning Mujib Canyon and Reserve near the Dead Sea (about an hour’s drive to the south).
• The Dead Sea. The world’s second-most salty body of water and the lowest point on earth holds a deep fascination for all those who visit. Just a 45-minute journey by road southwest of Amman (60 km/37 miles), you can access the water via the public beaches or one of the luxury resorts that line the shores for the thrilling experience of floating on water.
• Jerash. One of the best preserved Decapolis cities in the Middle East, the ancient city of Gerasa was all but buried for over 1,000 years beneath what is now modern-day Jerash.  45 km (28 miles) north of Amman, this is a fascinating trip back in time through colonnaded streets, grand theaters, public plazas, baths and fountains from the Graeco-Roman world.

Top international routes

• Cairo
• Riyadh
• Dubai
• Istanbul
• Abu Dhabi
• Doha
• Kuwait City
• Jeddah
• Beirut
• Baghdad

Main airlines

Queen Alia International Airport is home to the country’s two airlines, Royal Jordanian and Jordan Aviation.

Additionally, more than 40 airlines service the airport, including flydubai, Iraqi Airways, Pegasus Airlines, and Ryanair.

Terminals

Amman Airport is a single integrated terminal, though inside, it is split into south and north piers, also known as South Terminal 1 and North Terminal 2. The terminal’s roof design was inspired by Bedouin tents.

Location

Amman Airport is about 30 km (20 miles) south of Amman. Route 15, locally known as Airport Road, and Route 35 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $15 per day
• Medium cars - from $24 per day
• Large cars - from $28 per day
• SUVs - from $41 per day
• Vans - from $72 per day
• Premium cars - from $45 per day
• Convertibles - from $1,123 per day

Car rental desks

There are multiple car rental companies located within the airport arrivals hall, level 1.

Services and facilities

AMM has over 6,000 sqm of retail space, which includes cafés, fast-food outlets, and restaurants, duty-free stores, bookshops, two lounges, several ATMs, and currency exchanges. There is also a lost property office, a medical center, a children’s play area, a pharmacy, an airport clinic, showers, a spa, and a prayer room. There is no luggage storage service. Most of the airport is wheelchair-accessible and the airport offers free Wifi and charging stations. There is an airport hotel located within five minutes from the Terminal, which offers a free 24-hour shuttle to and from the airport.

Nearest gas station

Go Gas Jordan Al Watanieh is located inside the airport territory, at Airport Road 1090, and can be reached in less than one minute. The station is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations nearby and on the way to Amman.

Popular one-way rentals

• Madaba (38 km / 23 mi). Located just a short ride south of the capital, Madaba is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for the visitors of Amman. Inhabited since antiquity and ruled by many civilizations at different periods of time, Madaba is home to impressive Neolithic sites, ruins of places inhabited at the Biblical times, and Paleochristian churches.
• Aqaba (333 km / 207 mi). Located just over a four hour ride south of Amman, Aqaba is a famous Red Sea resort. Best known for its beaches, diving opportunities, and Marine Science Center Aquarium, Aqaba is also a historic place and boasts an impressive castle, a church built by the Romans, and the Aqaba Heritage Museum.