Jordan – Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

How taxis work in Jordan, and whether they are safe and reliable for expats

Jordan’s standard taxis — instantly recognisable by their yellow paintwork — function as private hire vehicles, transporting passengers directly to their chosen destination while the meter records the accumulating fare. A distinct category known as service taxis operates differently: these shared vehicles follow set routes, taking on and dropping off multiple passengers along the way at a reduced price. For expats newly arrived in Amman, understanding this distinction is important, as a service taxi will not necessarily deliver you to your precise destination.

Jordanian law requires taxi drivers to run the meter at all times, and a driver who declines to do so gives you every justification to step out and find an alternative. Get into the habit of asking your driver to switch on the meter at the start of every journey. Unlike in certain countries — the UK, for example, where metered black cabs are largely confined to specific urban centres — yellow taxis in Jordan are a near-constant presence across Amman and other towns, so finding one rarely takes long.

Standard taxis begin at 25 qirsh (with 100 qirsh making up one Jordanian dinar) and the fare accumulates according to both distance covered and time spent travelling. Once the clock passes 9 pm, the starting rate rises to 30 qirsh and the per-kilometre and time-based components increase marginally as well.

Yellow taxis are plentiful both within Amman and beyond its boundaries, capable of getting you to almost any destination. They also tend to be somewhat more affordable than Uber or Careem. While Amman’s taxis are broadly considered safe, expats are generally well-advised to use metered rides or ride-hailing apps to sidestep the overcharging that can occur in areas popular with tourists or visitors.

It is customary for women to sit in the rear of a taxi, particularly when travelling unaccompanied. Men, by contrast, typically occupy the front passenger seat. Awareness of these informal social norms in Jordan will help expats settle into the local travel culture from their very first week in the country.

Which ride-hailing apps work in Jordan, and how to use them

Both Uber and Careem launched operations in Jordan in 2015 and quickly became prominent players in the app-based transport scene. Both platforms continue to operate today alongside more recent arrivals, giving expats a healthy selection of digital booking options.

As traffic congestion in cities like Amman has intensified, more residents and visitors have turned to digital platforms — including Uber, Careem, inDrive, and Jeeny — for dependable, hassle-free travel. Careem is active in 80 cities across 9 countries, Jordan among them, establishing it as one of the most deeply rooted regional services. Much as Grab has come to define app-based transport across much of Southeast Asia, Careem has become a familiar name throughout the Middle East, including in Jordan.

Uber, inDrive, and Careem are all functional ride-hailing options within Jordan. Each platform brings its own distinct approach: Uber and Careem provide fixed upfront pricing and live driver tracking, while inDrive employs a bidding model in which drivers submit fare offers, riders can counter-propose, and both parties ultimately agree on a price. This can prove particularly handy for longer or intercity journeys where negotiating a flat rate is the norm.

All three major apps — Uber, Careem, and inDrive — are available through both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Setting up an account requires a phone number (a local Jordanian SIM simplifies the process, though international numbers are generally accepted), an email address, and a payment method. These platforms offer everything from standard rides to premium options and come equipped with features such as live trip tracking, secure payment processing, and transparent fare displays.

Jordanian authorities have granted licences to Uber and Careem under specific conditions, including the requirement that drivers must be Jordanian nationals with a clean criminal record. The Land Transport Regulatory Commission has also stipulated that the apps restrict their operations to either yellow taxis or vehicles bearing special licence plates identifying the relevant company. In practice, this regulatory structure means that a driver booked through an app is operating a properly licensed vehicle.

For those who prefer to arrange a taxi by telephone rather than through an app, established companies used by residents and travellers include: Jeeny (+962 6 400 4000) and Jordan Cab (+962 7 9741 2434). Jeeny also functions as an app-based booking service, making it a versatile choice for expats who want the flexibility of both phone and digital bookings.

Where to find taxis and book rides in the capital city and major expat areas of Jordan

Official taxi ranks in Amman are identified by brown signs bearing the word “Taxi”; however, informal taxi gathering points exist throughout the city, most frequently outside major landmarks, large hotel chains, and shopping centres such as Abdali Mall. Street hailing is equally widespread and perfectly normal across Amman.

In established central districts including Downtown, Abdoun, and Sweifieh — all of which are home to substantial numbers of expats — taxis can be flagged down at ranks or on the roadside, and the metered fare system ensures straightforward pricing. Taxi availability in these neighbourhoods is generally reliable throughout the day and well into the evening.

For airport arrivals, the process at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) is clearly structured. On leaving the Arrivals Hall, follow signs to the official taxi stand positioned near the main road. Before boarding any vehicle, make your way to the taxi booth, where you will be allocated a driver and issued a ticket. Note that official airport taxis are not always yellow and may carry the designation “airport taxi” on the bodywork.

Beyond Amman, traditional yellow taxis are available in other cities but become increasingly scarce in more remote locations. In Aqaba — Jordan’s southern coastal city, which hosts a small but established expat population — the local taxis are green rather than yellow, so newcomers should not be caught off guard by the colour change. Ride-hailing apps do function in Aqaba, though driver availability is noticeably lower than in Amman. In Irbid, Jordan’s second-largest city, Careem extended its electric vehicle fleet in 2023 to account for 45% of its local operations.

In Petra (Wadi Musa) and Wadi Rum, app-based ride-hailing is considerably less dependable, and transport is typically arranged through negotiated taxi fares or via your accommodation. In Wadi Rum in particular, locating a taxi independently can be genuinely challenging, and requesting that your hotel or guide organise transport in advance is strongly recommended.

For phone bookings and advance reservations, the following companies are regularly mentioned by long-term residents and regular travellers:

• Jeeny: App and phone bookings — jeeny.com / +962 6 400 4000
• Jordan Cab: +962 7 9741 2434
• Taxi Moumayaz: +962 6 579 9999
• Airport Taxi (QAIA): +962 7 899 9777
• Uber Jordan: uber.com/jo
• Careem Jordan: careem.com

Trusted private drivers are frequently recommended through word of mouth and shared on social media communities such as “EXPATS in Amman” — a valuable resource for anyone seeking vetted local recommendations.

How much a taxi or ride-hailing trip costs in Jordan

With the exception of airport journeys operating on a fixed tariff, taxi fares in Amman are not predetermined. Drivers use a taximeter to calculate the final amount, which is influenced by a combination of traffic conditions, the time of day, and the total distance of the journey.

As a general guide for planning purposes (as of 2024): the base fare sits at approximately 0.35 JOD, with a per-kilometre rate of around 0.60 JOD. Trips typically start from around 1 JOD, with per-kilometre charges in the range of 0.4–0.6 JOD. For journeys within central Amman, most rides come to between 3 and 7 JOD; longer trips towards the city’s outer districts can climb to 10–15 JOD. It is always worth confirming rates with your driver or consulting a fare calculator, as the relevant authorities periodically revise the pricing structure.

Additional charges can arise from road tolls or a late-night surcharge, both of which are applied on top of the metered fare. Although drivers are legally obliged to use the meter at all times, this requirement is frequently set aside late at night, when agreeing a flat fee beforehand becomes the accepted practice — always ensure you have settled on a price before the journey begins.

For airport transfers, fixed rates apply at Queen Alia International Airport: taxis are available around the clock, and the journey to Amman’s city centre — approximately 30 minutes — carries a standard fare of around JOD 22.50. A direct transfer from Amman Airport to Petra is fixed at approximately JOD 77. Both of these fixed amounts should be confirmed with the official taxi desk at the airport, as they are subject to revision.

Ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Careem display a fare estimate before you confirm the booking, removing any ambiguity about what you will pay. Uber, inDrive, and Careem are all widely used in Jordan, and in-city rides typically come to no more than 2–3 JOD, with card payment available as an option through the apps.

Common scams and safety issues with taxis in Jordan that expats should know about

The most frequently reported problems involve drivers charging foreign passengers more than the legitimate fare or deliberately travelling a longer route than necessary. Overcharging tends to happen most often when taxis are hailed near tourist attractions or hotels. Knowing about this from the outset allows you to stay alert without having to be confrontational about it.

One specific meter-related trick worth knowing: certain drivers set the meter to count in fils rather than dinars, making the displayed reading appear deceptively low while the actual charge racks up far more quickly. Before the car moves, confirm that the meter is displaying figures in dinars, and keep a casual eye on it as the journey progresses.

Yellow taxis are legally required to operate with a running meter at all times. Always ensure your driver switches it on — “al-addad” in Arabic — before moving off. The phrase “Shaghal al-addad” translates as “turn on the meter.” If the driver refuses, step out without hesitation and hail another cab.

While the majority of taxi drivers in Jordan are perfectly professional, some travellers have encountered unpleasant experiences involving overcharging or unwanted attention when hailing street taxis, and it may be worth paying the small premium for a ride-hailing service in such situations. Uber and Careem are well-established in the main cities, and their drivers are subject to company oversight, meaning vehicles tend to be better maintained and the GPS-tracked journey adds an extra layer of reassurance.

To confirm that a taxi is legitimate and properly licensed, look for a yellow vehicle fitted with a visible meter, official taxi plates with the relevant colour coding, and a driver identification card displayed inside the cab. The vast majority of taxis in Jordan are regulated and drivers are well used to transporting both local passengers and visitors; that said, booking a service with a strong safety track record and transparent pricing provides additional peace of mind.

Some female travellers have reported instances of unwanted behaviour from drivers. Sitting in the rear of the cab and staying alert are the most effective precautions. These incidents are not the norm — most taxi drivers in Jordan are helpful and professional — and ride-hailing apps introduce an additional element of accountability through driver rating systems and recorded trip data.

How to pay for taxis and ride-hailing services in Jordan — cash, card, or app

Always carry Jordanian dinars in small denominations when using traditional taxis. Jordan’s transport economy remains predominantly cash-based, and many drivers are unable to make change for notes larger than JD5. This is a practical distinction worth noting for expats arriving from countries such as Australia or Germany where card payment in taxis is routine — arriving at your destination with only a large note can create an awkward and drawn-out situation.

Tipping is neither obligatory nor routinely expected. That said, drivers frequently round the fare up by a few fils or qirsh rather than return exact change, and it is generally considered courteous to round up to a convenient figure by five to ten qirsh.

App-based services offer considerably more payment flexibility. Uber, inDrive, and Careem all accept card payments in Jordan. Within the Careem app, users can additionally load funds onto a Careem Pay digital wallet for use across rides. Uber accepts international credit and debit cards through the app itself, making it particularly useful for newly arrived expats who have not yet established a Jordanian bank account.

The most practical approach is to keep an adequate supply of small-denomination banknotes available for journeys in traditional yellow taxis, while also setting up card payment within your preferred ride-hailing app before you need it. Maintaining both options ensures you are never in a difficult position, regardless of which mode of transport you end up using on any given day.

Alternatives to taxis and ride-hailing for getting around Jordan as an expat

Amman operates a public bus network spanning approximately 27 routes across the city. For expats on a tighter budget who travel regularly along predictable corridors, buses offer a cost-effective solution. The network is, however, limited in scope compared to cities served by a metro or light rail system, and the routes can be tricky to navigate without a degree of local familiarity.

Travellers arriving at Queen Alia International Airport on a budget may want to consider the Sariya Airport Express bus service into central Amman. Opinions on the Airport Express are mixed, and the service does not stop at individual hotels, so if time is short or a direct, door-to-door option is preferred, a taxi or Uber will serve you better.

For intercity travel, the main scheduled bus operator in Jordan is JETT, widely regarded as one of the most practical and economical ways to travel between cities. A single JETT ticket from Amman (7th Circle) to Aqaba costs approximately 10 JOD per person and the journey takes around 4 hours. The buses are comfortable and seats can be reserved ahead of travel.

Service taxis — the shared white vehicles that run along fixed corridors — come in cheaper than metered taxis for individual passengers, but both visitors and many locals find them genuinely confusing to use. For this reason, they are generally not recommended over yellow taxis or ride-hailing apps for expat use.

Car hire in Jordan averages around 25–40 JOD per day, with insurance being a compulsory element that must be factored into the total cost. Renting a vehicle is most useful for those who want to explore the country at their own pace or travel regularly between cities, but Amman’s notorious traffic and the unpredictable driving habits of other road users mean that many expats prefer taxis or apps for everyday urban journeys.

There is no metro or light rail network in Amman at present. Minibuses and shared vans — commonly referred to locally as “minibuses” or “coasters” — supplement the regular bus routes on certain corridors but are primarily the domain of local commuters and can be very difficult to use without a working knowledge of Arabic.

What expats say about using taxis and ride-hailing services day-to-day in Jordan

For those new to Amman and not yet familiar with its layout, Uber and Careem are widely seen as the go-to choices for a clean, comfortable, and reassuringly trackable ride. This view is especially common among expats in their first weeks in the country — the transparent pricing and driver rating systems provide confidence that is simply harder to achieve when flagging down a yellow cab from the pavement.

Uber has built a strong following among Amman residents, and its drivers have generally acquired a more positive reputation than their counterparts in the traditional taxi sector. Many expats settle into a pattern of defaulting to ride-hailing apps, reverting to yellow taxis only when an app-based car is unavailable or for brief, low-stakes local trips.

One practical frustration noted by regular users is that wait times after booking through Careem or Uber can stretch considerably during peak hours. The simplest solution is to pre-schedule a ride several hours ahead — or even the day before — which is particularly useful for airport runs or early-morning starts when timing is critical.

Communication is a significant factor in getting around Jordan smoothly. Not all taxi drivers speak languages other than Arabic, so even a handful of useful phrases makes a noticeable difference. The most practically valuable phrase an expat can learn before their first taxi journey is “Shaghal al-addad” — Arabic for “turn on the meter” — which can save time and avoid potential fare disputes from the outset.

Uber in Amman is frequently described by users as easy to use, safe, and affordable — one traveller reported paying under two Jordanian dinars for a 15-minute ride. Outside the capital, full-day taxi hire can range from roughly 27 to 48 JOD, and the standard advice from experienced expats is to arrange transport through your hotel or accommodation, whose staff will have established knowledge of reliable local drivers and reputable companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Uber operate in Jordan?

Yes. Uber is active in Jordan and provides a convenient, dependable transport option for both residents and visitors. The platform operates primarily in Amman and other major urban centres, and bookings are made through the standard Uber app. The service can also be accessed at uber.com/jo.

How do I get from Queen Alia International Airport to central Amman by taxi?

On exiting the Arrivals Hall, make your way to the official taxi stand located near the main road. Stop at the taxi booth first, where you will be assigned a specific driver and given a ticket before boarding. Note that official airport taxis are not always yellow and may carry the words “airport taxi” on the vehicle. Taxis operate around the clock from the airport and the approximately 30-minute journey to central Amman has a fixed fare of around JOD 22.50 (as of 2024 — always confirm the current rate at the official desk upon arrival).

Is it safe to take a taxi alone at night in Jordan?

Taxis in Amman are a common and broadly safe way to travel at night, but it is advisable to agree on a fare upfront or use a ride-hailing app such as Careem or Uber for the added security of GPS tracking and driver accountability. Meters are sometimes bypassed late at night in favour of a negotiated fixed price — if this happens, confirm the fare before the journey begins. Women travelling unaccompanied at night are particularly encouraged to use app-based services.

How do I avoid being overcharged in a Jordan taxi?

Taxi drivers in Jordan are legally required to use the meter, so always ask the driver to switch it on before the journey starts. If they refuse, leave the vehicle and take another cab. Opting for ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Careem, or inDrive also removes the risk of fare disputes entirely, as the cost is calculated and shown to you before you confirm the booking.

What should I do if a driver refuses to use the meter?

If a taxi driver declines to run the meter, you are within your rights to exit the vehicle and flag down another cab. Meter use is a legal requirement in Jordan. If you prefer to avoid the issue altogether, choosing a ride-hailing app with upfront pricing eliminates any need for negotiation. Should you agree a fixed price directly with a driver, ensure the amount is settled before you depart — not when you reach your destination.

Do I need a Jordanian SIM card to use ride-hailing apps in Jordan?

A local SIM card is not a strict requirement — Uber and Careem generally accept international phone numbers during registration — but having a Jordanian SIM makes the process considerably smoother and resolves any verification complications that may arise. Local SIM cards from operators including Zain, Orange, and Umniah can be purchased at the airport and at numerous outlets across the country.

Are ride-hailing apps available outside Amman?

Uber and Careem serve Amman as well as larger cities including Irbid and Aqaba, but both coverage and driver availability drop off noticeably the further you travel from major urban areas. In places such as Petra (Wadi Musa) and Wadi Rum, app-based rides are largely unavailable, and transport is best arranged in advance through your accommodation.

Can I pay by card in taxis in Jordan?

Jordan remains a predominantly cash-based society and traditional yellow taxi drivers generally expect payment in cash, ideally in small denominations. Card payment is available through the Uber, Careem, and inDrive apps, making these platforms the most straightforward option for cashless travel — including for expats who have not yet opened a local bank account.