Jordan – Buses and Trams

What is the overall standard of bus services in Jordan?

Jordan’s public transport network is in the midst of genuine transformation, though passengers should calibrate their expectations appropriately. Persistent challenges include sparse route coverage, infrequent departures, a lack of coordination between different services and fare systems, and extended commuting times that stem from unreliable operations. That said, conditions in Amman are showing clear signs of improvement.

In 2024, the combined BRT and Amman Bus systems carried more than 29 million passengers, a figure that underscores the growing role these services play in meeting the capital’s daily transport demands. This marks a meaningful shift for a city that has long been dominated by private car use. Jordan’s government is moving in a positive direction to raise the standard of public transport, though further action is needed to reverse the historical drift away from bus use.

When measured against the integrated, high-frequency networks common to Western European cities or places like Singapore — where buses, metros, and rail lines connect seamlessly — Amman’s system remains fragmented. Multiple minibuses, large buses, service taxis, and yellow cabs all operate on their own separate timetables with no coordination between them, which adds complexity to daily commuting. The BRT and Amman Bus services offer a dependable backbone for getting around the capital, but reaching peripheral or rural areas typically requires combining several modes of transport.

The public passenger transport sector in Jordan is predominantly characterised by individual ownership, with approximately 85% of buses and taxis owned and operated by private individuals. This structural feature helps explain the inconsistency in service quality that travellers often encounter, especially away from the capital. Outside Amman, bus connections become sparser and timetables increasingly informal, making a private vehicle or taxi an everyday necessity for many residents of smaller communities.

What range of bus services is available in Jordan?

Jordan’s bus landscape can be divided into three distinct tiers: the modern urban network in Amman, the JETT intercity coach service operating nationwide, and the informal minibus network that threads through both urban neighbourhoods and rural areas.

Amman BRT and Amman Bus (urban)
Jordan’s public transport sector has advanced considerably through the introduction of systems like the Amman Bus network and the Amman Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The BRT currently operates two routes: one running from Sweileh in the northwest of the city to the Ras Al-Ain area near downtown Amman, and another linking Sweileh with the Mahatta terminal in the east. A third route is under consideration. A separate BRT service connecting Amman with Zarqa began running in May 2024.

Within Amman, the Comprehensive Multiple Transport Company (CMTC) operates 237 buses across 44 routes, complemented by 135 buses on 27 lines managed in partnership with the Turkish firm Gürsel under the Amman Bus System. The Amman Bus functions in much the same way as the BRT, but without a dedicated lane and with a broader geographic reach — running 135 buses over 27 routes across the city. The BRT itself is managed by Royat Amman company.

JETT (intercity and long-distance)
JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transport) is Jordan’s best-known and most established bus operator, with a history stretching back to 1964. Its routes link all major cities and tourist destinations, including Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Musa (the town beside Petra), the Wadi Rum Desert, the Dead Sea, Jerash, and Ajloun. Coaches used on the busiest tourist corridors are comfortable, fitted with onboard toilets, and include a brief rest stop on longer journeys.

Minibuses (local and regional)
Much of Jordan can be explored using public minibuses and, in some cases, private vans that operate along set corridors, picking up passengers when flagged down at the roadside. These vehicles run without fixed schedules, departing only once they have filled with passengers. Services run less frequently — or not at all — on Fridays and public holidays. Fares are paid in cash directly to the driver. While cheap, these services are unpredictable and ill-suited to journeys where timing matters.

Where can I find timetables, routes, and fare information?

Tracking down accurate, current transport information in Jordan calls for knowing where to look. The following are the key resources for expats planning to use public buses:

• Amman BRT official site: ammanbrt.jo — the Greater Amman Municipality’s official BRT project site, offering route maps and service details in English.
• Amman Bus app: All route and stop information for the Amman Bus is accessible through the Amman Bus app. Since stops are not marked with physical signs, the app is essential for navigation. Available in both English and Arabic, it includes a fare calculator and real-time arrival data.
• JETT official website: jett.com.jo — lists the complete timetable for all intercity and long-distance services, in both English and Arabic.
• Jordan Ministry of Transport: mot.gov.jo — the national regulatory authority for transport, useful for keeping up with policy changes and national transport strategy.
• Third-party booking platforms: Sites such as Busbud allow users to compare JETT and other operator schedules. For other intercity services, information in languages other than Arabic can be difficult to find.

For the informal minibus network, no official timetable resources exist — local knowledge and enquiries at bus stations remain the most practical approach. To reach a particular destination, make your way to the nearest large town and ask locals where to find a bus headed in your direction. In smaller communities, many residents will know the driver personally or may even have a contact number for them.

What types of tickets and passes are available?

The ticketing arrangements in Jordan vary considerably depending on which level of service you are using.

Amman BRT and Amman Bus (smart card / app system)
A single ticket or travel card purchased for the system is valid on both the BRT and the Amman Bus. Physical smart cards can be obtained and topped up at the main BRT stations: the Jordan Museum Terminal, University of Jordan Station, Sport City Station, and Sweileh Terminal. The concept is broadly comparable to reloadable transit cards used in other cities — such as the Oyster card in London or the Myki card in Melbourne — where credit is loaded onto the card and deducted with each tap.

Smart cards cost 1 JOD to purchase, on top of whatever credit you load onto them. Each journey costs 0.55 JOD (as of 2022), so it is advisable to keep more than 1 JOD on the card to cover return trips. Always verify current fares through the Amman Bus app or at a station, as prices are subject to change.

JETT intercity services
JETT and other operators link Amman with Petra, Aqaba, and other destinations, with intercity fares typically ranging from 5 to 15 JOD (as of 2025). No standard multi-day passes or tourist travel cards are available for JETT routes; all tickets are sold on a per-journey basis. Consult jett.com.jo/en/schedule for up-to-date pricing on individual routes before you travel.

Minibuses
A typical half-hour minibus journey costs around 1 USD (based on recent reports). Minibuses operate on cash only and have no fixed departure times. No passes or travel cards of any kind are accepted on these services.

How do I buy a bus ticket in Jordan?

How you purchase a ticket depends entirely on which part of Jordan’s bus network you intend to use. The following step-by-step guide covers each tier of the system:

1. For the Amman BRT / Amman Bus: Download the Amman Bus app — available in English and Arabic — from Google Play or the App Store. Create an account using your phone number. You can then buy a QR-code ticket directly within the app using a credit card, which saves you the 1 JOD fee associated with a physical card. Having your ticket stored on your phone also means it is always to hand when you board.
2. Alternatively, obtain a physical smart card at one of the major BRT terminal stations — Jordan Museum Terminal, University of Jordan, Sport City, or Sweileh. Ticket machines at these stations allow you to purchase and top up cards on the spot. You can also add credit remotely through the app: locate the card number on the back of the card, enter it in the Card Operations section of the app, and top up without travelling to a station.
3. For JETT intercity buses: Tickets can be booked via the JETT website at jett.com.jo, at a JETT office in person, or through third-party comparison platforms such as Busbud. While online booking through JETT’s own site can occasionally be cumbersome, buying a ticket in person on arrival in Jordan is usually straightforward given that seats are often available. That said, booking ahead is recommended on popular routes to guarantee your place.
4. For minibuses: No advance booking exists. Simply board the vehicle when it arrives and pay the driver directly in cash, either during the journey or when you reach your destination. Always carry small notes to avoid difficulties with change.
5. Cashless and contactless payments: These are accepted on the Amman BRT and Amman Bus network via smart card or app. JETT takes card payments for online bookings. All informal services, including minibuses, run entirely on cash — always keep Jordanian dinars available.

Are there trams in Jordan?

Jordan currently has no tram system. In contrast to cities such as Istanbul, Dubai, or numerous European capitals where trams form a core element of urban transport, Jordan has not pursued tram infrastructure. The country has instead concentrated investment in its BRT network, which fulfils a similar rapid-urban-transit role through dedicated bus lanes rather than fixed rail tracks.

With no passenger train services operating in Jordan at present, getting around the country by public transport means relying primarily on buses, supplemented where needed by taxis or shared taxi rides. The BRT’s exclusive lanes do allow buses to travel at considerably higher average speeds than ordinary traffic — providing a functional alternative to light rail along Amman’s busiest corridors.

The Greater Amman Municipality, with backing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), is moving to incorporate electric buses into the city’s public transport fleet. Fifteen electric buses have been procured and are due to enter service, operating along the BRT corridor between Amman Centre (Raghdan) and Sweileh. This reflects the near-term direction of public transport investment in Jordan — upgrading and modernising the existing bus network rather than constructing new rail or tram infrastructure.

What practical tips should expats know about using buses in Jordan?

Settling in Jordan with plans to rely on public transport day-to-day requires some advance preparation. The tips below will help you get to grips with the system from the moment you arrive.

Download the Amman Bus app before you travel. Bus stops on the Amman Bus network are not marked with physical signs, so the app is essential for locating them and planning your journeys. Unlike most cities where roadside signage and printed timetables are taken for granted, in Amman the app is your primary navigation tool on the urban network.

Friday and public holiday services are reduced or cancelled. Bus services run at reduced frequency or not at all on Fridays. Expect further disruption around the iftar meal during Ramadan, and on the opening day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Other national holidays may also affect operations. On such days, have a fallback — Careem and Uber both operate in Amman and provide a reliable alternative.

Keep cash on you at all times. Although the BRT and Amman Bus accept cashless payment, the wider transport ecosystem in Jordan — minibuses, service taxis, and many long-distance operators — runs on cash. Keeping a supply of small-denomination Jordanian dinar notes with you is a practical necessity.

Accessibility features are available on modern services. The BRT is well regarded for safety and reliability, with surveillance cameras, free Wi-Fi, and provisions for passengers with disabilities. The Amman Bus similarly accommodates elderly and disabled travellers. However, accessibility at informal minibus stops and older bus terminals is far less consistent — if this is a priority for you, research specific routes ahead of time.

Amman has several distinct bus stations. The terminal where you arrive in Amman may not be the same one from which your next service departs. The city has multiple stations serving different destinations: the main ones include Abdali in the north, South Bus Station (Al-Wehdat), and Raghdan in the centre. Confirm which terminal your service uses before setting out.

Be aware of service gaps in rural areas. Bus services across Jordan generally wind down in the early evening, so plan your journeys with this in mind to avoid being stranded. Very small villages may be served infrequently or not at all. For expats based outside Amman, owning a private vehicle or having a ride-hailing app installed is often a practical necessity.

Weather can disrupt services. Rain can be enough to interrupt bus operations in Jordan, and snowfall will typically bring all public transport to a standstill. The country experiences genuine winters, especially in upland areas including Amman itself, so factor potential disruption into travel planning during the December-to-February period.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a metro or underground system in Jordan?

No. Jordan has no metro or underground rail network. The nearest equivalent in Amman is the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which operates on dedicated surface lanes and delivers a faster, higher-capacity service than standard buses. There are no announced plans for an underground metro system.

Can I use the Amman BRT and Amman Bus with the same card or ticket?

Yes — any ticket or travel card purchased for the system is accepted on both the BRT and the Amman Bus. You can pay using either a physical smart card or a QR-code ticket generated through the Amman Bus app, and either method works across both services.

How do I get from Amman to Petra by bus?

The route from Amman to Wadi Musa — the town immediately beside Petra — is among JETT’s most popular intercity services. Bookings can be made through the JETT website at jett.com.jo. Always check the official site for the most current schedules and fares, as these vary by season.

Do minibuses in Jordan run to a timetable?

Minibuses operate without any fixed schedule, departing only once the vehicle has enough passengers to justify the journey. This makes travel times unpredictable. For journeys where punctuality matters, JETT’s scheduled coach services are a considerably more dependable choice.

Are Jordan’s buses safe for solo travellers?

The BRT and Amman Bus services are well managed and considered safe, with CCTV coverage and regular staff presence. JETT coaches are a popular choice for solo travellers — they are air-conditioned, non-smoking, and some routes include Wi-Fi. On informal minibuses, apply the same common-sense caution you would in any busy public environment: keep your belongings close and stay alert at crowded terminals.

What happens to bus services during Ramadan?

Expect services to be disrupted during the hours immediately before and after the iftar meal at sundown throughout Ramadan, and on the first day of both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is worth planning alternative transport — taxis or ride-hailing apps — for these periods to avoid being caught without a way to travel.

Is the JETT website available in languages other than Arabic?

Yes — the JETT website at jett.com.jo is fully available in both English and Arabic. The Amman Bus app also provides an English-language option. For other intercity bus operators in Jordan, however, it can be harder to find information in any language other than Arabic.

Are there direct bus services from Jordan to neighbouring countries?

Yes. JETT and other operators run international coach services to destinations including Cairo in Egypt and a number of cities in Saudi Arabia. These cross-border routes are priced higher than domestic travel. Visit the JETT website or call in at a JETT office for current international timetables. Bear in mind that border crossing procedures and visa requirements will add to your overall travel time.