Queen Alia International Airport or Amman Airport (AMM), is one of two international airports serving the country of Jordan. The other airport, King Hussein International, is located near the southernmost city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. For many people traveling to Jordan, AMM will be the most convenient option. It’s located about 40 minutes south of Amman, the country’s capital. Amman Airport is compact and easy to navigate. The airport’s only challenge is handling crowds during the check-in and security process, but these tips will help you have a smooth and comfortable experience.
Terminal info
Amman Airport has one terminal with departures on Level 3 and arrivals on Level 1. Foster + Partners redesigned it recently, and it’s an airy, light-filled building. I particularly enjoy the vaulted ceilings at the gates area post-security. This airport has never felt crowded to me except for check-in and security (more on this below).
Upon landing at AMM, you’ll be guided by easy-to-follow signs to get your visa on arrival and go through immigration. Then you’ll take an escalator down into the arrivals hall to claim your luggage. I’ve never seen people waiting long to get their visas.
If you plan to visit Petra, a government-issued Jordan Pass will waive your visa fee (if staying 3 or more consecutive nights) and includes entry to Petra. You can get the pass online before you arrive, and it includes access to over 40 other tourist attractions like the Wadi Rum desert and the Roman city of Jerash.
I usually travel with a carry-on, but I’ve come to Jordan with friends who have checked bags. We’ve never had to wait too long at the baggage carousels. Just before exiting the baggage claim area, all your bags might go through a security screening machine, though sometimes the staff just waves you through.
Getting to and from the airport
There are a few ways to get from the airport into Amman, from public buses to taxis and rideshares. Booking a car is usually the fastest ride, traffic-permitting, and that’s what I usually do. There’s also an option to book a private transfer, but it’s more expensive than both a taxi and rideshare, so I tend to skip it.
By car, taxi or rideshare
In the city, taxis often cost less than Careem (the predominant rideshare app in the region) if you know your way around and can negotiate with drivers. If you don’t, I recommend using Careem because it shows the fare at booking and usually costs a few dinars more than a taxi, at most.
The airport is the only exception. When you book a ride from the airport into the city, airport taxis operate on fixed government rates (approximately JOD 22.50 to downtown Amman), while ride-hailing services vary by demand and route. When you’re booking a ride from the city back to the airport, prices are about the same. Because of this, I usually book a taxi from the airport into the city and use Careem on the way back.
On your way out of arrivals, there may be people trying to solicit rides. It’s best to stick to the official airport taxi, because the cost is fixed. The taxi stand is easy to spot in the public landside Arrivals area at the terminal exits, where prices are displayed. You can order your taxi and pay at the stand with cash or credit.
Considering renting a car? You’ll find major brands like Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar with counters in the arrivals hall. I recommend waiting to rent a car once you’re settled in Amman, though. The rush-hour traffic is a hassle, especially if you’re tired after a long flight. If you’re going elsewhere in Jordan directly from the airport, then a rental car is a good option, just book ahead for the best rates.
By public transport
To get to and from the city, you can also take the Sariyah Airport Express bus, which costs significantly less than the fixed airport taxi fare. You’ll find the bus counter at Arrivals Curbside, Level 1 – Gate 2, and you can purchase a ticket there or from the driver directly with cash. The bus departs every 30 to 60 minutes according to the published schedule (hourly on Fridays).
Keep in mind that the bus does not go directly into the city center of Amman, where most travelers stay. The bus stops at the 7th, 6th, 5th, and 4th Circles, with the Fourth Circle stop being the closest to downtown Amman, where you’ll need to take a cab or Careem to your final destination. The bus will also have a longer commute as it stops at a number of spots along the way.
Navigating check-in and security
In my experience, the only dent in the overall great experience at AMM is check-in and security. Peak hours tend to be late mornings through afternoons, when airline counters have many people waiting. The airport is relatively empty late at night and in early mornings.
Check-in process
Online check-in isn’t available for all airlines, which means you might need to check in at the counter. During busy periods, this process can take quite a while. The information board at the center of the terminal will direct you to your check-in area.
If you’re flying in a premium class or have airline status (like oneworld alliance Ruby), you can use Royal Jordanian’s Crown Check-In facility at Gate 1. You’ll go through a dedicated check-in counter, immigration and security in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Security screening
For general departures, you’ll need to take all bags through security upon entering the terminal. Once you’re checked in, you’ll go through passport control and the main security screening. I’m a fan of the Tikram fast-track service, which you can buy at Tikram points of sale in the passport and immigration areas. For about the cost of two cups of coffee, you’ll zip through immigration and security, avoiding peak-hour delays.
Post-security, you may need to go through additional gate screening, especially if you’re flying to the United States. US-bound flights have enhanced security measures, including passenger interviews at check-in or the boarding gate. Confirm this when you get to your gate to avoid making my mistake: relaxing at a coffee shop and arriving at the last minute, only to see a large queue of people waiting to go through security before boarding my US-bound flight.
AMM Lounges
Amman Airport has three lounges. The Royal Jordanian Crown Lounge is located on Departures Level 4 after the main duty-free area, and the Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge is on the same level beside the main food court. The third one, Petra Lounge, is located in the north pier on the Departures level.
If you have Priority Pass (a lounge network perk that comes with many major US credit cards), you’ll get access to all 3 lounges at AMM, capacity-permitting. I wouldn’t waste time on the Petra Lounge, as it’s the least attractive option with low ceilings, few windows, and a small size. The remaining two lounges are comparable in size, amenities, and comfort, both featuring high ceilings, top-to-bottom windows, good light and ample space.
The Crown Lounge is open to Royal Jordanian and oneworld Business Class passengers as well as oneworld Emerald and Sapphire tier status holders. You can also purchase a single-entry voucher allowing a stay of up to three hours prior to flight departure for a fee that’s comparable to what other lounges charge around the world.
For a slightly higher fee, the Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge is open to all passengers regardless of airline or travel class. Certain credit card holders, like American Express Platinum, can access this lounge for free through the American Express Global Lounge Collection partnership. Check at the counter to see if your card or pass network applies. This lounge is newer than the others at the airport, and it may be worth checking out for this reason alone.
Things to do at the airport
If you don’t have lounge passes or simply don’t want to spend extra money on lounges, Amman Airport is the one to be at. There are plenty of cafes and seating options by the gate areas to feel comfortable before your departure.
My favorite spots at AMM include the Blue Fig coffee shop in the North Pier – Departures Hall, the nearby Wild Jordan store with artisanal local products, and the Zalatimo Brothers For Sweets at the Duty Free area. That’s where you can pick up a tin box of iconic Jordanian sweets.
Amman airport offers free Wi-Fi although it’s not always reliable. Upon arrival, I use my T-Mobile plan with international service included and get a local SIM card from operators like Zain or Umniah, which have booths in the arrivals hall.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
