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Amman Queen Alia Layover Guide (AMM)

What are you looking for in AMM?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Amman Airport (AMM), officially known as Queen Alia International Airport, is located in Zizya, about 30 km (18.6 miles) south of downtown Amman. The airport opened in 1983 and serves as Jordan’s main international gateway. Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and growing economy. The city offers a unique mix of ancient ruins, modern attractions, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Can you leave Amman Airport (AMM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may exit Queen Alia International Airport during a layover if your connection exceeds 6 hours and you hold onward tickets. All non‐Jordanian nationals require a visa to enter Jordan—most can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa before travel. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Amman Citadel Explore ancient ruins atop Jabal al-Qal’a, including Umayyad Palace remains, amphitheater fragments, and informative exhibits. Enjoy panoramic city vistas while unraveling Jordan’s imperial heritage in this significant landmark. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to Downtown then 15 min walk.)
• Roman Theater Marvel at a remarkably preserved 2nd-century Roman theater nestled in downtown Amman. Climb to upper tiers for vibrant urban panoramas, then catch cultural performances in the evening under atmospheric floodlights. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈25 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to Al-Balad then 10 min walk.)
• Jordan Museum Delve into Jordan’s rich cultural tapestry through immersive galleries showcasing ancient artifacts, mosaics, and archaeological treasures. Proudly curated interactive displays provide insightful narratives from prehistoric times through modern Jordanian heritage. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to Ras al-Ein then 5 min walk.)
• King Abdullah I Mosque Visit the gleaming blue-domed King Abdullah I Mosque, a symbol of contemporary Islamic architecture. Respectful attire required. Admire intricate geometric patterns and serene courtyards while learning about modern religious practices. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to King Hussein St then short taxi.)
• Rainbow Street Stroll along vibrant Rainbow Street, lined with quaint cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. Savor local coffee or sweet knafeh while observing Amman’s eclectic street art, soaking up lively ambiance. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈30 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to Rainbow St stop.)
• Al-Balad Souk Navigate the bustling Al-Balad souk to browse colorful spice stalls, handcrafted souvenirs, and local textiles. Engage friendly merchants, sample fresh dates, and experience authentic Jordanian market traditions and lively atmosphere. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈25 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to Al-Balad.)
• Hashem Restaurant Indulge in iconic street food at Hashem Restaurant, renowned for its fluffy falafel, fragrant hummus, and warm pita flatbreads. Immerse in local dining customs surrounded by vibrant casual communal seating. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈25 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to Al-Balad then 5 min walk.)
• Wild Jordan Centre Escape to the Wild Jordan Eco-park and café overlooking old city canyons, featuring breathtaking views perfect for wildlife photography. Learn about sustainable conservation projects, enjoy refreshments, support community-led environmental initiatives. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (≈35 min) or Airport Express bus line 1 to Jabal al-Weibdeh then 10 min uphill walk.)

Things to Do in Amman Airport (AMM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Queen Alia features three premium airside lounges—Royal Jordanian’s Crown Lounge, Plaza Premium and Petra Lounge—open 24/7. Each offers plush seating, complimentary snacks, hot and cold beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower suites, quiet zones and workstations, ensuring passengers can relax, dine and rejuvenate before their flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The on-site Amman Airport Hotel is a four-star property just 1 km from terminals, offering 304 sound-insulated rooms. Guests enjoy free shuttle service, 24-hour front desk, buffet breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness and business facilities, making it ideal for overnight stays or day-use rooms between flights. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
QAIA is open 24 hours airside with quiet “Hajj & Umrah” rest rooms near Gate 208 offering basic recliners and prayer facilities. Additional padded seating pods are located by Gates 206–210. No dedicated cots or lockers are provided, so valid boarding passes are required and valuables should be secured when napping.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Simply select “QAIA Free WiFi” on your device—no registration or voucher needed. Speeds are generally reliable but may fluctuate near busy food courts; airside coverage is strongest, with occasional weak spots landside near ground-level shops.

SIM/eSIM Card: Kiosks from Zain, Umniah and Orange sit just outside the arrivals hall, selling prepaid SIMs requiring passport registration. Tourist packages range from JOD 6 (5 GB) with Umniah to JOD 15–23 (20–30 GB) with Orange or Zain. eSIMs from providers like Airalo can be activated on-arrival for instant 4G/5G coverage. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis queue outside the Arrivals exit, operating on fixed government fares—no meters. Purchase a JOD 22.50 coupon for a one-way trip to central Amman (30–45 minutes). Taxis run 24/7; cash and major credit cards are accepted, ensuring a transparent, no-hassle ride.

Train: There is currently no rail service connecting Queen Alia Airport to Amman or beyond. Ground transport is limited to bus, taxi, shuttle and car rental options. Future rail links have been proposed but are not operational. more info

Bus: The Sariyah Express bus departs every 30 minutes from outside Arrivals to Amman’s Tabarbour Bus Station between 06:00 and midnight. Tickets cost JOD 3.30 one-way; journey time is about 60 minutes. Buses are air-conditioned with luggage storage onboard. more info

Shuttle: Royal Jordanian operates its own shuttle buses every 30 minutes between QAIA and its City Terminal near 7th Circle (JOD 5). The on-site airport hotel offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle for guests. Remote park-and-ride lots provide free shuttles to the terminal every 15 minutes.

Car rentals: Major car-hire agencies—Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise—maintain 24-hour counters in the Arrivals hall. Drivers present passport, driver’s license and credit card; vehicles are parked curbside or at nearby lots with free shuttle transfers. Insurance and additional-driver options available. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Six designated car parks (P1–P6) serve QAIA, offering short-term, long-term and valet options. First 30 minutes are free; standard rates start at JOD 0.50 per 15 minutes or JOD 11 per day in Economy. Payment kiosks accept cash and cards; a free shuttle links remote lots.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport does not offer luggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers requiring bag storage should use the on-site hotel’s service or off-airport left-luggage providers in Amman city, where daily rates start at JOD 3 per item. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Amman Airport (AMM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks