Amman is the splendid capital of Jordan, and it makes for a great place to base yourself when spending time in the country. There are many amazing day trips from Amman to take, so plan to spend a couple of days in the city or head out on a one-week Jordan itinerary. No matter what, you will not be sorry visiting the spectacular sites of Jordan.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Amman here.
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Where to Stay in Amman
Amman is a big city and has various areas you can stay in all over the city, but I recommend staying close to Rainbow Road. We opted to stay at the Jabal Amman Hotel which was right on Rainbow Road. It was also very reasonably priced and easy to get out into Jordan for one of the many day trips from Amman.
If looking for something a little more upscale, you can opt to stay at the Intercontinental Amman, which is across the street from some good restaurants and bars and about a 15-20 minute walk to Rainbow Street.
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Amman hotels here! Other options include the following hotels.
Transportation From Amman
Plan to rent a car to get around Jordan, especially when taking day trips from Amman. It will be the easiest way to get around and see the most things during your Jordan trip.
Dead Sea, Jordan
Visiting the Dead Sea is one of the best day trips from Amman. The Dead Sea is known as the Lowest Point on Earth and is really dense. Thus, if you visit the Dead Sea, you will spend a lot of time floating! The salt, combined with the mud, is really good for your skin.
To get to the Dead Sea, it takes about an hour to drive the 32 miles from Amman. You can opt to book a tour or rent a car and drive yourself. We opted to visit as part of our self-drive Jordan itinerary.
It is worth the day trip from Amman as it makes for a relaxing atmosphere and it is a really cool experience to float in the Dead Sea. Outside of spending time floating in the Dead Sea and partaking in a spa treatment, visitors can also visit the Lowest Point on Earth Museum. This goes over the history of the area and has some relics found around the area as well.
If you have the time, opt to stay the night at one of the many Dead Sea Resorts as it will be an experience you will not forget. The Hilton Dead Sea Resort, the Marriott Dead Sea Resort, and the Movenpick Dead Sea Resort are all good resort options.
Jerash, Jordan
Jerash is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Rome, thus making it one of the most worthwhile day trips from Amman. It is also known as the “Pompeii of the East” and contains a ton of preserved sites to walk around.
To get there, head north on the 35 from Amman. It will take about 45 minutes to drive the 30 miles. Plan to go in the morning or evening to avoid the midday heat. Admission is included with your Jordan Pass, so it is a worthwhile stop if you have the time when visiting Jordan. If you do not have the Jordan Pass, admission costs 12 Jordan Dinars.
Visitors can spend several hours exploring the ruins. Make sure not to miss visiting the two museums as well. Important sites to visit when exploring the ruins include the Oval Forum, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Artemis, and the North Theater.
When you get hungry, head across the street to Cheesy Grill, to grab a delicious cheesy chicken wrap to eat. No matter what, you will not be sorry visiting Jerash.
Bethany Beyond Jordan
By Lowri of Many Other Roads
One of the best day trips from Amman is Bethany Beyond Jordan. Only 36 miles away from the Capita, you can visit the Jordan River and the site where Jesus was baptized.
The site of Jesus Christ’s baptism is located less than an hour away from Amman. The site is visited by many pilgrims each year and is a popular tourist destination for those who want to learn more about the history of Christianity. Even if you are not religious, it is well worth visiting.
It costs 12 JDs to visit here but if you do get a Jordan Pass (highly recommended), you will get a discount. You can visit the site from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but this can change depending on the time of year, so double-check before you plan to go.
This is a great day trip from Amman because there is so much to see here. Your ticket includes a guided tour where you will be able to ask lots of questions and learn about the sites you see.
At the archaeological site, you will visit two areas: Tell Al-Kharra and Saint John the Baptist churches near the river. The site has been amazingly preserved which is so rare for any historical site.
The best way to get to this site and explore the rest of Jordan is by car. If you do not want to rent a car, you can get a bus from Amman or a taxi. There are also many tour operators who offer day trips to this location.
This is a great place to visit all year round, but it is highly recommended that whenever you visit, go in the morning or the afternoon and avoid the midday heat. Not only is the middle of the day one of the most popular times to visit the site, but the temperatures can make exploring here so uncomfortable.
Madaba, Jordan
By Lindsay of Step into Jordan
Madaba is only 20 miles from Amman by car and without traffic delays, it takes a little under an hour to get there. You can also get there by minibus from Tabarbour Station or the 7th circle. Madaba is typically a stop on the way south from Amman, but it can be done as a day trip for those who are staying in Amman.
The biggest reason that people visit Madaba is to see the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which is home to an exceptionally well-preserved 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map. Many visitors claim this spot to be one of the best day trips from Amman. The map shows Jerusalem and other holy sites and was found under the floor of the church. Madaba also has an Archaeological Park where the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration trains artisans in the restoration, repair, and making of mosaics.
Another popular thing to do in Madaba is to climb to the top of the bell tower of the Church of St. John the Baptist for the best view of the city. To get a full day trip out of your excursion, I suggest you pair it with a trip to nearby Mount Nebo. While there is no dress code in Jordan to enter these holy sites, it is respectful to dress conservatively. Women should avoid tank tops and low-cut shirts.
Wadi Mujib, Jordan
By Scotia of Her Nomad Eyes
Wadi Mujib is a spectacular river canyon in Mujib Biosphere Reserve, which flows into the Dead Sea and provides an excellent opportunity for canyoning and hiking. Wadi Mujib makes a great day trip for adventure seekers and is a unique way to explore Jordan’s most spectacular canyon. It is truly one of the most amazing day trips from Amman.
There are several trails that you can do, and the most popular is the Siq Trail. The Siq Trail takes you upstream through the narrow canyon to a beautiful waterfall. The 2km hike starts in ankle-deep water and gradually becomes more challenging as you have to scale large rocks and boulders and swim through deeper sections. After an hour, you will reach the waterfall and swim in the large pool. On the route back (you’ll return the same way), you can slide, jump off rocks, and float downstream, depending on rainfall levels. It’s a lot of fun!
The Siq Trail is suited for people with a reasonable fitness level and confidence in the water. You will need good upper body strength to climb the boulders and complete the trail.
All Wadi Mujib trails start from Mujib Adventure Center, located 1 hour and 15 minutes (50.89 miles) drive from Amman via the Dead Sea Road and Route 65. You can reach the center by rental car, taxi or on tour with private transport. If you take a taxi, let the driver know when you want to meet and return to Amman.
The Siq Trail costs 21 JD per person, and you’ll be given a lifejacket to wear before entering the trail. You also have the choice of hiring waterproof shoes and a dry bag. You’ll need a dry bag if you want to bring your phone or camera. Otherwise, it’s best to leave them in a locker at the center.
The Siq Trail is only open from April 1 to October 31. However, dates may vary based on rainfall or trail maintenance.
Azraq, Jordan
By Anwar of Beyond My Door
Azraq: Home to black rock deserts, and unexpected wetlands, the city and region is home to some of the most interesting and least visited areas of Jordan thus making it one of the most spectacular day trips from Amman. The city is also known as the gateway to the famous desert castles, and some structures were built as early as Roman times and others from later Islamic dynasties.
Qasr Azraq is one of these desert castles, rising from the dark rocks that surround it. The black basalt walls of the castle don’t really fit its name as Qasr Azraq means “Blue Fortress”.
The present form of the castle dates from the 13th century under the Ayyubids. However, the area of the fortress and town has seen military use from as far back as the Romans. The fortress was located here to protect the large oasis and wetlands that once stretched across an area larger than Lebanon.
The fortress became more famous in the modern day as the location is where T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia), the famous British officer, based his operations and worked on many of the plans for the Arab uprising.
The castle is open daily and even late into the day. It’s a perfect place to visit as the colors of the rocks and area change as the sun sets. The site is located in the town of Azraq which is about 90 minutes (108 KM) outside of Amman. The best way to reach it is by private car. There are bus options, although you’ll likely have to change buses in Zarqa (a university town north of Amman) and then take a taxi once in Azraq. Admission is only 1 JD which is a deal to visit such an incredible site.
Al Karak Castle, Jordan
By Erin of Pina Travels
Al-Karak is a small town in Jordan that’s known for its medieval castle, Kerak Castle. This castle is one of the largest fortresses in the region and makes for one of the best day trips from Amman. At one time it was a Crusader stronghold, before becoming a Mamluk Fortress.
Al-Karak is a 1 hour and 55-minute drive south of Amman, about 132 kilometers / 82 miles. The fastest route to the town is via Al-Karak Highway, Route 50, and Route 15. While this is a long day trip, it’s worth the effort because the castle is spectacular, and driving in Jordan always delivers gorgeous views of desert landscapes.
The main attraction in Al-Karak is Kerak Castle. Entrance into the castle is 10 JD, but if you have the Jordan Pass, entrance is included in the pass. It’s possible to hire a guide to bring you through the site, but you can also explore self-guided.
Throughout the castle, there are information boards that explain the history of the fortress and give context for what you’re looking at. As you explore Kerak Castle, be sure to climb up to the upper lookouts of the fortress. From there, you’ll have gorgeous views of the castle and the surrounding area.
Exploring Kerak Castle takes 1-3 hours. Following that, you can go for a wander through Al-Karak town. There are a few small shops and plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy lunch.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Amman
Other fun day trips from Amman include Jerusalem, Mount Nebo, and As-Salt. If you have more time, plan to head to Petra and Aqaba and make sure to explore what Amman has to offer. I do not recommend doing Petra as a day trip as there is too much to see in a short time. You will not get the full experience if you do it as a day trip. You could also pair Jordan with a trip to Israel or Egypt. We opted to head to Malta after our week in Jordan.
