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Jerash from Amman: Day Trip Guide to The Ancient Roman City

Most of our trips to Jordan are mainly for one purpose: To experience the fusion between the past and the present. Almost all the cities in Jordan have been around since the beginning of time, including Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash, among others.

While many cities have been upgraded according to modern times, some have been preserved due to their unique architecture to promote tourism. One such city is Jerash.

The ancient city of Gerasa – modern day Jerash – is located in the north of Amman , and dates back to the Bronze Age, around 6500 years ago.

Unlike many of the key historical attractions of Jordan that lie in southern Jordan, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Red Sea, Jerash is a bit of a stand-alone attraction in the north. Because of its geographic location, it is often missed by tourists only making a short trip to Jordan.

So why should you plan a day trip to Jerash from Amman ? What’s so important about it?

Histrocial Signficance of Jerash

If you’re travelling around Jordan, a trip to Jerash is something you wouldn’t want to miss at any cost. And the best way to get to Jerash is via Amman. But before we tell you how to travel to Jerash from Amman, let us tell you a little about this ancient city.

Jerash (Gerasa) was once a thriving city with a population of almost 20,000. But a few years down the 3rd century, it was invaded by the Persians and then the Muslims, after which it began to decline. The final blow was an earthquake that destroyed most of the city.

The abandoned city got buried under the sand as the years went on. It wasn’t until 1806 that a German traveller discovered part of the ruins. In 1925, the ruins were excavated, and the buried city of Jerash was rediscovered.

It has stunning collonaded streets, public squares, theatres, baths and fountains, and hilltop temples that have been well-preserved and reflect the extravagant lifestyle of the people who once inhabited this city. It is one of the largest and best-preserved Decapolis cities in the Middle East.

So, plan a day trip to Jerash from Amman if you want to take a sneak peek into history!

Distance from Amman to Jerash

Jerash is located towards the north of Amman and is at a distance of almost 50 kilometres if you take Route 35. However, if you go via Al-Urdon Street, the distance increases by a couple of kilometres to 52 kilometres.

It takes almost 45 minutes to go from Amman to Jerash and vice versa (but this is very traffic dependent). This short distance makes a day trip to Jerash possible, as you have ample time to get there, visit all the important sites, and return to your accommodation in Amman.

But how to travel to Jerash from Amman? Let’s have a look at all the possible options.

Transport Options for Visiting Jerash from Amman

If you’re looking for a day trip to Jerash from Amman, below are the various transport options to help you get there and back.

Amman to Jerash via Taxi

Two types of taxis operate in Amman: Yellow cabs and white cabs.

If you take a yellow cab, you will have to hail them from the street or order one via your hotel. These cabs take you to Jerash and back and cost around 40 JD for the whole trip (make sure they turn the meter on!!)

On the other hand, if you take a white cab to Jerash, you’ll have to wait for it to fill up. The white cab takes a maximum of 4 passengers from one place to another; therefore, it’s a good idea to take this cab if you’re travelling with friends and are on a budget.

Amman to Jerash via Bus

One of the cheapest options to get to Jerash from Amman is via bus. It costs only 1 JD per person for a one-way ride and takes around 45 minutes. You can get a bus from the North Terminal Bus Station (Tarbarbour) in Amman – noting though this is not in the centre of the city, you may need a taxi or Careem to get to your starting point still.

However, the Amman to Jerash bus timetable is quite random, as there is no specific timetable! The bus waits for the passengers to fill in and leaves once the capacity is full.

Note you do not need to go all the way to the terminal in Jerash; you can get out at Hadrian’s Arch to make a shortcut to the ticket office.

Likewise, for your return journey, also 1 JD per person one way, but when will it actually leave? Your guess is as good as ours!

Amman to Jerash via Private Driver

If you’re visiting Amman for the first time, and budget is not an issue, hiring a private driver to visit Jerash is a good idea. With this option, you can choose a vehicle of your preference based on the number of people. You can get well-maintained, air-conditioned cars with professional drivers who know their way around the city.

Self Drive to Jerash from Amman

If you love travelling, most importantly road trips, self-driving to Jerash from Amman is also a good choice. You can rent a car from one of Amman’s hundreds of international and local rental companies.

It costs around JD 25 to 30 per day; however, as it’s only a day trip, it is a pocket-friendly option. But, the cost can go up a few JDs if you rent a large vehicle that can accommodate more than 4 passengers.

Make sure to read all our tips for self-driving in Jordan before deciding on this option; you will need a fair degree of patience and driving skills to tackle the traffic in Amman!

Amman to Jerash Tours

Another great option to visit Jerash from Amman is joining a tour group. You will find many tour groups that take you to Jerash and guide you about the famous ruins. However, as the trip is relatively short, most tours also include other nearby sites.

For instance, they will take you from Amman to Jerash, then onward to Aljoun Castle and Umm Qais. The prices for group tours are highly variable depending on whether its a private or open group tour and the number of stops you will be making.

Entrance to Jerash

At the time of writing, entrance to Jerash is JOD10 for foreigners, or it’s an included attraction with your Jordan Pass .

Staying in Jerash

While Jerash is perfect for day trips, you can also stay overnight if you’d like to extend your stay in the area and avoid travelling back through Amman peak hour traffic. Here are some family-friendly options in the area:

1. Jerash Hills

Jerash Hills are family-friendly apartment units situated just 2.7 km from the ruins. They offer free Wi-Fi, parking, a garden, and a terrace with a view. You can also get a unit equipped with a kitchen on request.

2. Jasmine’s House

Jasmine’s House is a family-friendly apartment with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a living room. It is centrally air-conditioned and has a fully-equipped kitchen. It is located 2.5 km from the Jerash ruins.

3. Moon Valley Site

If you’re travelling with your family, including kids, and are looking for self-catering accommodation, the Moon Valley Site is a good option. It is situated just 1.7 km from the ruins, and each room has a fully-functional kitchen, dining table, and a flat-screen TV.

Frequently Asked Questions Travelling Amman to Jerash

Exploring the ancient city of Jerash takes around 3 to 4 hours. Therefore, 6 hours in Jerash are more than enough to walk around, grab a bite, and take amazing pictures amidst the Roman ruins.

The entrance fee for the Jerash ruins is 10 JD. This includes the entrance to the archaeological museum too.

In April and May, the operating hours of Jerash are 8 am to 5:30 pm. From June through October, the hours are 8 am to 6:30 pm, while from November to March, the timings are from 8 am to 4 pm.

The early inhabitants of Jerash were Christians. That’s why we can find the ruins of at least 14 different churches in the city, built between the 4th and 7th centuries.

More Reading Planning Your Trip to Jordan

When you’re planning a family trip to Jordan , you may also be interested in:

• Our classic 5-day Jordan road trip itinerary – tackle all of the highlights of Jordan in a circular trip from Amman
• Best Wadi Rum Desert Camps for families – where to stay in Wadi Rum for the best family-friendly experience
• Tips for Taking Kids Floating in The Dead Sea – trust us, you’ll want to know these important points before taking your kids to the lowest point on earth!
• When is the best time to visit Jordan ? – Ideally time your Jordan trip for the best weather and events during the year and understand the impact of religious holidays.
• Do I need to add tips in Jordan ? – drivers, juides, hotel staff, who is expecting a gratuity, and how much?
• What is appropriate to wear in Jordan? – Dress code advice for men, women and children with our suggested packing list

Extending your journey around the country of Jordan further, you may also want to read next in our Jordan transport series:

• Driving tips for Jordan
• Amman to Petra
• Amman to Dead Sea
• Dead Sea to Petra
• Petra to Wadi Wadi Rum
• Amman to Aqaba
• Aqaba to Petra

Jordan Guide Book

For a first-timer looking to visit Jordan, we can highly recommend you download the Step Into Jordan Guide & Itineraries .

This handy digital guide is just $19.99USD and includes:

• An interactive downloadable map
• 36 detailed pages of planning guidance
• Multiple suggested itineraries (10, 7 and 3 days)
• Tips from an expert
• Accommodation recommendations

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The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

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Amman to Jerash: the ultimate day trip guide

This post is about how to get from Amman to Jerash in Jordan . Jerash is famous for its beautiful Greek and Roman ruins. Only 50 kilometers north of Amman it makes for one of the most interesting and budget friendly day trips from the capital. 

While many sights around Amman require your own transport, getting from Amman to Jerash is quite easy. With public minivans running frequently from Amman to Jerash there really is no need for an expensive tour. 

Why visit Jerash

Jerash is home to the ruins of the city of Gerasa that was built by Alexander the Great. Although it were the Greeks that made the foundations of the ancient city, it was soon taken over by the Romans. Under Roman rule, Jerash grew into a prosperous trade city with close links to nearby Amman and As Salt . 

It’s the Romans that built most of the archeological wonders of Jerash . The Byzantines and the Umayyads followed, each adding their own influences. It was an earthquake in the year of 749 that changed the course of history for Jerash. Most of the city was destroyed and the beautiful Roman structures were lost under the sand for centuries.  

Jerash was left largely abandoned until exiled Circassians from Russia were settled in the area. In the 19th century a german archeologist found the ruins and realized its historic importance. Excavations work began and uncovered one of the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in the Middle East. 

I visited many other Roman Ruins during my travels such as Baalbek in Lebanon , but I must say that Jerash left a deep impression on me. I even liked Jerash more than the ruins in Rome itself. 

The best things to do in Jerash

Nowadays Jerash is also a modern city that sprawls east of the archeological excavations. The Roman ruins are still the main attraction though. There is not much else to see in the newer part of town, except for a small bazaar and some budget restaurants. It’s probably for the best, because the Roman ruin complex is so large that it could easily take up 3 to 4 hours of your time.

I definitely spent much more time in Jerash than I thought I would. With frequent breaks from all the walking I spent most of my afternoon exploring the different structures in ancient Jerash.  

Hadrian’s arch

You will enter the archeological complex through the impressive Hadrian’s arch. It was built in the year 129 to welcome Roman emperor Hadrian. It is one of the largest arches within the former Roman empire

After Hadrian’s arch lies the hippodrome. This large open field was the city’s sporting venue where people could watch gladiator fights and chariot rides. The hippodrome could have up to 15,000 visitors. 

Forum & Temple of Zeus

After Hadrian’s arch, the next main sight that will for sure impress you is the forum or oval plaza. This circular square is lined with 56 columns and could hold up to 3000 people. The Forum is actually best appreciated from the Temple of Zeus that lies on a hill right next to it. It’s a bit of a steep climb, but with nice views over the oval plaza as a reward. 

Southern & Northern Theatre

There are two theatres in Jerash. The largest is the south theatre near the temple of Zeus that was used for creative performances. Therefore the acoustics are wonderful. The northern theatre is slightly smaller and was used for important government meetings. Both offer nice views over the old and new city if you climb to the top.

Cardo Maximus

The Cardo Maximus is the straight 800 meter collonaded street that runs from the oval plaza all the way to the northern theatre. It was the city’s main street and there used to be more than 500 columns. Although not all columns are still there, it remains impressive to see and it makes it easy to navigate around. 

After the Forum it is best to follow the Cardo Maximus. The first side trip from the main street will be the Nymphaeum. This was the city’s public fountain that was richly decorated with lion heads sprouting water among others. It’s name suggests that it was dedicated to the Greek water nymphs. 

Mosaic floors

Behind the nymphaeum are the ruins of several churches, but not much remains of them and they do require a bit more imagination.  What makes them interesting to explore are that there are some remnants of the mosaic floors that once decorated the churches in Jerash. The ones in the ruins of the Byzantine church is the largest and best preserved.

If you are interested in Byzantine era mosaics I can recommend a visit to Madaba . An ancient market town just south of Amman.

Temple of Artemis

The Greek goddess of Artemis was the patron goddess of Jerash. Therefore it is no surprise that the temple of Artemis was among the most beautiful in Jerash. It’s 12 original columns still surround the temple today. 

How to get from Amman to Jerash

Getting from Amman to Jerash is easy, but consists of several steps. The first step is to get to Tabarbour bus station in the north. From downtown Amman it is a 30 minute drive by taxi. This should cost no more than 4 JD if you use a taxi hailing app such as careem or uber. 

From Tabarbour bus station there are frequent buses to Jerash. Ask a bus driver rather than a taxi driver where the bus leaves. Taxi drivers will approach you first and might tell you there is no bus. Buses are definitely there and leave once full. I left within 15 minutes. A bus ticket for Amman to Jerash costs 1 JD and the journey takes 45 minutes.

Insider tip : The bus station is a good place to stock up on water and snacks for the day. There are some cafes at the ticket office in Jerash as well, but they are a bit expensive.

Insider tip 2 : Don’t go all the way to the bus station in Jerash, but ask the driver to get out at the Hadrian’s arch that becomes visible on your left hand side when you come from Amman. Cross the street and follow the side street that after a few minutes will lead you to the ticket office and a handicraft village.

Getting back to Amman

Jerash has 2 bus stations. One big bus complex is behind the ruins and has buses to other places in the Jordan Valley such as Ajloun and Irbid, but not Amman. It’s a bit of a walk as you cannot exit the complex at the northern gate, so you need to walk all the way back to hadrian’s arch and then follow the main road back up north. 

Buses to Amman leave from a less obvious bus station 300 meters south of the ruins. When you leave the main entrance at the handicraft village walk back to the main road. Then go to the right and walk down past the playground till the junction.

If the bus driver hasn’t already spotted you and is shouting whether you need to go to Amman, then cross the street and wait at the corner for the bus.

Amman to Jerash travel tips

The entrance fee to Jerash is 12 JD, but you get free entrance with the Jordan Pass.

What to bring to Jerash

When exploring Jerash, you will be walking a lot in the sun and there is not that much shadow. Bring good walking shoes, enough water and some sunscreen. 

Places to stay in Jerash

If it comes to places to sleep, you are better off in Amman. Amman has plenty of places to stay. Cliff hostel and the Jordan Tower hotel are long standing backpackers favourites. For slightly more comfort you also have the Zaman ya Zaman boutique hotel and the boutique hotel Amman . All of these are in the center of Amman within walking distance of the Roman theatre and Al Balad downtown for Amman’s best restaurants.

If you do decide to stay in Jerash itself as a more quiet option than Amman I would recommend the Blue house Gerasa or the Ruin walls hostel . Both are located near the Roman ruins of Jerash.

Places to eat in Jerash

If it comes to places to eat it is also hard to compete with the great food in Amman. However, if you are really hungry there are a couple of restaurants. Near the entrance there is the Fairouz Cafe and Cafeteria that is a great place for drinks and snacks. For a cheap meal I headed to Cheesy Grillz on the main road near the entrance for a delicious shawarma.  

When to visit

Jerash is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to May (spring season) and from September to November (autumn season). During these months, the temperature is moderate, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

In the summer months (June to August), the temperature can reach up to 40°C (104°F), and the heat can be intense. If you can tolerate the heat, then you can visit during these months. However, it is recommended to avoid the midday sun and stay hydrated.

In the winter months (December to February), the temperature can drop below freezing, and there may be occasional rainfall. While the winter season is not as popular as the spring and autumn seasons, it can be a great time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Disclaimer: This post with a day trip guide about how to get from Amman to Jerash contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support

3 thoughts on “Amman to Jerash: the ultimate day trip guide”

Thanks a lot for the post! It was most helpful as we are now in the bus to Amman from Jerash after succesfully navigating the bus to go there. It took us an hour before the bus was full and ready to leave (we arrived around 10.30 am), but it was worth the wait. Without the information from the page it would definately take a lot more time! Greetings

Great read! Sitting at the forum now and was worried about how to get back. This is definitely the best article with clear instructions I think I’ve ever read! And I travel a lot lol. Thank you!!

Thanks a lot for this excellent post! I did a similar route yesterday, partially following your instructions. I’d have just a few information more, as from Jerash I didn’t go back directly to Amman, decided to go to see the Ajloun castle. I was lucky to find a bus Jerash-Ajloun (30 minutes, 1 dinar), but on the way back I had to take a shared taxi, as there were no buses from any of these cities to Amman. It was about 4 PM on a Sunday. This taxi was 5 dinars and the 40-minute trip was tense, as the driver drove dangerously. As for the departure bus station in Amman, I’d suggest adding that Tabarbour is the same as North Station. Congratulations on your work with cultural anthropology!

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How to Get From Amman to Jerash [2024]

When you are planning your trip to Jordan, you probably know you want to visit Petra. But I also suggest a day trip to Jerash! Jerash is skipped by many visitors to Jordan but it is well worth a visit and can be done in half a day! It lies just an hour north of Amman by car and offers visitors a glimpse into an ancient Roman city, better preserved than anywhere else in the world (except Rome itself). One of the best parts of Jerash is that you will likely have the entire city to yourself! Unlike Ephesus and other Roman ruins, Jerash is almost always quite empty!

Visiting Jerash is one of the top day trips from Amman that I often recommend to visitors. There are a few ways to get from Amman to Jerash. If you have a rental car, it is a no-brainer. Hop into the car and you are there in an hour. If you do not have a car, there are local busses, tours, and taxi’s that will take you.

How Far is it from Amman to Jerash?

Jerash is about an hour by car from Amman and a lot closer than other sites in the Kingdom. It is mostly winding highways until you get into the city itself and quite an easy drive (if you like to drive). If you want to take a day tour, those are common also. Most are private departures so keep that in mind. I usually suggest visiting Jerash after breakfast in Amman and then coming back to Amman after lunch.

How to Get from Amman to Jerash

Amman to jerash tour.

If you are looking for a great day trip from Amman, look no further than a tour from Amman to Jerash. You can book a few different half day tours.

• Amman Food Tours Half Day Jerash Tour : We created this tour to fill a gap in the day trip market. You and up to three other guests can spend the morning with our local guide as she will pick you up at your hotel in Amman and take you to Jerash and then back to Amman. It includes all entrance fees.
• Viator Tours Full Day Jerash and More : This tour includes Jerash, Umm Qais and Ajloun and is perfect for those who want to spend the whole day exploring the northern part of Jodan. Entrance fees must be paid on top of the tour price.
• Get Your Guide Half Day Tour of Jerash : This is another half day option where you can add on full day trip. Entrance fees must be paid on top of the cost of the tour.

Amman to Jerash by Rental Car

My suggested method for visiting Jerash from Amman is to rent a car and drive yourself there. (But I love to drive and prefer taking a car just about anywhere in the world.) A rental car in Jordan is about 25-30JD per day (depending on the car size etc) and once you are out of downtown Amman, it is highway driving throughout most of the country.

More info on renting a car in Jordan .

Amman to Jerash by Bus

There is a bus from the Northern Bus Station in Amman to Jerash. Expect to pay about JD1 for a one way fare. Busses typically sit at the bus station until they are full. There is no official Amman to Jerash bus timetable. It is also possible to pick up a bus going to Jerash from the road, but these buses seem to work in mysterious ways. No one ever knows where to stand or when they are coming, unless they are a local. I would suggest a cheap taxi to the Northern Bus Station.

Private Driver

This Tour from Viator and this Tour from Get Your Guide do not include a guide but have a driver that will pick you up from your hotel, then stop in Jerash, Ajloun and visit Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais. It is perfect for those who do not want to drive.

If you want a private half-day tour of Jerash, check out this Private Jerash tour from Amman with our local female guide Jumana.

Amman to Jerash by Taxi

It is possible to take a taxi to Jerash from Amman. The yellow taxis can be found all over Amman and have a meter. You can choose to use the meter or negotiate a flat rate. Expect it to be about USD50 one way.

Best Way to Get from Amman to Jerash

The best way to get to Jerash is by booking a private driver or tour. This offers the opportunity to spend the day with a local and learn a lot more about the area. My second suggestion is by rental car. The first time I went to Jerash with my kids they were 5 and 3 and we were on a tour with a guide. The second time we rented a car and explored ourselves since we knew a lot about the area already.

Jerash Travel Tips

• The cost to visit Jerash is JD12 but it is included in the Jordan Pass if you have purchased one.
• Get an early start to maximize your day.
• A trip to Jerash can be done in half a day
• Expect 1-2 hours at the site

Lindsay fell in love with Jordan when she first visited in 2016. She now goes back every year to explore more of this special place. Lindsay is also the owner of Amman Food Tours , a social enterprise that is women-owned and hires local female guides. This project provides meaningful employment for women in Amman.

How to get from Amman to Jerash

Once ruled by the Romans as part of the Decapolis League, today Jerash is a popular city in Jordan that is internationally renowned for its preservation and restoration of prominent Roman structures . Along with temples, plazas, and fountains, Jerash has gracefully updated itself with bustling markets and casual places to dine alongside the ancient city walls. To get from Amman to Jerash , visitors have a number of options to suit all budgets, group sizes and time schedules. The journey is quick and can even be done as a day trip.

How to get from Amman to Jerash By Rental Car

Car rental in Jordan is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country. With over one hundred car rental companies based in Amman alone, visitors will never be short of options. There are a number of car rental companies located at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and visitors should expect to pay around 25-30JD (35-40 USD) per day for a new model with air conditioning and insurance. The journey from Amman to Jerash takes just under one hour by car.

How to get from Amman to Jerash By Bus

From the North Terminal Bus Station in Amman , visitors can regular buses to Jerash. The buses in Jordan are very affordable and visitors can expect to pay 1JD (1.50USD) for a one way trip from Amman to Jerash. From the bus stop in Jerash, it is only a short walk to the historic Roman ruins of Jerash.

Joining a tour from Amman to Jerash

A very convenient way to get from Amman to Jerash is by joining a tour, like this  Highlights of Jordan 3 day tour . This tour, starting in Amman will not only allow you to visit Jerash but will also take you to a lot of other must-see sights in Jordan.

Getting from Amman to Jerash By Taxi

In Amman, visitors can ask a yellow taxi cab driver for a return trip from Amman to Jerash. Some drivers are willing to take visitors to Jerash, wait for 2-3hours and then return visitors back to Amman. The prices of this vary depending on who you speak to and how good your negotiation skills are. As a rule, expect to pay a minimum of 40JD (57 USD) for a return trip.

Taking a Tour to get from Amman to Jerash

In Amman, visitors will find plenty of tour options from Amman to Jerash. These tours can be purchased at hotels, guesthouses, and tour operators. Tours are a hassle-free way to get from Amman to Jerash and some even include a knowledgeable guide. These day tours vary in price depending on the tour operator and what is included in the package.

Best way to get from Amman to Jerash

As the journey from Amman to Jerash takes less than one hour, it is easy and possible to explore Jerash as part of a day trip. Local buses are cheap and fairly quick and as long as you are willing to wait a while for a bus it is a good way to see the local area.

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THE BEST Day Trips from Amman to Jerash

Day trips from amman to jerash.

• Amman to Petra - Wadi Musa
• Amman to Jerash
• Amman to Madaba
• Amman to Dead Sea Region
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Quais Full-Day Tour

2. Private Tour of Ajlun and Jerash

3. Private Full-Day Tour Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais

4. Private Day Trip to Jerash, Umm Qais and Ajloun Castle from Amman

5. Full Day Umm Qais, Ajloun & Jerash

6. Private Tour to Jerash Roman Ruins

7. Amman/ Ajlun/ Jerash/ Amman

8. Jerash and Ajloun Castle Full-Day Tour from Amman or Airport

9. Half Day Tour to Jerash From Amman

10. Full Day Tour : Jerash, Ajloun, Umm Qais

11. Umm Qais, Jerash & Ajloun Castle Day Tour from Amman

12. Amman - Jerash - Ajloun - Amman

13. Umm Qais, Ajloun and Jerash Full-Day Tour from Amman

14. Jerash, Ajloun & Umm Qais Private tour

15. Private Half Day Tour to Jerash from Amman

16. Private Full Day Tour Umm Qais, Ajloun and Jerash

17. Jerash Half-Day Trip from Amman

18. From Amman :Private full day tour to Jerash ,Ajoune and Um Qais

19. Jerash Half-Day Tour From Amman

20. Private Half Day Tour in Jerash From Amman

21. Private Half Day Jerash and Amman Sightseeing Tour

22. Private Guided Umm Quais and Jerash tour with lunch

23. Jerash Half Day tour from Amman

24. Jerash Ruins Full-Day Private Tour from Amman or Airport

25. Amman Highlights and Jerash Full-Day Tour from Amman

26. Full day Tour Jerash، Ajloun and Um Qais from Amman

27. From Amman to North ( umm qais, Jerash and ajloun)

28. Private Full Day Jerash and Amman City Sightseeing Tour from Dead Sea

29. Day trip Jerash, Ajloun ands Umm Qais From Amman

30. Jerash Umm Qais & Ajloun Castle Tour

What travelers are saying.

‘We saw an immediate drop’: Jordan’s tourism industry is suffering amid the Israel-Hamas war

Jordan’s economy relies heavily on tourism but since Hamas’ attack on Israel in October and the ongoing war in Gaza, tourism in the country has slowed down. This is also the case in other countries in the region, including Israel itself, Lebanon and Egypt.

• By Shirin Jaafari

A general view of the ancient city of Jerash, north of the capital Amman, Jordan, Dec. 6, 2023. Jerash is one of the most popular attractions in Jordan behind Petra. It is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy, and its history goes back more than 6,500 years.

The ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, on the outskirts of Amman, Jordan, represent one of the best-preserved Roman cities.

Here, gladiators once competed in chariot-racing contests as spectators watched from the stone seats.

Dhirar Atmeh grew up in the area.

“When I used to come, and you know, see people come in as tourists, I said ‘this is my thing. This is where I should go,’” he said.

Atmeh has been working as a tour guide in Jordan for the past two decades. He said that nothing brings him more joy than telling foreign visitors about the long history and the splendor of this site.

But these are tough times for Atmeh and the thousands of others who work in the tourism industry in Jordan and neighboring countries. The war in Gaza has brought his business to a near standstill, he said: “I lost 80% of my job. I mean 80% of my reservations were canceled.”

Tours from the US, Europe and Australia were canceled one after another. People stopped coming.

Atmeh has five kids and he said he’s struggling to provide for them. For him, what’s happening now brings back difficult memories of the early days of the pandemic, when he lost most of his assets.

“I had a car. I had to sell it. I had a house, I sold it. Many things … I had a piece of land also I sold. So, it wasn’t easy.”

Atmeh said that he’s worried about the weeks and months ahead, as there seems to be no end to the fighting.

Already, Jordan’s unemployment rate, as of last year, was about 23%, according to the World Bank.

If tourists don’t come back, he said, it’s not like he can just find another job.

Tours here are typically part of a package that includes Jordan, Israel and Egypt. Conflict in one of them means that people cancel their whole trip.

Ben Julius is the founder of Tourist Israel, one of the largest tour agencies in Israel.

“From the beginning of the war, we saw an immediate drop, close to zero, from what was expected to be one of the best and busiest periods ever.”

In Israel, flights have been canceled, tourist sites have been closed and hotels have been empty .

“It’s been very difficult for us. Around 70% of our team — we immediately had to send to furlough again. Many of them only came back into the tourism industry and back into the company in the last year because of the recovery from COVID.”

Julius operates tours in Egypt as well, and he said that they’ve had many cancellations there, too.

In Lebanon, the Christmas season is also shaping up to be a loss this year .

Juliuis is seeing signs of improvement for next year. He said that people are booking their trips in advance.

“That’s giving us a little bit of hope going into next year.”

Meanwhile, back in Jordan, the minister of tourism, Makram Mustafa Queisi, predicts an even bigger drop in the number of tourists in the coming months if the war doesn’t stop.

“The problem is that people in the West and elsewhere, actually, when they look at the map, they don’t differentiate between Jordan and the neighboring countries. People don’t understand that we are not in a war zone.”

He said he wants to change that perception and help people understand that Jordan is a safe place to visit. When tourists don’t come, he said, that affects a wide swath of the economy.

“We talk about the bus drivers for example, we speak about restaurants, we speak about hotels, we speak about the tour operators, and the people who work with the tour operators.”

For tourism to survive, he said, this region needs stability and security.

“This aggression has to stop because at the end of the day there’s no winner.”

In the meantime, Jordan is using this unexpected break in tourism to renovate some of its historical sites.

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