The historic downtown area with the Roman Amphitheatre, Citadel, Rainbow Street, and traditional souks.

About Amman City Centre (Downtown)

Amman\'s downtown (Al-Balad) is the historic heart of Jordan\'s capital, centered around the bustling streets below the Citadel hill (Jabal al-Qal\'a). This is where ancient Roman Philadelphia meets modern Arab urban life — the Roman amphitheater seats 6,000 and still hosts events, while the souks around Al-Malek Faisal Street overflow with spices, gold, fabrics, and everyday goods.

The Citadel hilltop preserves ruins spanning the Bronze Age through the Umayyad period, including the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. From its summit, the entire city spreads below — a sea of white and tan limestone buildings cascading over rolling hills, punctuated by minarets and church towers reflecting Jordan\'s religious diversity.

Downtown Amman is where travelers find the most authentic local experiences: mansaf (the national dish of lamb and fermented yogurt over rice) at legendary spots like Hashem Restaurant, Arabic coffee in hole-in-the-wall cafés, and the animated energy of a city that serves as a crossroads between the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, and the wider Middle East.

Nearby Landmarks

Amman Citadel Roman Amphitheater Rainbow Street King Abdullah Mosque

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost JOD 20-25 (~$28-35)
Time 30-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost JOD 15-20 (~$21-28)
Time 30-45 minutes

Terminal arrivals, pickup zone

Step-by-Step Directions

Airport Express (Sariyah) bus departs from outside arrivals to 7th Circle and downtown Amman. Runs every 30-60 minutes.

Sariyah Airport Express

Cost JOD 3
Time 45-60 minutes
Frequency Every 30-60 minutes

Outside arrivals hall

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi JOD 20-25 (~$28-35) 30-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare JOD 15-20 (~$21-28) 30-45 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle JOD 3 45-60 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, airport taxis and pre-booked transfers are available (JOD 20-25 to downtown). Uber and Careem operate in Amman 24/7. The Airport Express Bus does not run overnight. Amman is very safe at night. Many hotels offer airport pickup — a common and recommended option for first-time visitors navigating the unfamiliar city.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis are typically modern sedans that handle standard luggage well. The Airport Express Bus has luggage compartments. Downtown Amman streets are steep and narrow with stairs in places — if your hotel is in the heart of Al-Balad, confirm vehicle access. Many budget hotels downtown require walking the last 50-100 meters through pedestrian souks.

Accessibility

Queen Alia Airport is modern and fully accessible. Amman itself presents significant challenges for wheelchair users — the hilly terrain, stepped streets, and high curbs in downtown make independent navigation very difficult. The Citadel and Roman Theater have limited accessibility. Hotels in the newer western districts (Abdoun, Sweifieh) are more accessible. Pre-arrange all transport through your hotel.