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Amman, the capital city of Jordan, offers one of the most convenient routes to Jerusalem, Israel. Revered as one of the holiest places in the world, Jerusalem is home to several sacred sites, such as the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Traveling from Amman to Jerusalem makes a captivating journey like no other, as both cities are filled with archaeological and religious sites, mouth-watering local cuisines, and buzzing shopping centers. If your interest is piqued, here are the ways you could get to Jerusalem from Amman, and the best Jerusalem tours.

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Ways to Get There

There are three main ways you can travel from Amman to Jerusalem: train, car, and plane. Thanks to various routes and excellent public transportation links, visitors can go from Amman to Jerusalem in a single vacation. However, your overall travel experience will depend on the distance, duration, and level of comfort offered by these different modes of transport.

By train

A train traveling from Amman to Israel in a cloudy day.
While visiting Jerusalem from Amman, taking the train is a unique and genuine way to interact with the locals.

Traveling by train is a distinctive and genuine way to interact with the locals. However, there is no direct train from Amman to Jerusalem. Hence, you will first have to take a bus from Amman to Queen Alia Airport, where you will have to catch a flight to Tel Aviv. From the Tel Aviv HaShalom Railway station, you can take a direct train ride to Jerusalem. The train stops at Jerusalem Malha, around 3.3 km from the center. In total, you will spend around 3 hours 40 minutes traveling. This is quite a complicated and costly process though, the one requiring you to spend approximately USD 56 to USD 272 in total, even though the train ticket only costs USD 4 to USD 6 per person.

Pro tips:

  • While you can book your ticket online, you will have to get a physical copy of the ticket at the station. Make sure to bring a valid ID to get your train ticket.
  • Choosing a window seat may be the most comfortable because you will be traveling on the train for nearly 30 minutes. Note that the ticket prices will vary according to the type of seating you choose.
  • Catching a train is not difficult as they run every 30 minutes. These trains are operated by the state-owned Israel Railways Ltd.
  • During the Shabbat period, trains might not operate from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening. The train schedule varies on holidays as well.

By car

A car in Jordan road heading to Israel.
With a rental car at your service, say hello to an effortless Amman to Jerusalem journey.

The distance from Amman to Jerusalem by road is 638 km, which could be covered in around three hours by car. You can either get a taxi or a rental car. Journey from Amman to the Jordan-Israel border will take around one hour, for which a taxi could charge around USD 36. To get to Jerusalem, on the Israel side, you will have to pay approximately USD 60 to USD 70. Here the journey will take nearly two hours, including the time required for security clearance at Israel Terminal. You could also hire a rental car for your Amman to Jerusalem tour. You will never lack options because there are more than 100 automobile rental firms in Amman alone. It will cost you around USD 200 to USD 350 per day to hire a new vehicle with insurance and air conditioning. One thing to note is that Israel does not allow the entry of rental vehicles from Jordan. Those who choose to travel from Amman to Jerusalem on rental cars need to drive to the border crossing, park their vehicle, and then board a bus or opt for other forms of transport.

Pro tips: 

  • If you are traveling on a budget, you can opt for a shared taxi, which is much cheaper. This, however, means that you will have to wait until the cab is filled for it to take off.
  • The cost of a private ride depends on the service provider. Hence, make sure to compare prices and negotiate with multiple agencies.
  • You will need valid identification to pre-book a private vehicle.
  • In order to reduce your costs when renting a car, you can opt for a cheaper car model, such as a sedan.

By flight

A plane flying in Israeli sky during day.
Make your reservations in advance as there is a limited number of flights to Jerusalem.

There are no direct flights from Amman to Jerusalem, which does not have an airport. Therefore, you will have to fly from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman to Israel's primary airport, Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, around 45 minutes away from Jerusalem. Royal Jordanian is the only airline operating direct flights from Amman to Tel Aviv. There are two daily flights, one departing in the morning and the other in the evening. The flight takes about 45 minutes, but with the security clearance time, the total travel time could be around 6 to 7 hours. The cost of a one-way flight varies but is typically USD 200 or more. From Tel Aviv, you can hop on a train to reach Jerusalem.

Pro tips: 

  • Due to the limited number of flights, make sure to take note of the time of each flight and make your booking well in advance.
  • Get to the airport at least 3 hours before the departure time since security clearance could take some time.
  • There could be a set weight limit for the luggage that can be carried inside the flight. Make sure to check the latest flight regulations of Royal Jordanian Airlines before traveling.
  • Ticket prices may vary depending on when you book your flight. Historical data shows that you can secure a cheaper rate, by making your reservation at least six weeks before your trip.
  • The months of August, September, and October are generally regarded as high seasons. February is the cheapest month to book Amman to Jerusalem flights.

Jerusalem tours

Although there are numerous ways to get from Amman to Jerusalem, taking an organized Amman to Jerusalem tour can save you a lot of time and effort, as all the logistics will be taken care of by the tour company. With our all-inclusive tours to Jerusalem from Amman, you can just sit back, relax, and take in every moment of the journey without having to worry about your accommodations, food, or the technicalities of crossing the border. Below are some Jerusalem packaged tours to get you inspired.

  • Join a 7-day guided tour to see the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan, including a trip to the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Petra, as well as biblical sites in Israel, including Jericho, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. The tour also covers the main highlights of Jerusalem's Old City including the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mountain of Olives, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
  • Take a 15-day guided 4x4, quad, and ATV adventure tour that begins in Amman and ends in Jerusalem. Along with six other locations in Jordan and Israel, you will pass through Haifa, Aqaba, and Amman on your journey. Feed your spiritual soul with biblical stories as you witness the famous Western Wall and other historical sites in Jerusalem.

There are many ways to get to Jerusalem, be it by train, car, plane, or by joining an organized tour. If you are planning a trip from Jordan to Israel, make time to see Jerusalem, one of the biggest attractions in the Middle East.

If you are ready for a trip to Jordan, book one of customized trips to Jordan with our travel experts now!

Published by Astha Joshi, updated on February 3, 2023
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