Queen Alia International Airport
Amman, JO · 30 km (18 mi) south of Amman city centre
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Amman Airport Hotel Shuttle Hotel shuttle | 5-10 min | — |
| Private Transfer Services Car service | 30-40 min | 25-30 JOD |
| Taxi Rank Taxi · On demand · 24/7 | 30-40 min | 18-22 JOD |
Insider notes
If you’re landing late, explore the 24-hour bakery options near the North Pier like ElForon, serving local pastries and espresso, even late into the night.
When waiting for a flight, book a day-room at Amman Airport Hotel; their free shuttle picks you up with a placard right in the terminal.
Head towards Gates 208–210 near the Petra Lounge for a less crowded atmosphere, especially at night.
Welcome
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) presents itself as a boutique Middle Eastern hub rather than a mega-hub, despite its significant role serving 9.6 million passengers annually. Positioned 30 km south of Amman's city center, its compact and architecturally pleasing design, combined with a robust offering of 24/7 local coffee spots, bakeries, and lounges, transforms late-night and red-eye connections into a much more pleasant experience. Everything from immigration to security to lounges like Marhaba Plaza Premium and Petra Lounge is walkable within minutes, so even a tight connection can afford you some lounge relaxation or a sit-down meal.
At a glance
Spanning a single terminal, T1, Queen Alia International is a major hub particularly for Royal Jordanian, Qatar Airways, and Emirates. It offers eleven restaurants such as Starbucks and McDonald's, and six shops including Duty Free and Souvenir Shop. Whether you’re seeking a quick grab-and-go or a sit-down meal, offerings like Starbucks and ElForon ensure you’re covered at all hours. Car parking ranges from Economy at 5 JD/day to Premium VIP at 78 JD/day, reflecting the diverse budgets and needs of travelers here.
Terminals & layout
Everything at Queen Alia occurs in T1, keeping navigation straightforward and stress-free. Gates are conveniently located so that amenities like the Crown Lounge with its live cooking stations, or the Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge’s quiet rooms and showers are mere minutes away. Shoppers can indulge at the airport’s smaller but well-curated Duty Free and World Duty Free, offering a range of tobacco, confectionery, and even local souvenirs.
Getting to and from the city
Reaching Amman city from the airport typically takes around 30-40 minutes by taxi, costing between 18-22 JOD. Alternatively, Private Transfer Services range from 25-30 JOD. The complimentary Amman Airport Hotel Shuttle is a convenient option if you’re lodging nearby, particularly useful for layovers where quick access to a room takes precedence over city exploration.
Traveller essentials
The portable traveler will appreciate the free WiFi — praised for its reliable speed — available throughout T1, and charging points scattered at gates such as 206 and 214. Currency concerns can be eased as shops welcome payments in dinars, euros, or dollars, though holding onto local currency for last minute snack or gift purchases can dodge poor exchange rates found landside.
Dining & shopping highlights
AMM shines with its around-the-clock dining options. Starbucks and Qahwa BLK operate landside, ensuring caffeine and snacks before security, while post-security, eateries like Hamada and Delmonte are open through the night. The airport isn't just about fulfilling culinary needs; it also houses several duty-free shops where savvy travelers can pick up a tobacco or chocolate treat without battling exchange rate loss. However, prices are noticeably higher than Amman city, with McDonald's serving a Sausage McMuffin around 3.5 JOD, useful info for budgeting.
Lounges
Queen Alia's lounges cater splendidly to everything from business needs to pure relaxation. The Royal Jordanian Crown Lounge offers happy hour promotions and a three-course menu, serving as a culinary highlight before a flight. Meanwhile, Marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge offers not only dedicated quiet rooms but also showers, a rare find for an economy traveler needing freshening up between flights.
Insider tips
- Insider: If you’re landing late, explore the 24-hour bakery options near the North Pier like ElForon, serving local pastries and espresso, even late into the night.
- Time: When waiting for a flight, book a day-room at Amman Airport Hotel; their free shuttle picks you up with a placard right in the terminal.
- Quiet: Head towards Gates 208–210 near the Petra Lounge for a less crowded atmosphere, especially at night.
- Money: Use leftover Jordanian dinars on last-minute gifts or snacks at duty-free to avoid poor exchange deals.
- Local: Bun Al Ameed coffee at the Crown Lounge offers a local flavor highlight, available 24/7 for lounge guests.