Jordan is one of the best hidden gems that you can travel to from Europe within just four house. Recently though, direct flights had entered a dry spell due to regional tensions. Now, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has finally announced the return of low-cost flights to Jordan. 

In this article, we will look at the direct flights connecting Europe and Jordan, ask ouselves the question whether you should fly to Amman or Aqaba and share some valuable insight for budget travellers planing a trip for the upcoming summer holidays. 

Key Takeaways 

• Low-cost flights to Jordan are back from July 1, 2026, with options to fly into Amman or Aqaba starting from just $35.
• Amman is Jordan’s main travel hub with many attractions and easy bus connections to popular sites.
• Aqaba offers quick access to Petra and Wadi Rum, plus beautiful Red Sea beaches and a relaxed vibe.
• For the best deals, book flights about six weeks in advance and consider staying in budget-friendly hostels in both cities.

Got Your Flights? Book Your Hotel in Jordan Next 

Have you booked your flights to Jordan already? Book your hotel next. There budgets hotels in Amman and Aqaba are your best shout: 

Amman	The Cabin	from $ 18 per night	Click here for rates.
Aqaba	Hakaia Community	from $ 16 per night	Click here for rates.

Low-Cost Flights to Jordan to Return on July 1 

After recent regional tensions in the first quarter of the year, Jordan has finally announced the return of low-cost operators to the country’s two principal international airports, Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and King Hussein International Airport (AQJ). 

According to the latest news, cheap flights operated by popular airlines such as RyanAir, WizzAir and EasyJet will finally return to regular service starting from July 1, 2026. This move is designed to bolster tourism to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East. 

Effectively, this means that you will once again be able to travel to Jordan from major European cities starting from just $ 35 (or 30 €). For your direct flights to Jordan, you can choose between Amman, the country’s capital city, and Aqaba, its only Red Sea port. 

Wondering about safety in Jordan? Recently, we took a look at the current security situation in Jordan and asked ourselves: Is Jordan safe to visit in 2026? Check out what we learned.

Should you Fly to Amman or Aqaba? A City Comparison

Eyeing a Jordan trip for this summer? First, you’ll have to make your mind up, whether you want to fly to Amman or Aqaba. In the following, we will break down which city you should travel to and why. 

Why Go to Amman 

Jordan’s administrative capital, Amman, is the country’s biggest flight hub, hosting not one, but two international airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and Amman City Airport (ADJ). Of those two, Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) handles all of the country’s low-cost flight traffic. 

Besides, being the country’s biggest transport axis, Amman is also one of the most popular destinations hosting multiple attractions such as the Amman Citadel, the Roman Theatre and the Jordan Museum. For culturally aware tourists, there are also a number of culture and arts centers in Amman. 

In Amman, local bus operators offer fast connections for day trips to nearby attractions such as Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities of the world, Ajloun Castle, Mount Nebo , Madaba, the Ma’in Hot Springs and the shores of the Dead Sea. 

Beyond local bus connections, the national JETT Bus company operates the most long-distance bus lines from Amman to all other popular destinations in the country. JETT Bus features daily connections to Ajloun Castle, Irbid, the Ma’in Hot Springs, the Dead Sea, Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert. 

In a nutshell, Amman is the perfect starting point for any Jordan trip offering many attractions of its own and convenient access to all of the country’s tourist sites. 

Did we ignite your curiosity? Check out these 10 lesser-known sites in Amman that will make your visit all the more special.

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) at a Glance 

When planning your flight to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), keep in mind the following factors: 

• Queen Alia International is the country’s busiest airport with more than 1,000 weekly flights.
• The airport is open 24/7, though sleeping in the airport is not very comfortable. 
• There a plenty of options for food and drinks at reasonable prices. 
• There is a free wifi network in the airport with usable network speed.
• After immigration, you can take care of money exchange, SIM cards and all other needs. 
• Pay attention to your airport transfer. The airport is a 30-minute journey away from the city centre. 
• With ride-sharing services such as Uber, a one-way trip will cost you around 20 JODs. 
• Alternatively, you can take the Sarah Airport Express Line for just 3.30 JODs per person. 
• For independent travellers, airport car rental stations offer some of the best rates in the country. 

Why Go to Aqaba

Albeit much less frequented, King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), otherwise known as Aqaba International Airport, offers another great option for travelling to Jordan. Despite its lesser busy flight schedule, this smaller airport in Southern Jordan has a lot going for itself. 

Aqaba itself is well-worth visiting as it offers a contrast to the otherwise arid Jordanian landscape. The Red Sea port is the country’s only sea access and hosts not only an assortment of beach resorts, but also a number of well-preserved coral reefs, lush marine life and great conditions for windsurfing. 

Additionally, Aqaba also has its fair share of historical sites that a worth taking a look at, if you are flying into the city already. The city features ruins of an ancient Byzantine church, an early Islamic city called Ayla and the imposing Aqaba fort built by the Mamluks in the 16th century. 

Local attractions aside, Aqaba serves as the gateway to two of Jordan’s most important attractions: the Lost City of Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert. From Aqaba, you can reach Petra within 2 hours and Wadi Rum Village within just one hour, saving you up to two hours of transport as compared to Amman. 

If you are headed to Jordan to explore the UNESCO sites of Petra and Wadi Rum, it might be worth it to consider flying directly to Aqaba, instead of starting all the way up in Amman. 

Is Aqaba really worth visiting? We took a closer look at Jordan’s only port city and found plenty of arguments for a stay in Aqaba.

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) at a Glance 

When planning your flight to King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), keep in mind the following factors: 

• King Hussein Interational is less busy, averaging less than 100 arrivals and departures per week. 
• The airport is open 24/7, but offers only limited facilities. 
• If you enter through Aqaba, stay in Jordan for at least two night, and leave through Aqaba again, you visa fee will be waived. Confirm eligibility before travelling. 
• There are some money exchanges and SIM card booth, though they do not operate 24/7. 
• The free airport wifi helps you navigate taxi transfers and hotel bookings. 
• Aqaba International is located just 10 kilometres from the city centre with the ride taking just 15 minutes. 
• While Uber is not available, local taxis charge around 10 JODs for the ride. 
• There is no official airport shuttle, but some hotels may run their own private shuttle. 

5 Budget Tips for Travelling to Jordan this Summer

Any respectable budget traveler not only hunts the cheapest flights to Jordan, but also follows these pieces of advice to make the most of their Jordan adventure: 

1. Buy the Jordan Pass: The Jordan Pass is the ultimate savings hack for any Jordan trip. It waives your entry visa fee and allows free entry to most of the country’s sites. Even if you only visit Petra. the pass is already worth it. We broke down the maths behind the Jordan Pass in another post. 
2. Stay in Hostels: In major cities like Amman and Aqaba, you can find plenty of hostels with great nightly rates that are still located right in the city center. Take advantage of those offers and save your money for activities. 
3. Travel by Bus: The local JETT Bus company offers affordable transportation to virtually any popular tourist destination in the county. For more experienced travellers, the local mini buses offers even cheaper connections, albeit with longer transfer times. 
4. Book packages for Wadi Rum: For the best experience in Wadi Rum, book a a package with activities, meals and accommodation beforehand. If you travel with a group, book together to get a whole day in the desert incl. jeep tour, Bedouin meals and a Bedouin tent from just $ 50 per person. 
5. Eat locally: In Jordan, food is just about as good as it can get. The country serves up some of the best falafel, hummus and shawarma you can find anywhere in the world. Here, there is virtually no good reason not to go with street food, if you are on a budget. You will not regret it. 

Where to Stay in Amman & Aqaba

Whether you are staying in Amman or Aqaba, there are great budget options in both cities that are not only affordable, but also worthwhile. These are the budget stays in Amman and Aqaba we can vouch for: 

• The Cabin in Amman: Located right in the heart of Downtown Amman, this cozy hostel is something in between a community hub and a capsule hostel. It’s comfortable enough for a few nights, features great common areas and hosts regular tours and actives. We loved staying at The Cabin. 
• Hakaia Community in Aqaba: Hakaia Community might well be the bets-reviews hostel in all of Jordan, and with good reason. It’s not only affordable, but also features a complimentary, beautifully decorated and well-maintained rooms, all while being minutes from the beach. 

The Cabin	starting from $ 18 per night	Click here for rates & availability.
Hakaia Community	starting from $ 16 per night	Click here for rates & availability.

The Bottom Line

Don’t miss out on travelling to Jordan this summer. Low-cost flights to the Middle East hidden gem are about to return and you cold make it to the Hashemite Kingdom just before the masses return to Petra, Wadi Rum & Co. 

If you are still wondering where to fly to, consider this: For a Jordan round trip, fly to Amman. For a visit to the Lost City of Petra, fly to Aqaba. 

Frequently Asked Questions