Amman to Jerusalem: Your UK Guide to Taxi Travel

Embarking on a journey from Amman, Jordan, to the historic city of Jerusalem, Israel, is an adventure that promises to enrich your understanding of the Middle East. While the two cities are geographically close, the border crossing requires a bit of planning and a healthy dose of patience. For many travellers, opting for a taxi or private transfer offers a balance of convenience and comfort, especially when navigating the unique logistics of an international land border.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about travelling from Amman to Jerusalem by taxi, shared taxi (sherut), or private transfer. From the initial pick-up in Amman to your arrival in Jerusalem, we’ll cover the border crossing intricacies, costs, and essential tips to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.

Navigating the Border: An Overview

The primary gateway for travellers making this journey is the King Hussein Bridge, also known as the Allenby Border Crossing. It's crucial to understand that you cannot take a single vehicle across the entire border. The journey is split into two distinct parts: getting to the Jordanian side of the border, walking across with your luggage, and then arranging onward transport from the Israeli side to Jerusalem.

The entire 100-kilometre trip, including border formalities, typically takes around six hours. While this may seem lengthy for the distance, much of this time is spent waiting. Therefore, remember to pack snacks, keep your phone charged, and prepare for a unique travel experience.

King Hussein Bridge / Allenby Border Crossing Opening Hours:

• Sunday - Thursday: 08:00 - 22:00
• Friday & Saturday: 08:00 - 13:30
• Public Holidays: 08:00 - 13:30

Please note these times operate on the Israeli clock. It's always advisable to arrive well before closing and to factor in potential delays.

Amman to the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Crossing) by Taxi or Private Transfer

The first leg of your journey involves getting from Amman to the Jordanian side of the King Hussein Bridge. This is where a taxi or private driver truly shines, offering a direct and hassle-free start to your trip.

The Journey from Amman

Taking a taxi from Amman to the King Hussein Bridge / Allenby Crossing is straightforward and efficient. The drive typically takes just under an hour, or slightly over, depending on traffic. You can easily find taxis in Amman, or arrange a private transfer through your hotel or a reputable local company. For those on a budget, sharing a taxi with other travellers can reduce the cost.

Cost for Amman to Border Taxi:

• Expect to pay around 30 JD (approximately £33-£35) for a private taxi.
• Sharing a taxi with others will naturally reduce your individual cost.

Arrival at the Jordanian Border Post

Your taxi or private driver will take you directly to the customs office on the Jordanian side. Here, you'll need to:

1. Take your luggage inside.
2. Proceed to the immigration counter to have your passport processed.
3. Pay the Jordanian exit tax, which is 10 JD (approximately £11-£12). You will receive a small receipt.
4. If you prefer not to have a Jordanian exit stamp in your passport, you can request a small slip of paper to be stamped instead. This is often recommended for those planning to visit other Arab nations.
5. After handing over your passport, you will be asked to take a seat and wait. This waiting period can be upwards of an hour, as officials process multiple passports and large tour groups.

Once your name is called, you'll receive your passport back. At this point, you'll need to board a dedicated JETT bus to cross the "no-man's land" between the Jordanian and Israeli checkpoints.

The Inter-Border Shuttle Bus

Even if you arrived by private taxi, you must take the JETT bus for the 5-kilometre stretch across the bridge. You'll need to pay for this bus:

• Bus fare: 7 JD (approximately £7.50-£8) per passenger.
• Luggage fee: 1.5 JD (approximately £1.60-£1.70) per large piece of luggage.

Ensure you still have Jordanian Dinars for this payment. The bus will only depart once it is full, which can mean another waiting period. The drive itself is short, but the queue of buses waiting to enter Israeli customs can add significantly to the time, sometimes up to an hour.

The Israeli Border Crossing Experience: What to Expect

Upon arrival at the Israeli Customs and Immigration terminal, the process continues:

1. You will be unloaded from the bus. Collect your luggage immediately.
2. Your luggage will be scanned, and you will then join the queue for passport control.
3. Expect to be asked a series of questions, which can range from a few basic enquiries to a more extensive interview, depending on the immigration officer. Answer truthfully and calmly.
4. Crucially, your passport will not be stamped by Israeli authorities. Instead, you will be issued a blue piece of paper with your photo and passport information. This slip serves as your visa and entry permit and should be kept safely inside your passport throughout your stay. A similar pink slip will be issued upon your departure.

Once you have successfully cleared Israeli immigration, you are officially in Israel and ready for your final leg to Jerusalem!

From Allenby Crossing to Jerusalem: Taxis and Sheruts Await

After exiting Israeli customs, you'll find various transport options to Jerusalem. For convenience and direct travel, taxis and shared taxis (sheruts) are the most popular choices.

Shared Taxis (Sheruts) to Jerusalem

Walk past the waiting tour buses, and around the corner, you'll find a taxi stand selling tickets for shared taxis. These are typically large vans that operate on a fixed route and only depart when full.

• Destination: Shared taxis from Allenby typically go directly to Jerusalem's Damascus Gate, a central point near the Old City.
• Cost: Approximately 42 ILS (Israeli New Shekels – roughly £9-£10) per person.
• Luggage Fee: An additional 5 ILS (approximately £1-£1.20) for each large piece of luggage.
• Journey Time: Once the sherut is full and departs, the drive to Jerusalem takes approximately 45 minutes.

From Damascus Gate, you can easily take a local taxi or public transport to your final accommodation in Jerusalem.

Private Taxis from Allenby to Jerusalem

If you prefer a direct, private transfer without waiting for a sherut to fill up, private taxis are also available from the Israeli side of the crossing. These offer greater flexibility and comfort.

• Cost: A private taxi from the Allenby Crossing to Jerusalem typically costs around 150 ILS (approximately £33-£35).
• Journey Time: The drive itself is around 45 minutes, similar to a sherut.

Why Choose a Taxi or Private Transfer?

While organised tours exist, choosing a taxi or private transfer for at least parts of your journey offers distinct advantages:

• Flexibility: You dictate your departure time from Amman, rather than adhering to a fixed bus schedule.
• Comfort: Enjoy a private space and avoid crowded public transport for the initial leg.
• Directness: Taxis take you directly to the border, and sheruts/private taxis from the Israeli side offer a direct route to Jerusalem.
• Luggage Handling: Easier management of your luggage compared to multiple transfers on public buses.
• Reduced Stress: For many, the thought of navigating multiple public transport changes and language barriers at a border can be daunting. A pre-arranged private transfer can alleviate this stress, offering a more seamless experience.

Costs and Considerations: A Financial Breakdown

Here’s a summary of the approximate costs you can expect when travelling from Amman to Jerusalem by taxi/sherut:

(Note: Exchange rates are approximate and subject to change.)

Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Currency: Ensure you have Jordanian Dinars for the taxi to the border, the exit tax, and the inter-border bus. Once in Israel, you'll need Israeli Shekels.
• Documentation: Double-check your visa requirements for Israel before you travel. You cannot obtain a visa at the King Hussein Bridge.
• Patience is Key: As mentioned, waiting is a significant part of this journey. Bring a book, listen to music, or simply observe your surroundings.
• Snacks and Water: The journey can be long, and food options at the border crossings are limited.
• Accommodation: Jerusalem is a very popular destination. Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you have specific preferences. Consider options like Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (Luxury), Stay Jaffa Jerusalem (Apartment Hotel), or Abraham Hostel (Budget).
• Passport Stamps: If avoiding an Israeli stamp is important for future travel, remember that Israel no longer stamps passports at this crossing, issuing a blue slip instead. You can also request a paper slip for the Jordanian exit stamp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a visa to enter Israel from Jordan?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many nationalities, including UK citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival (in the form of the blue slip) at the King Hussein Bridge. However, it's always best to check the latest requirements with the Israeli embassy in your country before travelling.

How long does the entire journey take?

From leaving Amman to arriving in Jerusalem, including all border formalities and waiting times, the journey typically takes around 6 hours.

Can I bring my rental car from Jordan into Israel?

No, rental cars from Jordan are not permitted to cross into Israel. You must leave your vehicle on the Jordanian side and cross the border on foot with your luggage.

Is it safe to travel from Amman to Jerusalem?

Millions of tourists make this journey safely every year. While border crossings can be time-consuming due to security procedures, they are generally safe. Always follow the instructions of border officials.

What is the best time of day to cross the border?

To minimise waiting times, it's often recommended to cross early in the morning, shortly after the border opens. However, be aware that tour groups often aim for similar times, so prepare for potential queues regardless.

Can I use credit cards at the border?

It's always advisable to have cash (Jordanian Dinars and Israeli Shekels) for taxes, bus fares, and shared taxis. While some places might accept cards, cash is more reliable at border points.

By understanding the process and preparing accordingly, your journey from the vibrant streets of Amman to the ancient wonders of Jerusalem can be a smooth and enriching experience. Enjoy your Middle Eastern adventure!

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