📑 Table of Contents ▾
Bottom line: JRTA intercity buses win on value; rideshares win on speed. During rainy season in Amman, the gap widens — a bus costs as little as 3.5 JOD per person while a rideshare splits between two runs 4-8x more. The time difference is about one hour. Choose based on whether your itinerary can absorb slower travel.
How Bad Is Rainy Season Transport in Amman?
Jordan’s rainy season runs November through March, with Amman receiving 300-400mm of rainfall annually — about 80% concentrated in these months (source: Jordan Meteorological Department, 2024). December and January see the heaviest precipitation, averaging 60-80mm per month.
Main roads like the Desert Highway typically stay passable even during heavy rain, but low-lying areas can flood. Intercity bus frequency drops noticeably during storms — that’s the main pain point for budget travelers during wet months.
How Much Does Transport Cost in Amman During Rainy Season?
| Route | JRTA Bus (per person) | Rideshare (2 people total) | Savings with Bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amman → Aqaba | 3.5 JOD | 30-40 JOD | ~85% |
| Amman → Petra | 7-10 JOD | 25-35 JOD | ~70% |
| Airport → City Centre | 1 JOD | 10-15 JOD | ~90% |
Data sources: JRTA official website, January 2026; field survey, December 2025.
JRTA intercity buses depart from Amman’s Abdali station and cover Aqaba (3.5 JOD, ~4 hours), Petra (7-10 JOD, ~3.5 hours), Dead Sea resorts, and other major destinations. Rideshare via Careem — more widely used than Uber in Jordan — splits between two passengers, running 4-8x the bus fare but saving roughly one hour on long-haul routes.
For rainy season specifically, expect 30-50% longer travel times on intercity routes due to reduced visibility and slower traffic. Budget an extra hour for long-distance trips during wet weather.
Is It Worth Paying More for a Rideshare in Rainy Season?
Mostly no, unless you have a tight schedule. The time saved by taking a rideshare over a bus on an intercity route is roughly one hour. For a couple planning 2-3 intercity trips during a week-long stay, the total time savings adds up to maybe 2-3 hours — not enough to justify spending 20-30 JOD extra per journey when you’re traveling on a budget.
Where rideshares genuinely pull ahead: airport transfers when you have early flights, door-to-door drop-off saves rainy-season walking with luggage, and departure time flexibility since you’re not tied to a bus schedule. But for the core intercity legs — Amman to Petra, Amman to Aqaba — JRTA buses deliver the best value per kilometer, rain or shine.
Book your JRTA intercity bus in advance via the official JRTA website to lock in your departure time before rainy weather disrupts the schedule.
Practical Tips for Rainy Season Travel in Amman
- Download Careem before you arrive — it’s more reliable than hailing a cab in the rain, and drivers are traceable through the app
- Build a buffer between connections — rainy traffic adds unpredictability; keep at least 2 hours between a bus and a flight
- Stick to main highways — Desert Highway and Airport Road stay clear even during heavy storms; secondary routes flood more easily
- Carry both JOD and USD — some local buses and smaller operators only accept cash
- Leave early for long trips — aim to arrive at your destination before dark; mountain roads on routes to Petra are more hazardous in rain
- Book accommodation near Abdali station — if you’re relying on intercity buses, staying near the main bus hub cuts last-minute travel stress
The trade-off for visiting during rainy season: occasional transport delays, but significantly lower hotel rates and virtually no crowds at Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. For budget-conscious couples who plan ahead, this off-season period offers real value.
FAQ: Rainy Season Transport in Amman for Couples
Q: Do city buses still run in Amman during the rainy season? A: Yes, but with reduced reliability. City buses charge a flat 1 JOD per ride, but rainy traffic slows them considerably. Consider using Careem or a servis (shared taxi at 0.5-1 JOD per person) as a backup when you need to be somewhere on time.
Q: What’s the cheapest way for couples to get from Amman to Petra in rainy weather? A: The JRTA direct bus from Amman’s Wahdat Station costs 7-10 JOD per person and takes about 3-4 hours. A Careem rideshare split between two runs 25-35 JOD total and saves roughly one hour. In rainy weather, the bus is more reliable since it runs on a fixed schedule; rideshare availability fluctuates during storms.
Q: When does Jordan’s rainy season start and end? A: November through March. Amman’s winter temperatures range from 8-15°C, so pack rain gear and a light jacket. December and January have the highest rainfall — carry an umbrella and waterproof shoes.
Q: Do intercity buses stop running during heavy rain? A: They rarely cancel entirely, but frequency drops and delays are common during severe storms. The Desert Highway — the main route between Amman and most destinations — is maintained year-round and typically stays open even during heavy rain. Check JRTA schedules on their official website or WhatsApp before departure.
Q: Is it safe for couples to use rideshare apps in Amman during the rainy season? A: Careem is widely used and generally safe. Female travelers report it as more comfortable than hailing random taxis. Verify your driver’s license plate before entering the vehicle, share your trip status with someone at home, and don’t panic if surge pricing kicks in during bad weather — that’s normal dynamic pricing, not a scam.
Want to turn travel into a career? Join Travel Arbitrage Partners
