Aqaba: Getting There Details

When planning to visit Aqaba, getting there issues should not t creep into a traveler’s mind. Aqaba is an international touring destination and offers the best of transport and accommodation options. Aqaba is Jordan’s southernmost city. It is located south to the Jordanian capital of Amman and is counted among Jordan’s most prolific cultural cities.

Aqaba’s Getting There Options

Aqaba has a unique location which makes all major modes of transportation a possibility. The city is located at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba along the Red Sea. It is near Europe, Asia and Africa and borders Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia. This makes Aqaba an easy destination to travel from an international tourist’s perspective.

Getting to Aqaba by Water

Aqaba has a long-established network of waterways serving the local seaports. Tourists have the option of getting aboard a cruise ship that accesses Aqaba from Egypt or other north African destinations via the Red Sea. Multiple ferry routes exist between Egypt and Aqaba due to the high volume of intercity trade. One of the most commonly used seaport terminals is located just about 7 kilomesters to the south of Aqaba. It serves all cruise ships and ferries coming from Egypt. The Nuweibah-to-Aqaba ferry route is the busiest. Another popular ferry route is Taba-to-Aqaba, which is used by Israelis connecting from  Egypt to their homes in Israel.

Getting to Aqaba by Air

Most of the international visitors reach Aqaba by taking a short flight from the King Hussein International Airport in Amman. The commuting distance is about 40 minutes. Royal Jordanian and Jordan Aviation are among the most operational aviation service providers between Amman and Aqaba. Aqaba’s airport is of international standards and regularly receives passengers coming from premium vacationing destinations like Alexandria and Dubai. It is located just about 20 minutes from the town of Aqaba, and connecting taxis or buses are easily available. Some chartered flights also come here, mainly from European cities. The other most regular airliner scheduling flights to Aqaba is the Air Memphis charter service, based in Cairo.

Getting to Aqaba by Road

Aqaba is accessible via a rented taxi or bus from nearby Jordanian towns like Wadi Rum and Petra. However, the air travel packages from Amman are priced in such a manner that traveling by road turns out to be expensive. Taking the road means giving oneself the opportunity to drive along an excellent stretch that is free of heavy traffic and offers exotic views of the Dead Sea. Visitors from Israel usually crossover into Aqaba via Eilat on foot. Aqaba does not have a rail line, but the roads are well-maintained. Visitors from Saudi Arabia often arrive in the city via car rentals or as a part of SUV safaris.