Getting Around Irbid
Irbid is a compact, hilly city in northern Jordan, and getting around it is mostly a matter of road transport. There is no metro, tram, or rail network serving the city, so visitors rely on buses, shared taxis, private taxis, and ride-hailing apps. The good news is that most journeys within the city are short and inexpensive; the challenge is that schedules are informal and routes are rarely mapped, so a little local advice goes a long way.
Public Transport: Buses and Shared Taxis
Irbid's public transport is privately operated and informal. Local buses tend to be older vehicles, can be crowded, and run on loose schedules rather than fixed timetables. Shared taxis — often called "serwis" — are white or yellow cabs that run fixed routes, pick up and drop off multiple passengers along the way, and depart only once they are full. They are a common and cheap way to cover short-to-medium distances within Irbid and to nearby towns.
- Where to catch them: The main hubs are North Station (Al-Shamal) and South Station (Al-Janoub), which serve buses and shared taxis heading north and south respectively.
- Fares: Cash only, typically a small amount in Jordanian dinars for local buses and shared cabs. Carry small denominations.
- Routes: Route maps for municipal buses are scarce. Ask locals, hotel staff, or drivers to confirm which bus or serwis goes your way.
- Hours: Service generally runs during daylight hours, roughly from early morning until around 9 PM, with more frequent departures on popular routes at peak times.
- Accessibility: Vehicles have steps and no ramps, and can be crowded, so this network is difficult for travellers with mobility challenges.
Serwis drivers often call out their destination as they approach. Confirm the direction with the driver or fellow passengers before getting in. A few words of Arabic help — for example, asking "where to?" or saying "here" when you want to get off.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed yellow taxis can be hailed on the street or picked up at stands. In Irbid it is common for drivers not to use the meter, even if you ask, so agree on the fare before you set off. Fares are typically quoted in set increments, and you should negotiate the price in advance. Many taxis have air conditioning, which makes them worth considering in the summer heat.
Ride-hailing apps such as Careem and Uber also operate in Irbid. These show a fixed fare before you book, allow cashless payment through a linked credit card, and provide GPS tracking, driver details, and trip sharing — useful if you prefer price certainty and a record of your journey. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are widely available at the North and South bus stations and outside main entrances.
Walking and Cycling
The most pedestrian-friendly part of Irbid is the city centre (Downtown/Al-Wasat), where you will find the souks, remnants of the Roman Theatre, and older streets that are pleasant to explore on foot. The Yarmouk University and JUST campuses, along with King Abdullah II Park and Princess Basma Park, are also good for walking.
Elsewhere, walking requires caution. Drivers may not yield at crossings, pavement is irregular in the centre and around excavation sites, and some areas are poorly lit at night. There are no widely advertised formal guided walking tours, though self-guided walks are easy to arrange and private guides are typically organised from Amman.
Cycling is not practical for getting around. There are no bike lanes, traffic is heavy and aggressive, and driver awareness of cyclists is poor. Recreational cycling is limited to parks and quiet residential areas, and there are no bike-share programmes or dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Car Rental
If you plan to explore beyond the city, renting a car is an option. You will need a valid national driving licence, an International Driving Permit obtained before arrival, your passport, and a major credit card for the deposit; minimum age requirements generally fall between 21 and 25. Major international companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar are based mainly at Amman's airport, while some local Jordanian agencies may operate in Irbid, so book in advance.
Driving in Jordan is on the right, and seatbelts are mandatory. Inter-city highways are generally good, but side streets can be rough and the city centre suffers from congestion and aggressive driving. Parking in the busy centre is difficult, though paid lots and attended street parking exist. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are uncommon and not recommended.
Getting from the Airport into Irbid
Irbid has no commercial airport of its own, so most visitors arrive through Amman. From Amman, the usual route to Irbid is by road. Buses to Irbid depart from the Tabarbour Transport Terminal in Amman; the basic buses are inexpensive, while more comfortable coaches run by Hijazi Buses Co. cost a little more and are more direct because they do not stop between Amman and Irbid.
Almost all road transport into Irbid arrives at the Amman Jadeed Transport Terminal, where you can pick up a cab or local bus to anywhere in the city. The JETT Transit Station sits just south of this terminal. Ordinary cabs, recognisable by their yellow or beige colour, are a more expensive but more comfortable option, and many have air conditioning.
Practical Tips
- Carry small denominations of Jordanian dinars, since buses and shared taxis are cash only.
- Agree taxi fares before departure; meters are rarely used in Irbid.
- Ask locals, hotel staff, or drivers about routes — there are no regular timetables and buses and shared taxis wait until they have enough passengers before leaving.
- There are no hop-on-hop-off tour buses in Irbid. Organised day tours to Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun generally depart from Amman, though some operators offer Irbid pick-up points.
- Public transport is not wheelchair accessible, and archaeological sites have uneven terrain and stairs, often without ramps. Confirm accessibility with your accommodation in advance.