Jerash Roman Ruins Tour from Amman — The Pompeii of the East
Visit Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, on a half-day private tour from Amman. Walk Hadrian's Arch, the Cardo Maximus, the Oval Plaza and two ancient theatres. Fixed price taxi from 35 JOD with optional Ajloun Castle combo.
Quick Facts & Key Info
| Location | 50 km north of Amman, Jordan |
|---|---|
| Founded | Hellenistic period, peaked under Romans (1st–3rd c. AD) |
| Status | Best-preserved Roman provincial city outside Italy |
| Opening hours | 08:00 to sunset, daily |
| Adult entry | 12 JOD (free with Jordan Pass) |
| Recommended duration | 3–4 hours |
| Distance from Amman | 50 km (~45 min by road) |
| Distance from Queen Alia Airport | 90 km (~1 h 15) |
| Best paired with | Ajloun Castle (30 min away) |
| Jerash Festival | Held annually in late July |
Why Jerash Is Called "The Pompeii of the East"
Just 50 km north of Amman lies Jerash — known in Roman times as Gerasa — one of the largest, most complete and best-preserved Roman provincial cities anywhere in the world. While Rome and Pompeii are partially ruined, Jerash still has its colonnaded streets intact, its 7,000-seat theatres functioning (the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts is held there every summer), and its grand monuments largely standing. A half-day Jerash tour from Amman is one of the most rewarding short excursions in the country — second only to Petra in terms of historical wow-factor.
What You'll See at Jerash
Your tour begins at the towering Hadrian's Arch — a monumental triple-arched gateway built in AD 129 to welcome Emperor Hadrian on his visit. Walk past the Hippodrome (where 15,000 Romans once watched chariot races) to enter the city through the South Gate. The first wonder is the Oval Plaza, an unusual oval forum surrounded by 56 Ionic columns — possibly the most photographed spot in Jerash. From there walk the 800-metre Cardo Maximus (the main colonnaded street), where you can still see the chariot wheel grooves worn into the original Roman paving. Other highlights: the Temple of Artemis (its Corinthian columns gently sway in the wind), the South Theatre (acoustically perfect), the Nymphaeum and the Cathedral.
How to Get to Jerash from Amman or the Airport
Jerash is 50 km north of central Amman, a 45-minute drive. From Queen Alia International Airport (south of the city), the drive is about 1 h 15 min. We offer the following private transfers: Amman → Jerash from 35 JOD (sedan) / 55 JOD (van), Queen Alia Airport → Jerash from 50 JOD, and a popular half-day combo with Ajloun Castle from 60 JOD round trip (with waiting). For the best value, request our full-day Jerash + Ajloun Castle + Umm Qais northern Jordan tour from 80 JOD.
Jerash + Ajloun: Our Most Popular Combo
Most travelers combine Jerash with Ajloun Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad), the 12th-century Ayyubid fortress built by a general of Saladin in 1184 to defend against the Crusaders. Ajloun sits in lush green oak forests just 30 minutes from Jerash, and the views from the castle ramparts over northern Jordan are spectacular. The two sites together make a perfect full-day excursion from Amman — half a day at Jerash, a local lunch in Ajloun, then an hour exploring the castle.
Tickets, Hours & Practical Info
Jerash is open 08:00 to sunset daily. Adult entry costs 12 JOD (free with the Jordan Pass — which covers Petra, Jerash and 40+ other sites). Allow 3 to 4 hours to enjoy the site at a relaxed pace. A licensed local guide costs around 25–35 JOD for a 2-hour tour and brings the ruins to life. Wear comfortable shoes — the ancient paving is uneven. Avoid the midday sun in May–September: visit either at opening time or after 16:00.
Special Event: The Jerash Festival
Every summer (usually late July), Jerash transforms into a stage. The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts brings world-class performers to the ancient South and North Theatres — Arabic and international music, dance, theatre and poetry, all under the stars in a setting that hasn't changed in 2,000 years. If your trip overlaps with the festival, book performances early. It's one of the cultural highlights of the entire Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need at Jerash? +
Allow 3–4 hours to enjoy the site at a relaxed pace. Half a day is plenty, leaving time for Ajloun Castle in the afternoon.
Is Jerash worth visiting if I've been to Pompeii or Rome? +
Absolutely — Jerash is more complete than Pompeii (paving, columns and theatres are largely intact) and far less crowded.
Are there guides at Jerash? +
Yes — licensed local guides wait at the entrance. A 2-hour tour costs 25–35 JOD. We can also arrange a guide in advance.
Can I combine Jerash with Ajloun Castle in one day? +
Yes — this is our most popular combo. Jerash in the morning (3 h), local lunch, then Ajloun Castle (1.5 h). Full day from Amman.
Is Jerash on the Jordan Pass? +
Yes — the Jordan Pass includes Jerash entry plus Petra and 40+ other sites, and replaces your visa fee. The best value for tourists.
Can I visit Jerash from Queen Alia Airport directly on arrival? +
Yes — Jerash is only 90 km from QAIA (about 1 h 15 min). Many travelers landing in the morning go straight to Jerash, then check into their Amman hotel in the evening. Our private transfer from QAIA to Jerash starts at 50 JOD.
What languages do guides at Jerash speak? +
Licensed Jerash guides speak English, French, Spanish, Italian and German. Russian, Hebrew and Japanese guides are also available. We can pre-book a guide who matches your group's language.
Is photography allowed at Jerash? Are tripods OK? +
Standard photography is welcome everywhere. Tripods are allowed but commercial filming requires a special permit. Drones are forbidden.
Is Jerash accessible for wheelchairs and strollers? +
Partially — the main monuments are reachable but the original Roman paving stones make it bumpy. Sturdy strollers and assisted wheelchairs cope; the South Theatre has stairs only.
When is the Jerash Festival and how do I book tickets? +
The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts runs every late July, with concerts in the South Theatre. Tickets go on sale via the official festival website 4–6 weeks before. We can include festival tickets in a custom Jordan itinerary.
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