Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ON YOUR BIKE
It ought to be said that cycling in Jordan wouldn't be a first choice for everybody, but a few intrepid souls venture
along the scenic King's Highway.
The Bad News…
There are few places to stop along the highways; the traffic is unpredictable; drivers are not used to cyclists; many
of the cities and main towns, such as Amman and Karak, are sprinkled over steep hills; and spare parts are hard
come by because so few locals ride bikes. If that isn't enough to put you off, then the stone-throwing might be:
There is no way to cycle along the King's Highway without getting stoned. We read it in your guidebook before
leaving, but thought that kids would not stone three male adults with beards and long trousers who are looking
angry. We were wrong. And it's not only
some
groups of kids who try to stone you, but basically it's becoming a
major hobby for all male children between three and 20… Cycle in the morning when children are at school.
Bernhard Gerber, Switzerland
The Good News…
Roads are generally smooth and tourist attractions are well signposted in English. With some preparation, and an oc-
casional lift in a bus, cyclists can average about 40km a day. Most major sights are conveniently placed less than a
day's ride apart, heading south from the Syrian border, ie Irbid-Amman-Madaba-Karak-Dana-Petra-Ma'an-Wadi
Rum-Aqaba. All these places have accommodation of some kind and restaurants, so there's no need to carry tents,
sleeping bags and cooking equipment. Most other attractions can be easily visited on day trips, by bike or public
transport.
Bus
Local Bus
The two largest cities, Amman and Irbid, have efficient, cheap public bus networks. There
are often no timetables available at chaotic local bus stations. Locals are always willing to
help though.
Minibus
Public minibuses are the most common form of public transport. They normally only
leave when full, so waiting times of an hour or more are inevitable, especially in rural
areas. Tickets are normally bought on the bus. Standing is not usually allowed and some
seat shuffling often takes place to ensure that unaccompanied foreign men or women do
not sit next to members of the opposite sex. Locals signify that they want to get off by
rapping a coin on a side window.
