Amman Citadel Entrance Fee: Full Visitor Guide
The Amman Citadel is one of the main historical sites in Jordan’s capital. Before you go, it helps to know how much you’ll pay at the gate, what’s included, and how to plan your time there.
Below you’ll find clear answers on the amman citadel entrance fee, opening hours, transport, and practical tips.
Read full Amman attractions guide
Understanding the Amman Citadel Entrance Fee and What It Includes
For most visitors, the fee is straightforward:
- Standard ticket for non-Jordanians: about 3-5 JD
- Jordanians: around 0.25 JOD (250 fils)
Prices are not stable, so think of this as a current reference, not a fixed forever number. Always check the latest info on the Jordan tourism or Ministry of Tourism pages, or confirm with your hotel before you go.
The standard ticket usually includes:
- Entry to the Citadel site itself
- Access to the Jordan Archaeological Museum located inside the Citadel area
If you hold a Jordan Pass, entry to the Amman Citadel is included, so you don’t pay again at the gate.
Some guided tours also include the fee in the package price. In that case, you won’t buy a ticket yourself, but it’s still good to know the normal rate.
Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit
Official hours vary by season. As a general rule:
- Winter (roughly October–March): around 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Summer (roughly April–September): around 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Fridays and holidays may have slightly different hours, and ticket window closing time can be earlier than the site’s final exit time.
Best times to visit:
- Early morning:
- Cooler temperatures
- Softer light for photos
- Fewer crowds
- Late afternoon (before sunset):
- Nice views over Amman with evening light
- Still enough time to walk around the main structures
Midday in summer can be hot and bright, especially on the exposed hilltop, so try to avoid the central hours if you’re sensitive to heat.
What to Expect Inside the Amman Citadel
The Citadel sits on a hill (Jabal Al-Qal’a) overlooking downtown Amman. Inside the site you’ll find:
- Temple of Hercules – Roman ruins with large standing columns
- Umayyad Palace complex – early Islamic palace remains and a domed audience hall
- Byzantine church remains
- Jordan Archaeological Museum – small but dense collection of artifacts from around the country
You also get panoramic views of the city, including the Roman Theater, the surrounding hills and Old Amman buildings. Many people spend as much time enjoying the view as they do looking at the ruins.
Average visit time:
- Quick visit: 45–60 minutes
- Normal visit: 1.5–2 hours if you walk slowly, take photos, and visit the museum
You can explore on your own using the signs, or you can hire a licensed guide near the entrance if you want more background.
Check also downtown Amman activities
How to Get to the Citadel: Taxi, Car, or Walking
The Citadel is close to downtown Amman (Al-Balad) but sits on top of a hill.
Taxi / ride-hailing (Uber / Careem):
- Easiest option for most visitors
- Just enter “Amman Citadel” in the app or tell the driver “Jabal Al-Qal’a”
- The car drops you near the entrance and ticket office
Driving yourself:
- You can drive up and park near the site entrance
- Roads are steep but paved
- Check your navigation app and follow signs to “Citadel” or “Jabal Al-Qal’a”
Walking:
- Possible from downtown if you are comfortable with hills and steps
- The walk is steep in parts and can be tiring in hot weather
- If you’re short on time or energy, it’s usually better to go up by taxi and walk down later
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A few simple tips can make your visit smoother:
- Bring water and sun protection
- The site is open and exposed, with limited shade.
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Paths are a mix of stone, gravel, and uneven surfaces.
- Check the weather and season
- In winter it can be cool and windy at the top.
- In summer it can be very hot in the middle of the day.
- Plan your route with other Amman attractions
- Many people visit the Roman Theater and downtown markets on the same day.
- Keep some cash
- Even if you have the Jordan Pass, you may want cash for taxis, snacks, or a guide.
FAQ
How much is the Amman Citadel entrance fee?
For most foreign visitors, the entrance fee is currently around 3 JOD, which includes access to the Citadel and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Jordanians pay a reduced local rate (about 0.25 JOD).
Fees can change, so always treat this as a guide and verify the latest price before you go.
Is the Citadel included in the Jordan Pass?
Yes. The Amman Citadel is one of the sites included in the Jordan Pass, so you won’t pay the separate entrance fee if you hold a valid pass.
The Jordan Pass can be good value if you plan to visit Petra and several other major sites during your trip.
Are guided tours available at the Citadel?
Yes. In most cases you’ll find:
- Licensed local guides near the entrance or ticket office
- Tours offered in different languages, depending on who is available that day
You don’t have to book in advance, but if you want a specific language or a longer city tour, it can be useful to arrange it earlier with an agency or through your hotel.
How long does it take to visit the Citadel?
Most visitors spend:
- Around 1–2 hours at the site
That’s usually enough time to:
- Walk through the main ruins
- Take photos at the viewpoints
- Visit the small archaeological museum
If you’re very interested in history or photography, you may want a bit more time, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Is the Amman Citadel wheelchair accessible?
The Citadel has made efforts to improve accessibility with ramps and paths, and some sources describe it as partly accessible for wheelchair users.
However, there are important points to note:
- Terrain is uneven in many areas
- Some ramps can be steep, and assistance may be needed
- The Jordan Archaeological Museum itself has stairs and may not be fully accessible
If accessibility is a key concern, it’s best to:
- Travel with a companion who can help if needed
- Ask your hotel or a local operator for the most recent, detailed information
With a clear idea of the amman citadel entrance fee, opening hours, and what to expect on the hill, you can easily fit the Citadel into your Amman itinerary and combine it with other nearby sights in the city.
