When budgeting for a trip to Amman, it's often not the flights or hotels that catch travelers off guard, but the accumulation of small entry fees paid throughout the day. While the city's primary landmarks and museums are within walking distance of one another, each operates with its own ticket booth, pricing structure, and closing times. For many international tourists, the most confusing part is the "Jordan Pass", knowing exactly which tickets it covers and which ones you still need to pay for out of pocket.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the current entry fees for Amman's top attractions in Jordanian Dinars (JOD). We'll explain where you'll need cash, what the Jordan Pass handles, and how to sequence your day to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Quick Reference Guide
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Currency | Jordanian Dinar (JOD) |
| Amman Citadel Entry | 3 JOD (International Visitor) |
| Roman Theatre Entry | Approx. 2 JOD (Includes two on-site museums) |
| Jordan Museum Entry | 5 JOD (International Visitor) |
| Royal Automobile Museum | 5 JOD (Standard) / 7 JOD (With Audio Guide) |
| Jordan Pass Price Range | 70 - 80 JOD (Depending on tier) |
| Not Covered by Pass | Royal Automobile Museum & Islamic Museum |
| Weekly Closing Risk | Tuesdays (Jordan Museum & Automobile Museum) |
| Time Difference | Jordan is 1 hour behind Turkey |
Understanding Museum Pricing in Amman
Entry fees for museums and archaeological sites in Jordan are typically split into two tiers: resident rates and international visitor rates. The price gap is significant. For example, while a resident might pay 0.25 JOD for the Amman Citadel, an international tourist pays 3 JOD. This same pricing logic applies to the Archaeology Museum, Folklore Museum, and the Museum of Popular Traditions.
Which rate applies to you?
International travelers (including those with Turkish passports) are subject to the international visitor rate unless they hold a valid Jordanian residency permit. It is common for ticket agents to ask for your passport, so we strongly recommend carrying the original document rather than a photocopy.
What does the Jordan Pass cover?
The Jordan Pass is a pre-paid digital card that covers over 40 attractions across the country and includes the cost of your tourist visa. To benefit from the visa waiver, you must purchase the pass before arriving in Jordan and stay in the country for at least two consecutive nights. There are three tiers based on how many days you plan to spend at Petra.
| Tier | Price | Petra Access |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Wanderer | 70 JOD | 1 Day |
| Jordan Explorer | 75 JOD | 2 Consecutive Days |
| Jordan Expert | 80 JOD | 3 Consecutive Days |
In Amman, the distinction is simple: The Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and the museums within those complexes are included in the pass. However, the Royal Automobile Museum is excluded and requires a separate ticket.
The Amman Citadel and Archaeology Museum
Perched on the city's highest hill, the Citadel is known locally as Jebel el-Kala; using this name with taxi drivers will get you there much faster. Entry for international visitors is 3 JOD.
What's included in your ticket?
The Citadel is an expansive archaeological park rather than a single building. Once you pass the gate, you have free access to the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the remains of the Byzantine church. Keep an eye out for the massive marble fragment near the temple, it is believed to be the hand of the 12-meter-tall Hercules statue that collapsed during an earthquake. The Jordan Archaeology Museum, which houses artifacts from prehistoric times to the 15th century, is located within the grounds and is included in your admission.
Best time to visit
The Citadel opens at 08:00. Closing times vary by season; as of the 2026 summer schedule, it closes in the late afternoon during summer and around 16:00 in winter. There is very little shade on the hill, so arriving right at opening in July and August is the best way to beat both the heat and the crowds. For photographers, the golden hour just before closing provides the softest light for city panoramas.
The Roman Theatre and its Museum Complex
Overlooking the city center, this 6,000-seat ancient theater dates back to the Roman era when Amman was known as Philadelphia. Entry is approximately 2 JOD, which also grants access to the Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions located in the rooms flanking the stage.
Three stops, one ticket
Many tourists simply climb the steps for a photo and leave, but your ticket opens the doors to two fascinating small museums. The Museum of Popular Traditions showcases traditional regional clothing and jewelry, while the Folklore Museum displays items of daily life. Together, they take about 30 minutes to explore and significantly increase the value of your entry fee. Most Historic City Tours of Amman integrate these three stops into a single visit.
The Jordan Museum and Royal Automobile Museum
Amman's two largest indoor museums are located on opposite sides of the city, and both are closed on Tuesdays. Missing this detail can lead to a wasted day of sightseeing.
The Jordan Museum
Located in the Ras el-Ayn district, this museum houses the country's most comprehensive collection, including a portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ain Ghazal statues. Entry for international visitors is 5 JOD (1 JOD for residents). Plan for two to three hours here. Note that on Fridays, the museum opens in the afternoon, and on Saturdays, it closes earlier than usual.
The Royal Automobile Museum
Situated within King Hussein Park, this museum showcases the royal family's stunning car collection and tells Jordan's modern history through automotive engineering. There are two pricing options for international visitors: 5 JOD for standard entry and 7 JOD with an audio guide. Since it is not within walking distance of the city center, you'll need to arrange transport; Amman City Transfers are a practical solution for visiting these spread-out landmarks.
King Abdullah I Mosque and the Islamic Museum
The King Abdullah I Mosque, with its iconic blue dome, is a landmark of the city skyline. Entry to the mosque itself is free. However, there is a fee of approximately 2 JOD for the small Islamic Museum located in the courtyard, which displays royal personal effects, manuscripts, coins, and ceramics.
Dress code and timing
The mosque is open from Saturday to Thursday, from morning until late afternoon, though visits are paused during prayer times. Men are expected to wear long trousers and shirts that cover the shoulders. Women should wear clothing that covers from ankle to wrist and a headscarf. If you arrive without suitable attire, free abayas and scarves are provided at the entrance, so there is no need to worry about being turned away.
Amman Entry Fees Comparison Table
| Attraction | International Visitor | Resident Rate | Jordan Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amman Citadel | 3 JOD | 0.25 JOD | Included |
| Jordan Archaeology Museum | Included with Citadel | Included with Citadel | Included |
| Roman Theatre | 2 JOD | 0.25 JOD | Included |
| Folklore Museum | Included with Theatre | Included with Theatre | Included |
| Museum of Popular Traditions | Included with Theatre | Included with Theatre | Included |
| Jordan Museum | 5 JOD | 1 JOD | Included |
| Royal Automobile Museum | 5 / 7 JOD | 1 / 3 JOD | Not Included |
| Islamic Museum (Mosque Courtyard) | ~2 JOD | Variable | Not Included |
If you visit every site on this list without a pass, a day in Amman will cost roughly 17 JOD (or 19 JOD if you opt for the audio guide at the Automobile Museum). However, if your itinerary includes Petra and Jerash, the Jordan Pass is a landslide winner; a single day's entry to Petra alone is 50 JOD, Jerash is 10 JOD, and Wadi Rum is 5 JOD.
The Perfect One-Day Itinerary: Step-by-Step
This sequence is designed to optimize closing times and minimize uphill walking.
- 08:00 - Amman Citadel. Start at the top. Spend two hours exploring the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and the Archaeology Museum before the midday heat sets in.
- 10:30 - Roman Theatre. The path down from the Citadel leads you straight toward the square. After the theater steps, visit the two small museums included in your ticket.
- 12:00 - Bukhara Market & Downtown. Take your lunch break around the souks. Wandering the markets is free and offers a glimpse into the city's daily rhythm.
- 14:00 - Jordan Museum. Conveniently located near the center (remember: closed Tuesdays). Two hours is usually enough to see the main collections.
- 16:30 - Royal Automobile Museum. You will need a vehicle for this final stop. Since it stays open later into the evening, it fits perfectly at the end of the day.
For those who prefer a guided experience, One-Day Cultural Tour of Amman typically follow a similar efficient flow.
Budgeting and Visiting Tips
- Keep small change. Card readers at smaller museum booths can be unreliable. Having 1, 2, and 5 JOD notes will make your day much smoother.
- Plan your Tuesday wisely. Since the Jordan Museum and Automobile Museum are closed, dedicate your Tuesday to open-air sites like the Citadel, Roman Theatre, and the markets.
- Choose your pass based on your route. If you are staying exclusively in Amman, buying individual tickets is cheaper. If Petra or Jerash are on your list, the pass is essential for both entry and visa savings.
- Student and child discounts. The Automobile Museum offers discounted rates for children under 12. At other sites, discounts depend on the documentation provided at the booth.
- Track your budget in JOD. Due to currency fluctuations, it's easier to calculate your spending in Jordanian Dinars directly rather than converting to Dollars or Lira on the fly.
If you want to avoid the stress of navigating between scattered sites, explore Amman City Tours to coordinate your transport and entry fees in one seamless package.
Frequently Asked Questions 6
Do I need a separate ticket for the museum inside the Citadel?
No. The Jordan Archaeology Museum is located within the Citadel grounds. There is no separate fee for the museum; the admission price covers the entire Citadel area: 3 JOD for international visitors and 0.25 JOD for residents.
Which day should I avoid visiting the Jordan Museum?
Avoid Tuesdays, as the museum is closed. Additionally, be aware that on Fridays, it opens in the afternoon, and on Saturdays, it closes earlier than other weekdays.
How much is the audio guide at the Royal Automobile Museum?
For international visitors, standard entry is 5 JOD, and entry with an audio guide is 7 JOD. The extra 2 JOD provides a detailed narrative linking the cars to Jordan's royal history.
How many museums can I visit with one Roman Theatre ticket?
Your ticket covers the theater itself and two museums: the Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions. Both are included in the base price.
Is there a fee to visit the King Abdullah Mosque?
Entry to the mosque is free. A fee of approximately 2 JOD is only charged for those who wish to enter the Islamic Museum located in the courtyard.
Why are there different rates for residents and foreigners?
Jordan utilizes a two-tier pricing system for its heritage sites. Residents typically pay between 0.25 JOD and 1 JOD, while international travelers are charged the international rate.
