King Hussein International Airport serves Jordan's only coastal city, Aqaba, overlooking the Red Sea, approximately 10 km from the center.
It is the most convenient access point to Wadi Rum, the famous desert made renowned by the film 'Lawrence of Arabia', and to diving on the Red Sea coral reef.
How to get to King Hussein International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to AQJ
Parking near King Hussein International Airport
The official parking lot is located right in front of the terminal.
The rates reflect the typical prices of the area.
How to get to Aqaba from AQJ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at King Hussein International Airport
Major car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, useful for reaching Wadi Rum and the rest of the coast.
A driving license, passport, and credit card are the basics; an International Driving Permit is added in most cases.
Hotels near King Hussein International Airport
Aqaba City Center
About 9 km from the airport, 15-20 minutes by car; the DoubleTree is a few steps from the castle and the port, the InterContinental is on the city beach 15 minutes from the terminal.
Best for: For those who want the Mamluk castle, the archaeological museum and the port within walking distance, with the airport 15-20 minutes away.
- Aqaba Castle, the archaeological museum and the port within walking distance of the area's hotels
- The widest choice of restaurants and shops outside the hotel, something the more isolated resorts lack
- The city beaches are smaller and busier than those of the resorts to the north and south
- A port and commercial area: less quiet than the newly built tourist districts
Recommended hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Aqaba About 600 meters from the center of Aqaba, a few steps from the castle, the archaeological museum and the port; beach 5-7 minutes on foot. View availability
- InterContinental Aqaba by IHG On King Hussein Street, on the waterfront in the city center, on a private beach; about 15 minutes' drive from the airport. View availability
Ayla and Saraya Aqaba
Ayla Oasis is about 8.5 km from the airport (10 minutes) and just 2.5 km from the center of Aqaba (5 minutes); Saraya Aqaba is on the coast just north of the old town, about 1.4 km away.
Best for: Modern beachfront resorts with their own marina or lagoon, just minutes from both the airport and the center.
- Private marina and lagoon, quieter than the beaches downtown
- Minimal distance from both the airport and the city center, the best of both worlds
- These are newly built districts: less street life than the old town
- The choice of independent restaurants outside the hotels is still limited
Recommended hotels
- Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort In the marina at Ayla Oasis, between blue lagoons and mountains; 10 minutes from the airport and just 5 from the center of Aqaba. View availability
- The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort & Spa On Al-Hashemi Street in Saraya Aqaba, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba and the Saraya lagoon; less than 1.5 km from the city center. View availability
Tala Bay
About 20 minutes' drive from the airport and 15 minutes from the center of Aqaba, on a separate stretch of coast south of the city.
Best for: For those looking for an isolated, self-contained resort away from city life, with a beach and lagoon reserved for guests.
- Private beach and lagoon, quieter than those in the center and in Ayla
- Built for resort-style stays: everything included within the property
- To leave the resort, toward the center or the port, you always need a car or a taxi
- Few independent services nearby beyond the resort itself
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is limited in size, with seasonal traffic linked to beach tourism and Wadi Rum.
The suggested time margin before boarding, for flights, is 2–2.5 hours.
Map of King Hussein International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How far is Wadi Rum from Aqaba airport?
About an hour by car: many visitors spend a night there in a desert tented camp, made famous by the film "Lawrence of Arabia".
Q. Is Aqaba a good destination for diving?
Yes, it offers direct access to the Red Sea coral reef, with visibility and marine biodiversity highly valued by divers.
Q. How far is downtown Aqaba from the airport?
About 10-11 km, a 15-minute taxi transfer.
Q. Is Aqaba connected to the Dead Sea?
Yes, via the Desert Highway, a journey of about 3 hours by car along the Jordanian coast and desert.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
