King Hussein International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Aqaba's airport is about 9 km from the city center, 15-20 minutes by car, which makes both the city itself and the modern resorts that have sprung up along the coast in recent years an easy reach. The old town, with its Mamluk castle and the port, remains the most practical base for anyone who wants to walk around in the evening; the districts of Ayla and Saraya Aqaba, just outside the center, offer private marinas and lagoons a few minutes from the airport. Tala Bay, further south, is an isolated resort built for anyone with no intention of leaving the beach.

Aqaba City Center

City centre · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

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Ayla and Saraya Aqaba

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

Private marina and lagoon, quieter than the beaches downtown
Minimal distance from both the airport and the city center, the best of both worlds

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

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Tala Bay

Nearby town · 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.

Pros

Private beach and lagoon, quieter than those in the center and in Ayla
Built for resort-style stays: everything included within the property

Cons

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

Recommended hotels in this area

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba: Beachfront resort at Tala Bay, on a separate stretch of coast south of Aqaba; about 15-20 minutes from both the city center and the airport.

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