Navigating the Border Crossings between Jordan and Israel/Palestine

Last Updated Date: Mar, 2024

There are three land border crossings between Jordan and Israel/Palestine that tourists can pass. Each of them has two names – one on the Jordanian, and one on the Israeli side. From North to South, they are:

1. The Northern Crossing: Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River Border Crossing
Located approximately between the Jordanian city Irbid and the Israeli town Beit She’an.

2. The Central Crossing: King Hussein / Allenby Bridge Border Crossing
Located approximately between Jordan’s capital Amman and Jerusalem.
*This is the most frequented land border between Jordan and Jerusalem due to its central location.

3. The Southern Crossing: Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing
Located close to the Red Sea, between Aqaba and Eilat.

1. The Northern Crossing:
Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River Crossing

Hours of Operation:

​Sunday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (last entrance at 4:00 pm)
Saturday – Closed

• The border crossing will be closed on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and the Muslim New Year (Ra’s al-Sana al-Hijriyah).
• ​Opening hours may also differ on other Jewish, Muslim, and national holidays. These holidays are generally announced at the beginning of the year.
• The opening hours of this border were shortened on October 18th, 2023. Previously the border was open on Fridays and later at night, so we’ll keep a lookout for the possible return of increased operating hours.

How to Get There (Directions):

Rental Car
It’s not possible to travel in a rental car from Jordan to Palestine/Israel and back. However, you can park a rental car in the paid parking lots on either side of the border.

Public Transport
Public transport to and from either side of the Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River Border Crossing is very limited. The easiest (and still relatively cheap) option is, to take a bus to Irbid/ Beit She’an, and then from there a taxi to the border. After crossing the border, you can then subsequently take a taxi from the border to Beit She’an/ Irbid, and then continue from there by bus.

Bus between Amman & Nazareth
A bus operates several times a week between Amman and Nazareth. This bus crosses at Sheikh Hussein/ Jordan River Crossing.

Private Transfer
Avoid the stress and take a private transfer with us! When booking a private transfer with us, simply opt for the northern border crossing supplement if that’s your preferred option.

Between the Border Terminals: A Step-by-Step Guide:

• There is a distance between the Jordanian and Israeli-controlled border terminals that
  pedestrians are not allowed to cross on foot.
• An air-conditioned bus shuttles passengers from the Jordania-controlled terminal to the Israeli-controlled terminal (and vice versa). This bus operates every 25 minutes and costs 5 NIS (approximately 1 JD or $1.4).

2. The Central Crossing:
King Hussein / Allenby Bridge

Hours of Operation:

Sunday – Thursday: 08:00 am – 4:30 pm (last entrance at 1:30 pm)
Friday: 08:00 am – 3:30 pm (last entrance at 12:30 pm)
Saturday – Closed

• The border crossing will be closed on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and the Muslim New Year (Ra’s al-Sana al-Hijriyah).
• ​Opening hours may also differ on other Jewish, Muslim, and national holidays. These holidays are generally announced at the beginning of the year.
• The opening hours of this border were shortened on October 18th, 2023. We’ll keep a lookout for the possible return of increased operating hours.

How to Get There (Directions):

To & from Amman:
Bus: The Jett company operates a daily bus service from Amman to King Hussein Bridge. The bus departs from Abdali at 07:15 am. (Please note that their online booking function is not very reliable.)
Rideshare: You can call an Uber, or other locally available rideshare.

To & from Jericho / the West Bank:

• Buses are available to transport you between the border crossing and Jericho.
• Alternatively, you have the option to take a taxi, which remains budget-friendly due to the relatively short distance (approximately 10km).
• From Jericho, collective taxis (service) provide onward connections to most other cities in the West Bank.

To & from Jerusalem:
Al-Najmah Taxis operates a shuttle service connecting Jerusalem and King Hussein Bridge. The fare for a single passenger (excluding luggage) is 45 NIS. In Jerusalem, you can access this shuttle service at the company’s office and starting point located on Sultan Suleiman Street, positioned between Damascus and Herod’s Gate.

Private Transfer
Avoid the stress and take a private transfer with us! We offer
– Amman to Jerusalem (and Jerusalem to Amman),
– Amman to Tel Aviv-Jaffa (and vice versa), and
– Custom Transfers

Between the Border Terminals: A Step-by-Step Guide:

Crossing from Jerusalem to Jordan

1. At the Israeli-Controlled Terminal:
Upon arrival, your vehicle will drop you off outside the Israeli terminal. Here’s what to expect next:

Enter the terminal premises and locate the exit tax kiosk to pay the exit tax, which is typically payable in the local currency. US dollars and Euros are usually accepted.

Take your exit tax invoice along with your passport to the immigration counter. Your passport will be processed, and you will then proceed to a waiting area with seating. There are three separate shuttle buses available: one for tourists, one for Jerusalem residents, and one for West Bank Palestinians. Ensure you board the correct bus by confirming with the driver.

2. Between the Border Terminals:
The journey between the Israeli terminal and the Jordanian terminal involves the following steps:

You will wait in the designated area until you receive instructions to board the shuttle bus. If you prefer a quicker and more efficient process, consider the VIP service (details available below).

Please note that three different shuttle buses serve tourists, Jerusalem residents, and West Bank Palestinians. Confirm your choice with the driver to ensure you are on the right bus.

During transit between the Israeli and Jordanian terminals, the Jordanian police will collect your passports. These passports will be securely held by the driver and then handed over to Jordanian immigration upon reaching the Jordanian Terminal.

Upon arrival at the Jordanian terminal, a ticket collector will board the bus to collect fares from passengers. Finally, you will disembark from the bus at the Jordanian Border Terminal.

3. Jordanian Border Terminal:

The final phase of your journey consists of the following important steps:

Within the Jordanian Border Terminal, you will be called by name to receive your passport.

Proceed to a counter where your visa will be controlled and confirmed. It’s crucial to note that obtaining a visa to Jordan upon arrival at this border crossing is not possible.

Crossing from Jordan to Jerusalem
1. At the Jordanian Terminal:

Upon your arrival at the King Hussein Bridge, head directly to the Tourist Terminal. The bus will typically take you there, and most taxi drivers are familiar with the route. In case you find yourself at the terminal for Jordanians/Palestinians, don’t worry; the border staff will guide you to the Tourist Terminal. Inside the terminal, you’ll be required to pay the exit tax if applicable and have your passport checked. You’ll usually receive your exit stamp on a piece of paper. The staff will retain your passport and return it to you once you board the shuttle bus.

2. Between the Border Terminals:

There might be a brief wait until there are enough passengers to fill the shuttle bus to the Israeli Terminal, which is approximately 5 kilometers away. Eventually, you’ll be instructed to board the shuttle bus. To bypass the wait and expedite the border crossing, you can opt for the VIP service. You’ll need to purchase a ticket for the transfer on the bus, and your passport will be returned to you.

3. At the Israeli Terminal:

Upon exiting the shuttle bus in front of the Israeli terminal, you will need to drop off larger items of luggage at one of the counters outside the terminal for a security check. You’ll receive a sticker on your passport indicating how many items you’ve checked in. If you’re only traveling with hand luggage, make sure to keep it with you.

Before entering the terminal, stop at a second counter where your passport will undergo an initial assessment and receive another sticker. The color and code on this sticker supposedly indicate the outcome of the assessment (i.e., your perceived level of risk to the Israeli state), although the exact meaning remains uncertain. You can then proceed inside the terminal, where immigration officers will issue you a visa, possibly after some questioning.

Following the immigration kiosks, there is another passport check. You’ll then proceed to the hall where your checked luggage is delivered. Collect your belongings and continue past the customs counters and exit the terminal.

Please be aware that, despite our best intentions, we have no control over the border procedures, systems, crowds, and queues. These may be an inevitable part of your journey to the magnificent city of Jerusalem. If you wish to avoid such inconveniences, consider utilizing the VIP Border Crossing service (see below) or opt for travel via the Jordan River Border (also known as Sheikh Hussein), although this option involves an additional 3 hours of driving.

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For a traveler’s perspective on crossing this border, you can read a first-hand account here.

3. The Southern Crossing:
Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Crossing

Hours of Operation:

Sunday – Thursday: 06:30 am – 08:00 pm (last entrance at 7:30 pm)
Friday – Saturday: 08:00 am – 8:00 pm (last entrance at 7:30 pm)

• The border crossing will be closed on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and the Muslim New Year (Ra’s al-Sana al-Hijriyah).
• ​Opening hours may also differ on other Jewish, Muslim, and national holidays. These holidays are generally announced at the beginning of the year.

How to Get There (Directions):

Taxi: The border crossing is very close to the respective city centers of Aqaba and Eilat. Therefore you can rather easily and inexpensively take a taxi to the border. Uber and other rideshare apps are not operable in Aqaba.

Between the Border Terminals: A Step-by-Step Guide:

The space between the two border terminals can be crossed by foot, there is no shuttle bus.

*Disclaimer – Please be aware that:

• border regulations may change rapidly, and individual experiences can vary.
• While we make every effort to provide up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or permanence of the details outlined above.
• We strongly recommend maintaining flexible travel plans and allowing for additional time to account for any unforeseen complications.