What we can tell you, and how sure we are of each point.
Ajloun is about 75 km north-west of Amman. Most visitors drive or come with a driver; a regular public bus now runs from Amman as well.
From Amman the usual road runs north through Jerash, then west into the hills. Allow about an hour and a half each way, more on Fridays and holidays. The last kilometres are winding mountain roads, so drive them in daylight if you can.
A regulated service between Amman’s North Terminal and the Ajloun terminal started on 16 August 2026. The fare is JD 1.50, paid electronically. Buses run 5:15 to 20:15 on working days, about every 15 minutes, and 6:00 to 19:00 on holidays, about every 30 minutes.
The cable car operator lists a direct round-trip shuttle with JETT from Amman (JD 5 adults, JD 3 children aged 3 to 10) and from Irbid (JD 3 and JD 2). Departure times are not published, so call 07 9683 1433 before you plan around it.
The castle, the cable car and Jar Al Jabal are within about 500 metres of each other. You can park once and walk between them, though the path to the castle gate is steep.
The bus terminal and the Great Mosque are in the town centre, about 2.4 km from the castle in a straight line and far below it. Take a taxi up. Agree the fare before you set off.
Ajloun Forest Reserve is about 7 km north-east of the castle in a straight line, and Tell Mar Elias about 4 km north. We know of no public transport to either, so plan on a car or a taxi that waits.
The cable car has parking for more than 320 cars and bays for tour buses. Jar Al Jabal has parking at the visitor centre for its guests. We have no confirmed details for parking at the castle gate itself.
Buy from the operator. We link only to official sellers and do not sell tickets ourselves.
JD 4 for Jordanians, JD 10 for non-Jordanians, free under 3. Book on the operator’s own website.
JD 3 for non-Jordanians and JD 0.25 for Jordanians, paid at the gate. Entry is included in the Jordan Pass. We found no official page selling castle tickets online on their own.
Day entry is JD 2.5, JD 6 or JD 8 depending on residency (2025 rates). Trails, experiences, meals and cabins are booked with the RSCN at least 24 hours ahead.
Spring, from March to May, is the green season, when the hills are covered in wildflowers. Summer days are warm and dry with cool evenings. Autumn brings the olive harvest. Winter is cold and wet and can bring snow, fog and road closures.
This site does not show a live forecast. Check an official forecast on the day, and remember that the cable car can pause in strong wind.
Closed shoes with grip for the castle steps and forest paths, water, sun protection, and a layer for the evening. In winter add a waterproof jacket.
Cover shoulders and knees at the mosque and the church. Women may want a scarf for the mosque.
The forest reserve asks every visitor to carry a passport or ID. Carry some cash in dinars for gate tickets and taxis.
The cable car has a children’s play area and under-3s ride free. The Roe Deer Trail in the reserve takes under an hour. Ziplines and rope courses there are for participants over 120 cm and between 40 and 110 kg.
The castle roof and stairways have open edges and uneven steps. Pushchairs are not practical inside.
We have not inspected any site for accessibility. This is what operators and listings say.
The cable car operator says it has safe wheelchair routes and welcomes older visitors and people with disabilities. Jar Al Jabal’s Google Maps listing shows a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, seating and toilet. The castle and Tell Mar Elias involve many steps and uneven ground.
Dial 911 anywhere in Jordan for ambulance, fire or police.
Listed on the Government of Jordan portal for tourist-specific concerns.
General tourism information.
Operating status, closures and tickets.
Trails, cabins and meals, or email ajlounreservation@rscn.org.jo.
Reservations, and a friendly answer if you are lost on the castle hill.
Longer trails in the reserve go with a local guide and run only when the weather is suitable. Stay on marked paths, carry water, and tell someone your plan if you walk independently.
This guide is not a source of safety or security advice. Check your own government’s travel advice for Jordan and follow instructions from local authorities.
