Desert castles of Jordan: Qasr Amra, Kharana and Azraq, hours, price (3 JD) and route from Amman
The desert castles, east of Amman, are visited in half a day to a day by car: Qasr Kharana (about 1 hour from Amman), Qasr Amra (about 25 km further) and Azraq Castle (another 20 to 25 km). The ticket for each site is 3 JD for non-Jordanians (Jordan Tourism Board fee, checked on 23 October 2026); according to guides they are all included in the Jordan Pass (to be confirmed on the official list). Hours from travel guides: about 8:00 am to 4:00 or 5:00 pm; check them before you leave.
Highlights
Qasr Kharana
A square building with corner towers, in the middle of the plain, dated to the early 8th century; you can climb onto the terraces and walk through the upper rooms, very photogenic in evening light.
Qasr Amra
A small Umayyad bathhouse, UNESCO-listed, famous for its frescoes covering walls and vaults: scenes of hunting, dancing, bathing and figures; it is the most interesting stop, even if the visit is short.
Azraq Castle
A fort of black basalt, Lawrence of Arabia's base during the winter of 1917-1918, next to the small town of Azraq; you enter through a massive door made of a single stone slab.
The Azraq wetland reserve
A protected oasis nearby, useful for bird lovers; visit only if you have time.
Practical info
Tips
- There is no practical public transport between these sites: take a rental car, a taxi or a driver for the day, or a tour. Bring water, sunscreen and enough fuel: the desert is far from petrol stations. At Qasr Amra a caretaker is often present and may offer help; ask on site about any fee. At Azraq there are few signs: a guide helps you understand the castle. On the way back you can combine the loop with Ajloun Castle or Jerash on another day, but not the same one: the distances add up. For an organised trip with a driver, see Jerash and Ajloun from Amman as an example of a driver excursion from Amman. For the city first, read Amman in one day.
How to get there
From Amman, take the road east towards Azraq (Highway 40), about 65 km to Qasr Kharana, then Qasr Amra, then Azraq; the full loop is about 200 km including the return. No practical public transport; car, taxi or tour. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for the day.
Opening hours
Nearby
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