Baptism Site Tour from Amman Airport: Private Transfer & Lunch

Four hours, two sacred sites, and the Jordan River between airport runs

A 4-hour private layover tour from Amman's Queen Alia International Airport takes you to Al-Maghtas, the Baptism Site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, and the Jordan River at the lowest point on earth. Your driver picks you up at the terminal, transfers you to the archaeological World Heritage site on the east bank, then to Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah's Hill) before returning you to the airport with time to spare.

The experience

The driver meets you at Queen Alia International Airport and transfers you in an air-conditioned vehicle to Al-Maghtas, the Baptism Site officially known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan. This archaeological World Heritage site sits on the east bank of the Jordan River, close to the Dead Sea: the lowest point on earth. The site holds the ruins of a Byzantine-era monastery on Jabal Mar-Elias and the remains of churches, baptism ponds, and dwellings for pilgrims and hermits, all connected by a stream called Wadi Kharrar.

From there you move to Jabal Mar-Elias, traditionally identified as the place where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven. You'll see the Jordan River itself, a 251-kilometre river flowing west to the Dead Sea, with Israel and the West Bank on its western bank and the Golan Heights and Jordan to its east. Lunch and drinks are included before the return transfer to the airport, built into the 4-hour window so you're back with time before your next flight.

What’s included

• Round-trip private transfer from Queen Alia International Airport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• driver-guide for the full tour.
• lunch and drinks at a meal stop.

Options for this experience

3 options

Baptism Site and Jordan RiverNo fixed timeFor three people, pickup is included

Baptism and lunch beside the Dead SeaNo fixed timeFor two people, pickup is included

Jordan River and BaptismNo fixed timeFor one person, pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Operated by Red Rock Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if your layover is 4+ hours and you prefer a private vehicle with your own driver over joining a group tour.

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Top questions

What exactly is the Baptism Site at Al-Maghtas?

Al-Maghtas, meaning "baptism" or "immersion" in Arabic, is an archaeological World Heritage site on the east bank of the Jordan River considered to be the original location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The site has been venerated since at least the Byzantine period and contains the remains of a monastery, churches, baptism ponds, and dwellings for pilgrims and hermits.

How much time do I actually spend at the sites versus traveling?

The tour runs 4 hours total from airport pickup to airport drop-off, including round-trip transfer, visits to both Al-Maghtas and Jabal Mar-Elias, and lunch. The driver handles all transport, so the time at each site depends on your pace and interests within that window.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Yes, lunch and drinks are included in the tour price. You'll eat before the return transfer to the airport.

What is Jabal Mar-Elias and why visit it?

Jabal Mar-Elias is a mound within the Baptism Site traditionally identified as the location of the prophet Elijah's ascension to heaven. It offers views of the surrounding area and the Jordan River, and is part of the same archaeological complex as the baptism site itself.

Will the driver wait for me, or do I need to arrange my own transport back to the airport?

Your driver is with you for the entire 4-hour tour and handles all transport, including the return to Queen Alia International Airport, so you don't arrange separate rides.