Jerash and Madaba in a day

Amman airport is roughly between Amman and Madaba.In the case you enter or leave Jordan by plane, go directly from the airport to Madaba, resp. vice versa.
A taxi would be very helpful, because you can then use the highway that leads around Amman, without entering into town.
I suppose you know that there are other archeological sites in Northern Jordan, like Pella, with stunning views over the Jordan Valley.

neckervd: No, I did not know about Pella. I guess I need to read up on it. It sounds like the views might be worth it. Can that be added in the day?

We're flying into Amman in the evening so getting a taxi directly from the airport is not an option. So do we hail any cab off the street and ask them?

Any info on how much it may cost and suggestions on a days' itinerary?
Thanks!

Take an airport taxi to Madaba after your arrival and sleep in a Madaba hotel. Ask the hotelkeeper to organise a taxi for a trip beginning with Madaba - Mount Nebo sightseeing and then straight to Djerash. A decent visit of Djerash takes at least 2 hours. Decide then if you have time for Pella, Um Qais, etc. Check the opening hours.
http://nabataea.net/jerash.html
http://www.visitjordan.com/

Unfortunately, that's not doable even though it sounds like a good idea. We have the first day in Amman and then the second day to take the JerashMadabaMt.Nebo trip. The third day we move on to Petra....

Why is getting a taxi from the airport not an option? They tend to be pricey but the airport will be crawling with taxis. There is also a bus, very cheap, which runs regularly. You will probaly be able to find bus information on Ruth's site jordanjubilee.com - or email Ruth for advice. What about the hotel you are staying at in Amman - they may be able to arrange a pickup for you.

turtle-anne: We arrive at 5 pm after almost 34 hours of flying+layovers and would be very tired. Hence we want to take a days rest and just walk about Amman rather than drive around places.
If I understand you correctly, you're saying go back to the airport to take a taxi? My question was can I find any cab driver in the city who will take me and if so, how much do I expect to pay?

My hotel: They may be able to I'm sure. But most chains almost double the price that I cannot afford :(

E-mail your hotel and ask them for a price - then you can budget to spend no more than that. The evening you arrive try to find a cab driver for that day and negotiate - perhaps even the one you get in from the airport will be nice; if not in your day around Amman you will no doubt take taxis - they're cheap in the city, you'll be tired and walking a long way in amman isn't fun - busy roads - I'm sure one of them will advice you. Or if you're down town pop into one of the hostels in the LP - The Cliff or the Farrah to name two and ask for their help. As they're used to dealing with budget travellers they can probably get you a better deal. So I havn't given you an answer (sorry); but this way you can budget and get a good deal.

About adding Qasr Amra - float it with the taxi driver/hotel. Also if there are specific times you want to be back mention it - ie we want to be back at 10pm.....we want to be in Madaba at 6pm etc. then tell the driver else they're ideas and you're could be different and they could either rush you agree knowing you'll not finish your day until 1am when you thought you'd finish at 7pm (to exagerate to make a point).

I think I may have some Amman taxi business cards at home I'll have a look and Pm you if I do...but I wouldn't have used them for long journeys so can't really recommend them.

Thanks, Genya. Makes a lot of sense and gives me a fair idea on how to go about doing this.

I wasn't suggesting you return to the airport for a taxi, or that you set out on your sightseeing trip the minute you arrived. I misunderstood your intention, sorry - I thought you were trying to find an alternative method of transport from the airport to your hotel. It seems you are already booked into an Amman hotel, is this correct? Then, with just the one day to play with I would suggest hiring a car with a driver who can take you anywhere you wish, and who would also be able to advise on what is doable in the time you have.

Please check out jordanjubilee.com for excellent advice on visiting Jordan. Ruth, who runs the site, will also be able to recommend a course of action, or a driver, if you contact her.

Enjoy Jordan - it is a wonderful place to visit.