Jerash is one of Jordan’s best-preserved ancient cities, but the experience shouldn’t end at the ruins. Around it, there’s a mix of forest drives, mountain views, and peaceful villages that reveal a quieter, richer side of the region. Over the last century, the city has grown rapidly thanks to tourism. It is now the second-most visited destination in the country, just behind Petra.
Our Jerash travel guide will focus on places worth visiting by road. You’ll see why travelers who go beyond the main site have the best stories. Later, we’ll also cover how renting a car in Jordan makes it easy to explore.
Jerash is one of Jordan’s most impressive Roman cities, with over 1000 years of layered history visible in its arches, columns, and plazas. Here are the top reasons why you'll need a car once you land at the airport:
Jerash is one of the top archaeological destinations in the Middle East, about 51 kilometers north of Amman. This well-preserved Roman city is easy to explore on foot once you park near the main gate. The ruins are grouped closely, connected by ancient streets and stone walkways. Here are the Roman ruins in Jerash that you shouldn’t miss:
This massive triple-arched gate marks the main entrance to the ancient city. Built in AD 129 to honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit, it once stood at the edge of Jerash’s southern wall. Today, it stands alone as a dramatic welcome into the Roman world. You can walk under the arch to admire its carved stone blocks and balanced design. It’s also a great place to take photos, especially in the late afternoon when the sun hits the stone just right.
st beyond the Hadrian’s Arch is the Hippodrome, a long oval stadium used for chariot races and public games. Though smaller than those in Rome, it once held over 15,000 spectators. Visitors can walk along the racing track or climb the seating areas to imagine how events unfolded. On some days, reenactments of Roman military drills or performances are held here.
This open space is one of the most unique plazas from the Roman world. Its egg-shaped layout and surrounding colonnade of 56 Ionic columns make it stand out. The plaza served as a meeting place and hub for public events. You can sit on the edges to enjoy the open views or take panoramic shots from the center. It’s also a relaxing spot to pause before continuing through the ruins.
Running straight from the Oval Plaza is the Cardo Maximus, Jerash’s main street. It is about 800 meters long, and it’s still paved with original stone slabs and lined with columns. Walking this road lets you see deep cart tracks and traces of old water systems. Many side paths lead to ancient shops, small temples, and ruins of Roman homes. It’s a great place for a long stroll while imagining the busy life of this ancient trade route.
The Temple of Artemis honored Jerash’s patron goddess. It is on higher ground west of the main ruins. Built in the 2nd century, it features eleven towering Corinthian columns that remain standing today. The view from the platform gives a sweeping look over the entire site. You can climb the stairs and explore the raised altar area. This is also one of the quietest corners of the ruins, perfect for sitting and admiring the scale of Roman construction.
The South Theater is one of the most intact Roman structures in Jerash. It was built around AD 90 and could seat about 3,000 people for cultural events and meetings. The acoustics are still impressive. Stand at the center stage, and your voice echoes clearly to the top. You can climb the stairs to the highest row for a wide view of the city and hills beyond. Performances are sometimes held here during festivals.
The Nymphaeum is near the modern edge of the site. It was a public fountain built in the late second century. Lion heads once poured fresh water into large marble basins. You can still see carvings of flowers and shells on the walls. This stop shows how Roman design could be both functional and beautiful. The fountain marked the junction of several streets in the lower city. It was one of the main sources of fresh water for residents.
The areas around Jerash offer peaceful and scenic routes. Within a short drive, you can reach quiet villages, green hills, and forest parks. These roads are easy to follow and show a different side of northern Jordan that many tourists miss.
Ajloun is 30 minutes from Jerash by car. The drive takes you through rolling hills and olive groves. You’ll pass through small villages and climb toward Ajloun Castle, which stands on top of a forested hill. The road is smooth but includes some sharp turns as you go higher. From the castle, you can see the Jordan Valley and the hills beyond. You can stop at lookouts or picnic spots along the way.
Dibbeen is located 25 minutes from Jerash. It’s one of Jordan’s greenest areas, with dense pine trees and shaded roads. The drive goes through local farmland and light forest. Once inside the reserve, you can park and walk on easy trails. The air feels cooler here, especially in summer. You can also find picnic benches, small cafés, and guided nature walks.
Souf sits just north of Jerash and is one of the area’s oldest villages. It was once the center of the al-Meradh region during the Ottoman Empire. Souf led a resistance that defended the area from Bedouin raids and helped shape the strong local identity still seen today. The village also played a key role in repopulating Jerash, as many modern residents trace their roots back to Souf and nearby towns. Visitors can drive through its quiet roads, stop for warm bread, or walk through areas that feel untouched by tourism.
Anjara is just a 35-minute drive from Jerash. This peaceful town has deep religious meaning for many visitors. Its main site, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Mountain, is a well-known Christian pilgrimage spot believed to be visited by Jesus and Mary. The church is small but beautifully kept, with a peaceful setting and views over the surrounding hills. On the way to Anjara, you’ll pass olive groves, quiet farmlands, and the outer edge of Dibbeen Forest. It’s a calm drive with little traffic, especially outside town.
If you want to visit more than just the main ruins, having your own car is the best option. Here are a few things to know before renting a car, especially if planning a day trip from Amman or combining Jerash with other northern towns.
Looking back at everything Jerash offers, it's clear that having a car adds real depth to your travels. You don’t just visit the tourist attractions in Jerash. You explore what surrounds them, from forest reserves to hidden hilltop views. Driving lets you connect the past with the present at your own pace and gives you access to places most travelers never reach. FinalRentals is a trusted car rental platform that helps travelers explore places like Jerash. Start by choosing your pick-up location from various points in Amman. Then select the car that fits your trip, enter your details, and confirm your booking.
