Ajloun Castle Opening Hours & Tickets (2026 Visitor Guide)
Ajloun Castle is one of the most visited historic sites in northern Jordan. If you’re planning a trip to Ajloun, knowing the opening hours, ticket prices, and how long to stay will help you avoid crowds and make the most of your visit. This guide gives you clear, practical information to plan your time at Ajloun Castle with confidence.
If you’re building your full day in the region, start with the main destination hub: Visit Ajloun Jordan — Complete Travel Guide (2026):
/visit-ajloun/
Ajloun Castle Opening Hours (2026)
Opening hours at Ajloun Castle vary slightly by season and public holidays. In general, the castle operates on daytime hours throughout the year.
Typical operating pattern:
Summer Season (usually April–October)
• Opening: around 8:00 AM
• Closing: around 7:00 PM
Winter Season (usually November–March)
• Opening: around 8:00 AM
• Closing: around 4:00–5:00 PM
Important notes:
• Last entry is usually before closing time (arrive at least 45–60 minutes before closing).
• Hours may change during Ramadan or official holidays.
• In winter, weather conditions (fog or rain) may affect visibility but not necessarily opening time.
For visitors planning a tight schedule, especially a Jerash + Ajloun day trip, it’s best to visit Ajloun Castle early in the morning. Mornings usually mean clearer air, fewer tour buses, and better light for photos.
If Ajloun Castle is only one stop in your itinerary, combine it with the Ajloun day overview here:
/visit-ajloun/
Ajloun Castle Ticket Prices (JOD)
Ticket prices at Ajloun Castle can change, and there are usually different rates for:
• Jordanian citizens and residents
• International visitors
• Children
• Students (with ID)
For international visitors, the typical range has historically been in the low single-digit JOD range per person, but always confirm at the gate or with official sources before travel.
Jordan Pass
If you are traveling with a Jordan Pass, check whether Ajloun Castle is included in your pass type. Many major sites in Jordan are covered, but inclusion policies can be updated. Always verify your specific pass.
Payment
• Cash is the safest option.
• Small bills in JOD are useful.
• Do not rely on foreign currency being accepted at the gate.
For full trip planning and other Ajloun highlights, see:
/visit-ajloun/
How Long to Spend at Ajloun Castle
The castle is not massive, but it is layered and worth exploring slowly.
Quick Visit (45–60 minutes)
• Walk through main corridors
• Climb to primary viewpoints
• Take photos of surrounding hills
Standard Visit (1.5–2 hours)
• Explore towers and rooms
• Read historical plaques
• Pause at panoramic windows
• Move at a relaxed pace
Extended Visit (2+ hours)
• Photography focus
• Exploring architectural details
• Sitting at viewpoints
If you plan to hike afterward, avoid exhausting yourself climbing every staircase. Save energy for the trails.
If you’re combining castle + hiking, consider reading:
Ajloun Soap House Trail: /ajloun-soap-house-trail/
Hiking in Jordan hub: /hiking-in-jordan/
Best Time of Day to Visit Ajloun Castle
Morning (Best Overall)
• Cooler temperatures
• Fewer visitors
• Clearer views across the hills
Midday
• Busier, especially weekends
• Strong sunlight on exposed walls
Late Afternoon
• Softer light
• Good for photography
• Make sure you arrive early enough before closing
Friday and Saturday (local weekend) can be busier. If you want a quiet experience, visit on a weekday morning.
How to Get to Ajloun Castle
From Amman
• Driving time: approximately 1.5 hours (depending on traffic)
• Best route: via Jerash or direct northern highway routes
• Road conditions: paved and accessible
From Jerash
• Around 30–45 minutes
• Very popular as a combined day trip
From Irbid
• Around 45–60 minutes
Parking
There is designated parking near the castle entrance. It may fill up on busy weekends, so arriving early helps.
Public Transport
There is no direct tourist shuttle to the castle itself. Options include:
• Taxi from Ajloun town
• Private driver
• Organized tour
If you are planning a structured north Jordan day, read:
Ajloun travel guide: /visit-ajloun/
Accessibility & Practical Tips
Accessibility
Ajloun Castle has:
• Uneven stone surfaces
• Steps and narrow staircases
• Elevated walkways
Visitors with mobility limitations may access some areas but not all towers. If accessibility is a concern, focus on the lower levels and viewpoints near the entrance.
What to Wear
• Comfortable walking shoes (non-slip soles)
• Light layers in winter
• Hat and sunscreen in summer
What to Bring
• Water (especially in summer)
• Camera
• Small cash notes
Weather Considerations
Ajloun is cooler than Amman. In winter, it can be significantly colder and sometimes foggy. Check the forecast before departure.
What You’ll See Inside Ajloun Castle
Ajloun Castle is not just a ruin. It is an intact defensive structure with clear spatial logic.
Highlights include:
• Panoramic hill views
• Defensive towers
• Stone corridors and archways
• Interior courtyards
• Elevated lookout points
The castle’s location explains its historical importance. From the top, you can see why controlling this hill mattered centuries ago.
For deeper historical context and photography tips, use:
Ajloun Castle guide: /ajloun-castle-guide/
Combining Ajloun Castle With Other Sites
A well-balanced Ajloun day usually looks like this:
Option 1 — Castle + Forest Walk
• Morning: Ajloun Castle
• Midday: Short forest walk via Ajloun Reserve Visitor Center
/ajloun-forest-reserve-visitor-center/
• Lunch in Ajloun
Option 2 — Castle + Cable Car
• Morning: Castle
• Afternoon: Ajloun Cable Car
/ajloun-cable-car/
• Sunset viewpoint stop
Option 3 — Castle + Jerash
• Morning: Jerash
• Afternoon: Ajloun Castle
• Early dinner before returning to Amman
If you want a structured plan, read:
Ajloun Day Trip Guide (coming soon)
and
/visit-ajloun/
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Arriving 30 minutes before closing
• Visiting at peak noon on hot summer days
• Skipping forest or countryside stops
• Not checking winter weather
• Rushing the castle and missing the viewpoints
Ajloun Castle is compact but deserves a calm visit.