A new protocol for the direct synthesis of quinolines from enones and 2-aminobenzyl alcohols via iridium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenative reactions has been demonstrated. This method employs easily available [IrCp*Cl2]2/t-BuOK as the efficient catalyst system, proceeding with the merits of high step- and atom efficiency, mild reaction conditions and operational simplicity. The experimental studies suggest that the reactions start with transfer hydrogenation, followed by the Friedländer reaction to give the final products.