Visit Jordan
← Back to Wadi Rum Blog

How to Get to Wadi Rum from Amman, Aqaba, and Petra

Road leading to Wadi Rum with mountains in the background

Wadi Rum's otherworldly landscape is a must-visit destination in Jordan, but its remote desert location means some planning is required to get there. This comprehensive guide covers all transportation options from Jordan's major tourist hubs: Amman, Aqaba, and Petra.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Amman

The capital city of Amman is likely your entry point to Jordan and is located about 300 km (4-5 hours) from Wadi Rum.

By Private Car/Taxi

  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Cost: 70-100 JOD ($100-140)
  • Convenience: High - door-to-door service with flexibility to stop
  • How to arrange: Hotels can arrange taxis, or use ride-hailing apps like Careem

This is the most comfortable and flexible option. The journey follows the Desert Highway (Highway 15) south. Consider asking your driver to stop at scenic points or roadside restaurants along the way.

By Rental Car

  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Cost: 30-50 JOD ($42-70) per day plus fuel
  • Convenience: High - complete flexibility
  • Requirements: International driving permit recommended

Renting a car gives you complete freedom. The route is straightforward along well-maintained highways. Note that you'll need to park at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center and transfer to a 4x4 vehicle to enter the protected area.

By Public Bus

  • Duration: 6-7 hours (including transfers)
  • Cost: 12-15 JOD ($17-21)
  • Convenience: Low - requires multiple transfers
  • Schedule: Limited departures, morning only

The budget option requires taking a JETT bus from Amman to Aqaba (5 hours), then a local minibus or taxi to Wadi Rum (1 hour). JETT buses depart from their main station in Abdali, Amman.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Aqaba

Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city, is the closest major city to Wadi Rum at just 70 km away (about 1 hour).

By Taxi

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Cost: 25-35 JOD ($35-50)
  • Convenience: High
  • Availability: Readily available at hotels or city center

This is the most straightforward option from Aqaba. Many visitors fly into Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport and take a taxi directly to Wadi Rum.

By Minibus

  • Duration: 1.5 hours (including waiting time)
  • Cost: 5 JOD ($7)
  • Convenience: Medium
  • Schedule: Departs when full, usually morning only

Minibuses depart from the main station in Aqaba but only leave when full. This option is best for budget travelers with flexible schedules.

Getting to Wadi Rum from Petra

Many travelers visit Wadi Rum after exploring Petra. The distance between them is about 100 km (1.5-2 hours).

By Taxi

  • Duration: 1.5-2 hours
  • Cost: 35-45 JOD ($50-65)
  • Convenience: High
  • How to arrange: Through your hotel in Wadi Musa (Petra)

This is the most common and convenient option. The scenic drive takes you through desert landscapes and small villages.

By Public Transport

  • Duration: 3-4 hours (including transfers)
  • Cost: 7-10 JOD ($10-14)
  • Convenience: Low
  • Complexity: Requires changing at Aqaba

Budget travelers can take a minibus from Petra to Aqaba, then another from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. This option requires time and patience.

Organized Tours

Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation:

  • Day trips from Aqaba: 50-70 JOD ($70-100) including transportation and basic tour
  • Multi-day tours from Amman: 150-300 JOD ($210-420) including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea
  • Jordan Pass holders: Discounted rates available with some tour operators

Important Tips

  • Visitor Center: All transportation options will take you to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, where you'll need to pay the entrance fee (5 JOD or included in Jordan Pass) and arrange a 4x4 tour or transfer to your camp
  • Pre-arrange accommodation: Most desert camps will arrange pickup from the Visitor Center
  • Timing: Try to arrive before 4 PM to have enough daylight for check-in and initial exploration
  • Return journeys: Arrange your return transportation in advance, especially if using public transport
  • Jordan Pass: Consider purchasing this if visiting multiple sites in Jordan, as it includes entry to Wadi Rum and Petra

Sample Itineraries

From Amman

Day 1: Depart Amman early morning (7-8 AM) by JETT bus to Aqaba, arrive around 1-2 PM, take a taxi to Wadi Rum, arrive by 3 PM
Alternative: Arrange private taxi from Amman, depart 9-10 AM, arrive Wadi Rum by 2-3 PM

From Petra

Morning departure: Leave Petra around 9-10 AM by taxi, arrive at Wadi Rum by 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Afternoon departure: Leave Petra around 2 PM, arrive at Wadi Rum by 4 PM (still enough time to check in before sunset)

Regardless of your starting point, the journey to Wadi Rum is part of the adventure. The changing landscapes as you approach the desert—from urban centers to agricultural areas to stark desert terrain—provide a fascinating introduction to Jordan's diverse geography.