How to Get to Wadi Rum from Amman, Aqaba, and Petra
Wadi Rum's remote desert location is part of its appeal, but it also means that getting there requires some planning. This comprehensive transportation guide covers all the options for reaching Wadi Rum from Jordan's major destinations, with practical information to help you choose the best method for your trip.
From Amman to Wadi Rum
The distance from Amman to Wadi Rum is approximately 320 km (200 miles), with several transportation options available.
By Private Car/Taxi
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Cost: 70-90 JOD one-way
This is the most convenient option, offering door-to-door service and the flexibility to stop along the way.
How to arrange:
Ask your hotel to arrange a private driver
Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem
Negotiate with taxi drivers at the airport or in downtown Amman
Tips:
Confirm the price before departing
Ensure the driver knows exactly where to take you (Wadi Rum Visitor Center)
Consider arranging a round-trip with the same driver for a better rate
By Rental Car
Duration: 3.5-4 hours (plus time to pick up/drop off the car)
Cost: 30-50 JOD per day for the rental, plus fuel
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility and can be cost-effective if you're planning to visit multiple destinations in Jordan.
What to know:
The route is straightforward, following the Desert Highway (Highway 15) south
Roads are generally in good condition
Navigation apps work well in Jordan
Most rental cars in Jordan are manual transmission; specify automatic if needed
International driving permit is recommended but not always required
Where to rent:
Queen Alia International Airport
Downtown Amman
Major international agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) and local companies are available
By Public Bus
Duration: 5-6 hours (including transfers)
Cost: 12-15 JOD total
This is the most economical option but requires more time and planning.
Option 1: JETT Bus to Aqaba + Taxi to Wadi Rum
JETT buses (premium service) depart from Amman's 7th Circle station to Aqaba
Departures at 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily
Cost: 8-10 JOD one-way
From Aqaba, take a taxi to Wadi Rum (60 km, about 25-35 JOD)
Option 2: Regular Bus to Ma'an + Taxi to Wadi Rum
Regular buses depart from Amman's South Bus Station (Wehdat) to Ma'an
Multiple departures throughout the day
Cost: 5-7 JOD one-way
From Ma'an, take a taxi to Wadi Rum (60 km, about 25-35 JOD)
Tips for public transportation:
Arrive at the bus station early to secure tickets
Bring water and snacks for the journey
Keep valuables secure and with you at all times
Confirm the final destination with the driver before boarding
By Organized Tour
Duration: Varies by tour
Cost: 80-150 JOD per person (including transportation and activities)
Many tour companies offer day trips or multi-day excursions from Amman that include Wadi Rum.
Advantages:
All logistics handled for you
Often includes other destinations like Petra
Guide provides historical and cultural context
May be more cost-effective than private transportation
Disadvantages:
Fixed itinerary with less flexibility
Limited time at each destination
Traveling with a group
From Aqaba to Wadi Rum
The distance from Aqaba to Wadi Rum is approximately 60 km (37 miles), making it the closest major city to the desert.
By Taxi
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: 25-35 JOD one-way
This is the most convenient option from Aqaba.
Where to find taxis:
Aqaba airport
Downtown Aqaba
Your hotel can arrange one
Tips:
Negotiate the price before departing
Some drivers will offer to wait while you visit Wadi Rum and return you to Aqaba for an additional fee
By Minibus
Duration: 1.5-2 hours (including waiting time)
Cost: 5-7 JOD one-way
Minibuses run between Aqaba and Wadi Rum Village, but service is limited and not on a fixed schedule.
How it works:
Minibuses depart from the main station in Aqaba
They typically only leave when full
Usually 1-2 departures in the morning (around 6:00-8:00 AM)
Return service from Wadi Rum to Aqaba is not guaranteed
Tips:
This option requires flexibility in your schedule
Not recommended if you have a tight timeline
Ask your accommodation in Aqaba about the current schedule
By Rental Car
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: 25-40 JOD per day for the rental, plus fuel
Renting a car in Aqaba is a good option if you plan to explore other areas nearby.
What to know:
The route is straightforward, following Highway 47
Parking is available at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center
You can leave your rental car at the Visitor Center while you explore Wadi Rum
From Petra (Wadi Musa) to Wadi Rum
The distance from Petra (Wadi Musa) to Wadi Rum is approximately 100 km (62 miles).
By Taxi
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Cost: 45-55 JOD one-way
This is the most reliable and convenient option.
Where to find taxis:
Near the Petra Visitor Center
In downtown Wadi Musa
Your hotel can arrange one
Tips:
Some drivers offer a stop at Little Petra along the way for an additional fee
Consider sharing a taxi with other travelers to split the cost
By Minibus
Duration: 2-3 hours (including waiting time)
Cost: 7-10 JOD one-way
There is limited minibus service between Petra and Wadi Rum.
How it works:
Minibuses typically depart from the Petra Visitor Center area in the morning
Service is not regular and depends on demand
Usually requires a minimum number of passengers
Your hotel in Petra can help arrange this
By Rental Car
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Cost: 25-40 JOD per day for the rental, plus fuel
If you already have a rental car for visiting Petra, driving to Wadi Rum is straightforward.
The route:
From Wadi Musa, follow signs to the Desert Highway
Take the Desert Highway south
Exit at the sign for Wadi Rum and follow the road to the Visitor Center
Arriving at Wadi Rum
All transportation should take you to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, which serves as the gateway to the protected area.
At the Visitor Center
Pay the entrance fee (5 JOD per person)
Meet your camp representative or guide
Arrange transportation into the protected area
Getting into the Protected Area
Private vehicles are not permitted beyond the Visitor Center. To enter the protected area, you must:
Arrange a pickup with your accommodation in advance (recommended)
Hire a local Bedouin guide with a 4x4 vehicle at the Visitor Center
Join a tour departing from the Visitor Center
Cost for local transportation:
15-25 JOD for a one-way transfer to your camp
70-100 JOD for a half-day jeep tour including transfer to your camp
Planning Tips
Best Time to Travel
Morning departures are recommended for all routes to arrive in Wadi Rum with daylight remaining
Avoid arriving after sunset as finding your camp in the dark can be challenging
Allow buffer time for potential delays, especially when using public transportation
Booking Transportation in Advance
Private transfers should be booked at least 1-2 days in advance
JETT bus tickets can sell out during high season and should be purchased 1-3 days ahead
Tour packages should be booked weeks in advance, especially during peak season
Coordinating with Your Camp
Most Wadi Rum camps offer:
Assistance arranging transportation from major cities
Pickup service from the Visitor Center (sometimes included in your stay)
Advice on the best transportation options based on your itinerary
Contact your camp in advance to discuss transportation options and coordinate your arrival time.
