Choose Your Starting Point
Getting to Wadi Rum is straightforward once you understand your options. The route you take depends on where you're coming from in Jordan. Most visitors arrive from Amman (the capital), Petra/Wadi Musa (after visiting the ancient city), or Aqaba (the Red Sea resort town). Each route has different transport options, costs, and journey times.
Select your starting point below to see detailed step-by-step instructions, transport comparisons, and practical tips for your journey.
🚌 From Amman to Wadi Rum
The most common route for international visitors arriving at Queen Alia Airport
Quick Comparison
| Transport Option | Duration | Cost (Approx) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JETT Bus | 4 hours | 10-12 JD | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travelers, solo travelers |
| Shared Taxi | 3.5-4 hours | 15-20 JD per person | ⭐⭐ | Flexible timing, meeting other travelers |
| Private Taxi | 3.5 hours | 80-100 JD (whole car) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Groups, families, direct route |
| Private Transfer | 3.5 hours | 100-150 JD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comfort, guaranteed pickup, English-speaking driver |
Step-by-Step: JETT Bus (Most Popular Budget Option)
Book Your Ticket
Book online at jett.com.jo or buy at JETT office in Amman (Abdali station). The bus runs daily but only one departure per day (usually 6:30 AM). Book 1-2 days in advance during peak season (March-May, September-November) to guarantee a seat.
Arrive at JETT Abdali Station
The station is located in downtown Amman (Abdali area). Arrive 30 minutes early. If you're staying in a hotel, take a taxi to "JETT Abdali" (drivers know it). Cost: 3-5 JD from most central hotels. Station has a small waiting area and toilets.
Bus Departure
The bus is modern, air-conditioned, and comfortable. It has toilets onboard. Seats are assigned when you book. Store large luggage underneath; keep valuables with you. The bus heads south on the Desert Highway (Route 15).
Rest Stop (Optional)
The bus typically stops at a highway rest area for 15-20 minutes. There's a small shop, toilets, and coffee available. This stop is not always guaranteed—ask the driver.
Arrival at Wadi Rum Visitor Center
The bus drops you at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center (the official entrance to the protected area). This is where you buy entry tickets (5 JD for international visitors with Jordan Pass, or 7 JD without it). Your camp will pick you up from here—make sure you've coordinated pickup time in advance.
💡 Practical Tips for the JETT Bus
- Coordinate with your camp: Tell them you're arriving on the JETT bus around 10:30 AM. Most camps know the schedule and will send a jeep to pick you up at the Visitor Center.
- Return journey: The JETT bus departs Wadi Rum around 4:00 PM heading back to Amman. Confirm the exact time when you arrive.
- No pickup from camps: The bus only stops at the Visitor Center, not at individual camps. You need to arrange transport from your camp back to the Visitor Center for the return bus.
- Bring snacks and water: While there's a rest stop, it's better to have your own supplies.
- Dress in layers: The bus air conditioning can be strong; bring a light jacket even in summer.
Step-by-Step: Private Transfer (Most Comfortable)
Book Your Transfer
Many Wadi Rum camps offer private transfers as part of packages, or you can book through transfer companies. Confirm: pickup location (hotel address or airport), pickup time, driver's phone number, and total cost. Most transfers include meet-and-greet at the airport with a name sign.
Pickup from Hotel or Airport
The driver will meet you at your specified location. If picking up from Queen Alia Airport, they'll wait in arrivals with a name sign. From a hotel, they'll come to reception. Load your luggage and confirm the destination with the driver.
Direct Route to Wadi Rum
The driver takes the Desert Highway south. You can request stops for photos, toilets, or food—this is one advantage over the bus. Many drivers speak English and can share information about areas you're passing. The car is typically a modern sedan or SUV with air conditioning.
Arrival at Your Camp or Visitor Center
Private transfers can drive you directly to your camp (if you've arranged this with the camp in advance) or to the Visitor Center where the camp picks you up. Confirm the exact drop-off point when booking.
💡 Tips for Private Transfers
- Book through your camp: Often cheaper and more convenient than booking separately. Camps usually have trusted drivers.
- Confirm all details in writing: Get confirmation via email or WhatsApp with pickup location, time, cost, and driver contact.
- Ask about return transport: Book round-trip if possible—it's usually cheaper than one-way transfers.
- Bargain if booking independently: Prices for private taxis are negotiable. Start at 70 JD and work up to a fair price around 80-100 JD.
- Carry small bills: Drivers may not have change for large notes. Pay in Jordanian Dinars (JD), not USD.
🏛️ From Petra / Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum
The most common multi-destination route for travelers visiting both ancient wonders
Quick Comparison
| Transport Option | Duration | Cost (Approx) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Taxi | 1.5-2 hours | 10-15 JD per person | ⭐⭐ | Budget travelers, flexible timing |
| Private Taxi | 1.5 hours | 40-50 JD (whole car) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Small groups, direct route |
| Camp-Arranged Transfer | 1.5 hours | 50-70 JD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Convenience, guaranteed pickup |
Step-by-Step: Private Taxi (Most Common)
Find a Taxi in Wadi Musa
Taxis are readily available in Wadi Musa town. Ask your Petra hotel reception to arrange one, or find drivers near the Petra Visitor Center entrance. Negotiate the price before departing—40-50 JD is standard for a private car to Wadi Rum. Shared taxis (waiting for 4 passengers) cost 10-15 JD per person but may take longer to fill.
Load Up and Depart
The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Wadi Musa. Load luggage in the trunk. Confirm with the driver: destination (Wadi Rum Visitor Center or your specific camp if arranged), route, and any stops you'd like. The route goes south on the Desert Highway, then east toward Wadi Rum.
Scenic Desert Drive
The route passes through dramatic desert landscape. You'll drive through small Bedouin villages and see the landscape shift from rocky hills to red sand. You can request photo stops—drivers are usually accommodating for quick stops at scenic viewpoints.
Arrival at Wadi Rum
Most taxis drop you at the Visitor Center (where you buy entry tickets and camps pick you up). If you've arranged advance pickup with your camp, the driver can take you directly to the camp if the camp has provided GPS coordinates or clear directions.
💡 Practical Tips for Petra to Wadi Rum
- Best departure time: Leave Petra around 2:00-3:00 PM to arrive at Wadi Rum in time for sunset activities and dinner at your camp.
- Book through your camp: Many camps offer pickup from Petra hotels as part of their package. This is often easier and similarly priced to finding a taxi yourself.
- Combine with drop-off: If leaving Wadi Rum for Aqaba or the Israel border, you can often arrange a taxi that picks up passengers from Wadi Rum heading to Petra, reducing costs.
- Negotiate firmly: Drivers may quote 60-80 JD initially. The fair price for a private taxi is 40-50 JD. Don't be afraid to walk away if the price is too high—there are always other drivers.
- Shared taxi patience: If taking a shared taxi, be prepared to wait 30-60 minutes for the car to fill with 4 passengers. This is cheaper but less convenient.
🏖️ From Aqaba to Wadi Rum
The shortest route, popular for travelers arriving via Eilat (Israel) or combining Red Sea diving with desert camping
Quick Comparison
| Transport Option | Duration | Cost (Approx) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | 2 hours | 3-5 JD | ⭐⭐ | Extreme budget, adventurous travelers |
| Shared Taxi | 1-1.5 hours | 7-10 JD per person | ⭐⭐⭐ | Budget travelers, meeting others |
| Private Taxi | 1-1.5 hours | 35-45 JD (whole car) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Small groups, convenience |
| Camp Transfer | 1-1.5 hours | 40-60 JD | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Guaranteed pickup, direct to camp |
Step-by-Step: Shared Taxi (Best Value)
Find Shared Taxis in Aqaba
Shared taxis to Wadi Rum leave from the main bus station area in Aqaba (ask locals for "Al-Mahatah" - the station). Taxis wait near the bus station and depart when they have 4-6 passengers. Cost is typically 7-10 JD per person. Morning departures (8:00-11:00 AM) fill faster than afternoon ones.
Wait for Taxi to Fill
Drivers wait for the car to fill before departing. During peak tourist season this happens quickly (15-30 minutes). In low season, you might wait an hour or pay extra to leave sooner. You can negotiate with the driver to leave with fewer passengers if you're willing to pay a bit more.
Drive Through Desert Landscape
The route heads north from Aqaba through increasingly dramatic desert scenery. The road is good quality and the drive is straightforward. You'll pass through Disi village (last fuel station before Wadi Rum) and see the landscape transition to the red sandstone formations Wadi Rum is famous for.
Arrival at Wadi Rum Visitor Center
The shared taxi drops all passengers at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. This is where you buy entry tickets (if you don't have Jordan Pass) and meet your camp for pickup. Make sure you've arranged pickup time with your camp in advance—give them your estimated arrival time.
💡 Tips for Aqaba to Wadi Rum
- Best time to travel: Leave Aqaba in the early afternoon (1:00-2:00 PM) to arrive at Wadi Rum around 2:30-3:30 PM, perfect for afternoon activities and sunset.
- From Eilat border: If crossing from Israel at Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin crossing, you can find taxis directly to Wadi Rum on the Jordanian side. Negotiate price (40-60 JD is fair for private taxi).
- Public bus option: There are occasional local buses from Aqaba bus station to Disi village (near Wadi Rum) for 3-5 JD, but schedules are unreliable and you'll still need transport from Disi to Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Only recommended for very budget-conscious travelers with time flexibility.
- Return journey: Arrange return transport through your camp or find taxis at Wadi Rum Visitor Center heading back to Aqaba. Morning departures are more common than afternoon ones.
- Combine with border crossing: Many travelers do: Eilat → Wadi Rum → Petra → Amman. Camps can arrange the full route with transfers included.
🚗 Self-Drive to Wadi Rum
Driving yourself offers maximum flexibility but requires understanding Jordan's roads and regulations
Route Overview
| Starting Point | Main Route | Distance | Drive Time | Road Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amman | Desert Highway (Route 15) South | ~320 km | 3.5-4 hours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| Petra / Wadi Musa | Desert Highway then Route 5 | ~110 km | 1.5 hours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| Aqaba | Route 5 North through Disi | ~70 km | 1 hour | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
Step-by-Step: Self-Drive Route (From Amman)
Prepare Your Vehicle & Navigation
Ensure your rental car has: full tank of fuel (gas stations are sparse after leaving cities), working GPS or offline maps downloaded (Google Maps works but download offline areas), emergency roadside assistance number from rental company, spare tire and jack (check before leaving), and all rental documents. Check tire pressure and oil if it's a long rental.
Head South on Desert Highway (Route 15)
From Amman, follow signs for "Aqaba" or "Ma'an" to get onto the Desert Highway heading south. This is a modern, well-maintained highway. Speed limit is typically 110-120 km/h. The road is straight and easy to drive. Pass through the towns of Qatrana and Ma'an (good places for fuel stops).
Turn East Toward Wadi Rum (Route 5)
After Ma'an, continue south for about 40 km. Watch for signs indicating "Wadi Rum" (in Arabic and English). You'll turn east (left if coming from Amman) onto Route 5. This is a smaller but still good-quality road. Follow this for about 35 km straight to Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
Arrival at Wadi Rum Visitor Center
You'll see the dramatic rock formations of Wadi Rum appear in the distance. The road leads directly to the Visitor Center parking lot. Park your car here (free parking). You cannot drive your personal vehicle into the protected area—only 4x4 jeeps with permits can enter. Your camp will pick you up from here in a jeep.
💡 Essential Self-Drive Tips
- Fuel up before the desert: The last reliable fuel station before Wadi Rum is in Ma'an or Disi village. Don't count on finding fuel near Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
- International Driving Permit: Required in Jordan along with your home country license. Rental companies will check this. Get it in your home country before traveling.
- Speed cameras: The Desert Highway has speed cameras. Stick to the limit (110-120 km/h) to avoid fines that will be charged to your rental card later.
- Parking at Visitor Center: Your car will stay at the Visitor Center parking lot while you're in Wadi Rum (1-2 nights typically). The area is monitored and secure. Take all valuables with you or lock them in the trunk out of sight.
- Insurance: Get comprehensive insurance from your rental company, including coverage for desert roads. Standard insurance may not cover remote areas.
- Driving hours: Avoid driving the Desert Highway at night if possible—poorly lit trucks and animals on the road are hazards. Dawn to dusk is safest.
- No 4x4 needed for the highway: A regular sedan is fine for the paved roads to Wadi Rum. You only need a 4x4 if you plan to drive inside the protected area, which requires special permits (not practical for tourists).
- Return route: When leaving Wadi Rum, you drive back to the Visitor Center parking lot, retrieve your car, and continue your journey. Many travelers go Wadi Rum → Aqaba → Israel border or Wadi Rum → Petra → Amman.
📍 Meeting Points in Wadi Rum
Regardless of how you arrive, you'll end up at one of these locations. Understanding where camps pick you up and drop you off is essential for smooth logistics.
Wadi Rum Visitor Center (Main Entrance)
Location: The official entrance to Wadi Rum Protected Area, about 7 km from Wadi Rum village.
What's here: Ticket office (entry fee: 5 JD with Jordan Pass, 7 JD without), toilets, small shop, restaurant/cafe, large parking lot, information boards with maps, and a designated pickup area for camps.
This is where: JETT buses drop off, most taxis arrive, private cars park, and camps pick you up in 4x4 jeeps.
Important: You must buy your entry ticket here before entering the protected area. Camps cannot take you into Wadi Rum without a valid ticket or Jordan Pass.
Wadi Rum Village (Rum Village)
Location: A small Bedouin settlement about 7 km northwest of the Visitor Center, outside the protected area.
What's here: Handful of small shops, restaurants, and a few budget guesthouses. This is where some local guides live.
When used: Some budget tours or local guides may pick you up here, but most tourists don't go to the village. It's mainly residential.
Note: Don't confuse this with the Visitor Center. They are separate locations.
Your Camp (Inside the Desert)
Location: Camps are scattered throughout the protected area, typically 15-40 km from the Visitor Center.
How to reach: Camps send a jeep to pick you up from the Visitor Center. The drive from Visitor Center to camp takes 30-60 minutes depending on camp location.
Pickup coordination: Always tell your camp your expected arrival time at the Visitor Center. They'll send a driver to meet you. Have the camp's phone number saved in case you need to call upon arrival.
Departure: When leaving, the camp drives you back to the Visitor Center where you catch your bus, taxi, or retrieve your parked car.
Visitor Center Map Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Uber and Careem operate in Amman and Aqaba but do not offer rides to Wadi Rum. The distance is too great and drivers aren't willing to make the long trip. You'll need to use JETT bus, private taxi, or arranged transfer instead. Some travelers have tried booking an Uber for the trip but drivers typically cancel once they see the destination.
Yes, driving to Wadi Rum is safe. The Desert Highway is well-maintained and heavily used. The main things to watch for are: speed cameras (stick to the limit), trucks on the highway (give them space), and animals occasionally crossing the road (especially at dawn/dusk). Avoid driving at night if possible. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance, working GPS, and a full tank of fuel.
If the JETT bus is sold out (common during peak season), your options are: book a private taxi (80-100 JD from Amman), arrange a transfer through your Wadi Rum camp (often 100-150 JD), or find a shared taxi from Amman's Wahadat station (ask locals for "service to Wadi Rum"—it will cost 15-20 JD per person but requires waiting for the car to fill). Many camps offer transfer services as part of their packages, which is often the most convenient backup option.
Many camps offer pickup service from Amman, Petra, or Aqaba for an additional fee. This is usually a private transfer in a car or minivan (not a jeep). Costs vary: Amman pickup is typically 100-150 JD for the vehicle (not per person), Petra pickup is 50-70 JD, Aqaba pickup is 40-60 JD. This is convenient and often worth the cost if you're traveling as a small group or want guaranteed door-to-door service.
You buy the entry ticket at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center ticket office. Cost is 5 JD if you have a Jordan Pass (entry is included in the pass), or 7 JD for international tourists without the pass. If you have a Jordan Pass, just show it (digital or printed) at the ticket office and they'll give you the entry stamp. You cannot enter the protected area without this ticket or Jordan Pass. Camps cannot take you into the desert until you've cleared the Visitor Center entrance.
The drive from Wadi Rum Visitor Center to your camp typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on which camp you're staying at. Camps closer to the entrance (near Lawrence's Spring area) take about 30 minutes. Camps deeper in the protected area can take 50-60 minutes. The jeep drive itself is part of the experience—you'll see desert landscapes and may stop for photos along the way. Factor this time into your arrival planning.
The Wadi Rum Visitor Center officially closes around 6:00-7:00 PM, but camps can usually arrange late pickup if you notify them in advance. If you're arriving very late (after 8:00 PM), coordinate carefully with your camp. They may send a jeep to meet you at the Visitor Center gate even after it's officially closed, or in some cases, they may ask you to meet them at Rum Village instead. Always inform your camp of late arrivals—don't just show up after hours without warning.
Yes, there's a large parking lot at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center where you can safely leave your car for 1-3 nights while you stay in Wadi Rum camps. The area is monitored and generally safe. Take all valuables with you or lock them out of sight in the trunk. Make sure you have emergency contacts from your rental company in case you have any issues. Most visitors leave their cars here without problems. Parking is free.