Wadi Rum is one of Jordan’s most breathtaking destinations. While it feels remote and otherworldly, it is surprisingly accessible from major cities, airports, and attractions. In this travel guide, we’ll walk you through all the ways to travel to Wadi Rum, including bus, taxi, and car options.
How to get to Wadi Rum by Car
The road to Wadi Rum is in good condition, with clear signs in English and Arabic. When you arrive, you’ll need to stop at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center to take care of the required procedures before entering the Wadi Rum Protected Area. From there, continue driving to Wadi Rum Village, which is 7 kilometers down the road. Our office is located there.
You can find more details about the Wadi Rum Visitor Center below.
Driving Tips for Wadi Rum
- Check the Weather: Sandstorms, rain, and even snow can affect travel conditions. Stay informed to plan accordingly.
- Fuel Up: Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before entering the Protected Area, as Wadi Rum Village does not have a fuel station.
- Navigation: Use Google Maps or an offline map app to guide your way. We'll also send additional directions to make it even easier to find our office.
- Watch for Wildlife: Drive carefully, especially at night, as camels and other animals often wander onto the roads.
- Car Entry Fee: There is a 35 JOD fee for 4x4 vehicles entering the Protected Area. Our guests don't need to pay this fee as they will leave their car at our office in Wadi Rum Village.
- Where to Park in Wadi Rum: We provide free parking at our office for our guests.
Below, we’ve outlined the key routes to Wadi Rum by car from major destinations across Jordan.
Travel Times and Distances to Wadi Rum
Here are the estimated travel times and distances to Wadi Rum from key locations across Jordan.
- Aqaba City: 1 hour, 70 km (via Desert Highway)
- Aqaba Beaches: 1 hour 15 minutes, 80-90 km (via Desert Highway)
- Aqaba Ferry Port: 1 hour 15 minutes, 80-90 km (via Desert Highway)
- Wadi Araba Border (Jordan-Israel Border): 1 hour, 70 km (via Desert Highway)
- Aqaba Airport (King Hussein International Airport): 1 hour 10 minutes, 75 km (via Desert Highway)
- Disah (Closest Village to Wadi Rum): 25 minutes, 20 km
- Wadi Musa (Petra): 1 hour 50 minutes, 112 km (via King's Highway)
- Little Petra: 2 hours 5 minutes, 120 km (via King's Highway)
- Dana Village: 2 hours 15 minutes, 170 km (via Desert Highway)
- Feynan (Dana Biosphere Reserve): 3 hours, 220 km (via Dead Sea Highway)
- Wadi Mujib: 3 hours 50 minutes, 305 km (via Dead Sea Highway)
- Dead Sea: 4 hours 15 minutes, 335 km (via Dead Sea Highway)
- Ma'in Hot Springs: 4 hours 25 minutes, 335 km (via Dead Sea Highway)
- Amman (Jordan's Capital): 4 hours 5 minutes, 320 km (via Desert Highway)
- Amman Airport (Queen Alia International Airport): 3 hours 35 minutes, 292 km (via Desert Highway)
- Madaba: 3 hours 50 minutes, 305 km (via Desert Highway)
- Karak: 3 hours 25 minutes, 245 km (via Desert Highway)
- Jerash (Roman Ruins): 4 hours 40 minutes, 360 km (via Desert Highway)
- Ajloun (Muslim Castle): 5 hours, 380 km (via Desert Highway)
- Mafraq: 4 hours 35 minutes, 375 km (via Desert Highway)
- Azraq (Azraq Wetlands Reserve): 4 hours 20 minutes, 360 km (via Eastern Desert Highway)
How to reach Wadi Rum by Bus and Taxi
Traveling to Wadi Rum is simple, with several convenient options for buses and taxis. Whether you’re coming from Aqaba, Petra, Amman, or the Dead Sea, we’ve outlined the best ways to get here based on your starting point. Buses are generally the most budget-friendly transportation option to Wadi Rum, while taxis provide direct transfers to our office.
Transportation options from Aqaba to Wadi Rum
- Jett Bus: Daily departures from the Jett Bus Station in Aqaba City to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Departs at 8:00 AM and arrives at 9:30 AM. Tickets cost 15 JOD per person. Our office is 8 kilometers from the Visitor Center.
- Local Bus: Runs daily (except Fridays) from Aqaba's local bus station to Wadi Rum Village. Departs between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM when full.
- From Aqaba City to Wadi Rum Village: 1 hour. Costs 25 JOD per car.
- From Tala Bay or South Beach to Wadi Rum Village: 1 hour 15 minutes. Costs 30 JOD per car.
- From Aqaba Airport to Wadi Rum Village: 1 hour 10 minutes. Costs 45 JOD per car.
How to get from Wadi Araba Border (Jordan-Israel Border) to Wadi Rum
- No bus service is available at the Wadi Araba Border.
- From Wadi Araba Border to Wadi Rum Village: 1 hour, 40 JOD per car.
Transportation options from Wadi Musa (Petra) to Wadi Rum
- Rum Bus (Petra–Wadi Rum Bus): A daily door-to-door bus service picks you up from your accommodation in Wadi Musa between 6:00 and 6:30 AM and brings you to our office in Wadi Rum Village by around 9:00 AM. Tickets cost 10 JOD per person.
- From Wadi Musa (Petra) to Wadi Rum: 2 hours. Costs 40 JOD per car.
- From surrounding villages near Wadi Musa: 2 hours and 15 minutes. Cost 45 JOD per car.
How to reach Wadi Rum from Amman
There are no direct bus connections from Amman to Wadi Rum, but you can travel via Petra or Aqaba:
- Amman to Wadi Rum via Petra: Take the early morning Jett Bus from Amman to Wadi Musa (Petra): 3 hours. Tickets cost 10 JOD per person. From Wadi Musa (Petra), take the daily 'Rum Bus' to Wadi Rum Village the next day.
- Amman to Wadi Rum via Aqaba: Jett Bus departs multiple times daily from Amman to Aqaba: 4 hours. Tickets cost 10 JOD per person). Once in Aqaba, we can arrange a taxi transfer to Wadi Rum, ensuring you arrive in time for the afternoon or next morning check-in.
- From Amman to Wadi Rum Village: 4 hours. Cost 110 JOD per car.
Best way to travel from the Dead Sea to Wadi Rum
- There is no direct bus service from the Dead Sea to Wadi Rum. We recommend arranging a taxi transfer or traveling from another destination (Amman, Petra, or Aqaba) to Wadi Rum.
- From the Dead Sea to Wadi Rum Village: 4 hours. Costs 110 JOD per car.
If you’re traveling from another destination, feel free to reach out for personalized recommendations and travel tips.
Taxi Capacity
Our partner taxi drivers accommodate up to 4 guests with average luggage in their cars. For larger groups or additional luggage, we can arrange multiple vehicles to ensure a comfortable and seamless journey. For a hassle-free arrival, book your taxi transfer with us. Check ‘Transportation Booking Service for Our Guests’ below for more information.
For information on leaving Wadi Rum, check our departure guide.
Wadi Rum Visitor Center
The Wadi Rum Visitor Center is the main entry point for all Wadi Rum Protected Area visitors. Here, you’ll need to purchase your entry ticket:
- 7 JOD for international visitors
- 1 JOD per person for Jordanians and residents
- 0.5 JOD for Jordanian students
- Free for children under 12
- Free entry for those with a Jordan Pass (you still need to register at the Visitor Center when using the Jordan Pass)
The Visitor Center also provides amenities, including restrooms, an information desk, and souvenir shops. The Visitor Center is open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Transportation Booking Service for Our Guests
At Wadi Rum Nomads, we want to ensure your journey to and from the desert is seamless. That’s why we offer a complimentary booking service for our guests, arranging taxi transfers and reserving bus seats for the Rum Bus and Combo Bus. We arrange this at no extra cost, and you will pay the transport fare directly to the driver or bus operator.
Here's how our service works
When you book a Wadi Rum experience with us, you’ll have the option to request us to arrange transportation to and from Wadi Rum directly in our booking form. Whether you need a taxi or a bus seat, we’ll take care of it for you.
Not sure about your travel plans when booking? No problem! Simply select the option to decide later, and we’ll stay in touch to finalize your transportation details before your trip.
We understand that plans can change. If you need to update the transportation arrangements, just let us know as soon as possible, and we’ll do our best to adjust them.
This service is exclusive to our guests and is designed to make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let us know how we can assist with your travel plans!
See What Our Guests Thought of Our Transportation Booking Service
Key Tips to Plan Your Visit
Before heading to Wadi Rum, check out our dedicated resources to ensure you’re fully prepared:
Wondering when to plan your trip? Visit our blog about the best time to visit Wadi Rum for detailed insights based on seasons, weather, and activities.
Not sure what to bring? Our packing tips page has you covered with everything you’ll need for a comfortable and enjoyable desert experience.
Dressing appropriately is key to a comfortable desert experience. Check out our 7 helpful tips on how to perfectly dress for desert adventures for expert advice on choosing the right clothing, footwear, headwear, and eyewear for Wadi Rum.
These resources will help you feel ready and excited for your Wadi Rum adventure!
Make the Most of Your Stay in Wadi Rum
Once you’re ready to plan your adventure, explore our Wadi Rum tours and accommodation options to find the experience that suits you best. Whether you’re looking for a guided exploration or a memorable night under the desert sky, we have options for every traveler.
- Tip: Keep in mind that phone reception is limited in Wadi Rum. Let your family and friends know you might be unreachable during your stay in Wadi Rum.
Get Help Planning Your Trip
At Wadi Rum Nomads, we’re always here to help make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions about getting to Wadi Rum, need help arranging transportation, or want advice on planning your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can contact us through:
We’re happy to assist with your travel plans and ensure your adventure in Wadi Rum will be unforgettable.
