Planning your departure from Wadi Rum? This guide outlines the best ways to leave Wadi Rum and continue your journey. Whether you’re heading to Petra, Amman, or Aqaba, this guide covers your transport options, including self-driving, taxis, and buses.
How to Depart Wadi Rum by Car
When you depart Wadi Rum by rental or private car, the journey is straightforward, with major destinations just a few hours away:
- Aqaba (1 hour) – The nearest city, offering beaches, hotels, and an airport.
- Wadi Musa (2 hours) – Jordan’s famous archaeological wonder Petra.
- Dead Sea (4 hours) – The iconic salty waters where you can float.
- Amman (4 hours) – Jordan’s bustling capital and international airport.
Travel Tips for Driving from Wadi Rum
There is no need to Stop at the Visitor Center. You can drive past the Wadi Rum Visitor Center without stopping and continue your journey.
- Aqaba Bird Observatory: Stop to enjoy birdwatching and the peaceful surroundings before heading into Aqaba.
- Humayma Archaeological Site: Explore ancient ruins and enjoy desert views.
- Kingsway Viewpoints: Capture breathtaking views of the Petra Mountains along this scenic route.
- Wadi Araba Views: Take a break for stunning views and a hike in Wadi Araba.
- Dead Sea Panoramic Road: A scenic drive with incredible vistas of the Dead Sea.
- Wadi Hikes: Enjoy a hike in one of the many wadis on your way to the Dead Sea.
- Humayma Archaeological Site: Visit ancient ruins and desert landscapes.
- Ottoman Castles: Stop by Qal’at ‘Unaiza, Qal’at al-Hasa, Qal’at Qatrana, or Qal’at Dab’a to explore Jordan’s Ottoman heritage.
- Um ar Rasas: A UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing impressive Roman ruins.
How to Leave Wadi Rum by Bus or Taxi
Just like we help our guests get to Wadi Rum, we can also arrange taxis and buses for your onward journey. Learn more about our transportation booking service.
Below are the options for transportation from Wadi Rum per destination. All departures are from our office in Wadi Rum Village unless stated otherwise.
Transportation options from Wadi Rum to Aqaba
- Rum Bus and local bus: When departing in the morning, you can catch the ‘Rum Bus,’ which departs daily from the Rest House in Wadi Rum Village around 9 AM. This bus heads toward Wadi Musa | Petra. To reach Aqaba, get off at the Desert Highway junction (approximately 5 JOD per person), cross the highway, and board any bus heading to Aqaba. Bus schedules and prices to Aqaba may vary.
- Jett Bus: Jett Bus operates daily service between the Wadi Rum Visitor Center (7 kilometers from Wadi Rum Village) and their station in Aqaba City. The bus departs at 6.30 PM, and tickets cost 15 JOD per person.
- To Aqaba City: A taxi transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba City takes about 1 hour and costs 25 JOD per car.
- To Tala Bay or South Beach: The fare for a taxi transfer to Tala Bay or South Beach is 30 JOD per car.
- To Aqaba Airport: A taxi to Aqaba Airport costs 35 JOD per car.
How to leave from Wadi Rum to the Wadi Araba Border (Jordan-Israel border)
- There is no direct bus service from Wadi Rum to the Wadi Araba Border.
- A taxi transfer is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey from Wadi Rum to the Wadi Araba Border takes about 1 hour and costs 30 JOD per car.
Transportation options from Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa | Petra
- The ‘Rum Bus’ runs daily between Wadi Rum Village and Wadi Musa. It departs from the Rest House in Wadi Rum Village around 9 AM and arrives at the local bus station in Wadi Musa around 11 AM. Tickets cost 10 JOD per person.
- To Wadi Musa | Petra: A taxi transfer from Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa takes about 2 hours and costs 40 JOD per car.
- To Surrounding Villages: If you need to reach one of the villages around Wadi Musa, the transfer costs 45 JOD per car.
How to leave from Wadi Rum to Amman
- Combo-Bus Option: Begin with the ‘Rum Bus,’ which departs from Rum Village around 9 AM. They will take you to Al-Quwayrah. From there, transfer to a local bus heading to Amman. The journey takes about 4–5 hours and costs approximately 20 JOD per person. The bus staff will assist you with the transfer. The local bus drops you off at the Amman South Bus Station. Via Wadi Musa | Petra: Take the ‘Rum Bus’ to Wadi Musa (2 hours – 10 JOD per person). Spend the afternoon in Wadi Musa, and then catch the late afternoon Jett Bus to Amman. The Jett Bus ride takes about 3 hours and costs 10 JOD per person.
- Via Aqaba: Take a taxi transfer to the Jett Bus Station in Aqaba (1 hour – 25 JOD per car). From there, travel to Amman by Jett Bus. The journey takes about 4 hours, with tickets costing 10 JOD per person. Multiple buses run daily.
- A direct taxi transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman takes around 4 hours and costs 110 JOD per car.
Best way to travel from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea
- There is no direct bus service from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea. Contact us for personalised recommendations on how to get there.
- A taxi transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea takes around 4 hours and costs 110 JOD per car.
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’ on our How to Get to Wadi Rum page for more information.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Departure
- Plan ahead – Buses and taxis need advance booking.
- Bring cash – Most taxis and buses don’t accept credit cards.
Need Help? Contact Us!
If you have any questions about how to leave Wadi Rum, we’re happy to assist.
You can contact us through:
Need info on getting to Wadi Rum? See our arrival guide.
