Jordan road trip: Amman to Aqaba via Petra and Wadi Rum
This 617.4 km route connects Jordan's most iconic destinations, starting with the King Abdullah Mosque in Amman, then moving through Jerash Ruins, Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum Desert, and ending at Aqaba on the Red Sea. The journey spans ancient Roman archaeological sites, natural salt formations, and otherworldly desert landscapes across the country.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- King Abdullah Mosque
- End
- Aqaba Red Sea
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- King Abdullah Mosque — Iconic mosque located in Amman, capital of Jordan
- Jerash Ruins — Ancient Greco-Roman city ruins, also known as Gerash
- Petra (The Rose City) — Ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
- Dead Sea — Lowest point on Earth, famous mineral-rich waters and therapeutic mud
- Wadi Rum Desert — Martian-like red sandstone desert landscape with dramatic rock formations
- Aqaba Red Sea — Southern coastal city on the Red Sea, gateway for snorkeling and diving
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Do not jump or dive into the Dead Sea; enter until you can squat then lie back gently. Do not immerse your head due to extreme salt concentration.
- Transport
- Rent a car to visit the Dead Sea area; Uber and taxis are not easily available in the resort areas by the Dead Sea.
- Timing
- Visit Point de View in the afternoon towards sunset; landscapes look most beautiful with golden glow at that time.
- Tip
- Wear long pants or skirts to enter King Abdullah Mosque; shorts are not allowed. Modest clothing is required.
- Save money
- Use Jordan Pass to get entrance covered at Amman Citadel; otherwise costs about 3 Jordanian dinar (25 cents for Jordanian residents).
- Timing
- Visit Amman Citadel during sunset and prayer call for peaceful atmosphere, beautiful views, and birds flying by.
- Save money
- Use Jordan Pass to get entrance covered at Jerash Ruins; otherwise costs 10 Jordanian dinar.
- Timing
- Avoid visiting Jerash during summer months (55°F+) due to extreme heat. Plan entire day at Petra; it's a massive area.
- Tip
- Wear shoes with good grip when visiting Petra; the terrain is steep and slippery. Bring water or plan to buy at shops along the way.
- Where to stay
- Stay in Martian-style pods in Wadi Rum for sunrise views; costs ~300 JOD (~$400) in low season or ~$600 for two people in high season (December-January), includes two meals.
- Food
- Beer at Cave Bar in Petra costs 10 dollars per bottle (expensive). No alcohol available in Wadi Rum camps; bring your own if desired.
- Transport
- Experience Wadi Rum by Jeep tour (approximately 3 hours); best way to explore desert landscapes and rock formations.
Video on this route
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