Jordan road trip: Amman Airport to Petra via Jerash
This 7-day Jordan itinerary covers 94.9 km across the country's most significant historical and natural sites. Starting from Amman Airport, the route includes the Roman ruins of Umm Qais and Jerash, the Amman Citadel, downtown Amman's local culture and dining, and concludes at Petra, the UNESCO-listed Rose City carved into pink sandstone.
- Distance
- 94.9 km
- Duration
- 18 h 59 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Arrival at Amman Airport
- End
- Petra (The Rose City)
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Arrival at Amman Airport — Jordan's primary international gateway located southeast of the capital, serving as the main entry point for visitors exploring the country's ancient and natural wonders.
- Jerash (Gerash) — One of the best preserved Roman cities outside Italy; features Oval Plaza and Cardo Maximus
- Amman city exploration — Capital built on seven hills featuring Roman theaters, Byzantine mosaics, and modern neighborhoods that blend contemporary culture with Levantine heritage and bustling markets.
- Downtown Amman dining — Historic commercial quarter offering traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, street food, and local restaurants where visitors experience authentic Jordanian flavors and culinary…
- Journey to Petra — UNESCO-listed Nabatean city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, renowned for its elaborate facade temples and serving as one of the world's most iconic archaeological sites.
- Amman Airport (Aman airport) — Starting point; pickup by Arabian Wanderers guide
- Umm Qais (Ancient Gadara)
- Amman Citadel — Layers of Jordan's history including Roman Temple of Hercules and Islamic Umayyad Palace
- Petra (The Rose City) — UNESCO World Heritage site; features the Treasury and the Monastery (900-stair hike)
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- From Amman Airport, it's a 2-hour drive north to Umm Qais (Ancient Gadara), the first stop on a northern Jordan route.
- Tip
- Umm Qais sits on a hilltop overlooking Israel, Palestine, and Syria simultaneously. On clear days you can see the Sea of Galilee in the distance.
- Tip
- Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, featuring an intact amphitheater, Oval Plaza, and the Cardo Maximus main street.
- Tip
- The Amman Citadel sits on the highest hill in the city and contains ruins from multiple civilizations including the Roman Temple of Hercules and the Islamic Umaiad Palace.
- Food
- Try falafel (fried chickpea balls), hummus, and fool (kidney bean dip) in downtown Amman. These are must-try local Jordanian street foods.
- Where to stay
- In Wadi Rum, stay in futuristic Mars-like tents with panoramic windows that make the desert feel part of your room rather than something viewed from afar.
- Transport
- From Wadi Rum to Petra is approximately 3 hours' drive. After Petra, it's a 2-hour drive to Wadi Rum desert camp.
- Tip
- The Petra monastery hike involves 900 stairs and is long and challenging, but you can hire a donkey if needed. The reward equals the treasury in breathtaking views.
- Tip
- At the Dead Sea, the water is 10 times saltier than the ocean, so you float effortlessly without swimming. Staying at a resort provides private beach access, showers, and mud.
- Food
- In Wadi Rum camps, traditional local meat is cooked underground for hours and served with vegetables and fresh bread as part of an authentic buffet dinner.
- Tip
- Mount Nebo offers views across the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea and Jerusalem on clear days. It's a brief reflective stop about an hour's drive from Wadi Rum.
- Tip
- The Dead Sea's shore has bright white salt crystal beaches. The salt is edible if you want to taste it as part of the unique experience.
Video on this route
The PERFECT 7-Day Travel Guide for visiting JORDAN: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea & MORE!