Wadi Rum Petra And The South, Jordan Travel Guide
Jordan has two main airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and King Hussein International Airport (AQJ).
Options for transfers from both major airports to Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
Both AMM and AQJ have facilities like duty-free, currency exchange, and car rentals.
JETT Bus from Amman to Aqaba is a common long-distance option. No trains in Jordan.
Visa policies vary at land borders. Always verify current regulations before crossing.
Jordan's only seaport on the Red Sea. Serves ferries from Nuweiba (Egypt) and some Red Sea cruises.
Ferries between Nuweiba (Egypt) and Aqaba are an option for travelers combining Jordan with the Sinai region.
Standard passport control. Visa on arrival usually available. Taxis from Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum Visitor Center (~1 hour) are available.
No separate exit fee is typically paid by tourists departing Jordan by air; it is usually included in the airline ticket price.
Exit fees may apply when departing Jordan via land borders (e.g., to Israel). These fees are approximately 10 JOD (14 USD) but vary.
No direct public bus service exists from Petra (Wadi Musa) to Wadi Rum. Shared taxis or private transfers are the common methods.
Reaching Wadi Rum from Aqaba is straightforward.
The desert offers pedestrian-friendly areas and walking routes, mostly with a guide.
Certain areas are unsafe for unguided exploration.
The main and authorized mode of transport for tourists within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Sturdy Toyota pickups adapted for desert travel, driven by local Bedouin guides. Rented by the vehicle for tours (e.g., 2-hour, half-day, full-day tours), with costs split among passengers. Essential for accessing desert attractions.
Wadi Rum's terrain (sand, uneven rocks, lack of paved paths) poses challenges for travelers with mobility issues. Some camps have limited accessible facilities, but jeep tours and accessing most viewpoints can be difficult without significant assistance. Communicate specific needs with your chosen camp or tour operator in advance to understand what level of accessibility they realistically bring.
Tour buses typically drop off visitors at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, where tourists transfer to Bedouin jeeps. No boat taxis, cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport types are available in Wadi Rum. Private taxis or pre-arranged transfers are generally the safest and most reliable for reaching the Visitor Center.
Plan your arrival and departure strategically. Cash is important for local transactions in Wadi Rum.
Prioritize safety and show respect for local customs to enhance your trip.
Purchase the Jordan Pass online before your arrival. It covers your visa fee and entry to Wadi Rum and Petra.
Always carry sufficient water. The desert environment means dehydration is a constant risk.
Embrace the Bedouin hospitality and traditional experiences, like Zarb dinners and stargazing.
Wadi Rum has a journey into a landscape of profound beauty and ancient history.
