Plan your visit
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for extreme temperatures and bright sun. Bring your printed Jordan Pass to save on the 5 JOD entrance fee.
Getting there
Most visitors drive or take a bus from Amman, Petra, or Aqaba.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive via the Desert Highway from Amman or King's Highway from Petra. Normal cars must be parked at the Visitor Center or Wadi Rum Village. | 4 hours from Amman, 1.5 hours from Petra, 1 hour from Aqaba | Varies by rental; 25 JOD average for a taxi from Aqaba, 40 JOD from Petra | Do not fall for scams on the highway; only stop at the official Visitor Center to pay fees or show your Jordan Pass. |
| Bus: JETT bus operates daily from Amman and Aqaba to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Local minibuses run from Petra in the early morning. | 1.5 hours from Petra, 1 hour from Aqaba | 7-15 JOD depending on the bus company | The local minibus from Petra usually departs at 6:30 AM. |
| Tour: Bedouin-driven 4x4 open-topped jeep tours are arranged via your camp or the Visitor Center. | 2-8 hours | 25-70 JOD depending on duration and group size | Jeep tours are the most efficient way to see the vast desert sights, as walking distances are too great for a day trip. |
When to go
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Wadi Rum is open year-round. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide the best conditions. Summer is extremely hot, and winter nights drop near freezing.
What to bring
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Do not fall for highway scams.
Only stop at the official Wadi Rum Visitor Center to pay fees.
How the day runs
Popular ways to organize your desert trip.
Explore by day and sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp.
- Visitor Center
Register, pay the 5 JOD fee, and drive to Wadi Rum Village.
- Jeep Tour Begins
Transfer to a 4x4 and head into the protected area.
- Lunch in the Desert
Enjoy a traditional meal cooked over the fire by your guide.
- Rock Bridges
Climb Um Fruth Rock Bridge and explore Khazali Canyon.
- Sunset & Camp
Watch the sunset, then head to your camp for dinner and stargazing.
A quick overview if you are short on time.
- Arrival
Park at Wadi Rum Village and meet your guide.
- Lawrence's Spring
Scramble up to the spring for panoramic views.
- Red Sand Dunes
Climb barefoot up the massive sand dunes.
- Khazali Canyon
Walk into the fissure to view ancient petroglyphs.
- Return
Head back to the village for your onward journey.
Essential Packing List
The desert sun is intense. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. You need a reusable water bottle holding at least 2 liters per day.
Nights get very cold. Bring a warm fleece or jacket, especially in winter or spring. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for scrambling over rocks.
Easiest way to do it
Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp
48 h 4.9 (383)
- Bottled water and Tea
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
From$106per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can I drive my rental car inside?
Only 4-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed inside the protected area. An additional fee may apply for bringing your own 4WD.
Are there toilets?
Modern toilets are available at the Visitor Center and most desert camps. Deep in the desert, facilities do not exist.
Is there cell service?
Service is very limited inside the reserve. Download offline maps and coordinate pickup times in advance.