Wadi Rum is an area in southern Jordan known for its dramatic red dunes and the surreal feeling of being on “Mars on Earth.”
After Petra and the Dead Sea, it’s one of the top places people want to visit in Jordan. Most travelers go to Wadi Rum on a tour—and honestly, I get why! There’s not a lot of clear information out there on how to reach Wadi Rum, especially via public transport.
I went to Jordan to volunteer, so I was lucky to have a local Bedouin to ask. I landed at Amman International Airport and traveled to Wadi Rum by public transport.
In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to get to Wadi Rum from Amman using public buses. I’ll also cover details if you’re traveling from Petra or Aqaba, including travel times and costs, all updated for 2025.
Pro Tip: If you’re not spending the night in Wadi Rum, it’s best to take this tour from Amman or this tour from Petra. Public buses leave only once a day, meaning you’ll spend more time on the road and trying to figure things out, especially since most people don’t speak English.
Where Exactly is Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum isn’t a single town or just one stop—it’s an entire region. Here’s a quick breakdown so you don’t end up in the wrong place:
- Wadi Rum Visitor Center – This is the official entry point into the protected area. You’ll pay your entrance fee here and meet your Bedouin camp for pickup.
- Wadi Rum Village – A small village located inside the protected area, home to locals and Bedouin families. Some Bedouin camps also operate from here.
- Wadi Rum Desert – This is the stunning protected area itself, where you’ll camp, hike, go on jeep tours, and experience the unforgettable landscapes that make Wadi Rum famous.
- Disah Village – Located outside the protected area. Be cautious—some fake tours operate from here and don’t enter Wadi Rum’s protected desert region.
Important Note: There are no ATMs in Wadi Rum, so make sure to bring enough cash for bus tickets, entrance fees, tips, and any tours or camps you haven’t booked online.
The currency exchange and ATM fees at the airport are awful—you pay 15 JOD or almost 50% for a small exchange. I recommend using a Wise card instead; the withdrawal fee is only 1 JOD. You can get your Wise card here.
How to Get to Wadi Rum from Amman
If you’re flying in from abroad, you’ll most likely land at Queen Alia International Airport, located in Amman.
From here, you can easily rent a car, take a public bus, or hire a taxi. Some tours pick you up directly from the airport, like this one or this one.
1. Rental Car from Amman
The easiest way to get around Jordan is by renting a car. This way, you can start in Amman, make stops at the Dead Sea and Petra, and then continue to Wadi Rum.
You can rent a car for as low as €18 per day here or here. I definitely would’ve chosen this option if I had been confident enough to drive. Plus, it’s the closest experience you’ll get to driving on Mars!
The highways are in good condition, but gas stations are limited, so make sure to tank up.
- Distance: 4 hours / 320 km
- Route: Drive south via Desert Highway (Highway 15)
- Parking: Your Bedouin host will pick you up from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, and they will lead you to the Wadi Rum Village Parking, where you can park.
2. Airport Bus + JETT Bus
If you’re a solo traveler, on a budget, or volunteering, the cheapest way to get from Amman to Wadi Rum is via public transport. It’s also your first taste of adventure and an authentic slice of Jordanian culture.
💡 Very important: If you’re taking public transport, make sure you grab an eSIM so you can find the bus station and contact your host when you arrive. Jordanians are super helpful, but they speak little English. This is the eSIM I used—get $3 off with this code: GLADIS1238.
From the airport, just step outside and hop on the Sariyah Airport bus—tell the driver you want to get off at the 7th Circle.
It departs at 6 a.m. and then leaves every hour in the morning, switching to every 30 minutes in the afternoon. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 3.30 JOD (cash only).
Pro Tip: Don’t exchange money at Amman Airport—the rates are awful. I tried to exchange $20 and got just 8 JOD when the real rate was 16 JOD! The ATM in the baggage area charges 5 JOD plus a 10 JOD international‑card fee. Instead, use the ATM after customs—it only charges 3 JOD.
Even better, use a Wise card. It only charges 1 JOD and uses the interbank rate. Get your Wise card here.
At the 7th Circle, cross the street and walk a few meters to the pedestrian lane—there’s no traffic light, so wait for less traffic and then run.
Next, take the stairs down to the JETT Bus office (here’s the location). The 7:30 AM JETT bus to Wadi Rum costs 20 JOD and accepts cash or cards.
You’ll get two break stops for snacks and restrooms. Finally, you’ll arrive at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, where your camp picks you up. If that ride isn’t included, expect to pay about 5 JOD.
At the Visitor Center, you must pay a 7 JOD entry fee, which is free if you have the Jordan Pass.
3. Private Taxi or Driver
If you’re traveling with a group of three or four, you’re better off getting a taxi. That way, you can ask the driver to make short stops along the way. You can even hire them for a day trip or several days—just be sure to agree on a price beforehand to avoid getting ripped off.
From Amman to Wadi Rum, expect to pay around 90–110 JOD. You can get a taxi at the airport, or even better, ask your hotel to arrange one for you.
4. Guided Tour
If you only have 3 to 5 days in Jordan or are a solo traveler, I recommend joining a guided tour. You can visit Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum without worrying about bus schedules or searching for bus stops.
You’ll also have an English‑speaking guide handling all the logistics and sharing insider tips on local customs, history, photo spots, and hidden gems. This is the perfect way to enjoy your vacation.
Some tours—like this one—even include your Bedouin camp, 4×4 transfers, meals, and guided hikes, so you can save energy and enjoy your adventure.
Two‑day guided tours that include Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum start at around 177 JOD (like this one), whereas Petra + Wadi Rum‑only tours begin at just 88 JOD (like this one).
Combine Petra and the Dead Sea with your Wadi Rum trip. They’re all located on the same route, and you’ll save loads of time by booking a combined tour.
How to Get to Wadi Rum from Petra (Wadi Musa)
Most people come to Jordan to see Petra, and it’s easy to understand why. What many don’t realize is that just two hours away lies Wadi Rum, an unbelievable Mars‑like landscape right here on Earth.
So if you’re in Petra, make the short trip to Wadi Rum—it’s worth it. Here’s how:
1. Rental Car from Amman
You’ll need to rent your car in Amman here, then either stop first at Petra (Wadi Musa) before heading to Wadi Rum, or drive straight to Wadi Rum and visit Petra on the return trip. There are no rental car services in Petra.
From Petra, it’s 112 km to Wadi Rum, and the drive takes about 2 hours.
2. Rum Local Bus or JETT Bus
There are two bus options from Petra to Wadi Rum. The Rum Bus departs Petra at 6:00 AM and arrives at the Wadi Rum Rest House for 10 JOD.
The JETT Bus leaves at 11:30 AM and drops you off at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center for 15 JOD.
Wadi Rum to Petra
The Rum Bus departs the Wadi Rum Rest House at 9:00 AM, and the JETT Bus leaves the Wadi Rum Visitor Center at the same time.
3. Taxi
You can take a taxi from Petra (Wadi Musa) to the Wadi Rum Rest House for around 45 JOD. The fare is the same if you’re from Little Petra or Al-Baydha. You can also book this private transfer for 80 JOD for up to four people.
4. Guided Tour
If you’re already in Petra, you can easily go to Wadi Rum by booking this jeep tour that includes
How to Get to Wadi Rum from Aqaba
Wadi Rum is also an hour from Aqaba. Here’s how to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum:
1. Rental Car from Aqaba
Just like in Amman, you can easily rent a car in Aqaba, with options available at both the airport and the city center here or here.
It takes about one hour (69.2 km) to reach Wadi Rum from Aqaba.
2. JETT Bus
JETT buses are also available from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. The bus departs at 8:00 AM from the Aqaba JETT Station and returns at 7:00 PM from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs 15 JOD.
3. Taxi
If you’re a group of two to four, it’s better to take a taxi from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. You can leave anytime, the ride takes about an hour, and it costs between 25 and 35 JOD.
4. Guided Tour
You can also easily join this day tour, which includes the transfer from Aqaba to Wadi Rum, a jeep tour, a Bedouin guide, bottled water, and even the entrance fee.
What Happens After You Arrive in Wadi Rum?
Whichever way you’re coming from—Amman, Petra, or Aqaba—all visitors need to pay the entrance fee to the Wadi Rum Protected Area, which is 7 JOD (or free with the Jordan Pass).
Your Bedouin guide will pick you up from the Visitor Center and drive you into the Wadi Rum Desert to start your tour or take you to your camp. If you have a car, they’ll escort you to the Wadi Rum parking area inside the village.
Unless your transfer to Wadi Rum includes a guided tour, you’ll need to book one separately to explore the desert—and for good reason. There’s no Wi‑Fi and barely any phone signal once you leave the village, and navigating the desert takes real skill.
If you’re determined to do it on your own, it’s allowed—you can rent a 4×4 jeep for around 35 JOD.
Just make sure to pin your locations on Google Maps, download an offline map, bring plenty of water, and be confident driving off‑road with basic mechanical know‑how. I’ve seen more than one jeep with a flat tire stranded in the sand.
💡 Wadi Rum feels like another planet—in the best way. But even the most magical adventures can come with surprises.
That’s why I use SafetyWing for all my travels. Whether it’s a delayed bus, a sprained ankle on a desert hike, or your bag pulling a disappearing act, it’s good to know someone’s got your back. I used it in Jordan, and honestly, I wouldn’t travel without it. Here’s my honest review of SafetyWing.
If you’d rather skip the hassle and want to experience Bedouin culture while you’re at it, I highly recommend this full‑day tour that includes traditional lunch, dinner, and a one‑night stay in a Bedouin tent.
If you’re only visiting for the day, you can also book this half‑day tour or customize your experience with this flexible tour option.
FAQs: Getting To Wadi Rum
Is Wadi Rum worth it?
Absolutely! Wadi Rum is one of the best deserts in the world. It’s a unique, Mars‑like landscape that gives you a glimpse into nomadic Bedouin culture.
How safe is Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is very safe for tourists. Crime is almost nonexistent, and local Bedouin guides look out for you. Still, remember to stick to marked routes, follow your guide’s advice, and bring plenty of water.
Are there snakes in Wadi Rum?
Yes, there are a few snake species in Wadi Rum, but they’re rarely seen and tend to avoid humans. As long as you stick to marked trails and listen to your guide, there’s no need to worry.
Wrap Up: How to Go To Wadi Rum
Getting to Wadi Rum may take a little planning, but it’s so worth it. I was lucky to stay with a Bedouin host who helped me figure everything out—and now I’m passing it on to you.
Whether you’re coming from Amman, Petra, or Aqaba, you’ve got everything you need to make it to the desert and soak up the magic that is Wadi Rum.