A Jordan road trip is full to the brim of amazing historic sights, beautiful scenery and delicious food making it the perfect spot to take a road trip. From floating in the salty Dead Sea to marvelling at the iconic Petra, Jordan is definitely one of our most memorable trips! We loved our time spent exploring Jordan and, to help with your Jordan planning, we’ve put together our ultimate Jordan itinerary to help you plan your trip. From its unmissable historic sights to the best places to stay, this itinerary will help you make the most of your journey through Jordan!
Planning a Jordan Road Trip
Arriving in Jordan
Amman is the main point of entry to Jordan whether it be on an international flight or by an overland crossing from Israel via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge Crossing (you can read about how to cross via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge here). From Eliat in Israel, the Yitzhak Rabin/Arava border is another popular entry point as it offers the opportunity to get a free Jordan visa for visitors from a number of countries.
Visas
Make sure to check the visa requirements prior to arrival. Some middle eastern countries are visa exempt while much of the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific are subject to a visa on arrival. Most of Africa and a select number of other countries are required to obtain a pre approved visa.
Jordan itinerary tip: visas on arrival are not granted at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge Crossing so make sure you secure a visa prior to the crossing. We didn’t realise and had to make a last minute jaunt to the Jordanian Consulate in the Palestinian City of Ramallah in the West Bank. We really enjoyed seeing Ramallah (check out the details of getting a visa in Ramallah here) but you might want to organise your visa in advance!
Where to Stay in Jordan
There is a good selection of hotels in Jordan and we opted for three bases during our stay: Amman, Dead Sea and Petra. Agaba is a great fourth base if you want a resort type stopover or want to enjoy some scuba diving. We used booking.com for our Jordan accommodation as it has an amazing range of options and offers the best prices we could find in Jordan– you can hotel prices on booking.com here.
What to Wear in Jordan
Clothing is more relaxed in the more touristy resort and beach areas but it is considered respectful to cover up when out and about. 3/4 length pants and long-sleeved tops covering cleavage worked well for us.
Jordan Itinerary Route
Most Jordan road trips start and end in Amman and we used the city as an entry and exit point. If you are entering from Eliat, you can start your trip in Aqaba and still hit all the main stops from there so feel free to adjust the itinerary accordingly.
The route: (A) Amman – (B) Day trips to Jerash and (C) Umm Qais – (D) Petra – (E) Wadi Rum – Kings Highway – (F) Dead Sea – Aqaba – (A) Amman
How to Use This Google Map: Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.
Getting around Jordan
A car is the best option for exploring Jordan, however it is also possible to see the main sights in the country from Amman via day and multi-day tours.
Renting a Car in Jordan
Renting a car in Jordan is the best way to explore the country plus driving is relatively easy in the country. The roads are very good quality and fuel is cheap. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace a see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport – check out our tips for renting a car in Jordan for more information.
We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with RentalCars.com, where you will find the best rental car prices – click here to book now
Click here for the best rental car prices
Tours from Amman
It is also possible to visit many of the sites in Jordan from Amman via organised tours
Petra and Wadi Rum: This small group two-day tour departs Amman and includes Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum – check prices now!
Jerash and Umm Qais – This popular day trip tour from Amman and includes Jerash, Umm Qais and Ajloun Castle – check prices now!
Check out all the tours from Amman
Jordan Itinerary
1 | Amman
Jordan’s capital city is a heady mix of modern and ancient and is the perfect balance of chaotic and charming. Often used as a stopover en route to the rest of the country, it’s worth spending a few days exploring if you have some time. Amman is also a great base for taking a day trip north to the incredible ruins of Jerash and Umm Qais.
How long to stay in Amman
We recommend 3 nights in Amman, which will allow a day trip to Jerash and Umm Qais and time to explore the city.
Jordan itinerary tip: Amman traffic is notorious so be prepared for traffic jams. As we arrived by taxi from the border we arranged our car rental to be delivered to our Amman hotel. This is a great option if you want to avoid the crazy city traffic.
Where to Stay in Amman
- Marriott Amman – we opted for the Marriott Hotel in Amman. The hotel was modern, rooms well appointed and the swimming pool a welcome relief from the city heat – Check prices now!
- Amman Pasha hotel – an excellent budget option located across from the Roman Amphitheater with a lively cafe next door – Check prices now!
Click here for the best Amman Hotel Prices
What to see in Amman
- The Citadel and its beautiful views of the city
- Souk Jara market for some local shopping
- The Roman Amphitheatre
- Rainbow Street and its plentiful souvenir shops
2 | Day trip from Amman to Jerash and Umm Qais
Amman is a great base for a day trip to both the incredible Roman ruins of Jerash (45 minutes north of Amman) and the hilltop settlement of Umm Qais (2 hours north of Jerash). The 12th Century Ajloun Castle, a hilltop castle, is an interesting stop between the two sites.
Jordan itinerary tip: if you are combining Jerash and Umm Qais in a single day trip make sure you leave your hotel early in the morning as this will involve 6 hours of driving in total there and back. The roads north are good roads making it doable in a single day. An alternative, if you prefer shorter sightseeing days or wish to spend longer exploring the expansive Jerash, is to split the sites over two separate days. If you prefer to sit back and relax and take a tour, check out some options here.
Jerash
The Roman ruins of Jerash are among the best preserved Roman ruins in the world. Highlights of Jerash include the hippodrome which once hosted chariot races watched by up to 15,000 spectators, cardo maximus, once the main thoroughfare through the city, and Hadrian’s Arch, built to commemorate a visit by Emperor Adrian. The site is so well preserved it’s easy to imagine the grandeur of this city that once was and the history of the site really comes alive.
A tour is a great option for visiting Jerash from Amman. There are a number of great day trips from Amman to Jerash, like this one – check prices now!
Jordan itinerary tip: remember to bring sunscreen and water. The sites, especially Jerash, are vast and exposed to the blazing Jordanian sunshine .
Umm Qais
On the border of Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Syria, the ancient city of Umm Qais has sweeping views over the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights. Originally known as the Decapolis city of Gadara, the present day Umm Quais represents the ruins of a Roman town built on an old Ottoman village. The ruins, while much less well preserved than Jerash, include a theatre, the main street and buildings once occupied by shops, temples and houses. Umm Qais is also touted as the site of a miracle where, according to the Bible, Jesus cast demons from men to pigs.
Jordan itinerary tip: Driving north to Umm Qais you will approach the border of Syria and Jordan and this means frequent checkpoints along the road. We were stopped at multiple checkpoints, where the police were very friendly and simply checked the car, our documents and my driving licence.
Jordan itinerary tip: We enjoyed a delicious fattoush lunch (our favourite Jordanian salad) in the Resthouse Restaurant located within the ruins and both the food and the views of the surrounding countryside were incredible.
3 | Petra
The quickest route from Amman to Petra is via Route 15 and the journey takes around 3 hours. Umm Ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its spectacular, perfectly preserved mosaic (the largest in Jordan) is an unmissable stop along the way.
The site hosts extensive Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim ruins as well as the mosaic floor in the Church of Saint Stephen. The mosaic depicts the major cities of ancient Jordan as well as the hunting and fishing techniques of ancient times.
How long to stay in Petra?
This is a really common question we get as planning time at Petra can be tricky. Plan to spend at least two nights, ideally three, at Petra. Petra is a huge place with lots to see within the ancient site itself and outside. Exploring the site itself will take at least two visits ( early morning and evening) and we highly recommend going to Petra by night in addition to this. We stayed in the Marriot Petra which overlooks and visited the site 5 times over two days, two mornings, two evenings and Petra by night.
Jordan Itinerary tip: try to avoid being in Petra during the hottest part of the day. Hiking around during these temperatures is really hard so it’s best to chill back at your hotel for a few hours and visit during the cooler evening hours.
Where to stay in Petra
- Marriott Petra – We stayed at this fantastic hotel located just a few minutes drive from Petra and loved the panoramic views across the Petra Mountains. Our highlight of the stay was a traditional Jordanian meal served in a Bedouin tent overlooking the Petra Mountains – our meal was served over an incredible sunset accompanied by traditional Bedouin music – Check hotel prices here!
- Mövenpick Resort Petra – Located right at the entrance to Petra, the Movenpick Resort is an excellent choice for those without their own transport and boasts good rooms and an impressive breakfast spread – Check hotel prices here!
- Candles Hotel – a great budget friendly option just a few hundred metres from the entrance to Petra – Check hotel prices here!
Click here for the best Petra Hotel Prices
What to see in Petra
In addition to exploring Petra during the day we highly recommend Petra by night, a candlelit visit to the Treasury of Petra, was one of our favourite events and only runs on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. We visited Petra on four occasions: two sunrise hikes, a daytime visit and our evening at Petra by night. Little Petra, a much smaller and quieter version of the main Petra site, is also worth a visit.
Jordan Itinerary tip: A visit to Petra is as stunning as it is exhausting. Vigorous hikes in unrelenting heat require lots of water and sunscreen and be sure you bring your hiking boots as the terrain can be rough at times.
4 | Wadi Rum
Having experienced one of the New 7 Wonders of the World at Petra it’s time to experience the aptly named Valley of the Moon, otherwise known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi Rum. Spending the night in a Wadi Rum desert camp is truly a once in lifetime experience and exploring the desert in a 4×4 during the daylight hours brings the magnificent landscape to life.
How Long to Stay in Wadi Rum
One night is enough time to explore the desert and experience Wadi Rum
Where to stay at Wadi Rum
- Wadi Rum Luxury Night Camp: if you want to experience the harsh desert conditions of Wadi Rum while still enjoying the luxury of beautiful tents and comfortable beds then this is the camp for you! For an extra special Wadi Rum experience book the Full of Stars tent and watch the stars sparkle from your bed – Check latest prices here
- Salman Zwaidh Camp: for a more traditional camping experience this authentic Bedouin camp lies within the protected area of Wadi Rum and is excellent value for money – Check latest prices here
Click here for the best Wadi Rum Hotel Prices
What to see Wadi Rum
- Lawrence’s Spring and the ruins of Lawrence’s House
- Sand dunes
- The Rock bridges/arches
- Khazali and Burrah Canyon
- Ancient rock drawings
5 | Aqaba
Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba is the perfect access point to the diving and snorkelling of the Red Sea. We skipped Aqaba as we weren’t planning on indulging in any diving or snorkelling but it’s one to add to your itinerary if you’re a fan!
How Long to Stay in Aqaba
We recommend 2 nights in Aqaba, giving enough time to explore the area and rest before the trip to the Dead Sea
Where to stay in Aqaba
- Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea: luxury 5 star hotel on the Red Sea with a private beach and a maze of pools – Check latest prices here!
- Costa Marina Hotel and Suites: budget friendly and the perfect clean and modern base for an Aqaba diving trip – Check latest prices here!
Click here for the best Aqaba Hotel Prices
6 | The King’s High Way
The 280km King’s Highway is one of the Middle East’s most scenic drives and the winding road takes visitors through the ancient trade route which once connected vast amounts of the Middle East. It’s known as the longer and more scenic route between Amman and Petra. There is lots to see on the King’s Highway and we recommend splitting the journey and spending the night at the Dana Biosphere Reserve to indulge in some hikes in the incredibly beautiful surroundings.
Jordan itinerary tip: we choose to incorporate the King’s Highway into our drive north to the Dead Sea. If you prefer, you can drive the King’s Highway en route from Amman to Petra.
Where to stay on the King’s Highway
- Dana Guesthouse: an excellent option with cosy and clean rooms and excellent views, the guesthouse is located within the Dana Reserve – Check latest prices here!
- Dana Moon Hotel: another great choice within the Dana Reserve, the hotel is well maintained, clean and reasonably priced – Check latest prices here!
Click here for the best Dana Hotel Prices
What to see on the King’s Highway
Day 1: Aqaba to the Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Shobak Castle: a 12th Century Crusader Castle perched on the side of a rocky mountain in barren surroundings
- Dana Biosphere Reserve: Jordan’s largest nature reserve sits along the face of the Great Rift Valley and boasts spectacular landscapes and hikes. Check out Dana Village, a stone village occupied since 4,000BC
Day 2: Dana Biosphere Reserve to the Dead Sea
- Kerak Castle: the largest and most well preserved of the Crusader Castles. The 12th Century Castle is perched atop a hilltop in the town of Kerak
- Wadi Mujib: a spectacular river canyon known as Jordan’s Grand Canyon. The river enters the Dead Sea over 400 metres below sea level and Moses is believed to have once walked through
- Madaba Map: an incredible mosaic map of the Middle East created in the 6th Century located in the early Byzantine church of Saint George in the town of Madaba
7 | The Dead Sea
Swimming in the Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest elevation point, is a bucketlist moment in any Jordan itinerary. It’s aptly named the Dead Sea as the water is devoid of life and, with salt levels 4 times higher than the rest of the world’s oceans, it’s a case of floating rather than swimming! The water contains 35 minerals and these, together with the rich mud on its shoreline, make it a spa treat for the skin.
Jordan Itinerary tip: only float on your back and don’t try to swim in the Dead Sea, wear beach shoes to protect your feet from the rocks and don’t shave before entering the water as the salt will sting!
How Long to Spend at the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a great place to kick back and relax a little after a hectic trip around Jordan. While one night is enough to experience it, we recommend two nights at the Marriott Dead Sea Resort for some great relaxation!
Where to stay at the Dead Sea
- Marriott Dead Sea Resort: on the shores of the Dead Sea we loved this resort style hotel where we had direct access to the Dead Sea. Our highlights were the fantastic evening happy hour, the views from our balcony and the resorts swimming pools – Check latest prices here!
- Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort and Spa: another great option with direct access to the Dead Sea, the Crowne Plaza is the must budget friendly of the luxury options lining the Dead Sea – Check latest prices here!
Click here for the best Dead Sea Resort Prices
8 | Day trip to Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site of Jordan
Mount Nebo is, according to ancient tradition, the place from which Moses saw the Promised Land before he died and, at 700 metres above sea level, the views of the Holy Land and the Jordan Valley are spectacular. It’s the reported death and burial site of Moses and the church with the mosaic is a highlight of a visit.
The Baptism Site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, is a relatively recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus and the site where John the Baptist resided. It’s surreal being beside the narrow waters separating Jordan and Israel and it’s common to see baptisms taking place on the Israel side of the site.
9 | Return to Amman
After leaving the Dead Sea we made our way back to Jordan where we were departing from the Queen Alia International Airport. If you have some extra time, Quseir Amra is an excellent stop about 70 minutes east of Amman. The well-preserved 8th Century desert castle built as a royal desert oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible frescoes.
What car rental company did you use??
Hi Zak, we used RentalCars.com We chose Hertz or Avis as they had a good price.
Elaine
This was amazing! I will be utilizing this itinerary. I’m headed there next week as a solo-er and want to rent a car and take in the sites. Thank you all much! Everything on your list is where I desire to go.
Thanks! Have a great trip!
Excluding the hikes, which parts of this itinerary will involve a fair bit of walking which my 65-year old Dad will find difficult to do? He can easily walk 3-4 kms a day? Thanks in advance.
Hi Amit
There’s a decent amount of walking in Petra but I believe those in need can utilise a horse and cart between the entrance and the Treasury although it may be at an additional cost.
I don’t remember any other places where excessive walking was required. In Wadi Rum for example, a jeep transported us around and we could walk as little or as far as we liked.
Elaine
Hi there,
We are wanting to rent a car and road trip Jordan as well.
I was just wondering if most of the hotels you stayed at charge extra for parking, or if there is a free lot included?
Thanks!
Hi Ritz
We didn’t pay for parking at any of our hotels, it was all complementary.
Elaine
Awesome itinerary. Was it eight days long or were you there longer?
Hi Sandara, we spent 10 days in Jordan
Elaine
Hello and thanks for your articles, they’re really helpful!
I’m gonna go to Jordan in September and can’t find any information about the parking spots. Are they secured? How did you do in-between hotels, did you travel and left the car with luggage in the booth? I’m worried that we get our things stolen and want to be sure 🙂
Thanks for your answer.
Hi Marie-Justine
Parking was easily available – there were car parks at hotels and tourist spots. We didn’t have anything valuable in the car (our cameras were always with us) but we’d no issue with security. We’ve had our car broken into twice (in the city we live in!) so we never leave our valuables in the car anymore no matter how secure it seems!
Elaine
Hey Elaine
Looks like an amazing trip!
How much would you recommend as a budget for a similar trip?
Thanks
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl
It wasn’t expensive – hotels were reasonable and fuel and car rental was cheap. I’m pretty sure we spent less than 100 usd a day and we stayed at lovely hotels.
Elaine
great plan. have a doubt. though we rent a car for a week, during the three days stay in Petra is there a need for a car. or is it to be just parked in the hotel as most of the places will be covered by trekking
We used the car to drive to Little Petra but mostly parked at our hotel when we were there.
Elaine
Hi there,
Did you rent a 4×4 for the whole trip? It seems that most of the sites are reachable with basic cars, not sure about wadi rum though.
We had a standard car. Our only 4×4 was in wadi rum where someone drove us through the desert.
Elaine
Great blog, got loads of ideas for my trip next month.
I’d like to camp in Wadi Rum but will only have a normal car. Im assuming the tours bring you around in 4x4s. How do you get to the campsites? Do they pick you up on the edge of the desert or how does it work?
Thanks, greetings from Ireland,
Felix
Hi Felix,
we only had a normal car too. Everyone parks in Wadi Rum Village. From there the tours and camps take you into Wadi Rum in 4x4s. There’s no way you’d get in with a normal car, the sand is intense! Love your photography too, have fun in Jordan. It’s a stunning country, the Petra at night tour is a must for photos. We’re Irish too! Let us know if you have any other questions. David