Your Essential Guide to Exploring Wadi Rum
Last edited: June 15th, 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, Wadi Rum is one of those places you simply can’t miss. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as the Valley of the Moon. This vast desert landscape offers towering rock formations shaped by wind over many years, golden-red sand dunes, and an atmosphere that feels otherworldly. Whether you want to explore by jeep, spend a night under countless stars, ride a camel slowly across the sand, or experience real Bedouin hospitality, Wadi Rum offers an unforgettable adventure for everyone. It is a place where nature’s beauty meets a special culture, allowing you to connect with the desert’s quiet power and its people’s old traditions. If you plan to visit Jordan, a trip to Wadi Rum is a must.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Wadi Rum from different parts of Jordan, what to expect when you arrive,important preparations before you go, and practical tips travelers often ask about.
What Is Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum is a protected desert area in southern Jordan, about 60 km east of Aqaba. It’s famous for its dramatic sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, rock bridges, and unique reddish terrain. This area has long been home to Bedouin communities and continues to be a place where tradition and nature coexist.
It’s also been the filming site for movies like Dune, The Martian, and Lawrence of Arabia, thanks to its Mars-like landscapes. But beyond Hollywood, Wadi Rum is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Jordan.
How to Get to Wadi Rum
One of the most common questions travelers ask is: how do you actually get to Wadi Rum? Despite its remote feel, Wadi Rum is surprisingly accessible from Jordan’s main cities—Aqaba, Petra, and Amman.
From Aqaba to Wadi Rum
Aqaba is the closest city to Wadi Rum and the easiest point of departure. The trip is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
- JETT Bus: Runs daily from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs 15 JOD
- Taxi: A private taxi from Aqaba to Wadi Rum typically costs between 25–35 JOD
- Rental car: Many travelers rent a car in Aqaba. The drive is straightforward and well-signed. Just note that you’ll need to park at the Visitor Center or Wadi Rum Village; only 4x4s are allowed into the protected desert area
From Petra to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is about 110 kilometers (68 miles), taking around 1.5 to 2 hours from Petra.
- JETT Bus: There’s a direct daily JETT Bus from Petra (Wadi Musa) to Wadi Rum for around 15–20 JOD. Buses usually leave in the afternoon.
- Minibuses: Local minibuses are available but don’t run on fixed schedules. They typically leave around 6:00–6:30 AM. Meeting point can be arranged, we would advise you to contact your accommodation either in Wadi Musa or Wadi Rum to help you with the contact details of the bus driver.
- Taxi or driver: Expect to pay 35–45 JOD for a private car between Petra and Wadi Rum.
From Amman to Wadi Rum
Coming from Amman involves a longer journey (about 4–5 hours), but it’s manageable.
- JETT Bus: Daily departures to Wadi Rum are available for 20 JOD. Early morning departures are common, so check the schedule and book in advance
- Private transfer: A one-way private ride from Amman can cost around 90–100 JOD
- Self-drive: Many travelers rent a car and explore Jordan at their own pace, stopping at Petra and Dead Sea along the way
Pro tip: The JETT Bus is the most reliable public transport option. Book early during high season as seats fill quickly, especially on the Amman and Petra routes.
Public vs. Private Transportation in Wadi Rum
If you’re on a tight budget or traveling solo, the JETT Bus or local minibuses are your best options. They’re affordable and fairly comfortable. However, they do require more planning and sometimes long waits.
If time is limited or you’re traveling as a group, renting a car or arranging a private transfer offers more flexibility. Just remember that private vehicles cannot enter the desert reserve itself. You’ll need to park at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center or Wadi Rum Village and arrange for a Bedouin guide or camp to meet you with a 4×4.
What to Do Before Arriving in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum offers a raw, off-the-grid experience, which is part of its charm. But that also means you should prepare before you arrive.
Make sure to:
- Bring cash: There are no ATMs in Wadi Rum Most camps prefer cash payments, especially for extras like camel rides or additional meals
- Stock up on essentials: Sunscreen, reusable water bottles, snacks, and any personal medication should be bought in advance. You won’t find shops once you’re in the desert
- Confirm your pickup location and time: Most camps offer pickup from either the Visitor Center or Wadi Rum Village. Some can arrange transfers from Aqaba or Petra for an extra fee
What to Pack for Wadi Rum Tours
You don’t need to overpack, but a few essentials can make your visit much more comfortable:
- Comfortable hiking or walking shoes
- Light layers for the day, warm layers for the night
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- A flashlight or headlamp (especially useful in camps with limited lighting)
- Power bank for charging your phone or camera
- Personal items like lip balm, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
What Happens When You Arrive
You’ll first reach the Wadi Rum Visitor Center, the main entrance to the protected area. Here, you’ll pay the entrance fee (7 JOD, or free with the Jordan Pass), and your camp’s driver or guide will meet you. The Visitor Center also offers maps and basic information about the reserve.
After the Visitor Center, you will usually drive a short distance (about 7 kilometers or 4.3 miles) to Wadi Rum Village, a small community where most camp operators live. If you’re taking a local minibus or arriving by rental car, this is likely where you’ll meet your guide. From here, you’ll transfer to a 4×4 to reach your desert camp.
For self-drivers: If you drove your own rental car to Wadi Rum, you will safely park it in Wadi Rum Village or at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center parking lot. Your camp will then arrange your ride into the desert, making sure your car is safe while you explore Wadi Rum.
Pro tip: If you’re interested in a more authentic arrival, ask your host if they offer camel rides from the village to the camp—it’s a scenic and memorable way to start your visit.
Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is open year-round, but weather conditions vary dramatically by season. Choosing the right season can make all the difference in enjoying your desert adventures comfortably.
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit Wadi Rum. Temperatures are pleasant, and the skies are clear
- Summer (June–August) brings extreme heat during the day, often exceeding 40°C (104°F). Tours usually start early or late to avoid the midday sun
- Winter (December–February) can be surprisingly cold, especially at night. Some camps offer heated tents, but layering is essential
The landscape changes with the light, so no matter the season, Wadi Rum offers breathtaking views—especially at sunrise and sunset.
Final Tips for Visiting Wadi Rum
- We really recommend to plan for at least one overnight stay to experience the sunset, sunrise, and stargazing, it’s an entirely different world at night.
- Book your desert camp in advance, especially in spring and autumn when availability gets tight.
- Ask about tour options: Most camps offer Jeep tours, camel rides, hiking, and even sandboarding. A full-day or half-day Jeep tour is one of the best ways to see the highlights like Lawrence’s Spring, the red sand dunes, and rock bridges.
Stay hydrated—even in cooler months, the desert climate can be dehydrating.
Start You Desert Adventure
Wadi Rum is truly an extraordinary place that offers not just beautiful scenery, but also real cultural experiences and adventures you will not forget. From its huge rock formations to its calm sand dunes, every part of Wadi Rum invites you to explore and wonder. By carefully preparing for your trip, understanding how to get there, and knowing what to expect from your Bedouin camp experience, you will be set for a comfortable and rich adventure. Whether you are watching the sunset over a distant mountain, looking at the amazing night sky, or sharing tea with your Bedouin hosts, Wadi Rum provides moments that will stay with you long after you leave its red sands. Get ready to be amazed by the beauty and peace of Jordan’s magnificent desert!
Ready for Wadi Rum? All that’s left is to pack your bag and go. Plan your stay with us.
