How to Get from Petra to Wadi Rum: Solo Travel Guide
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Heading from Petra to Wadi Rum on your own can seem daunting, especially when you’re solo.
Trust me, I’ve been there—I spent a whole month exploring Jordan alone! When it comes to getting between these stops on your itinerary, you have to consider a few things: your budget, schedule flexibility, and comfort level with foreign roads.
Driving yourself between Petra and Wadi Rum is the best way to go. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and I found Jordan’s roads easy to navigate. Rental cars are surprisingly affordable here!
If the thought of cruising solo through the desert makes you a bit nervous, a private driver or a guided tour, though pricier, are stress-free options.
If you’re on a budget, the bus is your cheapest option, but keep in mind that buses run on a limited schedule, which might not align with yours.
Here’s a closer look at each travel option to help you decide!
🧭 Petra to Wadi Rum Distance: 65 miles / 104 km
🚘 Drive Time: 1.5-2 hours
6 Ways to Get to Wadi Rum from Petra
| Mode of Transportation | Duration (One-Way) | Approximate Cost in USD (One-Way) |
| Self-Drive | 1.5 hours | $20-40/day |
| Taxi / Private Driver | 1.5 hours | $55 / $130 |
| Guided Tours | 1-3 days | $90+ per person |
| JETT Bus / Asri Shuttle Bus | 2 hours | $22 / $13 per person |
| Public Bus | 2.5 – 3.5 hours | $10-$14 per person |
| By Foot – The Jordan Trail Petra to Wadi Rum Hike | 5 days | Guide + accommodation |
It was built by the Ottomans in 1908 and is parked in the desert near Wadi Rum.
Important: Private vehicles are prohibited from driving within Wadi Rum Reserve, so you’ll park in Wadi Rum Village and get picked up by your accommodation. Arrange for pick-up in advance!
Petra to Wadi Rum by Car
Driving from Petra to Wadi Rum is arguably the best and most common way to navigate between these iconic Jordanian destinations.
The journey covers about 104 kilometers (65 miles) and typically takes 1.5 hours.
Renting a Car
Renting a car provides flexibility and is generally more budget-friendly. You can often find rentals ranging from $20-40 USD per day.
I snagged a great deal through this search engine.
The roads between Petra and Wadi Rum are well-maintained, and navigation with Google Maps is straightforward. Make sure you download the map offline in case you lose service!
There aren’t any rental agencies in Wadi Musa (where Petra is located), so you’ll want to arrange your rental in Amman or Aqaba—book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
You’ll travel part of this distance on the King’s Highway (Route 35) and the modern Desert Highway (Route 15). The route is easy to follow, with signs in English, and quite scenic. I stopped to snap photos of the Al Hijaz Steam Train in the desert on my trip. And yes, expect to see camels wandering!
Technically, you should have an International Driving Permit (IDP), but the rental company won’t ask you for it. I always travel with mine.
Renting a car in Jordan allows you to visit some off-the-beaten-path destinations after you’ve explored Petra and Wadi Rum.
🚗 Renting a car in Jordan was the best decision I made.
I recommend you check out this platform to compare the best deals from leading rental companies in Jordan.
Hiring a Private Driver or Taxi
Self-driving from Petra to Wadi Rum may not be for all solo travelers, so you may want to hire a driver instead.
A private transfer for up to three passengers can cost around $80 USD with companies like We Go Cab or up to $129 USD with Tourist Jordan. Cut costs by finding other travelers going the same route.
Taxis are readily available at the Petra Visitor’s Center, but you’ll need to negotiate the fare—depending on your haggling skills, expect to pay about 35-40 JOD ($50-56 USD). Always confirm the price beforehand, and remember, bargaining is expected!
Although taxis are less available in Wadi Rum, your camp can usually arrange one for you. I usually prefer to go with a driver my hotel knows and recommends anyway.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Careem are popular in Amman but rarely found in Petra or Wadi Rum.
👉 This popular 5-star overnight tour from Amman makes exploring Petra and the Wadi Rum desert easy. Travelers give the guides rave reviews!
Petra to Wadi Rum by Bus
Taking a bus from Petra to Wadi Rum is affordable and efficient if you’re a solo traveler looking to save a bit and don’t mind sticking to a set schedule.
Booking Your Bus Ticket
For convenience, I typically use this website to check schedules and book my tickets in advance. This is particularly crucial during peak travel seasons when buses can fill up quickly. Booking a few days ahead helps ensure you won’t miss out.
JETT Bus
The most popular and comfortable option is the JETT bus, known for its air-conditioned coaches with onboard bathrooms—essential on a hot Jordanian day!
The bus from Petra to Wadi Rum departs daily at 5pm from the Petra Jett stop, located near the Petra Visitor Center, and arrives at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center around 6:30pm. Double-check this in case JETT updates the schedule!
The JETT bus from Petra to Wadi Rum costs $22 USD.
The biggest downside to taking the JETT bus is that you might miss the sunset–my favorite experience in Wadi Rum!
Asri Tours Shuttle Bus
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider Asri Tours. They offer a smaller shuttle service with pickups directly from your accommodation, a great perk.
Buses leave at 6am and 6:30am and cost just $13 USD. Though smaller and less luxurious than JETT buses, reviews praise Asri for its efficiency and convenience.
How to Get to Wadi Rum by Local Minibus
For the truly adventurous and budget-conscious, the local minibus might be appealing.
It’s the cheapest route, costing only 7-10 JOD ($10-14 USD). However, it’s also the least convenient and least comfortable.
These buses don’t have a fixed departure time. They leave Wadi Musa Bus Stop only when full, which can mean a significant wait. There’s no air conditioning, and the journey can take over three hours with additional stops and potential charges for luggage or under-filled buses.
I actually don’t know anyone who has gone this route, so please let me know if you do!
👉 Pro Tip: I use this site to look up train, bus, and ferry routes.
Wadi Rum and Petra Tours
Opting for a tour from Petra to Wadi Rum is a fantastic choice for solo travelers or anyone seeking a stress-free experience in the desert.
Tours provide a safe and simple way to enjoy the area’s stunning landscapes and rich history. They handle all logistics, like transportation and accommodations.
If you DIY your visit from Petra to Wadi Rum, you’ll likely have to add activities when you get there, like a Jeep tour, so you may as well combine transport and tour! I drove myself from Petra to Wadi Rum since I already rented a car, and then bought a sunset Jeep tour when I got to my accommodation. Most accommodations don’t include activities in the cost.
I love taking tours when traveling solo because they offer great social opportunities and give me a much-needed break from planning. You get to see so much in a short period of time!
You can choose between private and group tours, depending on your preference for a more personalized experience or the dynamic of a group setting.
Most Wadi Rum and Petra tours begin in major cities like Amman or Aqaba, but if you’re starting from Petra, many tour operators arrange transfers from the Petra Visitor’s Center.
When selecting your tour, make sure it includes all the sights and experiences you’re interested in. Check the tour operator’s reviews to ensure reliability and quality.
I recommend these highly-rated 5-star tours:
- 2-day Small Group Tour – Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea––nearly 1,000 5-star Reviews!
- Full-Day Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp Stay! (All Meals Included)
- Full-Day Jeep Tour: “Wadi Rum Highlights” – meeting point in Wadi Rum
- Day Tour to Petra & Wadi Rum from Amman – Group Tour
- Petra & Wadi Rum (1 Day Private tour)
- One Day Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour from Aqaba
- From Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea 3-Day Tour
Bonus: Hike from Petra to Wadi Rum via The Jordan Trail
Yes, you read that right – if you have an extra week in your Jordan Itinerary, you can hike from Amman to Wadi Rum via the Jordan Trail! This is the most adventurous and off-the-beaten-path option, and you have to tell me about it if you do it.
As you explore deep, rugged wadis and navigate through open, sandy plains surrounded by surreal sandstone buttes, you’ll discover hidden realms rarely ventured by humans (at least not in this century).
Although going with a guide isn’t required, it is recommended, as they can provide valuable information about the region’s history and culture.
Hiking the Jordan Trail is a unique way to experience all that this stunning desert has to offer.
PS If you love hiking, you must do my favorite hike in Jordan!
👉 This highly-rated Dana to Petra Group Trek looks incredible – it’s a multi-day trek from the Dana Nature Reserve to Petra through canyons and desert along Bedouin trails.
Practical Tips for Your Journey from Petra to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is spectacular and is one of my favorite experiences in Jordan!
It’s known as The Valley of the Moon, a vast desert landscape with dramatic rock formations and towering mountains. Visitors can go on camel rides, explore ancient ruins and Bedouin villages, or enjoy the incredible views.
I strongly recommend spending at least one night in Wadi Rum to get the full desert experience––There’s nothing quite like seeing the stars from Wadi Rum!
Google Maps worked well for my drive to Wadi Rum from Petra. You can find the directions here. I recommend downloading Offline Maps on the app in case you lose your cell signal on the road.
You’ll check in at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center before parking in town and being driven to camp by your accommodation. Entrance to Wadi Rum is included in the Jordan Pass (otherwise, it’s 5 JOD).
Private vehicles are not allowed to drive within the reserve.
I didn’t know I had to arrange for pick-up with my hotel, so I started driving onto the sand, quickly realizing what a terrible idea that was and turning back.
Since both bus services and many tours run just once daily, ensure you have all your essential contacts handy—like tour guides and hotel details—in case of any schedule changes or delays. It almost always takes longer to get places in Jordan than Google Maps tells you!
The best way to explore Wadi Rum is to book accommodation overnight at a Bedouin camp or luxury desert camp and book activities through them.
Or, book one of these Wadi Rum tours. They’ll pick you up just outside the protected area, usually free of charge. It’s also crucial to book your accommodations well ahead of time.
The choice of camps within the reserve is limited, and popular options like bubble tents book up quickly. I wanted to stay in the Instagram-famous bubble tents, but they were all booked. I ended up in a fantastic luxury tent instead, but booking early gives you a better chance of securing your first choice.
Looking for the best Wadi Rum tours? I recommend 2-Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman — rated 5 Stars, with 900+ ratings.
FAQs about How to Get from Petra to Wadi Rum
How far is Wadi Rum from Petra?
Wadi Rum is about 65 miles (104 kilometers) from Petra. The drive typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours.
How much is a taxi from Amman to Petra?
A taxi from Amman to Petra typically costs around 35-40 JOD ($50-56 USD), depending on your bargaining skills. Taxis in Jordan are supposed to use a meter, but for long distances, it’s common to agree on a set price before the ride.
How to go from Petra to Wadi Rum?
To travel from Petra to Wadi Rum, you can drive, take a bus, or hire a taxi. Driving takes about 1.5 hours and costs $20-40 USD daily for rentals. Buses like JETT ($22 USD) offer limited schedules, typically departing once daily. Taxis provide a stress-free ride but are pricier, costing around $50-56 USD.
Final Thoughts: How to Get to Wadi Rum from Petra
If you’re traveling solo in Jordan and looking to get from Petra to Wadi Rum, let me assure you that it’s worth the effort for the stunning desert experience that awaits.
Driving yourself offers flexibility and a sense of adventure, and it’s surprisingly affordable, with rental cars available for $20-40 USD per day. The roads are well-maintained, and navigation is straightforward, making it my top recommendation if you’re comfortable behind the wheel.
For those who prefer not driving, hiring a private driver or opting for a taxi provides a stress-free alternative, though it’s more costly, averaging $50-129 USD. Another budget-friendly and popular choice is the JETT bus, costing $22 USD for a comfortable ride, though you’ll need to time your travels to fit their schedule.
There are several highly-rated Wadi Rum Tours to choose from–a great option for solo travelers who enjoy meeting other travelers and having all the logistics handled for them!
Now, if you’re curious about driving across Jordan and looking for more in-depth tips from my extensive experience behind the wheel, you’ll want to read my best advice for navigating this beautiful country safely and enjoyably.
👉 One of my favorite nights in Jordan was at the famous Memories Aicha Luxury Resort in Wadi Rum. I didn’t book far enough in advance for the famous bubble tents, but the luxury tent was worth the splurge!
Read More About Jordan:
- 7 Day Jordan Itinerary: What to Skip and What’s Worth It
- Ultimate Jordan Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Jordan
- 25 Essential Tips for Driving in Jordan (I Did It!)
- Your Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Jordan
- Is Petra Worth Visiting? A Guide for Solo Travelers
- Hiking the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail: The Ultimate Guide
- 10 Best Places to Visit in North Jordan
- Ajloun Forest Reserve: Ultimate Travel Guide
- Is Jerash Worth Visiting? + Insights and Tips
- Is Aqaba Worth Visiting? 10 Pros and Cons for Travelers
- Ultimate Guide to Diving in Aqaba (10 Best Dive Sites!)
- 7 Best Day Trips from Amman to Petra for Solo Travelers
- How to Get from Aqaba to Petra: 5 Easy Ways
- How to Get from Petra to Wadi Rum: Solo Travel Guide
- Amman to Wadi Rum: 6 Ways to Get There
- Amman to Dead Sea: 5 Ways to Get There
- What is the Average Salary in Jordan?
