How to Get from Petra to Wadi Rum
Complete 2026 guide — compare flights, buses, driving, and guided tours with prices, durations, and insider tips.
Petra and Wadi Rum are just 110 km (68 miles) apart, making this one of Jordan's easiest connections. A private taxi takes 1.5-2 hours and costs $35-55. There is no direct public bus, but local minibuses via Aqaba are available for budget travelers. Most travelers visit Wadi Rum directly after Petra as part of a south Jordan circuit.
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 By Private Taxi / Transfer | 1.5-2 hours | $35-55 (whole car) | Most travelers — convenient and affordable for groups |
| 🚐 By Local Minibus (via Ma'an or Aqaba) | 3-4 hours (with connections) | $5-10 | Strict budget travelers |
| 🚗 By Rental Car (Self-Drive) | 1.5-2 hours | $10-15 (fuel) + rental cost | Travelers on a self-drive road trip |
By Private Taxi / Transfer
A private taxi from Wadi Musa (Petra) to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre takes about 1.5-2 hours via the Desert Highway and Wadi Rum access road. The fare is typically 30-40 JOD for the whole car, making it very affordable when shared between 2-4 travelers. Your hotel in Wadi Musa can arrange a trusted driver. Alternatively, many Wadi Rum camps offer pickup from Petra for a similar price.
- Most convenient door-to-door option
- Affordable when shared between 2-4 people
- Flexible departure time — leave when you are ready
- Driver takes you directly to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre
- Quick and easy — only 1.5-2 hours
- Relatively expensive for solo travelers
- Need to negotiate or pre-arrange the fare
- One-way only
By Local Minibus (via Ma'an or Aqaba)
There is no direct public transport between Petra and Wadi Rum. Budget travelers can take a minibus from Wadi Musa to Ma'an (1 hour, ~2 JOD), then another from Ma'an toward Aqaba and get dropped at the Wadi Rum junction (Rashidiyya), and finally a local taxi to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre (25 km, ~10 JOD). This route is time-consuming and requires patience.
- Cheapest option available
- Local experience through small Jordanian towns
- Requires 2-3 connections with no guaranteed timing
- Can take 3-4 hours or more
- Minibuses depart when full — uncertain waiting times
- Confusing logistics for first-time visitors
- Still need a taxi for the final stretch to Wadi Rum Visitor Centre
By Rental Car (Self-Drive)
The drive from Wadi Musa to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre is straightforward. Head south on Route 35 to the Desert Highway (Route 15), then turn off at the Rashidiyya junction and follow the Wadi Rum access road for 25 km. The road is well-paved and easy to navigate. You can park your car safely at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre during your camp stay.
- Quick and easy 1.5-2 hour drive
- Continue your road trip to Aqaba afterward
- Secure parking at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre
- Full flexibility on timing and stops
- Cannot drive personal car inside the Wadi Rum protected area
- Car sits idle during your camp stay
- Fuel stations sparse — fill up in Wadi Musa or along the Desert Highway
By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free)
One Nation Travel plans, books, and coordinates selected Petra-to-Wadi Rum itineraries. Experienced local guides, drivers, camp staff, and selected providers deliver listed services; assignments may vary by destination, day, or segment. The selected tour page, dates, and written confirmation control transport, camp, jeep safari, meals, prices, and inclusions.
- Listed connection between Petra and Wadi Rum coordinated
- Experienced local guides for scheduled visits
- Camp, jeep safari, and meals available where shown
- One Nation Travel remains the booking and support contact
- Fixed schedule
📊 Petra to Wadi Rum — At a Glance
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚕 By Private Taxi / Transfer | 1.5-2 hours | $35-55 (whole car) | Most travelers — convenient and affordable for groups | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚐 By Local Minibus (via Ma'an or Aqaba) | 3-4 hours (with connections) | $5-10 | Strict budget travelers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚗 By Rental Car (Self-Drive) | 1.5-2 hours | $10-15 (fuel) + rental cost | Travelers on a self-drive road trip | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🎫 By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free) | Varies by selected itinerary | See selected tour and written quote | Travelers on a full Jordan package tour | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🧳 Travel Tips for This Route
Leave Petra by late morning (10-11 AM) after a final visit to the site. This gets you to Wadi Rum by early afternoon — perfect timing for a jeep safari, sunset viewing, and camp dinner.
The drive from Petra to Wadi Rum passes through beautiful southern Jordan desert scenery. Ask your driver to stop for photos at the viewpoints along the way — the landscapes transition from mountainous to flat red desert.
You do not need all your luggage at the Wadi Rum camp. Leave large suitcases at your Wadi Musa hotel or in the car at the Visitor Centre. Take only an overnight bag with essentials.
Contact your Wadi Rum camp host before leaving Petra to confirm your arrival time. Many camps can arrange pickup from the Visitor Centre or even from Petra for a fee.
Wadi Rum offers some of the best stargazing in the world due to zero light pollution. Bring a warm layer for the evening and consider downloading a stargazing app to identify constellations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Wadi Rum is approximately 110 km (68 miles) from Petra (Wadi Musa). The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours via the Desert Highway and Wadi Rum access road. It is one of the shortest and easiest connections between major Jordan attractions.
No, there is no direct public bus between Petra and Wadi Rum. The most practical options are a private taxi (30-40 JOD for the whole car, 1.5-2 hours) or arranging pickup through your Wadi Rum camp. Budget travelers can connect via Ma'an with local minibuses, but this is time-consuming.
Many Wadi Rum camps offer pickup from Wadi Musa (Petra) for an additional fee, typically 30-40 JOD. Contact your camp host in advance to arrange this. This is often the easiest option as it combines transport with camp coordination.
Most travelers visit Petra first, then Wadi Rum. This is because Petra requires more time (1.5-2 days) and it makes sense to head south progressively. After Wadi Rum, you can continue to Aqaba (1 hour) for beach relaxation, or return to Amman. The classic circuit is: Amman - Petra - Wadi Rum - Aqaba - Dead Sea - Amman.
Yes. Book your Wadi Rum camp and jeep tour in advance, especially during peak season (March-May, September-November). Most camps include a jeep safari as part of their overnight package. Independent jeep tours can also be arranged at the Visitor Centre, but pre-booking ensures availability and better pricing.
Pack an overnight bag with warm layers for the desert night (it gets cold even in mild seasons), a headlamp or flashlight, comfortable clothes for the jeep safari, camera gear, sunscreen, and toiletries. Leave heavy luggage at your Petra hotel or locked in your car at the Visitor Centre.
Skip the Hassle — Book a Guided Tour
Let One Nation Travel coordinate your Petra to Wadi Rum journey. The selected package and written quote state which transfers, flights, hotels and local guided services are included.