Located directly along the Red Sea, Aqaba is a charming coastal city in Jordan that combines ancient sites with luxury hotel resorts and water activities such as scuba diving and windsurfing. Nestled less than an hour away from Aqaba lies Wadi Rum; the gateway to the Jordanian desert. For those who wish to leave the city life behind and escape into the wilderness, this desert destination is the place for you.
Also known as the Valley of the Moon due to the beautiful night’s sky here, Wadi Rum spans across 278 square miles of mountains, rock bridges, sand dunes and notable sites including the alleged house of Lawrence of Arabia. For thrill-seeking adventures, visitors can take on jeep rides, mountain climbing, and overnight camping. With regular buses, taxis and tour operators, getting from Aqaba to Wadi Rum is quick and simple.
Tours From Aqaba to Wadi Rum
Almost all hotels and tour offices in Aqaba will offer Wadi Rum excursion packages. These experiences can cover anything from a half a day tour with transport, to an overnight camping stay with camel rides. For a one of a kind experience, these excursions can be ideal for celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. Prices for trips vary depending on the length of time and the tour operator. A big highlight is this Wadi Rum Jeep Tour Safari, with daily departures from Aqaba. For travelers who’d like to combine their trip to Wadi Rum with a visit to Petra, we recommend this two-day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour.
From Aqaba to Wadi Rum By Car
Car rental in Jordan is one of the most convenient ways to explore the country. With over one hundred car rental companies based in Amman alone, visitors will never be short of options. There are a number of car rental companies at Queen Alia International Airport and visitors should expect to pay around 25-30JD (35-40 USD) per day for a new model with air conditioning and insurance. The journey from Aqaba to Wadi Rum only takes around 50 minutes to one hour by car via the Desert Highway.
How to Get From Aqaba to Wadi Rum By Bus
The local minibusses run from Aqaba to Wadi Rum a number of times a day. When using the local Jordanian buses it is useful to know that there is not a strict timetable. Instead, bus drivers wait until the minibus is full before departing which can take a while. In order to get a rough estimate of departure times, it is best to ask the drivers in Aqaba the day before. The buses leave from the station located outside of Aqaba Police Station and a one-way journey costs just 3JD (4.25USD). Tickets cannot be booked in advance and as this bus is primarily used to take staff and students to a local school, the buses can get filled very quickly.
Getting from Aqaba to Wadi Rum By Taxi
A taxi is a convenient way to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum. A taxi from the center of Aqaba will usually cost around 20JD (28.25USD) one way for up to four people sharing.
How to Get From Aqaba to Petra by Transfer
A private transfer from Aqaba to Wadi Rum costs from $105 one-way per vehicle. It is also possible to arrange a return transfer where by the driver will wait for visitors in Wadi Rum and take them back to Aqaba in the afternoon. More information about transfers from Aqaba to Wadi Rum or Wadi Rum to Aqaba can be found here.
Best way to Get From Aqaba to Wadi Rum
As it only takes around 50 minutes to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum, there are many ways that visitors can reach the desert. Though the cheapest option is a local bus, this may prove challenging for those on a tight timeframe due to the fact that the buses get full and waiting times can be long. Tour excursions are usually the best option for those seeking unique experiences.
