As Israel and Jordan are arguably two of the most historic nations in the world, it should come as no surprise that travelers find it difficult to choose between the two. Jordan may have only become an independent state in 1946 but it is home to some very significant historical locations including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. This once thriving Nabatean city is located in Jordan’s desert where visitors can visit jaw-dropping sites including Al-Khazneh and Ad Deir.
Nestled beside the magnificent Dead Sea lies the Jordanian neighbor of Israel; a grand country packed with sacred sites, majestic architecture, beaches and cosmopolitan cities. With so many sights to see and valleys to explore, it is safe to say that Israel is a traveler’s paradise. Though there has been rising conflict between the two nations in recent years, it is still possible for visitors to travel between the two. It is fairly simple to get from Israel to Jordan making it an ideal multi center vacation.
Borders between Israel and Jordan
In Israel, there are three border crossings which cost around 100 ILS (30 USD) to exit from Israel or 8 JD (12 USD) to exit from Jordan. Perhaps the most convenient border crossing to get from Israel to Jordan is the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Araba Crossing. This crossing provides the shortest waiting times and is close to the city of Aqaba in Jordan and the coastal resort of Eilat in Israel. It usually only takes one hour to cross into Jordan and visitors will need to bring a visa prior to arrival.
The other border crossings from Israel to Jordan are the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) Terminal and Jordan River Sheikh Hussein Crossing.
Joining a Tour from Israel to Petra or Wadi Rum
The most convenient way to travel from Israel to sites like Petra or Wadi Rum in Jordan, is by joining an organized group tour from Israel to Jordan. Depending on where in Israel you are departing from, there are various options to explore Jordan from Israel. If you are based in Tel Aviv, the best tour options are this daily Petra Tour from Tel Aviv and this Petra and Wadi Rum Tour, also departing from Tel Aviv. In case you are starting from Jerusalem, check out this daily Petra Tour from Jerusalem as well as this Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Jerusalem. Starting from Eilat, travelers can join this daily Petra 1 Day Tour from Eilat or this Petra and Wadi Rum 2 Day Tour from Eilat.
How to Get From Israel to Jordan By Car
Those who have arranged a rental car for their adventure from Israel to Jordan can drive to any of the three border crossings. It is not possible to drive from Israel into Jordan with a rental car but there is a car park at the border crossings for those who intend to return to Israel. Those who have their own privately registered vehicle can drive from Israel to Jordan as long as the owner of the vehicle is present for the entire journey.
From Israel to Jordan By Bus
For those on a budget getting a bus is a good option when traveling from Israel to Jordan. At the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Araba Crossing, visitors can catch a bus to Eilat in Israel and then take a taxi, or, walk from the Eilat stop for 1.5 kilometers. There are no buses near the border on the Jordanian side so visitors will need to take a taxi from here.
For the King Hussein Bridge crossing, bus 961 runs regularly from Damascus and drop passengers off just 2 kilometers from the crossing. A bus then takes visitors across to the Jordanian side for 5JD (7USD) and 1.5JD per luggage item (2.20USD). From the Jordanian side, buses run to Amman in around one hour.
Getting From Israel to Jordan by Taxi
As most travelers will be crossing the borders from Israel to Jordan independently, there are many taxis at each crossing. As the nearest bus stations are a short drive away from the crossings, taxis are more expensive than in Jordan’s towns and cities. Prices vary depending on the border crossing and destination you are visiting so always agree a price with the driver before hopping into the taxi.
