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HomeRoad TripsAsiaMiddle EastJordanJordan Highlights
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Jordan Highlights Road Trip

Amman - Wadi Rum - Petra - Karak

Expect on your itinerary

Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Jordan Highlights Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km704 h/stage3.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Jordan Highlights Road Trip in Jordan?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 100EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 630EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,008EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 486EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,030EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,516EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,080EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 946EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,697EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,777EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,350EUR drive & more 188EUR sleep & more 330EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 806EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,156EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Jordan Highlights Road Trip Itinerary

This Jordan Highlights Road Trip is a great way to experience the best of Jordan. Starting in the capital city of Amman, the trip will take you 701km through some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in the country. The highlights of the trip include Wadi Rum, Petra, and Karak. Wadi Rum is a desert valley known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and rock formations, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra is an ancient city carved into the sandstone cliffs, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Karak is an historic castle with a long history, and it is a great place to explore and learn about the area's past. The best time of year to take this road trip is from April to October, when temperatures are mild and roads are in good condition. The roads are partly curvy, but overall in good condition and can be managed by any driver. Driving the route is a great way to take in the stunning landscapes and historical sites, and it is a trip that will stay with you for a long time. And the best part is that you can do it on a fair budget.
number of days 6 number of days
route length 704 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Amman

Distance 704 km Driving time 12.7 h Pace: modest 183.1 kWh Airports AMM , TLV
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Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a vibrant city with a modern face and a rich history. It is a great starting point for a road trip to explore the best of Jordan. The Jordan Highlights Road Trip is a great way to see the country's spectacular landscapes, ancient cities, and iconic sites. In Amman, there are many attractions to explore. The Citadel of Amman is a must-see, with ruins of the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. The Roman Theatre is another popular attraction, with its impressive ruins and beautiful views. Or, take a stroll around the city's old town, the Abdali district, and explore the traditional markets and bustling souks. The closest international airport to Amman is the Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to get on the road and start your Jordan Highlights Road Trip. From Amman, you can explore the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, and the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Don't miss the historic city of Jerash, the Red Sea port city of Aqaba, and the ancient Nabataean city of Madaba. Amman is the perfect starting point for your road trip to explore the best of Jordan. With its ancient sites, spectacular landscapes, and vibrant culture, it's an unforgettable experience.

1 Amman - Wadi Rum

Distance 317 km Driving time 4.3 h Pace: fast 95.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting cultural site interesting  historic site attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Amman, Jordan to Wadi Rum! Just a 317 km drive, it will take you less than 5 hours to reach your destination. Along the way, you will come across some amazing UNESCO Heritage sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. Keep your eyes peeled for the historical sites and enjoy the beautiful views of the Jordanian desert. Be sure to take a break in the oasis of Aqaba to get the most out of your road trip. When you reach Wadi Rum, you can explore the endless sand dunes and red rocks, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try some camel trekking! With so much to explore, you won’t want to miss out on this amazing journey. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the stage’s itinerary!

2 Wadi Rum - Petra

Distance 115 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: modest 29.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! This 115km journey from Wadi Rum to Petra is full of stunning landscapes and picturesque scenery. It takes only about two hours to drive, so it's the perfect adventure for anyone who loves the open road. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the beauty of the UNESCO Heritage sites that are scattered throughout the route. You'll also have the chance to explore the unique culture and history that this area has to offer. Be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning desert views and to make the most out of your journey. When you reach Petra, you'll be able to experience the city's archaeological wonders and its ancient history. You can also find accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Make the most of this amazing adventure and have the time of your life!

3 Petra - Karak

Distance 151 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: modest 39.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options
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Welcome to Petra, Jordan, the starting point of an incredible road trip to Karak! The route is 143 km long and the journey should take you less than 4 hours. Along the way, you will be able to admire some of the most spectacular UNESCO Heritage sites and marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The winding roads of some sections will offer you plenty of photo opportunities, so make sure you have a full battery on your camera! This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so get ready for a truly memorable journey! To make the most of your trip, make sure to check the detailed Itinerary for attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip and have a safe journey!

4 Karak - Amman

Distance 121 km Driving time 3.0 h Pace: modest 31.5 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips interesting cultural site interesting  historic site attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Karak to Amman! The journey is a mere 126 km and can be completed in less than 3 hours. As you make your way through Madaba, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views and ancient sites. Visit the famous Madaba Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, an ancient 6th century mosaic map of the Bible lands. Continue your journey to Mount Nebo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will witness spectacular views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Don’t forget to take a picture of the breathtaking St. George Greek Orthodox Church, which is home to one of the most important mosaics in the region. As you reach Amman, be sure to take a stroll through the city’s ancient citadel and visit the Ummayad Palace. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

  Amman

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As the end point of the "Jordan Highlights Road Trip", Amman is the perfect destination to end a memorable journey. Located on a hilly area, the city offers a unique combination of ancient and modern architecture, making it an ideal place to explore. Start by visiting the ancient Citadel of Amman, home to the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Then, explore the Amman Roman Theatre, the most famous of the city's many ruins. After that, take a walk through the bustling downtown market, Souk Jara, and sample some of the local cuisine. No trip to Amman would be complete without a visit to the city's iconic Rainbow Street. This vibrant area is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon. For travelers coming by car, Amman is located just a few hours drive from the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum, making it easy to explore the rest of the country. For those coming by air, Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is the primary international airport and is just a short drive from the city center. At the end of the "Jordan Highlights Road Trip", Amman is the perfect destination to experience the best of Jordan. With its mix of ancient and modern architecture, vibrant culture, and easy access to the rest of the country, Amman is sure to be a memorable part of your trip.

Jordan Highlights Road Trip at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on the Jordan Highlights Road Trip for a captivating journey through Jordan's ancient history and stunning natural wonders. Covering approximately 701km and beginning in the bustling capital city of Amman, this route takes you through a landscape that has been shaped by countless civilizations over millennia. The Trip features not just one, but several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the otherworldly desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, the archaeological splendor of Petra, and the historical fortress of Karak Castle.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Wadi Rum: Also known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum is celebrated for its surreal desert vistas with towering sandstone mountains and natural arches. It has been a backdrop for various films, including `Lawrence of Arabia` and `The Martian,` due to its otherworldly terrain.
  • Petra: Dubbed the `Rose City,` Petra is an architectural marvel and Jordan's most-visited attraction. Established around the 4th century BC as the capital city of the Nabateans, it is renowned for its intricate facades hewn from multicolored sandstone and its sophisticated water conduit system.
  • Karak: The strategic hilltop location of Karak Castle played a significant role during the Crusades. This imposing 12th-century fortress offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the architectural military genius of the time.

Best Time to Go:

The prime months for this Road Trip are from April to October when you can enjoy pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the outdoor sites. These months avoid the extreme summer heat and the potential for flash floods in winter.

Potential Risks:

While navigating Jordan, drivers must be vigilant on winding mountainous Roads and desert tracks. Adequate preparation for desert driving in places like Wadi Rum includes carrying sufficient water, a full tank of fuel, and understanding the vehicle's capabilities.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • Jordan's Roads are well-developed and offer Scenic Drives, with views ranging from ancient ruins to dramatic desert landscapes.
  • Local cuisine and hospitality add a rich layer of cultural immersion to the experience.
  • The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, is also within reach and offers a unique floating experience due to its high salinity.

A good choice for:

The Jordan Highlights Road Trip is an extraordinary voyage into the heart of Middle Eastern antiquity, combining Scenic Drives with visits to some of the world's most iconic historical and geological sites. It's an enlightening and picturesque adventure that promises to leave travelers with a profound appreciation for Jordan's cultural and natural heritage.

Facts for safer driving in Jordan

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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