Petra and Wadi Rum Tour: How to Visit Them in 1, 2 or 3 Days
Petra and Wadi Rum are the two places no trip to Jordan should miss, and they are only 1 h 45 apart. Here is how to visit them in 1, 2 or 3 days from Amman, with honest advice from our team, who organise these tours every week.
• 1 day from Amman: possible, but very long; you see Petra or Wadi Rum briefly.
• 2 days with 1 night in the desert: the best choice for most travellers.
• 3-day weekend: Petra without rushing, a night in Wadi Rum and time to relax.
Distances: Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum
| Route | Driving time (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Amman – Petra (Desert Highway) | 3 hours |
| Petra – Wadi Rum | 1 h 45 |
| Wadi Rum – Amman | 4 hours |
| Wadi Rum – Aqaba | 1 hour |
Petra and Wadi Rum in 1 day from Amman
It can be done with a very early start: about 3 hours to Petra, 4–5 hours inside, then a short jeep tour in Wadi Rum and the drive back. It means around 9–10 hours on the road, so we only recommend it if you really have just one day.
Petra and Wadi Rum in 2 days (1 night in the desert): the best choice
- Day 1: drive from Amman to Petra and spend the day exploring the Siq, the Treasury and the Royal Tombs with a local guide. Afternoon drive to Wadi Rum, sunset over the dunes, Bedouin dinner and a night in a desert camp.
- Day 2: morning 4x4 jeep tour in Wadi Rum, then back to Amman, or on to Aqaba or the Dead Sea.
3-day weekend from Amman
Day 1 Amman to Petra via the King's Highway (Madaba and Mount Nebo), night in Petra. Day 2 a full day in Petra and the climb to the Monastery, then Wadi Rum for the night. Day 3 a jeep tour and the return to Amman or the Dead Sea.
What to do in Wadi Rum
A 2 or 4-hour jeep tour, sunset on the dunes, stargazing, a camel ride or a hot-air balloon. Read our full Wadi Rum guide.
Tips for visiting Petra and Wadi Rum
- Enter Petra at opening time to avoid the heat and the crowds.
- Bring a warm layer for the desert evening, all year round.
- With a stay of 3 nights or more, the Jordan visa is free with our tours: see Jordan visa and Jordan Pass.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in Petra or Wadi Rum?
Both if you can: a night near Petra lets you enter early, and a night in Wadi Rum gives you the sunset and the stars.
Can I visit Petra and Wadi Rum from Aqaba?
Yes. Wadi Rum is 1 hour from Aqaba and Petra about 2 hours, so it is an easy 2-day trip from the Red Sea.
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