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JHRC - Train Ride "Journey Through 1916"

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JHRC - Train Ride "Journey Through 1916" - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Hejaz railways – heritage rail of jordan to explore.

It seems railways had their hay day almost a century back. When tracks were being laid in unthinkable places like the Himalayas and the deserts of Arabia. It must have been an age where the dream of connecting long distances must have come true for the masses. And especially those whose pilgrim routes became easier. In fact, connecting to pilgrimage places may have been a big motivation for laying long tracks. I remember Nizam of Hyderabad had set up a rail link to visit Ajmer in the late 19 th CE. In Jordan, I was happy to meet yet another heritage railway story – the story of Hejaz Railways.  

History of Hejaz Railways

Hejaz Railways also called Hijaz Railways at times, was built a little more than 100 years back. By the Ottomans with an intention to connect Istanbul to Mecca. The stated intent was to ease out the pilgrimage route for the pilgrims traveling to Mecca, which was done primarily on camels till then. It took them anywhere from 4-6 months to complete this journey. The inherent intent was also to establish Sultan Abdul Hamid II as the political and spiritual leader in the Muslim world.

In 1900 a campaign was started to raise public funding for the railway. To me, this is a very interesting point. The whole railway line was funded by devout Muslims and not by the treasury of a state or a king.

One of the officials of the Ottoman Empire Haji Mukhtar Bey traveled from Damascus to Mecca while on his Haj to trace a path for the planned railway track. German engineers (they have been in demand since then it seems) were engaged in the design and execution of the railway line. By 1908 the line was laid between Damascus and Medina. It reduced the pilgrimage time between the two cities from 45 days to 5 days. I can only imagine what a relief it would have been for the pilgrims, though the faithful would anyway travel on the strength of their faith.

Rail Line Extension

The Rail line was to be extended on either side. But could never happen for various reasons. The two most stated reasons include World War II and the 1916 Arab Revolution. But another reason that also gets a mention is the non-cooperation of Bedouin tribes to part their lands for the rail line. I assume a combination of all these may have led to the project being abandoned mid-way.

Jordan Hejaz Railways

Currently, the part of heritage railways that lies in Jordan operates as Jordan Hejaz Railway. And runs trains connecting the length of the country through its 450 km of tracks or so. It runs passenger services that connect not only to various parts of Jordan but also connects to Syria and Saudi Arabia. A small part of it is used by the local mining industry to port the mined produce to the port at Aqaba. Finally, it is a tourist attraction as a century-old heritage train that runs across a desert track. Check their website for the latest details.

Tourism Product

A small 10 km track is used by the tourism industry with a steam engine and restored wagons. Tourists are allowed to board the train, click pictures with it, and walk on the tracks that seem to be appearing out of the desert.

Arab Revolution Show

The highlight of the visit to the Hejaz Railways in the middle of the Wadi Rum desert is the show that re-creates the Arab Revolution of 1916. Tourists board the train that passes through the quiet desert. There is ample to admire as you see the rock formations emerging out of the sand and creating curious scenes. Near a hillock, the show begins with a surprise that for the unprepared can be a shock. This show has so many unexpected elements. But it is this sheer surprise factor that works the most for visitors.

Now we knew we were there to witness a show. We expected some hi-tech recreation of the scene, some history walks through these railways. But no, this was a hardcore re-creation of the scene with bullets flying across, horses galloping around, and mock kidnapping of some soldiers.

In the end, we witnessed the negotiations between two parties over cups of sweet tea in a Bedouin tent. It was one hell of an experience. I tried to capture a small video while being terrified of the sound of bullets.

Jordan Heritage Revival Company

The show is a creation of this company that also has shows at Petra and Shobak. They take the train back in time to 1916 and show how the Ottomans attached the Hijazi train. According to their website, they are making the visitors witness the birth of nations. I must add that while I enjoyed the show, I would have loved a briefing on the history of the Arab Revolution before the show. That would have put a lot of things in perspective. When I came back and did all my reading, a casual traveler/tourist may miss the point altogether.

Video of Hejaz Railways – Arab Revolution Show

Watch the video of the Arab Revolution show I managed to capture while on this Jordan heritage tour.

Heritage Railway

I walked in and out of the train, admiring its old-age charm. It’s open wagons which rucksacks and it’s a steam engine. I walked along the narrow gauge track that played hide and seek with the desert sand. While the colors created a panorama to admire with rough rocks jetting out of the sand and the rail lines seem to be leading to them. I admired the engineering involved. It is not easy to lay the horizontal rail lines on a sandy surface. Some of them appeared to sit entirely on a sand dune. I wondered how it managed to remain firm. They have been around for a century now.

It is as much an ode to the engineers who built this rail line in the desert. My little research led me to this paper that talks about the chemistry of the rail tracks used in the Hejaz railway. It must have taken a lot of motivation to work on a railway track through the desert.

Thank you, Jordan Tourism for adding experience to my favorite mode of travel – Train Journeys.

Recommend you read the following Visit Jordan Travel Blog.

Top 15 Jordan Souvenirs to Pick

Visit Jordan – My First Impressions

Jerash – Key to Greco-Roman History of Jordan

Amman Citadel – History of Jordan in a Nutshell

Petra – Most visited tourist site in Jordan

Amman Roman Theater – from the World of Ancient Theaters

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This Looks very beautiful and traditional. I have once seen this in Discovery channel and was very impressed.

Great to see this post which looks like time machine having transporting us 100 years back. I also want to visit such beautiful landscapes in Jordan.

Thank you Rachit, heritage is interesting

a very intrestin read which makes me nostalgic abt. good old raiwaly journeys. bill aitken`s book i think the title is somewhat like- “ the himalayan ….journey is akin 2 this. fotos r well shot giving a profrssional foto fellow a run 4 the mon…… puff oot with more such writings as the steam engines r soon bcomin history. only in ooty, simla and a few steam engines r visible. pity the younger gens 4 missing such simple joys of life.

Good blend of travel and history. I would really love to read a post on Darjeeling Himalayan Railways and the Toy Train of India. I once heard about them from a friend… wonderful place to visit!

Thanks Ajish. I am yet to visit the Darjeeling rail but do read my post on Araku Valley train ride…

I love those interiors! Swooning over them!

I too loved the interiors and the surroundings.

Nice write up. The flash mob style scene of the Arab revolution sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing

Thank Ami. Happy that you enjoyed reading the post.

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• Getting around Jordan: Transportation Tips

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Getting around Jordan by public transport can be tricky – it's a bit of a hotchpotch. Bus routes cover what’s necessary for the locals and there is little or no provision for independent travellers.

Bus travel in Jordan

Travel by train in jordan, domestic flights in jordan, driving in jordan, renting a car in jordan, getting around via taxi in jordan, cycling in jordan, hitchhiking in jordan, tailor-made travel itineraries for jordan, created by local experts.

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Explore the highlights of Jordan in this compact itinerary. Activities include stargazing in Wadi Rum, exploring Petra and spending a day at leisure at the Dead Sea. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about history and culture and introduce the Bedouin lifestyle to you.

With some highly visitable places inaccessible by public transport, the best way to travel around Jordan is to rent a car for at least part of your stay. Some say the best way to travel around Jordan’s best known sites is by bike, but of course that’s not for everyone.

In this guide on how to travel around Jordan we’ve got all the best options covered. We also have plenty of information available on getting to Jordan .

The most common way of getting around Jordan is by bus, most of which are fifteen- or eighteen-seater minibuses. Some larger buses and air-conditioned coaches also serve as public transport.

Timetables are rarely in operation: buses tend to depart only when they’re full. This means that, on less-travelled routes especially, you should factor in sometimes quite considerable waiting time for the bus to fill up.

Once you get going journeys are rarely arduous: roads are decent and the longest ride you’re likely to need – from Amman to Aqaba – is four hours or less. All buses and minibuses have their point of origin and destination painted in Arabic script just above either brake light on the rear of the vehicle.

Locals know the system by word-of-mouth, but no official information about bus travel exists: in most situations, you simply have to turn up at the point of departure and ask around. You’re unlikely to wait long for a bus on popular inter-city routes – Amman to Madaba, say, or Jerash to Irbid. However, longer trips, or more isolated destinations, may be served by only one or two buses, or by a handful of departures clustered together at a certain time of day.

Miss them, and you’ll have to come back tomorrow. Guides and hotel staff may be able to help, but given the lack of information even they often can’t advise effectively on public transport. If you are travelling around quieter regions by bus, keep your itinerary loose.

Bus fares are low. As a guide, a 30-minute hop between towns costs around JD1(£1/$1.40). Slightly longer journeys, such as Amman to Jerash , or Karak to Tafileh, are in the order of JD1.50–2 (£1.60/$2). Rip-offs are rare: if you ask the fare, you’ll invariably be told the truth. Expect higher fares on routes serving major tourist sites: Petra to Aqaba is around JD5–7 (£5-8/$7-10). There is no price competition between minibus operators.

A few companies operate large, air-conditioned buses in competition with the minibuses on some long-distance runs. The main one is Jordan Express Tourist Transport, or JETT , with daily timetabled services from Amman to Aqaba , Petra and other destinations.

Hijazi operates Amman–Irbid, mainly for Yarmouk University students, and there are a few others. These offer the advantages of comfort and speed over the minibuses, and most allow you to book in advance (in person only, at the company’s offices).

On most inter-city routes, shared taxis or service taxis (universally known as serveeces ) tout for business alongside the buses. A serveece (pronounced “ser-VEES”) is a white car, seating four to seven passengers, which offers, at a slightly higher price, the single advantage of speed over the same journey by bus – though being squashed into the back seat on a long journey can counter in discomfort what might be gained in time.

Serveeces also operate the system of departing when full, but because there are fewer seats they leave more frequently. If you’re carrying bulky or heavy luggage, you may find that serveece and minibus drivers will charge you a small supplement per bag. For getting around within cities, most places have their own systems of short-hop buses and serveeces .

Bus and serveece etiquette says that a foreigner should ideally not be sitting next to a Jordanian of the opposite sex. You may find that the locals shuffle themselves around to make sure that men are sitting next to men and women next to women.

Travelling around Jordan by train isn’t possible as there are no scheduled passenger services. The historic, narrow-gauge Hejaz Railway (jhr. gov.jo), running from Damascus to Amman and south into the desert, has been taken out of service and now only hosts occasional specials, usually chartered by foreign tour operators and steam enthusiasts.

A proposal to launch tourist shuttles on the freight line between Aqaba and Wadi Rum – used for trains carrying phosphates to port from desert mines – has so far come to nothing.

Royal Jordanian operates the only domestic flights two or three times daily between Amman (Queen Alia) and Aqaba . Flight time is little over thirty minutes.

At around JD50 (£55/$70.50) one-way, it isn’t prohibitively expensive, and means you can travel from city centre to city centre in around an hour and a half (including check-in and ground transfers), compared with more than four hours overland. In addition, the airborne views over the desert, the Dead Sea and the Petra mountains are exceptional. Just make sure you’re sitting on the right-hand side heading south.

Compared with Egypt or Lebanon, getting around Jordan by car is a breeze. Compared with the West, though, it can be a challenge. Apart from driving on the right and always obeying a police officer, rules of the road tend to have individual interpretations.

Most roads aren’t marked out in lanes, so overtaking on both sides is normal – always accompanied by a blast or two on the horn. Pulling out into fast-moving traffic without looking also seems to be common practice. There is no universally accepted pattern of right of way. It’s wise to follow the locals and sound your horn before many types of manoeuvre. Out in the sticks, look out for children playing on the hard shoulder and give a warning honk from a long way back.

Traffic lights are always respected – cameras record red-light runners – as are most one-ways. Mobile police radar traps are very common. If you’re caught speeding, expect traffic police (who may or may not speak English) to demand to see your driving licence and car registration documents before issuing you with a spot fine of JD20 (£30/$28) or more. Right of way on roundabouts goes to whoever’s moving fastest.

Particularly important for travelling around Jordan by car is that the road surfaces are generally good, although there are lots of unmarked speed bumps and rumble strips in unexpected places (including main highways), as well as killer potholes. Look out for drifting sand in the desert too: if you’re going too fast when you hit a patch of sand, you can be spun off the road before you know it.

On major roads, directional signs are plentiful and informative; most have English as well as Arabic. On unsigned back roads, the only fail-safe method of finding the right direction is to keep asking the locals.

Night driving is considerably more scary. Lighting is often poor and slow-moving trucks and farm vehicles often chug along in the dark without lights or reflectors.

Although a normal driving licence from home is sufficient, an International Driving Permit can be useful, since it has an Arabic translation. These are available from motoring organizations in your home country.

A rental car gives you freedom and flexibility while travelling in Jordan. The rental market is huge, but most local firms cater more to Jordanians’ friends and family than to westerners. Although it’s possible to get some great deals on the fly, bear in mind many of these tiny outfits are no more than a guy with a phone renting out old cars on the cheap with no insurance, no papers and no service. It’s best to arrange car rental before you arrive.

Amman has more than a hundred car rental firms, all of which can match or undercut the international agencies’ rates – but few of which maintain equivalent levels of quality and service. The best-value and most conscientious outfit is Reliable , located in Abdoun, not far from 5th Circle.

They charge about JD25–30 (£27-32/$35-42) a day for a new or one-year-old car (manual or automatic) with air conditioning, comfortable for four people, including unlimited mileage and full insurance. Prices drop for longer rental periods. They’ll bring the car to you, and you can drop it off for free, at the airport or anywhere in Amman , 24 hours a day – and their customer service is excellent. Collision damage waiver (CDW) costs a few dinars more, but is worth it. Options such as theft protection (TP) are unnecessary.

Cheaper deals are available elsewhere (as low as JD15–20/£16-21/$21-28/day) – but this will buy you an older vehicle, dodgier paperwork and less reliable backup when you’re out on the road.

The global names have broader coverage – and higher prices. Hertz , Avis and Europcar have multiple offices in Amman and Aqaba , plus also the Dead Sea , the King Hussein Bridge, the Eilat–Aqaba border and other points around the country. A listing of other firms is at visitjordan.com .

For all but the most dedicated adventurers, a normal car is fine for getting around Jordan. Four-wheel-drive vehicles cost from about JD50 (£54/$70.50) a day. These are essential for getting to out-of-the-way archeological sites and touring the desert, but you need familiarity with 4x4 driving – and a local guide with you – before you head off-road. It’s a good idea to keep several litres of drinking water in the car, in case you get stranded in some remote spot.

Despite the Jordanian driving style, accidents are infrequent, and rarely amount to more than a prang. However, under Jordanian law, any accident involving a car and a pedestrian is automatically deemed to be the fault of the driver: if you hit anybody, cause any sort of injury, or even if someone falls out of a window onto your stationary vehicle, you will be held responsible by the police and (often worse) by the victim’s family.

Complex negotiations involving large sums of money may ensue. If you hit an animal – goats, sheep, donkeys and camels roam more or less freely beside roads – you will have to pay the owner compensation. With a goat costing, say, JD100 (£109/$141), and a camel ten times as much, you’d do well to keep your eyes peeled.

If you’re in any sort of accident while behind the wheel of a rental car, call the rental company first: if they’re trustworthy they will then call the police on your behalf and send someone out (for free) to pick you up. Otherwise, call the police yourself.

Taxis are generally yellow with green panels in Arabic on both front doors, and they’ll go anywhere if the price is right. Inexpensive and quite often essential within Amman , their good value declines the further afield you want to go: renting a taxi to cover the transport-thin eastern desert, for instance, will cost you almost twice as much as if you drove there yourself in a rental car (but, obviously, with less of the stress).

As far as fares go, taxis are metered within Amman . Elsewhere you’ll probably have to negotiate with the driver before setting off. Ballpark figures for particular routes are given in the guide, but where you’re inventing your own itinerary, you’d do well to ask the advice of a disinterested party (such as a hotel receptionist) beforehand. Then check rates and services with Jordan Taxi , which offers a private hire service nationwide.

App-based ride-sharing taxi services Uber and Careem operate in Amman , undercutting traditional taxi prices. Most rent-a-car agencies can provide a driver for the day for about JD30 (£33/$42) on top of the price of the rental; on a longer trip, JD50 (£54/$70.50) a day should cover his food and accommodation costs.

Jordanian women wouldn’t get in the front seat next to a male driver. Wherever possible, foreign women should follow suit and sit in the back. Very few women drive yellow taxis, though many do now drive for Careem and Uber.

Getting around Jordan by bicycle is a very pleasant way to travel, although few locals cycle (mostly in the flat Jordan Valley) and you’re likely to be regarded as mad if you try. Apart from the heat and steep hills, the chief dangers are oblivious drivers and – occasionally – groups of stone-throwing children in remote villages.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, you should try to dress conservatively if you’re planning a solo ride in the hinterlands: rural villagers may look askance at lurid skin-tight Lycra.

Bike Rush is one of Jordan’s few bike rental firms. Also check the Cycling Jordan group and Amman Cycling Club on Facebook for details of spare-parts outlets, weekend bike trips and to make contact with like-minded locals. The adventure tour operators Terhaal and Experience Jordan run mountain-bike excursions and tours around Madaba, the Dead Sea , Petra and Rum .

Hitching a ride on well-travelled routes such as Amman to Petra will likely take you hours (or days), since drivers won’t have a clue why you can’t just get the bus like everyone else. However, in areas where buses may be sporadic or nonexistent – the eastern desert, the southern portions of the King’s Highway, the link road from the Desert Highway into Wadi Rum, or just from one village to the next on quiet country roads – local drivers stick to a well-established countryside protocol about picking people up if they have space. The way to show you’re hitching is to hold out your arm and loosely flap your index finger.

The first rule – apart from foreign women never hitching alone – is that you should always be prepared to pay something, even if your money is refused when offered. Trying to freebie your way around the country will inspire contempt rather than camaraderie. Travellers who decide to hitch should do so always in pairs. The risk of unpleasantness is minuscule but nonetheless does exist; women should never sit next to local men, and if you’re alone, spontaneous offers of hospitality should be accepted only with caution. Water and a hat are vital accoutrements: dehydration is probably the greatest threat.

Top image © AKlion/Shutterstock

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updated 26.04.2021

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JHRC - Train Ride "Journey Through 1916"

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JHRC - TRAIN RIDE "JOURNEY THROUGH 1916" (Wadi Rum Village) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Jordan Dispatch

Rumbling Through Modern Jordan, a Railway From the Past

Once an ambitious project to unite the Middle East, the antique Hejaz Railway is a relic of that bygone dream before wars, borders and more advanced modes of transport rendered its services obsolete.

A train passing through Amman, Jordan’s capital, this month. Credit...

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By Ben Hubbard and Asmaa al-Omar

Photographs by Laura Boushnak

• June 11, 2022

AMMAN, Jordan — Astride century-old tracks that cut through the modern metropolis of Amman, a historic train blared a horn to announce its departure. That sound spurred families bearing bags of food, pots of coffee, coolers of soda, grills, hookahs and lots of children into action, scrambling up iron ladders to settle into the train’s wooden cars.

But the party had already begun in car No. 9, where a group of women and dozens of children were clapping along to an Arabic pop song blasting from a battery-powered speaker with flashing disco lights.

The train blew its horn again and lurched to life, jolting the partyers, who laughed as they righted themselves and burst into applause at the sight of the world outside their windows slipping by.

So began a recent trip from Amman, Jordan’s capital, on the last functioning strip of the original Hejaz Railway, the most iconic train in the Middle East.

Built by the Ottomans at the dawn of the 20th century, blown up by Lawrence of Arabia and Arab fighters during World War I , and used as a nostalgic backdrop in “ The Mummy Returns ” and in syrupy Arabic music videos about forlorn lovers , the railway is a relic of the bygone dream of regional unity before wars, borders and more advanced modes of transportation rendered its services obsolete.

A pet project of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the railway was completed in 1908 and ran for more than 800 miles through the mountains and deserts of the Levant and Arabia to ferry pilgrims from Damascus to Medina, one of Islam’s holiest cities, now in Saudi Arabia. From there, they would travel on by other means to Mecca, the focus of the pilgrimage.

Secondary lines ran to Haifa — now a major Israeli city — and Beirut, the Lebanese capital on the Mediterranean coast. And plans were in place to connect the line to Constantinople, the Ottoman capital, in the north and all the way to Mecca in the south, stitching together a large swath of the Ottoman Empire.

But only six years after the train’s first triumphant arrival in Medina on Sept. 1, 1908, World War I broke out, leading to the dismemberment of the empire and new borders. The Haifa line went out of service around 1948, when Israel’s creation left it at war with its Arab neighbors. The Beirut line stopped around the start of Lebanon’s 15-year civil war in 1975.

Now, the narrow-gauge tracks remain, but the railway’s mainline crosses three countries — Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia — whose leaders have shown little interest in reviving the project.

Saudi Arabia welcomes pilgrims bound for Mecca at a fancy airport terminal and shuttles them around the holy sites on a modern high-speed train . Rail traffic in Syria screeched to a halt after the outbreak of its civil war in 2011.

That leaves only Jordan, which now offers 50-mile leisure trips from Amman to the Al Jizah station south of town and back, with a four-hour lunch break in the middle.

Jordan Hejaz Railway

INACTIVE ROUTE

PASSENGER ROUTE

Amman station

Al Jizah station

Saudi Arabia

It is a trip that does not go anywhere anyone needs to be, so the riders come for the journey — and a big dose of nostalgia.

“I love trains because they remind me of Agatha Christie novels,” said Islam Dawoud, 36, sinking into her red plush chair and gazing out the window.

She first rode the train as a schoolgirl, she said. There was no air-conditioning and the cars were dusty, but the memory stuck with her nevertheless.

“What I loved was that the window was open and I could put my head out,” she said.

The train departs in the morning from the Amman station, a handsome, ivy-draped stone building from the first decade of the 20th century.

In the train yard were two original, but refurbished passenger cars, including the one that Abdullah I, the great-grandfather of Jordan’s current king, rode into the city in 1921, when he became the territory’s ruler.

Parked nearby were seven giant black steam engines with red wheels. They all still work, but are used only on special occasions because they take hours to fire up and are heavy polluters, said Nader Malkawi, a railway official and train conductor who organizes the trips.

On its recent journey, the train was pulled by two diesel-electric locomotives built in 1976. Some components of the cars were original, but most were Japanese tanker cars that Jordan had converted to wooden passenger cars in 2005.

That upgrade also added electricity for lighting, as well as air-conditioning and the speakers that piped Arabic pop music into the cars throughout the trip.

Railway buffs in Jordan also have another option: A line that carried phosphates to Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, stopped running in 2018, Mr. Malkawi said. But that line passes though Jordan’s scenic Wadi Rum , where tourists can take short rides on it and sometimes watch a band of locals on horseback and dressed in period costumes re-enact Bedouin attacks.

The trips from Amman are longer, but without the theatrics. Tickets cost $7 for riders 12 and over, and less for children. Those under 3 ride free. The train has a snack car as well as a V.I.P. car with plush seats, burgundy curtains and a crown on the door.

The trip was different three decades ago, said one passenger, Fidaa Abu Safia, 38, who first rode along the same tracks when she was 6.

There was no music, the wooden seats were uncomfortable and it was hot, she said, but the train still felt magical. She recalled passing trees with yellow blossoms that fell into the windows.

“It was the best trip of my life,” Ms. Abu Safia said.

As the upgraded train wound through the cinder block sprawl of southern Amman, there were no blossoms to see. Instead, many industrial warehouses, junkyards and mechanic shops popped into view, along with a gargantuan failed shopping mall and lots of garbage strewn along the tracks.

The railway lacks crossing guards to stop traffic; the police are supposed to do it. But they were not in evidence that day, so the conductor slowed down when approaching intersections and leaned on the horn as cars and motorcycles raced across until the last instant .

There has also been a problem with boys throwing stones at the train to shatter its windows.

To stop them, railway workers had tried to distract them by throwing candy, Mr. Malkawi said, but it did not work. So they took the boys’ pictures and gave them to the police, who summoned their parents to sign vows that their children would no longer target the train. That tactic worked, mostly.

The dearth of scenic vistas did not bother Hussam al-Khatib, a soldier, who had learned of the trip on Facebook and brought his wife and their three sons. All were first-time train riders.

He said that Jordan did not have great public transportation and that the views were not stellar, but he felt it was important for Jordanians to know their country.

“We are proud of Jordan’s sights,” he said.

Outside Amman, the landscape opened up, with golden wheat fields, greenhouses full of tomatoes and eggplants, flocks of sheep, the occasional herd of camels and barking dogs chasing the train.

Before the station in Al Jizah, where the passengers stopped for lunch, the train passed Amman’s international airport, from which jets took off overhead, roaring reminders of the technologies that had reduced the train from a cutting-edge conveyance to a historical curiosity.

At the station, as workers moved the engines from one end of the train to the other for the return trip, families claimed shady spots under cypress and eucalyptus trees and fired up charcoal grills and hookahs while their children ran around a sandy playground and climbed on abandoned boxcars.

Later, the train blew its horn and the riders returned, snapping photographs alongside the cars.

The return trip was quieter, with the sun, the creaking cars and the steady click-clack of the train lulling many of the children, and some of the adults, to sleep.

But Heba al-Shishan refused to miss any of it. Smiling and snapping photographs as she took in the landscape, she, too, recalled a childhood journey. On that ride, the train had to stop because nomads had tethered sheep to the tracks and had to move them before the trip could proceed.

“These are experiences I will never forget,” Ms. al-Shishan said.

Ben Hubbard is the Beirut bureau chief. He has spent more than a dozen years in the Arab world, including Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Yemen. He is the author of “MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman.” More about Ben Hubbard

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Jordan

Your complete roadmap to exploring jordan.

So, you’re thinking about visiting Jordan? Excellent choice! This Middle Eastern gem is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your dream trip to Jordan.

Why Visit Jordan?

Historical significance.

Jordan is a land steeped in history. From the ancient city of Petra to the Roman ruins in Jerash, the country offers a glimpse into civilizations that have shaped our world.

Natural Beauty

Ever heard of Wadi Rum? It’s like stepping onto another planet. The Dead Sea, on the other hand, offers a unique floating experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Cultural Richness

Jordanian hospitality is legendary. The local cuisine, music, and traditions make for an enriching travel experience.

Best Time to Visit

Weather conditions.

Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Jordan, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Festivals and Events

Consider planning your trip around local festivals like the Amman Jazz Festival or Petra Desert Marathon to add a unique twist to your journey.

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, but it’s always best to check the latest regulations before you travel.

Budgeting Your Trip

Accommodation.

From luxury hotels to budget hostels, Jordan has something for every traveler.

Food and Dining

Indulge in local dishes like Mansaf without breaking the bank.

Transportation

Public transport is limited, so consider renting a car for maximum flexibility.

Must-Visit Places

The “Rose City” is a must-see, with its intricate carvings and grand temples.

A paradise for adventure seekers, offering activities like rock climbing and desert safaris.

Don’t miss the chance to float in the saltiest body of water on Earth.

The capital city is a blend of modernity and tradition, worth exploring for at least a day or two.

Activities and Experiences

Adventure sports.

From scuba diving in Aqaba to hiking in Dana Nature Reserve, Jordan is an adventurer’s playground.

Culinary Experiences

Take a cooking class or visit a local market to dive deep into Jordanian cuisine.

Local Customs and Etiquette

Respect local traditions and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Safety Tips

Jordan is generally safe, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions.

Packing Essentials

Don’t forget essentials like a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

Itinerary Suggestions

A 7-day itinerary could include Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, with optional day trips to places like Jerash.

Recommend a tour company in Jordan

One Nation Travel specializes in offering the best Jordan tours , providing travelers with an unforgettable experience in this Middle Eastern gem. With expertly curated itineraries, you can explore the bustling capital city of Amman, marvel at the ancient wonders of Petra, and venture into the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum. Don’t miss the chance to float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, another highlight included in our comprehensive tour packages. With One Nation Travel, you’re not just visiting Jordan; you’re experiencing the best it has to offer.

Jordan is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure junkie, or someone looking to immerse yourself in a new culture, this guide has got you covered.

• Generally, yes. Just exercise common sense and take standard precautions.
• The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the local currency.
• In tourist areas and major cities, yes.
• It’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines, but consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
• It’s better to stick to bottled water for safety reasons.

Top 3 Unmissable Tour Experiences in Jordan

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START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

• General Information
• Getting Around

The Hejaz Railway was constructed by the Ottomans between 1900 and 1908, primarily to facilitate pilgrimages to the Muslim Holy places in Arabia. It also served to strengthen Ottoman control over the far flung provinces of their empire. The main line linked Damascus to Medina, over a distance of 1,320km, passing through Transjordan via Az-Zarqa’, Al-Qatranah and Ma’an and into northwestern Arabia to the region of Hejaz where Medina and Mecca are located.

The railway replaced the ancient caravan route, which was formerly used to transport goods to and from Damascus and Arabia, a round trip that would have taken approximately four months to complete. The caravan traders were far from happy with this new form of transport as it posed a serious threat to their livelihoods, and many attempts were made by them to disrupt its construction.

Within four years of its completion in September 1908, the Hejaz Railway was transporting around 300,000 passengers a year. But these were not only pilgrims – the Turks had started using the railway to transport troops and supplies and, during the World War I (1914-1918), many attempts were made to disrupt it so as to impede the advance of the Turkish Army. www.jhr.gov.jo

Welcome to Jordan Heritage Revival Company (JHRC)

Train Ride Adventure Terms

#For Jordan Pass Ticket holders you will find the booking date and time on the Jordan pass ticket, and you will receive a confirmation email before the train trip time. #For paid tickets holder, an electronic ticket will be sent to you via e-mail and/or SMS including the trip start point location in wadi rum. #You will be notified via email at least 48 hours in advance If there is any change in trip date/time. #The ticket must be shown at the departure point to the trip supervisor to be scanned. #The date and time for the booked trip cannot be changed later. #The Train Trip Ticket is non-transferable. Disclaimer  I realize and understand the nature of the tourist train journey (Journey through 1916) operated by Jordan Heritage Revival Company. It is a journey on board the tourist train where the train travels within the desert area of Wadi Rum at a speed appropriate to the nature of the region and the history of the experience. The journey ends with a tourist heritage show in which the participants re-embody some of the events of the Great Arab Revolt using horses, camels, and old military vehicles amid shooting with empty sound ammunition, sound, and smoke crackers, and fireworks to simulate an attack by the Arab revolutionaries on the Guard soldiers on board the train and controlling it. Based on my understanding and realization of the nature of the journey, I will comply with the instructions of the journey supervisor and accompanying tourist guides. In addition, I will comply with the general safety instructions to take this tourist experience, including not moving between closed and open train cars during the movement of the train, not standing at its doors, and not moving or standing in open cars during the movement the train. I further undertake to use the stairs and places designated for getting on and off the train cars as directed by the journey supervisor and accompanying tourist guides. I also understand and realize the weather fluctuations in the desert area and the resulting storms or sudden closure of the railway line that may cause unexpected risks to the passengers and the train and may cause the journey to be canceled or disrupted. I understand the risks expected from the atmosphere of simulating the Arab revolutionaries’ attack on the train guards and the use of sound ammunition, heritage weapons, sound and smoke crackers, and interaction and friction with horses, camels and heritage military vehicles participating in the show. I freely and voluntarily take the responsibility for the potential risks and damages arising from taking this experience (Journey through 1916) in terms of personal injury and/or death and/or property damage, and I hold harmless Jordan Heritage Revival Company and its employees against any legal or financial consequences.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Jordan

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Jordan. There are 201 trips to choose from, that range from 2 days in length, up to 17 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit Jordan.

201 Fully Guided tour packages in Jordan with 2,155 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Explore Jordan

The guide was excellent, the team with whom he worked were friendly and welcoming, thus making it altogether a wonderful experience which I recommend to others.

• Desert Hikes

One Week in Jordan

Amazing views! Jordan is a beautiful country! So much history and sites to see!

Jewels of Jordan - Group Tour By Locals

Excellent tour. Guide and driver are very professional and helpful.Hussam is very knowledgeable. I love Jordan

Premium Jordan

Mo was an excellent tour leader in that he has such passion and enthusiasm about Jordan. I learnt so much about the history and culture and so enjoyed all of the activities. Mo went over and beyond to ensure my dietary needs were met as I have coeliac disease which was much appreciated. Highly recommend this tour.

• Sightseeing

Jordan Express

Cannot say enough good things about the tour and our guide, Amer. An amazing experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Highlights of Jordan

Fantastic!!!! I loved every single day of this tour, every day was different, very well timed and structured, very very knowledgeable CEO, friendly and professional, carrying also! This was my first tour, and was a creat choice and I will recommend to every solo traveler, couple or families to join this activity! It’s perfect and enough days to visit the most important sightseeing of Jordan! Very very happy with this tour and company! Thanks

Short Trip To Jordan - Group Tour By Locals

Amazing experience! :)

Essential Jordan (4 Star Hotels)

The overall experience was good and there were no issues with the booking or the organization during the trip. Our guide Faizal was amazing. We really enjoyed the time with him. I would recommend the agency to explain maybe a little bit better how the trip is going to be developed because I found the description in the website not enough accurate. Also during the trip would be nice if the guide send all details of all the days in advance with also the extra activities and when they are going to take place. it will be easier to decide which activities to do or not.

• $150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Jordan Discovery

I booked this tour as a solo trip and was so glad to meet a great bunch of people that formed our group. Our tour guide Musa, was amazing, I could not fault him and his restaurant recommendations were excellent. This trip was everything and more that I could have hoped for and our coach was super comfortable and we were fortunate to have a great driver and the same driver throughout the tour also. Tourradar admin team however, needs improving, I thought I paid and booked return to and from airport transport especially as it was expensive but apparently the return was not included. Their communication was not clear as they did ask me for my return flight details so this was misleading and it was very disappointing.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Timeless Jordan

We had a wonderful time in Jordan thanks to the Timeless team and our guide Basil. I would highly recommend this trip

Totally Jordan - 8 Days

This was our first tour. We are both fit aged 71 and 64. We can’t say enough about this tour. Fantastic, incredible, awesome. The itinerary was tight but doable. The information given to us by “On The Go” was clear and precise. The hotels were better than we had expected but the icing on the cake was our guide Hameed or AJ as he preferred. He brought us all together as a family and conveyed to us his love of Jordon through it’s history and culture, bringing everything to life. A wonderful genuine guy. I could go through the sights we visited but they were all well above our expectations. We found that the last day of the tour basically left us a free day to enjoy the hotel and dead sea. Some of our group found this a waste of a day, personally we found it rewarding as it gave us time to relax after a hard week of sightseeing. Thank you “On The Go” for making a great holiday totally awesome.

Jordan Multisport

The guide khadeer was an amazing host, the sites and everything seen was a once in a lifetimes fulfillment. Everyday something new and great to see, jordan is great and this tour highlights this!

A Week in Jordan

We had a great time with Sami as our guide. He was funny, personable and wanted to make sure we always felt at ease. He definitely gave us a lot of history about Jordan and the sites we were seeing. Sometimes he talked too fast or was too far away to hear, but if we asked him to repeat, he would gladly tell us again (and add in a few jokes). The places we visited in Jordan were beautiful and very different from what I was expecting. The country is an amazing place to see and I am very glad I took this tour to get a whole view of Jordan, not just the tourist sites at Petra. Some days the bus rides were long (4-6 hours) but we really did cover the whole country.

Jordan Jewels - 8 Days

Our tour of Jordan was fantastic, thanks to our driver and guide, Khaled. He skillfully adjusted the itinerary to include special locations, making our trip memorable. The hotels recommended by Vacations to go —Petra Moon Hotel, The Captains Camp, and RamadaHotel—were very good. Khaled's flexibility, promptness, and reliability added to the overall positive experience. The guides and jeep operators were kind and helpful, making our journey truly special.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Dana to Petra Trek + Wadi Rum & The Dead Sea

Fantastic! Can not recommend highly enough!

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Jordan

Amazing tour, seeing all the sites in Jordan. Was lucky enough to be the only person booked on my date so had one-on-one guiding with Thaer who was absolutely brilliant! Thoroughly recommend this tour

Great tour to have a quick experience of Jordan, if you get Hisham as your guide your will be very lucky, He is very knowledgeable, well organized, very motivated, and hardworking & show you all the hidden gems. I have travelled a lot with so many tour groups but intrepid you are my new favourite! Would suggest putting more time into Petra as we do not get to experience it completely.

Best trip I've ever had. Every part of it was just the most amazing experience and I can't wait to visit again.

Regions in Jordan

• Wadi Rum (26)
• King's Highway (6)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Jordan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

• The Netherlands
• Photography

• Work with me
• What’s in my camera bag

HOME | JORDAN

My wonderful 10-day jordan itinerary: the best of jordan.

Jordan was my first-ever trip to this corner of the world, but will certainly not be my last.

Located at the heart of the Middle East, this bit-size paradise has righteously earned its fame, and after my unforgettable road trip here, it is safe to say that Jordan has become one of my all-time favourite destinations.

There’s a myriad of reasons to add Jordan to your bucket list, and I’m not just talking about visiting the ancient city of Petra and the insanely scenic Wadi Rum desert .

Though these highlights are unmissable on any Jordan itinerary indeed, there’s a whole lot more to see and do in this exceptional country.

From the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea , to the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash , to the amazing diving spots in Aqaba, to the lively streets of Downtown Amman – Jordan is no stranger to both exciting travel experiences and world-class cultural heritage.

This Jordan itinerary is based on my 10-day road trip and talks you through the above highlights, while it also provides all the essential information in terms of accommodation, weather, transportation and more.

Here’s my wonderful Jordan road trip itinerary – enjoy planning your trip!

MY 10-DAY JORDAN ITINERARY | WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Where is jordan.

Jordan, also known as the Hashemite Kingdom in the Middle East is located on the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe and borders with Israel, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Syria, while also sharing maritime borders with Egypt.

With its compact size, and many interesting cultural and natural highlights, Jordan has rapidly become one of the most popular road trip destinations in the world.

VISA FOR JORDAN | THE JORDAN PASS

Though it is relatively easy to obtain a tourist visa upon your arrival in Jordan, I believe the better deal is to acquire a Jordan Pass before flying into the country.

Not only does the Jordan Pass saves you time at the airport, but it also grants free entrance to 40 of the country’s most famous highlights; Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash and the Amman Citadel just to name a few.

One thing that is worth mentioning, is the fact that travellers should spend a minimum of 4 days in Jordan to waive the visa fees. Also, the Jordan Pass is equal to a single entry visa, allowing visitors a maximum of 30 days in the country.

I applied for a Jordan Pass in advance, and had an easy time exploring the country – plus the option to skip the line at most of the tourist highlights – winner!

For more information, availability, and applying, make sure you visit the iVisa website .

USEFUL GUIDES ON TRAVELLING IN JORDAN

In my opinion, a written guide is the perfect tool to fall back on, and I seriously advise you to look into one too before travelling to Jordan.

In terms of essential travel information and tips, this Lonely Planet Jordan guide helped me on several occasions during my road trip. Search your guide here .

MY 10-DAY JORDAN ITINERARY | DAILY OVERVIEW

Day 1 | arrival in aqaba.

The coastal town of Aqaba was the perfect place to start my adventurous road trip itinerary through Jordan.

Not only is Aqaba home to the excellent King Hussein International Airport , but it is also a welcoming place to get your bearings. For that reason, I’d advise spending at least one day here to recover from your flight, before venturing deeper into Jordan’s immeasurable natural beauty.

Though I haven’t seen much of Aqaba due to late arrival, I’ve read plentiful articles that say that this coastal town is actually a great place for those into sunbathing, history and top-notch diving.

Perched next to the Red Sea, Aqaba is home to some of the world’s best scuba diving sites, with over 20 diving spots dotted along the coastline, providing a perfect setting for any level of diving.

That said, if you have more days to follow my itinerary, I’d advise taking some extra time to appreciate Aqaba’s lively underwater world and the quaint beaches adjacent – unfortunately, my time here was limited.

AQABA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Aqaba

Where to stay in Aqaba | DoubleTree by Hilton provides comfortable rooms at an excellent rate, perfect for those keen to unwind after a long flight. Additionally, I would recommend Jordan Seasons Hotel .

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Aqaba on Booking.com .

DAY 2 – 3 | VENTURE DEEP INTO WADI RUM

The first highlight on this Jordan road trip itinerary and by far my favourite destination in the country is the otherworldly Wadi Rum desert.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadi Rum is an utterly magnificent landscape that is home to rippled sand dunes, towering rock formations, and burnt-orange desert terrain that stretches far in all directions.

With more than 720 square kilometres, Wadi Rum is actually known as one of the largest deserts in the world, and for that reason, best explored by a 4×4 jeep.

If you’re keen to uncover Wadi Rum as part of a full-day jeep tour , make sure you’ll be driven around by an authentic Bedouin guide. By doing so, you’ll be taken along all the nitty-gritty hotspots.

After your jeep tour, it is time to pick a sand dune, sit down and watch a breathtaking sunset light up the otherworldly dunes and rock formations of Wadi Rum – this truly is a spectacle to behold.

On top of that, there’s a bunch of other great things to do within Wadi Rum, such as uncovering the dunes by foot or beholding one of the desert’s famous movie scenes, including those of The Martian and Aladdin.

But to me, the absolute highlight on any visit to Wadi Rum, is spending the night under the starry Jordanian sky in a luxurious martian dome or one of the many traditional Bedouin camps.

+ Related | Check out my Wadi Rum guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

WADI RUM | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Wadi Rum

Where to stay in Wadi Rum | I stayed at Hasan Zawaideh Camp and had an excellent once in a lifetime experience. Make sure you check the link to see how awesome sleeping in a martian dome actually is.

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Wadi Rum on Booking.com .

Driving time | 1 – 2 hours

Distance | 74 kilometres from Aqaba to Wadi Rum

DAY 4 – 5 | THE ANCIENT NABATEAN CITY OF PETRA

I’m pretty sure that the ancient Nabatean city of Petra is one of the key reasons why you’ve planned an adventurous road trip through Jordan, and it is easy to understand why.

Hidden between the rough mountains that encircle Wadi Musa lies Petra, an exceptional ancient city that is carved directly out of the sandstone rose-red rock formations that the area holds.

After a long period of being completely hidden for the western world, the mesmerizing archaeological site was eventually rediscovered by Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. For the above reason, Petra is often referred to as ‘The Lost City’.

At present, the former capital of the Nabataean empire is acknowledged as one of the new wonders of the world , and only a few words can describe how it feels when you first encounter the exquisite facade of Petra’s famous Treasury.

But it is not just the Treasury that put Petra on the map of travellers and adventure seekers alike.

Other incredible sights that are equally as impressive include the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, the Al Kubtha Trail, the Siq and the High Place of Sacrifice just to name a few.

To make the most out of your time in Petra, I’d recommend spending at least two days here to take it all in. Also, I highly advise visiting early in the morning (Petra opens at 06:00) to beat the crowds.

+ Related | Check out my Petra guide for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

PETRA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Petra, Wadi Musa

Where to stay in Wadi Musa | I stayed at Town Season Hotel , a great budget-friendly hotel only a stone throws away from the Petra visitor centre. Prices and availability here .

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Petra on Booking.com .

How to get around Petra | Petra is best explored on foot, however, be prepared to walk a bunch. Also, please be aware to travel in a responsible and ethical manner, meaning you consider skipping transport by horse or donkey.

Driving time | 2 – 2,5 hours

Distance | 114 kilometres from Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa

DAY 6 | UNWIND AT THE ICONIC DEAD SEA

Next up is the iconic Dead Sea, one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the country, and in my opinion an unmissable destination on any Jordan itinerary.

Unlike its name, the Dead Sea is actually more of a lake that is known for its incredibly high salinity, containing around 10 times more salt than any given ocean on earth.

As a result, it is impossible for organisms to inhabit the sea, hence its name ‘The Dead Sea’.

Also, the area is deemed to be the lowest point on earth, as it lies 400 metres below sea level.

In terms of location, the Dead Sea is perched between Jordan and Israel, at around 3,5 hours away from Wadi Musa, which is quite a drive. The good news though, it’s a damn scenic journey!

If you’re into photography, make sure you make a stop left of the Wadi Mujib Adventure Center , where you’ll find some pretty neat photography options, as well as some of the best salt formations.

Upon arrival in your hotel, I’d recommend heading straight to the beach for an unforgettable experience, namely swimming in the Dead Sea, or better said, floating in the Dead Sea.

Besides this quirky happening, there’s not much else going on around the Dead Sea, and therefore I recommend making your time here all about relaxing and sunbathing.

+ Read more | Check out my guide to the Dead Sea for inspiration, travel advice and the essentials.

THE DEAD SEA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Dead Sea

Where to stay near the Dead Sea | I stayed at Ramada Resort Dead Sea , a comfortable option located directly next to the Dead Sea. Prices and availability here .

Alternatively, search for accommodation near the Dead Sea on Booking.com .

Driving time | 3 – 3,5 hours

Distance | 205 kilometres from Wadi Musa to the Dead Sea

DAY 7 – 9 | AMMAN, JORDAN’S BUSTLING CAPITAL CITY

After relaxing at the Dead Sea, it is time to move further north to Amman, Jordan’s lively capital.

Although Amman is significantly more chaotic than other destinations on this itinerary, I believe it’s a city of its own accord, with many interesting things to see, do and of course, taste.

I’ve personally spent two days here, one while staying at the phenomenal W Amman Hotel (this place is unreal, and so is the food), and one to uncover the many highlights that this energetic city has to offer. A brilliant combination that worked out perfectly fine for me.

All in all, Amman is definitely worthy of your visit, and given it is pretty compact in size and easy to navigate, the city is in my opinion a great introduction for first-time travellers to the Middle East.

AMMAN | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

The Amman Citadel | Situated high atop of the Jabal Al Qala’a hill is the Amman Citadel, an area rich in history that has been under the rule of many great civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Persians, and Greeks. If you have time to visit only one place while in Amman, make sure it’s the city’s time-worn citadel.

King Abdullah I Mosque | Though it is located slightly outside the city centre, the ornate King Abdullah I Mosque is an absolute must-see in Amman. Recognized by its vivid blue dome, the mosque is truly mesmerizing and can house up to 7.000 worshippers at a time. It is possible for non-Muslims to enter, but make sure to follow the religious customs.

The Roman Amphitheatre | With the capacity to house roughly 6.000 people, the Roman Amphitheatre is said to be the most impressive remnant of Roman Philadelphia, and it’s easy to see why. What’s even more impressive, is the fact that it is still in use for concerts and plays at present. Additionally, if you’ve managed to acquire a Jordan Pass , you’ll have entrance to the adjacent Folklore Museum.

+ Related | Check out my guide to Amman for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

AMMAN | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Amman

Where to stay in Amman | I stayed at W Amman and it is safe to say that it is my most luxurious travel experience I’ve had to date. Make sure you check it out here .

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Amman on Booking.com .

Driving time | 1 hour

Distance | 50 kilometres from The Dead Sea to Amman

DAY TRIP | THE ROMAN RUINS OF JERASH

The Roman ruins of Jerash are located only an hour away from Amman and are therefore easily visited as part of a self-drive day trip.

Often referred to as the ‘Pompeii of the East’, Jerash is acknowledged as the best-preserved Greco-Roman city outside of Italy, and believe me, it is truly a delight to behold.

As a result, Jerash is extremely popular among travellers and locals alike, making it the second most visited tourist destination in Jordan – behind Petra, obviously!

That said, the interior of Jerash is absolutely breathtaking, and some sights that I highly suggest visiting include the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Artemis, Oval Square and the Northern Theatre among many others.

Though Jerash was high on my list of things to see in Jordan, I, unfortunately, planned way too little time to fully explore the extensive archaeological site. Therefore, I advise planning at least four hours to explore in a relaxing manner.

Related | Check out my guide to Jerash for inspiration, travel advice and all the essentials.

JERASH | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Jerash

Cost | Entrance fee 10 JOD ($14,10) – free with the Jordan Pass

Distance | 50 kilometres from Amman to Jerash

DAY 10 | TIME TO LEAVE JORDAN

After 10 incredible days in Jordan, where you’ve discovered incredible landscapes, ancient architectural masterpieces, and everything in between, it is time to pack your stuff and head for the airport.

Whether you need to drive back to Aqaba or Amman, your last moments in Jordan are all about heading home, so it is a full day of travelling anyhow.

However, one thing I like to spare you is a long exhausting drive back from Amman to Aqaba on the day of your outbound flight.

I personally opted to leave Jordan by plane from the Queen Alia International Airport in Aqaba, but would have done this part of my itinerary differently if I had to do it again – epic fail.

For that reason, I believe it is best to book separate flights, especially if spending your final 6 hours in Jordan behind the wheel isn’t your way to end this awesome road trip.

JORDAN ITINERARY | TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND TIPS

Accommodation | where to stay in jordan.

Jordan is hands down among the most popular travel destinations of the last few years, meaning you’ll be delighted to find awesome accommodation here too.

Through the course of my Jordan itinerary, I was surprised by a broad variety of excellent accommodation options, suitable for pretty much every travel style and budget.

Whether you’re after a budget-friendly hostel, family-run apartment, authentic Bedouin tent, or luxurious high-end hotel – like this unique Martian experience in the heart of the desert, there are simply endless options available.

In terms of budget, it is completely up to you, with costs varying anywhere between €20 – €200 per night, depending on your personal requirements.

BOOKING.COM

As a solo adventure traveller, my favourite website to search for accommodation is booking.com.

Not only is it home to a broad selection of accommodation, but it’s also user-friendly, and offers options that suit any budget.

Also, you can cancel your booking at any given time, without any extra cost – perfect if you like (or dislike) a place and wish to change your travel plans accordingly.

If I made you enthusiastic to travel to Jordan, make sure you explore the many accommodation options on booking.com .

WEATHER IN JORDAN | BEST TIME TO VISIT JORDAN

Given Jordan almost entirely consists of desert landscapes, the country is rather tricky in terms of weather.

For that reason, it is good to note that Jordan can be scorching hot during the peak summer months, while at the same time, it is freezing cold during the winter months.

Depending on what you’re looking for, I believe the best time to visit Jordan is from early March to late May, especially if you’re bent on exploring Jordan’s most popular points of calls, including Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.

However, if you wish to uncover the Red Sea’s lively underwater world, or work on your tan on a sun lounger next to it, the summer months of June to September might be the better option for you.

I followed this Jordan road trip itinerary in March and had excellent weather to tick the sights I wished to visit off my bucket list.

One thing that is worth mentioning though, is that despite the pleasant temperature during the days, the nights often become pretty chilly, specifically in the desert. So make sure you pack at least one pair of trousers and a comfy hoodie!

TRANSPORT | HOW TO GET AROUND JORDAN

Car | how to get around jordan.

Jordan is a true spectacle in terms of rough, mystic landscapes, and by renting a car you easily experience the absolute best of this exceptional feature.

Not only is a rental the easiest way to uncover Jordan, but it also provides the ultimate freedom to travel at your own pace, not to mention that it means you’ll be driving through the most incredible landscapes too.

Another great thing about driving in Jordan is the fact that most of the roads are actually in excellent condition, plus it is pretty cheap to fill up your tank.

Meaning Jordan is made out of all the good stuff that make a road trip, a ROAD TRIP.

For car rental in Jordan, I highly recommend Rentalcars.com . They offer brilliant service, additional insurance options (which is not an unnecessary luxury in Jordan), as well as a wide selection of cars to choose from. Prices and availability here .

HOW TO GET TO JORDAN

Flights | how to get to jordan.

Though Jordan is a relatively compact country, it is home to two excellent international airports.

However, most flights arrive at the Queen Alia International Airport , situated around 30 kilometres south of Amman, the capital city of Jordan.

Alternatively, there is the King Hussein International Airport , located only a 10-minute drive away from Aqaba. I noticed that this option was significantly cheaper for flights from Europe.

Both airports are well kept and host a great variety of international flights, including those from major hubs in Europe, North Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

For flights to Jordan, I would highly advise the use of Skyscanner . Not only is their website super easy to use, but they also offer a large selection of airlines – plus the possibility to find good rates.

In my opinion, both cities are equally as good to start your Jordan road trip itinerary, as they both provide car rental pickup and dropoff services.

SAFETY IN JORDAN | TRAVEL INSURANCE

When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though I felt completely safe in Jordan, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.

Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that it might happen, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.

To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

9 Awesome things to do in Amman, Jordan (update 2023)

The Jordan Pass: 8 useful tips to get you going (2022 update)

A travellers guide to Petra, Jordan’s ancient Nabatean city

42 Incredible photos that will inspire you to visit Jordan

A complete guide to the ruins of Jerash, Jordan

A travellers guide to Wadi Rum, Jordan’s otherworldly desert

A guide to the Dead Sea, Jordan’s unique natural phenomena

Wat een interessant artikel! Staat op mijn wishlist 😀

Hi Brenda, bedankt voor je reactie! Jordanie is tegenwoordig super toegankelijk en zeker een aanrader. Het kan ook nog eens met een redelijk laag budget. Houd tickettipper in de gaten voor goede deals richting Jordanie, wij betaalde slechts €135,- pp.

Groetjes Glenn

Incredible detail again. Your blogs just keep getting better and better!

Thanks for the positive feedback Jamie, really appreciate it!

We’re visiting Jordan for the first time this year! Will definitely come back to this article when planning, thank you!

Hi Betty, I’m pretty sure it will be an awesome trip – if you need any tips or information, don’t mind reaching out!

Wonderful blog! We’re about to head to Jordan in 2 days for a 10 day trip – our first international trip as a family so this has been a fantastic resource for planning our route.

Just wanted to add that there is a really niche exemption whereby if you fly in and out of Aqaba airport, you don’t have to pay any visa fees as it sits within a special economic zone. This means that potentially you might not make back the cost of the Jordan Pass if you don’t visit enough sites. I’m hastily doing the maths and considering whether it is worth it based on the places we are visiting but a number of other blogs have actively said to NOT buy the Jordan Pass if you fly in and out of Aqaba. Thanks!

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5-7 Days in Jordan: Itinerary for an Unforgettable Adventure

There are so many things to love about visiting Jordan, from the majesty of Petra to the otherworldly landscape of Wadi Rum to the fact that with even 5 days in Jordan, you can craft a Jordan itinerary that you’ll never forget!

Jordan’s small size and ease of travel make it a fantastic introduction to the Middle East.

No matter how long you have to explore, you’ll no doubt leave some stones unturned… but have even more once-in-a-lifetime experiences along the way.

With less than a week in Jordan, you can visit a wide variety of the country’s iconic attractions, including floating in the Dead Sea, exploring some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy, camping in Wadi Rum, riding a camel, and hiking through the Lost City of Petra.

… and that’s just the beginning.

If you’re short on time but hoping to plan an itinerary for Jordan that will leave you with cherished lifelong memories, this 5, 6, or 7 day Jordan itinerary will help!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Jordan Itinerary

Renting a car for your jordan road trip (or not), don’t forget your jordan pass, the perfect 5 days in jordan itinerary, if you have 6 days in jordan…, if you have 7 days in jordan…, the best time to road trip jordan, what to pack for a week in jordan, 5-7 day jordan itinerary map.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

We designed this 5-7 day Jordan itinerary as a loop beginning and ending in Amman.

It is primarily intended as a road trip–and yes, you can absolutely road trip Jordan with relative ease!

However, if you don’t want to drive, through a combination of organized tours, public transportation, and/or private transfers, you can easily spend a week in Jordan without a car, as well.

This itinerary is intended for travelers enjoying their first trip to Jordan who are hoping to hit up the country’s biggest highlights in a very limited time.

And, since Jordan is such a small and easy-to-navigate country, that is quite doable!

If you drove this route straight through without detours, it would include a little over 12 hours of driving in the whole loop.

Taking a road trip in Jordan is an absolute delight, and this itinerary is perfect for doing so!

Jordan’s roads are well-marked and (outside of Amman), fairly simple to navigate.

When renting a car in Jordan, we recommend shopping for your rental car through  Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Prefer not to drive?

You can still have a fantastic time in Jordan!

While navigating this itinerary via public transportation alone would be cumbersome, guided tours can offer excellent value for money and keep your trip planning simple.

Basing yourself primarily in Amman and booking a multi-day tour like this to see Petra and Wadi Rum, and then supplementing with day trips like this to places like Jerash, is absolutely a valid way to have a fantastic Jordan vacation.

Shop rental cars and/or guided tours for your trip to Jordan today!

For virtually all travelers planning a trip to Jordan based on this itinerary, the Jordan Pass is a must-buy before you go!

The pass is organized by the Jordanian government and includes entrance fees to more than 40 of the top attractions in Jordan, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and many more.

It also covers the cost of your visa on arrival!

The pricing of the pass is structured in such a way that once you account for the cost of your visa and entrance to Petra, the pass has already paid for itself, making it an easy win.

However, make sure that you purchase and download your pass before flying into Amman!

When we went through immigration, the family next to us in line ended up having to purchase a separate visa because they only screenshotted their pass confirmation and didn’t download it before arriving.

Day 1 in Jordan: Explore the ruins of Jerash and float in the Dead Sea.

If you’re trying to see Jordan in 5 days, you’ll want to hit the ground running as soon as you land in the country!

After getting your rental car in Amman, drive north to explore one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy.

Explore the Roman city of Jerash.

Stepping foot inside Jerash is an incredible experience, and it reminded me immediately of exploring Pompeii in Italy (but in Jordan, we got to start our visit with a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice in hand).

Don’t miss the magnificent South Theater (climb to the top for the full effect–the acoustics are incredible), Oval Plaza, or Cardo Maximus column-lined street.

You’ll also find beautiful temples, including ones dedicated to Zeus and Artemis, in Jerash.

Head to the Dead Sea to float your worries away.

Once you wrap up at Jerash, make your way to the Dead Sea, where you can float your worries away in one of the most unique landscapes on Earth!

Jordan’s side of the Dead Sea lends itself to luxurious resorts with private beaches that are more affordable than you might think.

… And, since the Dead Sea is shrinking every year, it’s worth a bit of a splurge.

This is one of those “experience-it-while-you-can” attractions!

Plus, floating in the Dead Sea, while iconic, doesn’t take very long, making it easy to fit into a 5 day Jordan itinerary.

Due to the salt content in the water, it’s recommended to only stay in the water for 15 minutes or so per visit.

We loved our stay at the gorgeous Dead Sea Marriot Resort and would be thrilled to stay again!

Check rates & book your stay at the Dead Sea Marriot Resort!

Day 2 in Jordan: Spend the night camping in Wadi Rum.

After waking up at the Dead Sea, enjoying the gigantic breakfast spread at the Dead Sea Marriot Resort , and possibly going for a morning float, it’s time to head south!

The final destination of your second day in Jordan is the otherworldly Wadi Rum, but consider making a quick detour before you go!

Wander through Kerak Castle.

Kerak Castle (often also written as Alkarak Castle) is one of the largest and best-preserved Crusader Castles in Jordan.

Dating to the 1100s, everything from the castle’s structures to the views here are incredible, and it’s a fascinating side stop during your road trip in Jordan.

Drive to the incredible Wadi Rum Protected Area.

After seeing the castle, make your way to Wadi Rum for one of the most memorable nights of your life!

The Wadi Rum Protected Area is, more or less, a desert landscape that looks like Mars crossed with Utah .

It’s the traditional home of Bedouin people, who host guests like us in their special landscape today.

It’s also a popular filming location (see: Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, Dune, and many more).

Wadi Rum is a magnificent destination and hands down one of the best places to visit in Jordan.

We’ve written an entire guide to Wadi Rum to help you plan your trip in detail, but here’s the short version: this afternoon, take either a camel or Jeep tour, and then spend the night at a Bedouin Camp.

Camps range from extremely basic to the famous and luxurious Bubble Luxotel .

We opted for the middle-of-the-road Candles Camp and had a fantastic time!

Check rates & book your stay in Wadi Rum today!

Day 3 in Jordan: Adventure across Wadi Rum and drive to Petra.

We go over this in more detail in our Wadi Rum guide , but essentially, your time in Wadi Rum should absolutely include both a Jeep tour and a camel ride!

The Jeep tour takes much longer and is a great option for this morning (however, you can also do a sunset Jeep tour and sunrise camel tour instead–it all depends on your exact schedule).

Once you wrap up exploring the majestic beauty of Wadi Rum, it’s time to drive to Petra!

The drive to Petra (or more specifically, Wadi Musa, the modern village outside of Petra) from Wadi Rum takes a couple of hours, give or take.

In other words, you can take your time enjoying Wadi Rum and plan to arrive in Wadi Musa to settle in for the next day, which will arguably be the busiest of your trip!

Day 4 in Jordan: Marvel at the Lost City of Petra.

The crown jewel of any trip to Jordan, the Lost City of Petra more than lived up to our sky-high expectations!

While the famous Treasury is just as incredible as described, the full experience of visiting Petra, from the Monastery to the Siq slot canyon to the lesser-known highlights like the Royal Tombs, is beyond words.

Like other incredible ruin sites around the world such as Pompeii , Angkor Wat , Becan , and more, part of the incredible appeal of Petra lies not just in its photogenic attractions but in the fact that you can truly feel the layout of the city as you explore.

While it would be very easy to spend several days exploring all that Petra has to offer, with only 5 days in Jordan to work with, it’s realistic to plan for one.

How to Structure Your Day in Petra, Jordan

In order to make the most of your one day in Petra, we highly recommend taking advantage of Petra’s lesser-used “back door”.

By using the back door, you’ll first hike to the Monastery (or Ad Dier) at the back of the park, and then walk to the main entrance in Wadi Musa throughout the day, passing by all of Petra’s highlights and saving the Treasury for the grand finale.

You’ll also be able to reverse the 800+ step climb to the Monastery and go down the steps instead!

This is an official entrance, though barely used compared to the crowded front gate.

We absolutely adored using this method and felt that we were able to make the most of our time in Petra without feeling rushed, since we knew we didn’t have to turn around and hike back out.

Your hotel can help you arrange transport to the back door–we stayed at Petra Aretas Hotel and they were great about arranging a ride for us, with a mini-tour on the way!

Petra Aretas Hotel also served a great breakfast and is located within walking distance of the main entrance of Petra.

We loved our stay and would be happy to check in again.

Check rates & book your stay at Petra Aretas Hotel!

Day 5 in Jordan: Make your way back to Amman (with sightseeing stops).

On the final day of your 5 day Jordan itinerary, it’s time to make your way back to Amman.

Assuming you have most of a day to work with, though, you’ll find plenty of incredible sightseeing opportunities as you road trip from Wadi Musa back to Amman!

Here are just a few sights to consider adding to your list of things to do in Jordan.

To appreciate a different side of Jordan’s impressive history, enjoy a quick stop in the charming city of Madaba.

While there are a handful of interesting sights and a shopping street to peruse, without a doubt Madaba’s top attraction is the intricate 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, found on the floor of the Church of Saint George.

Known as the Madaba Map, this striking mosaic is considered to be the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land.

The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ

Just north of the Dead Sea in Jordan, you’ll find the reported Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, which for thousands of years has been considered the location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

While the site is very popular (you can even be baptized there if you choose), it’s also highly managed and a bit–dare I say it–commercialized.

If you’d like to visit, you’ll need to join a group tour, and admission is not included in most Jordan Passes.

Mount Nebo is a highly significant site in the Abrahamic religions and is believed to be the place where Moses glimpsed the Holy Land before he died.

Today, you’ll find sweeping views, beautiful memorials, and art from several cultures on top of the mountain–and on a clear day, you can even see all the way to Jerusalem!

The Moses Memorial Church is a striking blend of extremely old (the church originally dates to the 4th century), and the extremely new, with a 21st-century building surrounding historic mosaics.

King’s Highway Viewpoints

There are two essential roads in Jordan that you’ll hear a lot about when planning a Jordan road trip: the Desert Highway (fast, efficient, but a bit dull), and the King’s Highway (which takes longer, but is also more scenic).

For this 5-7 day Jordan itinerary, we recommend driving part of the Desert Highway on your way to Wadi Rum (when your schedule is more packed) and then taking the King’s Highway all the way up as you head north.

You’ll come across plenty of striking viewpoints as you travel, so be sure to safely pull over and snap photos at a few!

We personally found the northern section of the King’s Highway more scenic than the southern section.

Where to Stay For Your Final Night in Jordan

If your experience is like ours (and for many of your guys flying back out of the region, it will be), your flight out of Jordan will leave very, very early in the morning.

To make life a little easier on ourselves, we checked into this peaceful hotel near the airport for the “night” (our wakeup call to head to the airport was at 1:00 AM).

The rooms were comfortable and the service excellent.

They were even able to call us a taxi and ensure that we were picked up on time, making our bleary-eyed final few hours in Jordan much less stressful.

Check rates & book your stay at The Opal Hotel!

Add a day in Amman.

With 6 days in Jordan, you should absolutely add a day in Amman!

Jordan’s lively capital city offers a chance to see a completely different side of the country than the wild country landscapes and archaeological sites do.

Tour the famous Amman Citadel (and soak in its incredible views), explore the Roman Theater (that is still used for performances!), and visit Rainbow Street.

The King Abdullah I Mosque is one of the only mosques in Jordan that non-Muslims can enter, and is also worth seeing.

If it fits into your schedule, the Jordan Museum is also well worth a visit–some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display there!

For cheap and delicious eats, don’t miss the famous falafel and hummus at Hashem Restaurant, or the delicious kunefe located just up the road at Habibah.

Slow down or add a day in Aqaba.

Our number one itinerary suggestion if you have a full week in Jordan to work with is simply to slow down!

This suggested route is incredibly packed, and while that’s sustainable for 5-6 days in order to pack in Jordan’s best sights with very limited time, you can’t keep it up forever.

A second day spent in Petra, Wadi Rum, or even the Dead Sea area can add a lot of depth to your trip without having to find yet another hotel to stay in.

If you’re feeling energized, though, a 7 day Jordan itinerary could also be expanded to include a day of scuba diving and/or snorkeling in Aqaba.

Other options include a hike in a slot canyon like Wadi Mujib, time spent in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, or a soak in the Ma’in Hot Springs.

For something more history-focused, visiting another one of Jordan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Quesir Amra or Um er-Rasas are also very interesting options.

While you can absolutely enjoy a week in Jordan year-round, spring and fall are considered the optimal times to visit in order to balance crowds and weather.

Summer can be searing hot, however, it’s also the best time to go scuba diving down in Aqaba–if you’re a diver, you may choose to brave the heat inland in order to optimize your time at the Red Sea!

If you plan a winter trip to Jordan, don’t assume you’ll stay warm!

Winters in Jordan can definitely get cold, and you may even experience snow in Amman.

We took our Jordan road trip in March and enjoyed excellent, mild weather throughout our trip.

Here are a few essentials that you should definitely add to your packing list as you prepare for 5 days in Jordan (or more!).

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Jordan.

Travel Adaptors for Jordan — Unfortunately, Jordan uses several different kinds of plugs (we saw at least 3 kinds during our trip).

To cover most of your bases, you’ll definitely want both European-style adaptors and UK-style adaptors with you.

Many hotels will also supply adaptors in Jordan, as the situation is confusing, but not all do!

Pacsafe  — We can’t recommend our Pacsafe enough!

This travel safe is affordable, sturdy, easy to pack, and will help keep your valuables safe in your hotel room (not that you should need to worry much about theft in Jordan, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!).

Hands-Free Phone Mount  — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in Andalucia.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Jordan Pass — I already mentioned this above, but it bears repeating!

With this itinerary for Jordan, you will absolutely benefit from pre-purchasing a Jordan Pass.

Additional Car Insurance  — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Portable USB Charger — Don’t stress about your phone dying when sightseeing or camping!

Our USB charger was a lifesaver during our night camping in Wadi Rum, as the plugs at our camp weren’t compatible with our devices.

Camera  — We absolutely adore our  Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.

Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “5-7 Days in Jordan: Itinerary for an Unforgettable Adventure”

Lovely!! Very much interested on the trip. Please email me the itinerary with details. I am interested visiting August 5 2023. Thank you Mercedes

Hi Mercedes,

So glad you found our itinerary helpful! 🙂

We’re not tour guides or travel agents, so we can’t plan or book tours for you. We do have some well-reviewed guided tours linked in the post under the section where I talk about options if you don’t want to drive in Jordan.

Hope you have a wonderful trip to Jordan!

My husband and I are planning to visit Jordan for 7 nights early March 2024. Our preferred stay would be 2 nights in Amman on arrival. 2 nights Petra / 1 night Dead Sea / 1 night Wadi Rum / Last night in Amman again. Would be grateful if you could please suggest an iterinary – not necessary the same sequence mentioned above (except Amman).

Thanks a ton.

Essentially with those stops, you’ll either want to make your way south slowly and then have your “long” driving day (not that the drive is too long in Jordan!) at the end of your trip, or vice versa–take the longest drive at the beginning of your trip and then slowly work your way back north.

With the first option, you’d want to go Amman – Dead Sea – Petra – Wadi Rum – Amman, the second option would be to reverse it: Amman – Wadi Rum – Petra – Dead Sea – Amman.

Personally, since you’re spending a couple nights in Amman to start, I’d tend to recommend the second option. That way, you’ll be doing the most active traveling earlier in your trip, and end with a final relaxing stop at the Dead Sea. 🙂

Our flight arrive at Amman airport is late at night about 10pm, and departure time is early about 10am. Do you know if any car rental company would still be open for car pickup late at night , and car drop off early in the morning? Thanks

Not offhand, but I’d check the locations at the airport–they’ll likely have the most extended hours. Alternatively, if you’re spending the night in Amman, you could take a taxi into the city for your first night and then pickup a rental car at an in-town location the next morning (just make sure to confirm you want to drop off at the airport when you leave).

Have a great time in Jordan!

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The Perfect Itinerary for Jordan and Invaluable Travel Guide

Want to make your trip to Jordan easy and make sure you visit all the best spots?

Then this full Jordan Itinerary and Guide is for YOU!

How long does it normally take you to plan a vacation?

When it comes to researching a new country, it can take hours and hours to figure out where to go, how to get around, where to stay and what to see! But don’t worry, I have taken care of all of the logistics so you can choose your own adventure and enjoy your trip!

I have been to Jordan over and over since 2016 and I have put together the best Itinerary that you are going to want to use. Most generic itineraries are all the same, but this one gives you all of the best spots and some underrated places that are often missed on short trips or first-time trips to Jordan.

What’s Included in the Guide?

• 36 detailed pages
• Multiple itineraries (10, 7 and 3 days)
• Day by day stops
• An interactive downloadable map
• Tips from an expert
• Accommodation recommendations
• Jordan packing list

Take a Look at my Jordan Itinerary and Guide

What locations are covered in this Jordan itinerary?

The detailed 10 day Jordan Itinerary covers all of Jordan’s top sights as well as many sites that are skipped in shorter itineraries. It is a busy 10 days but does not force you to rush. It allows time to enjoy each place without having to constantly check your watch.

If there is something you do not like, feel free to cut it out. If you cannot do 10 days, have a read of the 7 days.

If you are coming to Jordan for just a few days, my 3 days express itineraries show you as much as you can while you are in the country.

If you have more time, great! Some of the special moments I have had in Jordan were when I was wandering around without a busy itinerary.

The 10 day Jordan Itinerary will take you to:

• Desert Castles
• Crusader Castles
• Little Petra
• The Dead Sea
• Dana Biosphere Reserve
• Feynan Ecolodge

If you do not have time for 10 days, do not worry. This guide also covers a full 7-day itinerary and multiple express 3-day itineraries for short visits!

Why Do I Need This Itinerary for Jordan?

There are plenty of Jordan itineraries on the internet. Most follow the typical guided tour that shows guests the highlights of Jordan. This detailed guide weaves in restaurant recommendations, local guide insight, and step-by-step instructions without having to spend thousands on taking a guided tour. Instead of spending hours planning your independent trip to Jordan, I have put all of my experiences together and done the work for you!

Are YOU Ready to Invest in your Vacation to Jordan?

Get your detailed 10-day itinerary (plus 7 and 3 day express journeys) for just $19.99

This detailed digital Jordan Itinerary Guide is delivered immediately to your email inbox.

If you have any questions about this itinerary, please contact me at [email protected]

How to Plan the Best Jordan 5-Day Itinerary (2024)

Even before my first trip, I knew Jordan was a bucket list destination. Some of my own bucket list goals were in Jordan – thanks to pop culture and my desire for unusual and light-adventure destinations. But for a bucket list destination, Jordan is also quite distant for many travelers – and they might not get to spend as much time in Jordan as they’d like due to travel timelines and time changes.

For this reason, I’m putting together this Jordan 5-day itinerary to help those short on time to make the most of their Jordan trip.

I first visited Jordan in 2016; I loved it so much that I started writing about visiting Jordan and have even planned two tours there. (The first one was canceled due to the pandemic; the second one went smoothly in March and April 2022.) I believe Jordan is a fantastic destination for adventure travelers, those who love history, and anyone who needs to see the beauty of the Middle East and learn from cross-cultural interactions.

After reading this post, you’ll know how to plan your trip to Jordan in 5 days; you’ll have all the info you need including travel times, hotel recommendations, and a hit list of the best sites and sights in Jordan you’ll see. Now let’s get started planning!

This post was originally published in July 2021, and was updated most recently in March 2024.

Table of Contents

Jordan Travel Tips

Before jumping right into my Jordan 5-day itinerary, I thought it might help to share a few quick travel tips about traveling in Jordan to help you plan when and how to spend 5 days in Jordan.

• Should You Visit Jordan Self-Guided or Guided? This is really a matter of preference, as you can definitely visit Jordan independently (without a guide). I personally liked having a guide to do the driving, taking care of admission tickets, and dealing with roadside checkpoints. However, if you’re more independent and want to do it yourself, I have a guide to driving in Jordan that covers everything you need to know – from rental cars to roadside stops.
• When to Visit Jordan? The best times of year to visit Jordan are from March to May and September to October. During these windows, the weather is hot but tolerable – without getting too cold at night in deserts like Wadi Rum. I visited Jordan for the first time in May 2016; it was way too hot for me, so I planned my next tour in March 2022 to have better weather (and it was!).
• What to Pack for Jordan? I’ve got you covered with my Jordan packing list , which includes suggestions for women and men too. Check it out!
• What Does it Cost to Visit Jordan? Jordan is not a cheap destination; it pegs its own currency (the Jordanian Dinar or JOD) to the British Pound (GBP) so it usually costs relatively more for U.S. or European travelers. When I first visited, 1JOD was roughly $1.50; today it’s roughly $1.40. I’ve got a guide for the cost of Jordan travel coming soon and will link that here once I publish it!
• Is it Safe to Visit Jordan? Jordan is a majority Muslim country (93%) and has neighboring countries that might make some people nervous (Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel – oof!). That said, Jordan itself is very safe to visit and tourism is an important part of the economy so tourists are generally well-looked-after by locals. The Jordanian government recommends avoiding border regions, and nowhere on this Jordan 5-day itinerary will take you close to a border.

That covers the basics; if you have other questions, be sure to let me know in the comments!

Quick Glance: The Best 5-Day Jordan Itinerary

Before jumping into the details, here’s a really quick look at the Jordan five day itinerary I’m about to recommend. As you can see – it’s busy! But it allows you to see many of Jordan’s top sights in a short time, so it’s worth it!

As you can see, I don’t address your “arrival date” – which I would call “Day 0” in the above table. Let’s start there…

Day 0: Arrive in Jordan

As you’ve probably realized when booking flights, your first day in Jordan is kind of a bust: you’re probably traveling from at least a few time zones away, and while flights arrive in the midday, you’ll be jetlagged from the overnight flight.

Instead of pushing hard, I recommend taking it easy this first day to kick your jet lag and make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running on Day 1. From the airport, head to your hotel, rest up, have some dinner, and get a good night’s sleep… Don’t worry – we’re going to pack a ton in over the next five days in Jordan to make up for this little bit of downtime.

Resources for Day 0: Book a two-night stay in Amman for Day 0 and Day 1; you can enjoy dinner at your hotel after arriving. For hotels, I recommend La Locanda , a music-themed hotel highlighting Jordanian and Arabic artists (rooms start from $96/night; book on Booking.com ) or Le Royal Hotel , a high-end hotel with amazing views (rooms start from $123/night; book on  Booking.com )

Day 1: Jerash, Ajloun & Amman

For your first full day in Jordan, it’s time to get sightseeing! Five days is a short time to visit Jordan, so each day of this Jordan 5 day itinerary is full; rise early and get out there to make the most of your time.

To begin, start with breakfast at your hotel, then make the drive to the Roman ruins of Jerash. It’s a 45-minute drive north from Amman to Jerash (if you look on the map, don’t worry: this won’t take you close to the Syrian border). There you’ll pay the admission fee and can explore the huge ruins at your leisure; there are also Jordanians who are willing to guide you for a fee. It takes 2-3 hours to see all of Jerash, so plan accordingly by bringing water and shade from the sun (like a hat or umbrella).

Next, enjoy lunch in Jerash then drive another 45 minutes to Ajloun Castle. This is a 12th-century Muslim castle high atop a hill surrounded by olive orchards. You can explore the castle and look out over the surrounding countryside while imagining what it was like for the warriors who lived here, defending their land from Christians.

After these two sites, it’s time to return to Amman. Make the 90-minute drive and arrive in time for a quick trip to the Amman Citadel (more Roman ruins) or to your hotel to freshen up before dinner. For dinner, I recommend eating near Jabal Amman, the neighborhood near the historic district and downtown.

Resources for Day 1: For dinner, I ate at Jafra Cafe , followed by kanafeh (a sweet cheese treat) at Habibah – these are great suggestions if you don’t want to a bunch more research. Stay a second night at your Amman hotel.

Day 2: Madaba, Mount Nebo & Petra

Now that the first day is over and it’s time to leave Amman, the rest of this 5-day Jordan itinerary is going to fly by! Rise early, enjoy breakfast at your Amman hotel, then check out and head out of the big city.

The first stop is the city of Madaba, 45 minutes south. This town is famous for its well-preserved Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics , especially the Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land. You only need to stop here briefly, but this gives you another point on the timeline of just how far back you can trace history in Jordan. (For context, the Byzantine Empire dates to 330 CE, so after the Roman ruins you saw in Jerash yesterday.)

Next, drive to Mount Nebo. This is a short 15-minute drive from Madaba, but a worthy stop for those with an interest in religious history (which, visiting Jordan, how can you not be?). Mount Nebo is renowned as the holy site where Moses looked out across the Jordan Valley to see the Promised Land, Israel. On clear days, you can see Israel and the city of Jericho across the valley, though it was hazy and dusty on the day I visited; on very clear days, you can even see Jerusalem. This is another short stop, but certainly fascinating.

After these two morning stops, head back to Madaba for lunch and then continue on to Wadi Musa – this is the town nearest to Petra . It’s a three-hour drive, so you’ll arrive in the mid-afternoon and have time to check into your Petra hotel to relax for a couple of hours.

Once you’re rested and rejuvenated, it’s time for dinner. You can eat at a local restaurant, but I recommend arranging dinner with a local family through A Piece of Jordan . This is a great way to add a cultural experience and ensure you spend more than a few minutes with local Jordanians. You’ll need to ensure you finish dinner by 8pm though, so be sure to confirm that when booking the tour (or choosing a dinner spot).

This is a long day, but it’s not over yet! At 8:15pm you need to head to the Petra visitor center to purchase tickets for the Petra-by-Night experience. This was definitely one of the highlights I remember from my first Petra visit; the two-hour tour takes you one mile through the siq (slot canyon) to the famous Treasury ruins.

There you sit and learn about the history of the Nabataean people who carved Petra and then abandoned it. The stars turn overhead as candlelight fills the space and creates a magical scene. It’s really a must-do – even if you’re already feeling a bit tired on this Jordan 5 day itinerary. (Be sure to rest up though – you’re just getting started and have three more jam-packed days!)

Last tip for this day: you don’t need to purchase Petra-by-Night tickets in advance, but be sure to purchase a two-day ticket to access Petra so you can go in for the night event and again tomorrow morning.

Resources for Day 2: Book a one-night stay in Petra. In terms of hotels, I recommend the  Petra Moon Hotel , where I stayed during my first trip and a short walk from the entrance (rooms start from ~$122 per night; book on  Booking.com  or  Hotels.com ) or the Petra Guest House right at the entrance to the historic site (rooms start from ~$149 per night; book on  Booking.com  or  Hotels.com ) .

Day 3: Petra & Wadi Rum

After a late night seeing Petra under the stars, I recommend getting up early to head back to the site to go hiking in Petra before the sun gets too high and hot.

There are a number of great hikes and sights in Petra you won’t have seen last night:

• Re-Visit the Treasury – On my morning in Petra, I personally took it easy and went back to the Treasury along the Siq trail. This is an easy option to go back for more photos without too much strenuous activity.
• Climb to the Treasury Viewpoint – It’s a little bit complicated to get there, but you can hike to a higher viewpoint overlooking the Treasury. Here’s a handy guide; I’ll be doing this hike on my next visit to Petra.
• Hike to the Monestary – Another famously iconic building in Petra, The Monestary requires a longer hike to reach – and it’s more technical , so best for those who enjoy a good workout.

After hiking in Petra during the morning, return to your hotel and check out. I recommend enjoying lunch in Wadi Musa before setting out, as it’s a two-hour drive to Wadi Rum and you don’t want to arrive too early.

Once you do get to Wadi Rum, head to your chosen Wadi Rum camp (I’ve provided some suggestions below) and check in. Depending on your arrival time, you can then hang out in the common area enjoying tea and watching the staff prepare dinner to enjoy later. As sunset approaches, I recommend heading out on a 4×4 tour of the Wadi Rum desert; your driver will take you to some of the famous rock formations and sites within the desert, and then find a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

After returning from your tour of the desert, it’s time to refuel! Many camps offer a traditional Bedouin Zarb dinner; it’s an underground barbeque featuring lamb, vegetables, and rice. Once you’ve eaten, head out to your tent and perhaps enjoy a little stargazing before turning in.

Resources for Day 3: Book a one-night stay in Wadi Rum. There are loads of Wadi Rum camps to choose from, including some luxe glamping options . My favorite is Sun City Camp and always stay there ( read my review and book on Booking.com or Hotels.com ).

Day 4: Wadi Rum & Dead Sea

If you haven’t caught on yet, there’s a theme to making the most of this Jordan five-day itinerary: rise and shine early!

Start Day 4 by getting up before sunrise to take a camel ride out into the Wadi Rum desert. This can easily be arranged through your Wadi Rum accommodation as almost all offer this as another tour excursion (in addition to the sunset 4×4 tour you did yesterday).

Camel tours take roughly 60-90 minutes, so you’ll still have time to hang out and have breakfast at camp in Wadi Rum before packing up. It takes about 4.5 hours to drive from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea, so it’s important to get a reasonably early start on this drive. There are two routes you can take:

• Desert Highway/Route 15 – an inland route that’s a little bit shorter but offers scenic views
• Jordan Valley Highway/Route 36 – a route that works northbound through the Jordan Valley and along the shores of the Dead Sea

After reaching the Dead Sea , head straight to your resort and check-in. Most resorts offer a luxurious way to end your trip with spacious rooms, balconies, on-site restaurants, bars, and pools, and access to the shores of the Dead Sea. Some also offer spa services if you really want to splurge. You can then spend the rest of the day exploring your resort property or floating in the Dead Sea.

Resources for Day 4: Book one night at your Dead Sea resort; like Wadi Rum, there are lots of Dead Sea resorts to choose from. The Holiday Inn Dead Sea Resor t has lots of amenities but lacks much personality (as most resorts do) ( rooms from $103 per night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com ), whereas the Dead Sea Spa Hotel is locally-owned and the first resort that opened on the Jordanian side of the Sea ( rooms from $89 per night; book on Booking.com or Hotels.com ).

Day 5: Dead Sea & Amman

For your final day of this Jordan 5-day itinerary, rise early to take one final dip in the Dead Sea; watching the sunrise over the landscape is a beautiful way to start the day.

After soaking and possibly one more mud bath, head back to your hotel to pack up, check out, and catch your private transfer back to Amman. Flights leave throughout the day so your schedule might vary here – you may have more time at the Dead Sea (or less). Be sure to give yourself two hours to get from the Dead Sea to Amman , in case of traffic.

Then it’s time to head to the airport and return home. Don’t be surprised if you’re already planning a return trip – maybe for longer like 7 days or 10 days !

Resources for Day 5: No hotel needed, as you’re flying home! You might want to arrange a late check out at your Day 4 hotel if needed based on your flight time. Use my guide for getting between Amman and the Dead Sea to see your transport options.

And there you have it – a jam-packed five-day Jordan itinerary. This is definitely a fast-paced way to see Jordan if you’re short on time; if you’d rather extend your trip and have more time to enjoy it, I recommend spending at least 7 days in Jordan (my first, 10-day trip to Jordan was super leisurely, looking back!).

Have any other questions about this Jordan 5-day itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!

I fell in love with Jordan after my first visit in 2016; now I love returning to explore more – and writing guides to help you do the same.

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20 comments.

sudhir vaidya

great itenary

Thanks for reading!

Mariecar Panes

What travel agency you will recommend for us in this 5 days itinerary. I will travel with my best friend this November and we make sure it’s safe because we’re both women. Your blog is really helpful. It covers everything . Thanks for sharing.

My favorites are Experience Jordan. Try reaching out to Tala: [email protected] and let her know Valerie sent you so she knows how you found her email 😅

Hi there – i just wondered, did you drive to your hotel in Amman and park there? I noticed on your guide to driving in Jordan, one of your tips was not to drive in Amman, so was just wondering what you did with your car when in Amman? Are there some parts of Amman that you can drive in easier than others? Great guide by the way. Many thanks!

If you’re visiting Amman first (or last) in your trip, I recommend waiting to get the car – take a transfer into Amman for the days you’ll be there, then back out to the airport to get your rental car. Amman traffic really is a doozy, and it’s not easier in any part vs another.

shalimar blanco

Would it be better to have a guided tour for the entire 7 days vacation to Petra Jordan?

You want to spend 7 days in Petra alone? Or 7 days in Jordan?

Valerie, awesome write up about visiting Jordan!! My wife and I are planning to do a trip to Jordan, Israel, and Egypt in early May. Very thorough write up! Just a couple of questions. Rental car. Did you get that at the airport? Do you recommend getting a rental car over using taxis or other private transportation? I believe I read about a 3 day pass required to get into Jordan. Or is that Petra? I believe for the border crossing you need this, correct?

Hi, Adam! I haven’t done a border crossing so am unable to speak to that specifically – but my guess is that the info is available online from the gov’t orgs. As for cars, I would get one directly at the airport and drive yourself; will be much more economical than using taxis the whole time!

This is an excellent itinerary that I intend to follow almost to the letter. It’s making me very excited about my trip to Jordan. The only sad part is that you won’t guide me on future trips to other countries.

Thanks so much, Scott! I hope you have a great trip!! I do have other websites about London and Alaska, if you ever want to visit either of those places 🙂

Hi Valerie, Thank you for the itinerary and I intend to follow it for my 5 days trip to Jordan in April. Im travelling by myself and have a couple of questions if you could help 1. Do i use cash or credit card while there and is there a preferred option to exchange currency in Amman/Jordan 2. After Amman, will it be cheaper to hire a car for 3 days to visit Petra, Wadi rum and Dead Sea or is it preferable to hire a local taxi

Would really appreciate your reply Cheers Rupin

Rupin, hi, I would definitely get some cash for the smaller communities and times where you might want to tip. As for a car, it will be cheaper to do a taxi but I always prefer a private driver because it means it’s all taken care of.

Hello, i will visit Jordan at the end o f May, we are 6 people, its better to rent a car or something else, can you help us? We will stay 5 days

Hi, Chrystalla. Have you reviewed all of my resources here? I provide guidance on driving, but I usually recommend hiring a driver.

Hi Valerie – this is a fantastic itinerary; thank you this! My girlfriends and I are planning a trip to Jordan (Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea) in mid-Feb and are so excited for it. Do you have any recommendations for how we can organise a transfer or private transportation between the different cities as we don’t feel very comfortable driving around. Thanks very much.

Deepika, hi – I always book my guide through Experience Jordan ( https://www.experiencejordan.com/ ).

Louise Bicheno

I am looking at booking a 5 day tour with my daughter next September. How much do you charge for a private tour?

Thanks Louise

Louise, hi, I don’t offer private tours.

TASTE AND TRAILS OF JORDAN

Group trip: september 2024 + april 2025.

STARTING AT $2995

September 14-21, 2024

April 12-19, 2025

Fully guided 8-day Jordan group trip

4-12 people

Custom Dates: September to May

STARTING AT $3495

Fully guided 8-day Jordan itinerary

Private transit

Minimum of 2 people

8-DAY JORDAN ITINERARY

Absorb ancient history & modern culture in jordan through the eyes of locals.

If you’ve been looking for a Jordan itinerary that is adventurous, human-centered and experience oriented then this is the one for you! This 8-day Jordan trip takes you from the bustling capital of Amman , down to Petra and Wadi Rum , then up north to the lush forests of Ajloun . Each day highlights the best in the region, from a dip in the Dead Sea to Jordan’s best hiking trails from Little Petra to Petra to the ochre landscapes of Wadi Rum. Enjoy true Bedouin hospitality along the way before venturing north to the Ajloun Forest Reserve to visit the ancient Greek & Roman ruins of Umm Qais overlooking the Sea of Galilee as well as Jerash . Along the way we visit numerous social enterprises on Jordan’s Meaningful Travel Map , engaging with women’s cooperatives and a community-run cooking project where you’ll learn to make traditional Jordanian dishes. We'll also enjoy seasonal, farm-to-table eats the whole journey through, connecting the inextricable links between culture, cuisine and hospitality in Jordan.

Book our 8-day Jordan group trip or select Jordan Custom Dates September through May! Starting at $2995 per person. See all inclusions, itinerary details and complete pricing in the drop downs below.

Trip Highlights

Sunsets & stargazing at a Bedouin camp & eco lodge stay

Little Petra to Petra “back door” hiking route

Human-centered experiences with local women’s cooperatives

Visits to less-known areas including the Ajloun Forest Reserve

Hyper local, seasonal cuisine + cooking experience

Trip Inclusions

Accommodation.

7 nights in 3-star hotel, Bedouin camp and eco-lodge stay

Transportation

Transfers to/from airport on arrival & departure days

Private vehicle transit between excursions

15+ miles fully guided hiking along the Jordan Trail and at the Ajloun Forest Reserve

Entry to Little Petra, Petra and Wadi Rum

Visit to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth

Bedouin desert camp experience, with homestyle food, music under the stars, and cultural education

Visit to multiple women’s cooperatives including a cooking experience

Guided visit to the Citadel & Roman Theatre in Amman, the Greek & Roman ruins of Umm Qais and the Roman provincial city of Jerash

Daily breakfast + 4 dinners + 4 lunches

Experience with our Community Partner + donation to their organization

Dedicated local guide throughout your trip

Traverse representative assisting you from booking to departure

Extra nights in Amman

Amman food tour on Day 1

Trip Does NOt include

International airfare or required visas

Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed

Tips to your local guide, Traverse guide, drivers, etc.

Alcohol, unless specified

Required travel insurance

Testimonials

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1: arrival, welcome dinner & wine pairing.

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), your driver will transfer you to your boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in & rest up or explore the area before our evening Welcome Dinner that will introduce you to Jordan’s spectacular regional cuisine as well as its wines with a two-glass pairing. Get to know your fellow travel mates and your local guide, who will brief you on our next week together.

Meals: D, wine pairing

DAY 2: AMMAN MARKETS, DEAD SEA, BEDOUIN CAMP AT LITTLE PETRA

We’ll start our explorations in the Old City of Amman, tasting some street food specialties along the way then visiting one of its most iconic archeological sites, the Citadel. We’ll then hop in our private van and descend to the Dead Sea where we’ll make a stop to float in the salty water and cleanse your skin with a detoxifying mud bath.

We’ll then follow the Jordan Valley Highway all the way south the magical UNESCO Heritage site of Little Petra, also known as Beidha, where the ancient Nabataeans carved the sandstone canyon walls. We’ll stay in the hospitality of a locally-run Bedouin camp, where we’ll have full-structured tents with beds and shared bathroom facilities. Dinner will be a home-cooked feast followed by music and festivities under the stars.

Meals: B, D

DAY 3: HIKE LITTLE PETRA TO PETRA – 12 MILES

After breakfast, it’s time to lace up the hiking boots for our 12-mile hike to Petra. We’ll enter through the “back door” using the Wadi Muthlim trail, which takes us through the sandstone mountains of Wadi Ghurab. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley and skirts around the final mountain on a natural rock terrace before reaching a hidden plateau with impressive views of the Wadi Siyyaqh chasm. Just beyond, we’ll reach The Monastery, one of Petra’s many famous carved sites. We’ll stop for tea, lunch and mint lemonade at a Bedouin café before descending all the way down to the town of Wadi Musa where we’ll stay for the night. You’ll have the evening free to explore, relax and enjoy fabulous Middle Eastern cuisine at one of the many local restaurants in walking distance. Also, be sure to try out the hammam, or Turkish bath, for a soak & scrub!

Meals: B, L

DAY 4: PETRA MAIN TRAIL, WADI RUM – 5 MILES

We’ll hit the trail early this morning to avoid the crowds, starting with the walk through the long, narrow gorge that leads to the famous Treasury site of Petra. The grounds are massive, and we’ll spend the next few hours exploring their elaborate rock-cut tombs, the Roman-style theaters and temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets.

After a late lunch, we’ll drive to the ochre desert of Wadi Rum, meaning “high” and “low” for its flat sandscapes and towering buttes. Our van will take us to a small village where we’ll hop into trucks and our expert drivers will navigate through the sand to our second Bedouin tent experience. Get ready for another homemade feast, ample amounts of desert-style herbal tea, and brilliant views of the stars.

DAY 5: ANCIENT PETROGLYPHS & INSCRIPTIONS, AJLOUN FOREST RESERVE

After a nourishing Bedouin breakfast, we’ll get back in the trucks to explore the dunes and see petroglyphs dating back more than 4,000 years plus inscriptions more than 400 years old.

We’ll then drive north to the Ajloun Forest Reserve. This small but important reserve was established by Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and serves as a captive breeding ground for the extinct Roe Deer as well as a protected habitat for many bird species. Jordan’s national flower, the Black Iris, can be found here as well as evergreen oak, carob and wild pistachio, all of which have been important to locals for their food and medicinal value. We’ll spend the night at an eco lodge on premise and learn about the incredible projects the organization has in place to support the local environment and community through sustainable tourism development initiatives.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6: AJLOUN FOREST HIKE, UMM QAIS & SOCIAL ENTERPRISE VISITS

We’ll take an easy 2-3 mile hike in the morning to enjoy the beautiful views of the Ajloun reserve before visiting several social enterprise projects in the area. We’ll first visit The Soap House, a local women’s manufacturing initiative making specialty soaps by hand from olive oil and flower essences. We’ll have time to tour the workshop, view the soap-making process and chat with the women. Next we’ll visit The Biscuit House, a similar initiative where the women produce all-natural cookies and healthy snacks.

For lunch, we’ll head to another community project at Bait al Baraka for a hyper local meal based on sustainable agriculture and foraging. We’ll follow it up with a visit to the Greek and Roman Umm Qais with views overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. The ruins boast a history as one of the Decapolis cities and Umm Qais is famous as the home of many classical poets and philosophers, who once called it the “New Athens.”

We’ll polish off the day back in Amman for a free evening. Consider a progressive meal of street-style falafel or schwarma, shop for mementos along Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman, or chill with a drink on one of the city’s many terraces.

DAY 7: JERASH, COMMUNITY PARTNER COOKING CLASS & FAREWELL

After breakfast, we’ll head just outside the city to Jerash, the best example of a Roman provincial city in the whole Middle East. We’ll visit the spectacular Forum, Roman colonnaded street, the Nymphaeum and the Artemis Temple and have ample time to explore the ruins on your own and soak in its history.

We’ll then stop in a small town called Souf where we’ll visit our community partner, Beit Khairat Souf. This women’s cooperative will brief us on our next few hours: cooking! They’ll show us how to make a local jam before we all take part in making several key traditional Jordanian dishes using local ingredients like eggplant, tomato, sumac, pomegranate molasses, za’tar and tahini. Then we’ll have our Farewell Feast together as we bid farewell to our new friends and dream about more adventures to come!

We’ll arrive back in Amman in the late afternoon or evening, where you can explore the city on your own or pack up for your departure.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

Depart any time today from Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Check out is at 11:00 and if you depart late you can leave your bags at the hotel before your transfer according to your flight schedule.

Group Trip Pricing

You'll be paired with a roommate of your same gender unless you request your own room.

$2995 per person - double occupancy

+495 'My own room' option

$115/$125 Extra night (single/double pricing per room)

Custom Date Pricing

Minimum 2 people

$3495 per person - double occupancy

+495 'My own room' option or odd bookings (3, 5, etc.)

+$50 Amman Food Tour , Day 1. A 3-hour guided food tour to taste the best Jordanian food, experience the markets, sample fresh juices, meet some locals and explore downtown Amman with an expert local tour guide.

Extra nights, pricing on request

Saudi Arabia excursion, details on request

How fit do I need to be for the hiking in Jordan?

This Jordan trip has one long hike and several shorter ones. The trail is not super technical, though there are inclines and declines throughout the trail. While your fitness level doesn't have to be like an athlete, you should be able to hike for multiple hours at a time through diverse terrain.

I have dietary restrictions. Is that a problem?

Not at all! We're quite adept at tailoring to your needs. Whether gluten free (including Celiac), vegetarian or vegan, dairy or lactose free, or if you have a specific allergy or intolerance we can work around your needs and provide fresh, locally sourced meals that will keep you nourished and satisfied.

If I book self-guided will there be a guide with me?

Yes, for this itinerary you’ll have a guide and driver with you throughout the trip when you book self-guided. You’ll have lots of opportunities for flexibility throughout your day for explorations on your own if you’d like too.

Terms & Conditions

Please refer to your Registration Packet for complete Terms & Conditions, which can also be obtained by submitting a request to [email protected]

Deposit A $250-500 non-refundable deposit is required for each traveler to secure the booking (varies by trip). 50% remainder due 30 days from booking. Balance due 60 days prior to trip start. Refer to the Flexible Booking Policy for cases in which the deposit may be transferrable. Payment Payments can be made either by 1) full payment on booking 2) Deposit on booking + payment schedule below. Payments will be invoiced via e-mail for credit card or Paypal payment online. Cancellations Policy Cancellations, less the trip deposit, are refundable up to 90 days prior to the trip start date unless otherwise specified. Flexible Booking Policy Specific to COVID-19 In the wake of COVID-19, Traverse has implemented a flexible booking policy that allows for deposits and payments to be transferrable to the greatest extent possible to new trip dates should a recurrence of COVID-19 render travel impossible due to border closures and related travel restrictions. Travel Insurance The trip price does not include travel insurance. Trip protection-style travel insurance that includes travel medical coverage is required for all trips with Traverse. The coverage must have a minimum $150,000 of medical coverage and include injury, medical, evacuation, and repatriation. See more info at https://traversejourneys.com/insurance Documents, Personal Identification, Vaccinations Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for all required travel documents including passport, visas, entry or exit fees, and vaccinations. Traveler is also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from incomplete or defective documentation. Traverse does not cover the cost or assist in obtaining any of the above, and reserves the right to collect information on all.

The Man in Seat 61

How to travel overland by train

London to petra & jordan.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, europe to jordan by train.

Before the war in Syria, it was perfectly possible to reach Jordan and Petra overland from London & Europe via Istanbul & Damascus, without flying.  In the hope that it will one day be possible again, I've left this page pretty much as it was before the war.  This page explained how to plan, book and make this wonderful overland trip both there and back.  Jordan is an amazing place to visit.  Amman is worth a day or two, but the prime attraction is of course the fantastic lost city of Petra (pictured, right).

Useful country information

London to amman & petra by train.

This is how it used to be done.  Of course, with the war making Syria a no-go zone, it's sadly now impossible.

Step 1:  London to Istanbul

The train journey from London or Paris to Istanbul takes 3 nights with daily departures all year.  See the London to Turkey page for train times, fares & how to book.

Step 2:  Istanbul to Damascus - check current travel advice for Syria!

You can travel from Istanbul to Adana in southeastern Turkey largely by train, as shown here .  Spend the night in Adana then take a bus onwards to Aleppo next day.  Total journey time Istanbul to Aleppo 2 nights, 2 days.  Several air-conditioned 100mph trains link Aleppo with Damascus every day, and there's a sleeper train too.  See the London to Syria page for train times, fares, how to book and other information.

Step 3:  Damascus to Amman in Jordan

There was (see the update below) a wonderful train service from Damascus to Amman twice a week over the historic Hedjaz Railway.  This train ride should not be missed, although if time presses there are also daily buses which are faster.  Both options are explained below.  There are buses and taxis from Amman to Petra.

If you are new to independent travel, planning a trip like this can seem daunting, but it's not that difficult.  This may help you can plan a journey like this: How to plan an itinerary & budget .

Damascus to Amman by train

A narrow-gauge train used to link Damascus in Syria with Amman in Jordan, running over part of the famous Hedjaz Railway, although it hasn't run since 2006.  This historic train ride cost a mere $4, even though buses are faster and run daily.  The Hedjaz line was originally built by the Turks to link Damascus with Medina in what is now Saudi Arabia, and it was the line attacked by T E Lawrence ( Lawrence of Arabia ) and the Arabs during the Arab Revolt in 1917.  For more information about the history of the Hedjaz Railway, see http://nabataea.net/hejazad.html .

You can phone the Hedjaz Railway in Amman on 00 962 6 489 5413 Damascus to Amman is 223 km (139 miles).

Trains are operated by Syrian Railways (CFS) and Hedjaz-Jordan Railway.  The Damascus-Amman train was in fact two trains, and you had to switch from a Syrian train to a Jordanian train at Deraa while your passports were being checked.  The Jordan Hedjaz Railway website is http://jhr.gov.jo .

The Hedjaz station in Damascus was being rebuilt.  The Amman train started from Damascus Kadem station 3-4km southwest of the city centre, reached by taxi for less than $2.

Amman railway station is 2.5km east of Amman city centre, taxis are available.

How to buy tickets...

There was no need to reserve in advance.  In fact, it was not even possible to buy tickets in advance, as tickets were only sold on the day of travel an hour before departure at the station.  They may not bother selling you a ticket even then, but tell you to board the train and pay later.  So you just turned up half an hour before departure with $4 in Syrian pounds, asked about tickets and saw what they said.

What was the train like?

For the record, this section describes the (currently cancelled) Damascus-Amman train as it was in 2005.

What was the journey like?

Arriving by taxi at Damascus Kadem station, you walk over the footbridge to the narrow-gauge Hedjaz Railway platform on the far side of the station, behind all the mainline trains.

At first, with the platform empty, you may think your train hasn't yet arrived from the sidings.  Then it will slowly dawn on you that the ancient freight train standing one track over from the platform line actually IS the twice-weekly train to Amman.

At the head of a long line of grey bogie boxcars is one solitary passenger coach, built in Nuremburg in 1905, with open verandas at each end and a 'clerestory' roof.  It has a narrow side-corridor and a number of 6-seater compartments, the ancient seat springs trying to burst out of what's left of the upholstery.  Ahead of the passenger coach is one 4-wheeler guard's van, a flat wagon and a Romanian-built diesel locomotive.  This is the Syrian train that will take you as far as Deraa.

The train leaves at 08:00 or maybe later, heading slowly out of the industrial suburbs of Damascus and then out into the arid countryside, descending a shallow valley.  There are military outposts in this area, so the policeman travelling with the train may ask you not to take photos.  The train twists and turns on its narrow-gauge tracks across the desert, at no more than 30-35 mph.  Eventually, it arrives at Deraa.

At Deraa, passports are collected and passengers told to transfer to the Jordanian train standing alongside.  The Jordanian train has two wooden passenger coaches of similar vintage to the Syrian coach, also with open verandas at each end.  Inside, these cars are open-plan with bench seats along the coach sides.  Two small guard's vans bring up the rear.  The train is hauled by a beefy-looking General-Electric locomotive marked 'Hedjaz Jordan Railway'.

After a long wait, passports are shown to their owners and handed straight over to the Jordanian policeman who has now joined the train.  With a long low hoot the train leaves Deraa.  You'll see the road frontier and all the wire fences that mark the actual Syrian/Jordanian border, which the train passes straight through.  Some distance after the actual frontier the train reaches the little station at Mafraq, and here there is also a long stop while passports are processed by the Jordanians.

South of Mafraq there is more desert, a river, bridges (including one rebuilt after being blown up by Lawrence in 1917) and a few hours later the train reaches the suburbs north of Amman.  The train seems faster in Jordan, often travelling at 40-45mph.  Now the train heads straight through the middle of a busy town market, past tenements and rubbish dumps.  The policeman is riding on the leading coach veranda, shaking his finger at any kid by the tracks who looks as if they might throw a stone.  Most Jordanian kids simply like waving at the train and love it when you wave back!  The train follows a cultivated river valley between hills covered in houses, and finally rounds a curve into the pleasant little station in Amman.

If you're interested in the history of the Hedjaz Railway, see http://nabataea.net/hejazad.html .

Damascus to Amman by bus

Again, this is all cancelled due to the war in Syria of course, but here's what used to run:

Although nowhere near as interesting an experience as the train journey on the famous Hedjaz Railway, the Damascus-Amman buses are faster (4 hours) and run daily.  It's possible to travel from Aleppo to Amman (or Amman to Aleppo) in one day, combining an Aleppo-Damascus train with a Damascus-Amman bus.

JETT = Daily air-conditioned buses operated by Jordan Express Tourist Transportation, www.jett.com.jo , call +962 6 562 2430 fax +962 6 560 5005.

Karnak = Daily air-conditioned buses operated by Karnak bus company, Syria.

Damascus to Amman by road is 180 km.

Amman to Petra & Aqaba by bus

The Hedjaz Railway no longer operates south of Amman, except for freight trains.  But there are regular buses and minibuses from Amman to Petra (Wadi Musa is the name of the modern town next door).

* = Departures from both Amman (Abdali bus station) southbound & from Aqaba northbound are at 07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00 & 18:00.  Journey time 4 hours.  Additional departures run several times daily from Amman's Wehdat, Tabarbour & 7th Circle bus stations.

JETT = Jordan Express Tourist Transportation, www.jett.com.jo , +962 6 562 2430 fax +962 6 560 5005.  Air-conditioned buses.  The fare is 8 JD Amman-Petra, 7.50 JD Amman-Aqaba.

Taxi = service taxis, usually 25-seater minibuses.  The taxis leave when full and usually operate throughout the day.  The fare from Amman to Petra is 3 JD or less, journey time about 2 hours 40 minutes. These minibus taxis leave from Amman's Wahedat bus station.

Hiring a private taxi to take you to Petra will cost about 40-50 JD (£36-£46) after negotiation.

For ferries from Aqaba to Nuweiba in Egypt, see below .

Things to see in Jordan

Amman is a sprawling modern city which has grown very rapidly from what was once a small village.  Built on a number of hills and valleys, it does have a centre with a citadel and Roman amphitheatre, but isn't worth more than a day if you're passing through.  The Al Saraya Hotel, near the centre, is a good choice for budget travellers.

T E Lawrence fans will want to visit the castle at Azraq, an hour's drive east of Amman.  The castle was used as the headquarters of the Arab Revolt for a while in 1917, and Lawrence slept in the room immediately above the gatehouse.

Jordan's premier attraction, and deservedly so.  The famous ruined city of Petra nestles in a valley surrounded by mountains and approached through over a mile of narrow defile.

A ruined Roman city in northern Jordan, well worth a visit.

Now Aqaba is a modern town and holiday resort, but when Lawrence and the Arabs attacked it was little more than a fishing village.  The fort they captured from the Turks is still there and can be visited.

A beautiful area of desert and rocky outcrops, it enthralled Lawrence, and much of the film 'Lawrence of Arabia' was filmed here.  You can visit on a jeep safari as a day trip from Petra or Aqaba.

No flying was involved in the taking of these photos:  All travel from London to Jordan and back was overland by train...

London to Amman via Greece-Israel ferry

It used to be possible to go to Israel by sea from Greece, then travel overland from Jerusalem to Amman.  However, all ferries from Piraeus via Cyprus to Haifa in Israel were suspended in 2001 and show no signs of restarting.

How to travel from Amman to Egypt

Amman to cairo by bus....

An air-conditioned bus leaves Amman (JETT terminal) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 14:00, taking some 20 hours to reach Cairo.  Fare 75.5 JD (about £69 or $102).  It is run by Jordan Express Tourist Transportation (JETT), www.jett.com.jo , telephone Amman 662722, fax 601507.  This bus crosses Israel - remember that you won't be able to re-enter Syria with any sign of a visit to Israel in your passport.

Amman to Cairo by bus & ferry...

You can travel from Jordan to Egypt without going via Israel, using a ferry.  Here are details southbound - for the northbound journey see the Egypt page .

Step 1, travel from Amman or Petra to Aqaba by bus or service taxi in around 4.5 hours as shown above .

Step 2, sail from Aqaba to Nuweiba in Sinai/Egypt by ferry.

AB Maritime ( www.abmaritime.com.jo ) operates a daily ferry leaving Aqaba at 22:00 arriving Nuweiba at 01:00.

The fare is US$80.  You must check in at least 2 hours before the ferry sails.  It's reported that you need to buy the ferry ticket in Aqaba town, not at the ferry terminal, which is a little way out of town.  There may also be an Jordanian exit tax to pay, about 10JD. 

At Nuweiba you'll find taxis waiting for the ferry even at 1am.  If you need a visa for Egypt, visa-on-arrival is available at Nuweiba.

Step 3, take a bus from Nuweiba to Cairo or Sharm el Sheik.  Nuweiba-Cairo takes around 6 hours, please check locally.  For trains within Egypt, see the Egypt page .

Recommended guidebooks

I recommend planning a trip with the relevant Lonely Planet guidebook - I've found that the L-P guides are the best out there for the independent traveller.

Click the images to buy online at Amazon.co.uk 

Or buy direct from the Lonely Planet website , with shipping worldwide.

The Middle East guidebook covers Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Iran, Israel and several other countries.

Hotels in Amman, Petra & Jordan

Backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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The Ultimate Jordan Itinerary with map (2023)

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

A Jordan road trip is full to the brim of amazing historic sights, beautiful scenery and delicious food making it the perfect spot to take a road trip. From floating in the salty Dead Sea to marvelling at the iconic Petra, Jordan is definitely one of our most memorable trips! We loved our time spent exploring Jordan and, to help with your Jordan planning, we’ve put together our ultimate Jordan itinerary to help you plan your trip. From its unmissable historic sights to the best places to stay, this itinerary will help you make the most of your journey through Jordan!

Table of Contents

Planning a Jordan Road Trip

Arriving in jordan.

Amman is the main point of entry to Jordan whether it be on an international flight or by an overland crossing from Israel via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge Crossing (you can read about  how to cross via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge here ). From Eliat in Israel, the Yitzhak Rabin/Arava border is another popular entry point as it offers the opportunity to get a free Jordan visa for visitors from a number of countries.

Make sure to check the visa requirements prior to arrival. Some middle eastern countries are visa exempt while much of the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific are subject to a visa on arrival. Most of Africa and a select number of other countries are required to obtain a pre approved visa.

Jordan itinerary tip:  visas on arrival are not granted at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge Crossing so make sure you secure a visa prior to the crossing. We didn’t realise and had to make a last minute jaunt to the Jordanian Consulate in the Palestinian City of Ramallah in the West Bank. We really enjoyed seeing Ramallah (check out the details of getting a visa in Ramallah here ) but you might want to organise your visa in advance!

Where to Stay in Jordan

There is a good selection of hotels in Jordan and we opted for three bases during our stay: Amman, Dead Sea and Petra. Agaba is a great fourth base if you want a resort type stopover or want to enjoy some scuba diving. We used booking.com for our Jordan accommodation as it has an amazing range of options and offers the best prices we could find in Jordan– you can hotel prices on  booking.com here .

What to Wear in Jordan

Clothing is more relaxed in the more touristy resort and beach areas but it is considered respectful to cover up when out and about. 3/4 length pants and long-sleeved tops covering cleavage worked well for us.

Jordan Itinerary Route

Most Jordan road trips start and end in Amman and we used the city as an entry and exit point. If you are entering from Eliat, you can start your trip in Aqaba and still hit all the main stops from there so feel free to adjust the itinerary accordingly.

The route: (A)   Amman – (B) Day trips to Jerash and (C) Umm Qais – (D) Petra – (E) Wadi Rum –  Kings Highway – (F) Dead Sea – Aqaba – (A) Amman

Click here for the Google Map

How to Use This Google Map: Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Getting around Jordan

A car is the best option for exploring Jordan, however it is also possible to see the main sights in the country from Amman via day and multi-day tours.

Renting a Car in Jordan

Renting a car in Jordan is the best way to explore the country plus driving is relatively easy in the country. The roads are very good quality and fuel is cheap. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace a see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport – check out our tips for renting a car in Jordan for more information.

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with RentalCars.com , where you will find the best rental car prices – click here to book now

Click here for the best rental car prices

Tours from Amman

It is also possible to visit many of the sites in Jordan from Amman via organised tours

Petra and Wadi Rum: This small group two-day tour departs Amman and includes Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum – check prices now!

Jerash and Umm Qais – This popular day trip tour from Amman and includes Jerash, Umm Qais and Ajloun Castle – check prices now!

Check out all the tours from Amman

Jordan Itinerary

1 | amman .

Jordan’s capital city is a heady mix of modern and ancient and is the perfect balance of chaotic and charming. Often used as a stopover en route to the rest of the country, it’s worth spending a few days exploring if you have some time. Amman is also a great base for taking a day trip north to the incredible ruins of Jerash and Umm Qais.

How long to stay in Amman

We recommend 3 nights in Amman, which will allow a day trip to Jerash and Umm Qais and time to explore the city.

Jordan itinerary tip:  Amman traffic is notorious so be prepared for traffic jams. As we arrived by taxi from the border we arranged our car rental to be delivered to our Amman hotel. This is a great option if you want to avoid the crazy city traffic.

Where to Stay in Amman

• Marriott Amman –  we opted for the Marriott Hotel in Amman. The hotel was modern, rooms well appointed and the swimming pool a welcome relief from the city heat –    Check prices now!
• Amman Pasha hotel  – an excellent budget option located across from the Roman Amphitheater with a lively cafe next door –  Check prices now!

Click here for the best Amman Hotel Prices

What to see in Amman

• The Citadel and its beautiful views of the city
• Souk Jara market for some local shopping
• The Roman Amphitheatre
• Rainbow Street and its plentiful souvenir shops

2 | Day trip from Amman to Jerash and Umm Qais

Amman is a great base for a day trip to both the incredible Roman ruins of Jerash (45 minutes north of Amman) and the hilltop settlement of Umm Qais (2 hours north of Jerash). The 12th Century Ajloun Castle, a hilltop castle, is an interesting stop between the two sites.

Jordan itinerary tip:  if you are combining Jerash and Umm Qais in a single day trip make sure you leave your hotel early in the morning as this will involve 6 hours of driving in total there and back. The roads north are good roads making it doable in a single day. An alternative, if you prefer shorter sightseeing days or wish to spend longer exploring the expansive Jerash, is to split the sites over two separate days. If you prefer to sit back and relax and take a tour, check out some options here .

The Roman ruins of Jerash are among the best preserved Roman ruins in the world. Highlights of Jerash include the hippodrome which once hosted chariot races watched by up to 15,000 spectators, cardo maximus, once the main thoroughfare through the city, and Hadrian’s Arch, built to commemorate a visit by Emperor Adrian. The site is so well preserved it’s easy to imagine the grandeur of this city that once was and the history of the site really comes alive.

A tour is a great option for visiting Jerash from Amman. There are a number of great day trips from Amman to Jerash, like this one – check prices now!

Book your tour to Jerash now

Jordan itinerary tip:  remember to bring sunscreen and water. The sites, especially Jerash, are vast and exposed to the blazing Jordanian sunshine .

On the border of Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Syria,   the ancient city of Umm Qais has sweeping views over the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights. Originally known as the Decapolis city of Gadara, the present day Umm Quais represents the ruins of a Roman town built on an old Ottoman village. The ruins, while much less well preserved than Jerash, include a theatre, the main street and buildings once occupied by shops, temples and houses. Umm Qais is also touted as the site of a miracle where, according to the Bible, Jesus cast demons from men to pigs.

Jordan itinerary tip: Driving north to Umm Qais you will approach the border of Syria and Jordan and this means frequent checkpoints along the road. We were stopped at multiple checkpoints, where the police were very friendly and simply checked the car, our documents and my driving licence.

Jordan itinerary tip:  We enjoyed a delicious fattoush lunch (our favourite Jordanian salad) in the Resthouse Restaurant located within the ruins and both the food and the views of the surrounding countryside were incredible.

3 | Petra 

The quickest route from Amman to Petra is via Route 15 and the journey takes around 3 hours. Umm Ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its spectacular, perfectly preserved mosaic (the largest in Jordan) is an unmissable stop along the way.

The site hosts extensive Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim ruins as well as the mosaic floor in the Church of Saint Stephen. The mosaic depicts the major cities of ancient Jordan as well as the hunting and fishing techniques of ancient times.

How long to stay in Petra?

This is a really common question we get as planning time at Petra can be tricky. Plan to spend at least two nights, ideally three, at Petra. Petra is a huge place with lots to see within the ancient site itself and outside. Exploring the site itself will take at least two visits ( early morning and evening) and we highly recommend going to Petra by night in addition to this. We stayed in the Marriot Petra which overlooks and visited the site 5 times over two days, two mornings, two evenings and Petra by night.

Jordan Itinerary tip: try to avoid being in Petra during the hottest part of the day. Hiking around during these temperatures is really hard so it’s best to chill back at your hotel for a few hours and visit during the cooler evening hours.

Where to stay in Petra

• Marriott Petra – We stayed at this fantastic hotel located just a few minutes drive from Petra and loved the panoramic views across the Petra Mountains. Our highlight of the stay was a traditional Jordanian meal served in a Bedouin tent overlooking the Petra Mountains – our meal was served over an incredible sunset accompanied by traditional Bedouin music – Check hotel prices here!
• Mövenpick Resort Petra – Located right at the entrance to Petra, the Movenpick Resort is an excellent choice for those without their own transport and boasts good rooms and an impressive breakfast spread – Check hotel prices here!
• Candles Hotel – a great budget friendly option just a few hundred metres from the entrance to Petra – Check hotel prices here!

Click here for the best Petra Hotel Prices

What to see in Petra

In addition to exploring Petra during the day we highly recommend Petra by night , a candlelit visit to the Treasury of Petra, was one of our favourite events and only runs on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. We visited Petra on four occasions: two sunrise hikes, a daytime visit and our evening at Petra by night. Little Petra , a much smaller and quieter version of the main Petra site, is also worth a visit.

• Check out our Petra by Night experience here

Jordan Itinerary tip: A visit to Petra is as stunning as it is exhausting. Vigorous hikes in unrelenting heat require lots of water and sunscreen and be sure you bring your hiking boots as the terrain can be rough at times.

4 | Wadi Rum 

Having experienced one of the New 7 Wonders of the World at Petra it’s time to experience the aptly named Valley of the Moon, otherwise known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi Rum. Spending the night in a Wadi Rum desert camp is truly a once in lifetime experience and exploring the desert in a 4×4 during the daylight hours brings the magnificent landscape to life.

How Long to Stay in Wadi Rum

One night is enough time to explore the desert and experience Wadi Rum

Where to stay at Wadi Rum 

• Wadi Rum Luxury Night Camp:  if you want to experience the harsh desert conditions of Wadi Rum while still enjoying the luxury of beautiful tents and comfortable beds then this is the camp for you! For an extra special Wadi Rum experience book the Full of Stars tent and watch the stars sparkle from your bed – Check latest prices here
• Salman Zwaidh Camp:  for a more traditional camping experience this   authentic Bedouin camp lies within the protected area of Wadi Rum and is excellent value for money – Check latest prices here

Click here for the best Wadi Rum Hotel Prices

What to see Wadi Rum

• Lawrence’s Spring and the ruins of Lawrence’s House
• The Rock bridges/arches
• Khazali and Burrah Canyon
• Ancient rock drawings

5 | Aqaba

Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba is the perfect access point to the diving and snorkelling of the Red Sea. We skipped Aqaba as we weren’t planning on indulging in any diving or snorkelling but it’s one to add to your itinerary if you’re a fan!

How Long to Stay in Aqaba

We recommend 2 nights in Aqaba, giving enough time to explore the area and rest before the trip to the Dead Sea

Where to stay in Aqaba

• Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea: luxury 5 star hotel on the Red Sea with a private beach and a maze of pools – Check latest prices here!
• Costa Marina Hotel and Suites:  budget friendly and the perfect clean and modern base for an Aqaba diving trip – Check latest prices here!

Click here for the best Aqaba Hotel Prices

6 | The King’s High Way

The 280km King’s Highway is one of the Middle East’s most scenic drives and the winding road takes visitors through the ancient trade route which once connected vast amounts of the Middle East. It’s known as the longer and more scenic route between Amman and Petra. There is lots to see on the King’s Highway and we recommend splitting the journey and spending the night at the Dana Biosphere Reserve to indulge in some hikes in the incredibly beautiful surroundings.

Jordan itinerary tip:  we choose to incorporate the King’s Highway into our drive north to the Dead Sea. If you prefer, you can drive the King’s Highway en route from Amman to Petra.

Where to stay on the King’s Highway

• Dana Guesthouse:  an excellent option with cosy and clean rooms and excellent views, the guesthouse is located within the Dana Reserve – Check latest prices here!
• Dana Moon Hotel:  another great choice within the Dana Reserve, the hotel is well maintained, clean and reasonably priced – Check latest prices here!

Click here for the best Dana Hotel Prices

What to see on the King’s Highway

Day 1:  Aqaba to the Dana Biosphere Reserve

• Shobak Castle: a 12th Century Crusader Castle perched on the side of a rocky mountain in barren surroundings
• Dana Biosphere Reserve:  Jordan’s largest nature reserve sits along the face of the Great Rift Valley and boasts spectacular landscapes and hikes. Check out Dana Village, a stone village occupied since 4,000BC

Day 2:  Dana Biosphere Reserve to the Dead Sea

• Kerak Castle: t he largest and most well preserved of the Crusader Castles. The 12th Century Castle is perched atop a hilltop in the town of Kerak
• Wadi Mujib:  a spectacular river canyon known as Jordan’s Grand Canyon. The river enters the Dead Sea over 400 metres below sea level and Moses is believed to have once walked through
• Madaba Map: an incredible mosaic map of the Middle East created in the 6th Century located in the early Byzantine church of Saint George in the town of Madaba

7 | The Dead Sea

Swimming in the Dead Sea, Earth’s lowest elevation point, is a bucketlist moment in any Jordan itinerary. It’s aptly named the Dead Sea as the water is devoid of life and, with salt levels 4 times higher than the rest of the world’s oceans, it’s a case of floating rather than swimming! The water contains 35 minerals and these, together with the rich mud on its shoreline, make it a spa treat for the skin.

Jordan Itinerary tip: only float on your back and don’t try to swim in the Dead Sea, wear beach shoes to protect your feet from the rocks and don’t shave before entering the water as the salt will sting!

How Long to Spend at the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a great place to kick back and relax a little after a hectic trip around Jordan. While one night is enough to experience it, we recommend two nights at the Marriott Dead Sea Resort for some great relaxation!

Where to stay at the Dead Sea

• Marriott Dead Sea Resort:  on the shores of the Dead Sea we loved this resort style hotel where we had direct access to the Dead Sea. Our highlights were the fantastic evening happy hour, the views from our balcony and the resorts swimming pools – Check latest prices here!
• Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort and Spa:   another great option with direct access to the Dead Sea, the Crowne Plaza is the must budget friendly of the luxury options lining the Dead Sea – Check latest prices here!

Click here for the best Dead Sea Resort Prices

8 | Day trip to Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site of Jordan

Mount Nebo is, according to ancient tradition, the place from which Moses saw the Promised Land before he died and, at 700 metres above sea level, the views of the Holy Land and the Jordan Valley are spectacular. It’s the reported death and burial site of Moses and the church with the mosaic is a highlight of a visit.

The Baptism Site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, is a relatively recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus and the site where John the Baptist resided. It’s surreal being beside the narrow waters separating Jordan and Israel and it’s common to see baptisms taking place on the Israel side of the site.

9 | Return to Amman

After leaving the Dead Sea we made our way back to Jordan where we were departing from the Queen Alia International Airport. If you have some extra time, Quseir Amra is an excellent stop about 70 minutes east of Amman. The well-preserved 8th Century desert castle built as a royal desert oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible frescoes.

20 thoughts on “The Ultimate Jordan Itinerary with map (2023)”

What car rental company did you use??

Hi Zak, we used RentalCars.com We chose Hertz or Avis as they had a good price.

This was amazing! I will be utilizing this itinerary. I’m headed there next week as a solo-er and want to rent a car and take in the sites. Thank you all much! Everything on your list is where I desire to go.

Thanks! Have a great trip!

Excluding the hikes, which parts of this itinerary will involve a fair bit of walking which my 65-year old Dad will find difficult to do? He can easily walk 3-4 kms a day? Thanks in advance.

There’s a decent amount of walking in Petra but I believe those in need can utilise a horse and cart between the entrance and the Treasury although it may be at an additional cost.

I don’t remember any other places where excessive walking was required. In Wadi Rum for example, a jeep transported us around and we could walk as little or as far as we liked.

We are wanting to rent a car and road trip Jordan as well. I was just wondering if most of the hotels you stayed at charge extra for parking, or if there is a free lot included?

We didn’t pay for parking at any of our hotels, it was all complementary.

Awesome itinerary. Was it eight days long or were you there longer?

Hi Sandara, we spent 10 days in Jordan

Hello and thanks for your articles, they’re really helpful!

I’m gonna go to Jordan in September and can’t find any information about the parking spots. Are they secured? How did you do in-between hotels, did you travel and left the car with luggage in the booth? I’m worried that we get our things stolen and want to be sure 🙂

Thanks for your answer.

Hi Marie-Justine

Parking was easily available – there were car parks at hotels and tourist spots. We didn’t have anything valuable in the car (our cameras were always with us) but we’d no issue with security. We’ve had our car broken into twice (in the city we live in!) so we never leave our valuables in the car anymore no matter how secure it seems!

Looks like an amazing trip! How much would you recommend as a budget for a similar trip?

It wasn’t expensive – hotels were reasonable and fuel and car rental was cheap. I’m pretty sure we spent less than 100 usd a day and we stayed at lovely hotels.

great plan. have a doubt. though we rent a car for a week, during the three days stay in Petra is there a need for a car. or is it to be just parked in the hotel as most of the places will be covered by trekking

We used the car to drive to Little Petra but mostly parked at our hotel when we were there.

Hi there, Did you rent a 4×4 for the whole trip? It seems that most of the sites are reachable with basic cars, not sure about wadi rum though.

We had a standard car. Our only 4×4 was in wadi rum where someone drove us through the desert.

Great blog, got loads of ideas for my trip next month.

I’d like to camp in Wadi Rum but will only have a normal car. Im assuming the tours bring you around in 4x4s. How do you get to the campsites? Do they pick you up on the edge of the desert or how does it work?

Thanks, greetings from Ireland,

Hi Felix, we only had a normal car too. Everyone parks in Wadi Rum Village. From there the tours and camps take you into Wadi Rum in 4x4s. There’s no way you’d get in with a normal car, the sand is intense! Love your photography too, have fun in Jordan. It’s a stunning country, the Petra at night tour is a must for photos. We’re Irish too! Let us know if you have any other questions. David

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London travel news LIVE: Multiple train lines disrupted after damage to overhead wires near Shepherd's Bush

LIVE – Updated at 20:10

Three different train lines have been disrupted because of damage to the overhead electric wires between Shepherd’s Bush and Watford Junction.

Trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed or terminated and started back from Shepherd's Bush.

The operators affected are Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway and Southern, with disruption expected until the end of the day.

It comes after emergency services had to respond to reports a person had been struck by a train between Kingston and Teddington.

The incident meant all lines in the area had to be closed, as power had to be shut to allow emergency workers access to the railway, but these have now re-opened and South Western Railway trains are now running as normal.

Meanwhile, there was significant congestion to traffic in central London, with at least one major road closed, after multiple horses bolted through Aldwych .

This has now cleared up, with traffic monitoring site Inrix no longer reporting any resulting congestion.

Follow latest updates below...

Southern trains not calling at three London stations:

Southern trains which would run between East Croydon and Watford Junction or Hemmel Hempstead will instead be revised to run between East Croydon and Shepherd's Bush.

They are not calling at:

Wembley Central

Harrow & Wealdstone

Watford Junction

You should expect your journey to be up to 45 minutes longer than usual.

This is because of the damage to the overhead power lines north of Shepherds Bush.

Live coverage ends

Thank you for joining us for today’s coverage of London travel news.

We will be back tomorrow with all the latest developments affecting commuters.

Overground disruption now resolved

Earlier disruption on the Overground has now been resolved.

Passengers had earlier been warned of delays on the Richmond / Clapham Junction to Stratford route due to a signalling failure.

Disruption on Overground expected until 5pm

Overground services between Richmond / Clapham Junction and Stratford will be disrupted until at least 5pm.

National Rail says this is due to an earlier signalling fault at Stratford.

London Overground services to / from Stratford may be cancelled, delayed by up to 15 minutes or revised.

No service on Bakerloo this weekend

As a reminder, there will be no service on the Bakerloo Line this weekend (April 27 and 28).

TfL says the lack of service will affect the entire line.

Lines to Surbiton no longer blocked

We told you earlier about how a points failure between Woking and Weybridge blocked all lines towards Surbiton, disrupting multiple South Western Railway trains.

Lines have now re-opened and trains are running are running as normal.

London Overground delays now minor

The delays between Stratford to Richmond and Clapham Junction (due  to an earlier signal failure at Camden Road) are now minor - this disruption was severe before.

Good service on the rest of the line.

Shepherds Bush disruption now expected until end of day

The disruption affecting Avanti, London Northwestern Railway, and Southern train services this afternoon is now expected to last until the end of today.

Damage to the overhead electric wires between Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction / Shepherds Bush means trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes, or revised, says National Rail.

There are fewer trains running to Euston as a result of the disruption.

Disruption to London Overground expected until 3pm

A signalling fault at Stratford means London Overground services are expected to be disrupted until 3pm.

Services between Richmond/Clapham and Stratford are affected, and may be cancelled, delayed or revised, says National Rail.

TfL is currently reporting “severe” delays.

Congestion on M25 near Epsom clearing up

We told you earlier about how a lane had to be shut on the M25 clockwise - between J8 (Reigate / Redhill) and J9 (Leatherhead / Epsom) for a vehicle to be revovered.

The congestion caused by this is now clearing up, with normal traffic conditions expected soon.

Serious crash on Upper Richmond Road

The A205 Upper Richmond Road has been closed both ways between Milton Road and Waitrose because of a serious crash.

It has caused heavy congestion to Roehampton Lane back past Barnes Common, and diverting through Mortlake between Barnes Bridge and Chalkers Corner.

This has caused a detour for several buses - number 33, 337 and 493.

London Overground now delayed instead of suspended

There are currently severe delays between Stratford to Richmond and Clapham Junction due to a signal failure at Camden Road.

Earlier, it was suspended between Wandsworth Road and Clapham Junciton (due to an obstruction on track at Clapham Junction).

Lane shut on M25 near Epsom

A lane has been closed on the M25 clockwise - between J8 (Reigate / Redhill) and J9 (Leatherhead / Epsom).

This is for vehicle recovery.

Traffic-monitoring site Inrix is showing congestion in the area but nothing severe yet.

M25 near Enfield no longer delayed

We told you earlier about two-mile tailbacks - from J24 A111 Stagg Hill (Potters Bar) to J23 A1M (South Mimms) - caused by a stalled lorry.

Lanes had re-opened before 10am but disruption was still in place for a little under an hour.

This is no longer the case, with Inrix reporting clear roads.

Severe delays to London Overground

There are currently severe delays between Stratford to Richmond and Clapham Junction due to a signal failure at Camden Road - good service on the rest of the line.

Northern line no longer delayed

The Northern line has returned to running a good service.

Buckingham Palace Road no longer closed but traffic still delayed

We told you earlier about how Buckingham Palace Road was closed amid the chaos caused by horses bolting through central London .

The road has seemingly re-opened, according to traffic monitoring site Inrix, but there is still a lot of congestion to roads in the area.

Minor delays to Northern line

There are currently minor delays between High Barnet and Camden Town southbound only due to train cancellations - good service on the rest of the line.

Trains to Alexandra Palace delayed

Great Northern trains between Potters Bar and Alexandra Palace are currently disrupted because of a points failure.

Trains could be delayed or cancelled until at lest 11am.

London Waterloo train disruption expected until the end of the day now

Multple South Western Railway trains are delayed and cancelled after reports a person being struck by a train between Kingston and Teddington earlier this morning.

The disruption caused by this was expected to last until 10am but National Rail has now said it will likely be the case for the rest of the day.

Buckingham Palace Road closed amid chaos caused by horses bolting through central London

The road is closed along the A3214 Buckingham Palace Road Southbound between A302 Victoria Street and Grosvenor Gardens / Lower Belgrave Street.

Traffic monitoring site Inrix says this is because of an “emergency services incident”.

This is likely referring to at least two horses bolting through central London, with one appearing to be covered in blood on Wednesday morning.

One soldier has been injured in the incident after a spooked horse hit a number of vehicles, the Telegraph reports.

Emergency services were spotted on Buckingham Palace Road in Victoria.

The soldier was reportedly lying in the street receiving help near the Clermont Hotel.

Read more about the horce incident here .

Two-mile tailbacks on M25 after stalled car

Traffic is queuing for two miles on the M25 anti-clockwise - from J24 A111 Stagg Hill (Potters Bar) to J23 A1M (South Mimms).

This is because of disruption caused by a stalled car.

All lanes have reopened but delays are still in place.

All lines to Surbiton blocked

A points failure between Woking and Weybridge has blocked all lines towrds Surbiton.

South Western Railways services running to and from these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised.

The route affected is between London Waterloo and Weybridge / Woking / Alton / Basingstoke.

Disruption is affected until at least 12pm.

Major disruption to trains from London to Birmingham New Street

Trains are facing up to one-hour delays after emergency services had to deal with an incident at Birmingham New Street.

Lines have re-opened but disruption is expected until at least 12pm.

The following routes are affected:

• Avanti West Coast between Edinburgh / Manchester Piccadilly / Lancaster/ Shrewsbury / Wolverhampton and London Euston, and between Crewe and Birmingham New Street
• CrossCountry between York / Leeds and Plymouth, and between Manchester Piccadilly and Bournemouth / Paignton, and between Nottingham / Leicester and Birmingham New Street, and between Edinburgh / Stansted Airport / Manchester Piccadilly and Bristol Temple Meads
• London Northwestern Railway between Liverpool Lime Street / Birmingham New Street and London Euston
• Transport for Wales between Holyhead / Chester / Aberystwyth and Birmingham International
• West Midlands Railway between Rugeley Trent Valley and Birmingham International, and between Great Malvern and Birmingham New Street, and between Lichfield Trent Valley and Bromsgrove, and between Four Oaks and Redditch, and between Wolverhampton and Walsall

Jubilee line no longer delayed

The Jubilee line has returned to running a good service.

London Overground no longer suspend

The London Overground has returned to running a good service.

South Western Railway lines to Waterloo re-open but disruption remains

South Western Railway train lines between Wimbledon and Teddington have re-opened, after a person was reportedly struck by a train this morning.

But disruption is still expected to remain until at least 10am with trins cncelled, delayed or revised.

Minor delays to Jubilee line

There are currently mior delays between Finchley Road and Stanmore northbound only due to an earlier faulty train at Bond Street - good service on the rest of the line.

London Overground part suspended

There is currently no service between Wandsworth Road and Clapham Junciton due to an obstruction on track at Clapham Junction - good service on the rest of the line.

Part closure to the Tram for the last time

Today is the last day that part of the Tram is shut as part of a planned closure which has been in place since April 29.

There is no service between Wellesley Road / George Street and Beckenham Junction / Elmers End / New Addington.

Eastbound trams will operate from Wimbledon to Wellesley Road, and westbound trams will operate from George Street to Wimbledon.

Delays to multiple train lines because of damage to the overhead electric wires near Shepherds Bush

Damage to the overhead electric wires between Shepherds Bush and Watford Junction means trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed or terminated at and started back from Shepherd's Bush.

Southern trains will not call at:

Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services are also affected.

This disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Disruption to Southern trains serving London Victoria

Southern trains which usually call at London Victoria may be delayed or revised because of overrunning engineering works which has blocked all lines between Barnham and Horsham.

Trains which usually run between Bognor Regis, or Southampton Central and London Victoria will instead divert to run via Hove / Brighton.

And trains which usually run between Portsmouth and London Victoria will instead terminate and restart from Barnham.

This disruption is expected until at least 7.30am.

South Western Railway trains to Waterloo cancelled

All lines are blocked, after National Rail recieved reports that a person has been struck by a train between Wimbldon and Teddington.

The track has had to be switched off so emergency services can access it, meaning trains serving stations between Kingston and Teddington may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

London Waterloo to Teddington via Richmond services will be cancelled

London Waterloo to Strawberry Hill via Kingston services will be cancelled

London Waterloo to Shepperton services will be cancelled

This disruption is expected to last until at least 10am.

Good morning

Good morning and welcome to The Evening Standard’s live travel blog.

Stay with us for updates throughout the day.