Traveling from Wadi Rum to Petra in One Day
Dreaming of exploring both Wadi Rum and Petra in a single day? Discover how to make this dream a reality! This guide reveals how you can travel the 120 km between these wonders in just 1.5-2 hours, with options ranging from budget-friendly buses to luxurious private drivers. Uncover the secrets to maximizing your 9-hour adventure, including local tips for avoiding crowds and experiencing the best of Jordanian culture. Learn how to balance cost, convenience, and flexibility to create the perfect day trip. Start planning your unforgettable journey now!
Important information
- The trip between Wadi Rum and Petra is about 110 km (68 miles) and takes 1.5-2 hours by car.
- A full day trip (including travel and sightseeing) is estimated at just under nine hours.
- Several transportation options exist: taxis, buses (JETT and public), rental cars, organized tours, and private drivers.
- JETT buses offer a scheduled service between Petra and Wadi Rum, departing Petra at 6:00 am and Wadi Rum at 4:00 pm.
- For personalized experiences, consider hiring a private driver or renting a car. Local guides can enhance your visit with cultural insights and hidden gems.
Understanding the Journey: Traveling from Wadi Rum to Petra in One Day
A day trip from Wadi Rum to Petra is easily manageable. Wadi Rum’s proximity to Petra makes it a quick, roughly 120 km hop, with the drive taking about an hour and a half to two hours. Expect to spend under nine hours for the whole excursion, including sightseeing at both locations.
Petra
Involves extensive walking to explore its wonders.
Wadi Rum
Offers a thrilling jeep tour through the breathtaking desert scenery.
Various travel options are available:
- private taxis for personalized itineraries,
- organized tours with expert guides,
- shared minivans for budget-conscious travelers.
How Far is it from Wadi Rum to Petra?
Wadi Rum and Petra are conveniently located near each other, separated by approximately 68 miles (110 kilometers). The journey between them typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Visiting Wadi Rum adds only a minor 20-minute detour to the main route to Petra.
Total Travel Time: What to Expect
The journey from Wadi Rum to Petra takes approximately 4.5 hours by car. To fully experience both locations, plan for additional time. Consider including a Wadi Rum jeep tour and ample time to explore Petra on foot. A realistic estimate for travel and activities is just under nine hours.
Travel Options Between Wadi Rum and Petra
Organized Tours
Enjoy a hassle-free experience with organized tours. Transportation, guides, and sometimes even meals are taken care of. However, this convenience comes at the cost of less flexibility and limited independent exploration.
JETT Buses
JETT buses offer a more affordable travel option. Be sure to check their website for schedules and be prepared to adjust your itinerary accordingly.
Public Buses
For budget travelers with flexible schedules, public buses are the cheapest way to go. Be aware that they often involve transfers and longer travel times.
Taxis
Taxis offer a balance of convenience and cost, allowing for customized itineraries and stops. Remember to negotiate the fare beforehand.
Rental Car
Renting a car gives you complete control over your schedule and exploration. You’ll need an international driving permit and should be comfortable navigating unfamiliar roads.
Private Driver
Hiring a private driver offers a luxurious experience with personalized service and local insights, making it ideal for a comfortable and informative journey.
Organized Tours: Pros and Cons
Organized Tours
Organized tours offer convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides to showcase key attractions, simplifying travel between Wadi Rum and Petra. However, this convenience limits flexibility, requiring adherence to a predetermined itinerary.
Independent Travel
Taxis or rental cars provide a more personalized experience for exploring at your own pace, offering greater flexibility.
JETT Buses: Schedule and Availability
The JETT bus departs Petra’s Visitor Center at 6:00 am, reaching Wadi Rum around 7:30 am. The return trip from Wadi Rum is at 4:00 pm, arriving back in Petra around 5:30 pm. This service operates daily, but it’s always best to check the JETT website for the most up-to-date schedule and any potential timetable changes.
Public Bus System: Budget-Friendly Options
While affordable, public buses between Wadi Rum and Petra are infrequent and follow indirect routes, making them unsuitable for travelers on a tight schedule. Multiple transfers can also add significant time to your journey.
Taxi Options: Flexibility and Cost
Taxis are readily available in Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. This offers flexibility with your travel schedule and a direct route to the site. However, fares aren’t fixed, so agree on a price with the driver beforehand to avoid any unexpected charges.
Car Rentals: Convenience and Independence
Renting a car unlocks true freedom for your trip between Wadi Rum and Petra, allowing you to control your itinerary and explore at your leisure. Spontaneous stops become possible, revealing hidden gems and creating a truly personalized adventure.
Private Driver: Luxury and Local Knowledge
Traveling between Wadi Rum and Petra? Consider a private driver for a personalized and comfortable journey.
Benefits of a Private Driver
- Personalized itinerary, tailored to your interests.
- Convenient door-to-door service, eliminating transfers and wait times.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles for a relaxed journey.
- Local insights and knowledge from your driver, enhancing your experience.
Important Note
While a private driver is the most expensive option, it offers unparalleled convenience and a unique cultural immersion.
Budget Considerations for the Journey
Getting Around Jordan: A Traveler’s Guide
Navigating Jordan offers a variety of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget.
- Taxis: Providing convenient door-to-door service, taxis are readily available. Expect to pay between 50-70 JOD.
- Buses: Budget-friendly travelers can take advantage of Jordan’s extensive bus network, including the JETT bus and local lines. Fares range from 7-15 JOD per person.
- Private Drivers: Offering a balance of comfort, convenience, and cost, private drivers are a popular option. They typically charge 40-60 JOD for the entire journey.
Choosing the Right Transport
Your ideal mode of transport depends on your priorities.
- Budget Travelers: Buses are undoubtedly the most economical choice.
- Comfort & Convenience: If comfort and convenience are paramount, taxis or private drivers offer a superior experience.
- Balanced Approach: Private drivers provide personalized service and flexibility at a more moderate price than taxis.
Comparing Costs: Taxis, Buses, and Private Drivers
Taxis
Taxis offer convenient door-to-door service, but fares can be negotiable.
JETT Buses
JETT buses provide a reliable scheduled service with fixed prices, balancing cost and convenience.
Private Driver
For a more personalized experience, consider a private driver who can share local insights and tailor your itinerary, though at a higher cost than taxis or buses.
Balancing Budget, Convenience, and Flexibility
For the budget-conscious traveler
I’m Zayd El-Mahdi, a desert guide, traveler, and passionate blogger living in the heart of the Sahara. Growing up among the vast dunes and hidden oases, I’ve spent my life exploring the beauty and history of this incredible desert. As a guide, I have the privilege of sharing the stories and wonders of the Sahara with travelers from all over the world, showing them not just the landscape, but the rich culture and timeless spirit of this place. For me, the Sahara is more than just a desert—it’s a living story. Through my blog, Sands of Time, I offer a glimpse into my daily life, share travel tips, and introduce the hidden gems of the Sahara. Whether you’re looking for adventure, cultural insights, or simply a sense of the vastness of the desert, I hope to inspire you to discover the magic of this incredible land. The Sahara is my home, and I’m honored to guide others through its mysteries and beauty.
