How to Get from Petra to Wadi Rum
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To travel the 65 miles (104 km) between Petra and Wadi Rum, private transfer is the most popular option. The drive south to Wadi Rum is a mix of the scenic but windy Kings Highway and the modern Desert Highway.
Renting a car offers flexibility, and driving in southern Jordan is pretty straightforward for travelers—most signs have English translations. If you’re not on a fixed schedule, there is plenty to see, as these 4 Scenic Roadtrips in Jordan point out. Public mini-buses are the least convenient option—they're frequent, but you’ll have to contend with crowds, timetables, and waiting around.
On average, the drive from Petra to Wadi Rum is 1.5 hours. If you opt for a private driver—a popular choice here— you’ll be able to stop along the way for scenic views, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and have the benefit of local insight along the way.
The driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Wadi Musa, Petra’s nearest town, and you’ll head south to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. All visitors must check in here first before entering the wilderness area, and you will likely switch cars here—a special license is needed to drive in the wilderness area, so most camps have their own drivers.
For those interested in renting a car, driving is largely safe and hassle-free in Jordan. Signs have English translations and the roads are in good condition.
Cabs are ubiquitous and a fairly reliable way to get where you’re going in Jordan. Typically, a Yellow Cab guarantees a licensed driver with a functioning meter, but if you’re unsure, have your hotel book one for you. Often, taxi drivers want to take a full car from Petra to Wadi Rum so you may have to ride with other passengers. Ridesharing has become more popular these days so it’s worth checking out apps like Uber as well. The same rules apply regarding switching drivers at the visitor center.
There is a minibus that runs from Wadi Musa to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. It operates daily and leaves early in the morning (around 6 am). Most public buses don’t run on Fridays (or certain holidays) but this heavily-trafficked route is an exception for the tourist crowds. Seats fill up fast in the high season, but it's possible to book a seat in advance through your hotel.
Renting a car offers flexibility, and driving in southern Jordan is pretty straightforward for travelers—most signs have English translations. If you’re not on a fixed schedule, there is plenty to see, as these 4 Scenic Roadtrips in Jordan point out. Public mini-buses are the least convenient option—they're frequent, but you’ll have to contend with crowds, timetables, and waiting around.
By Private Car
Duration: 1.5 hoursOn average, the drive from Petra to Wadi Rum is 1.5 hours. If you opt for a private driver—a popular choice here— you’ll be able to stop along the way for scenic views, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and have the benefit of local insight along the way.
The driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Wadi Musa, Petra’s nearest town, and you’ll head south to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. All visitors must check in here first before entering the wilderness area, and you will likely switch cars here—a special license is needed to drive in the wilderness area, so most camps have their own drivers.
For those interested in renting a car, driving is largely safe and hassle-free in Jordan. Signs have English translations and the roads are in good condition.
By Taxi
Duration: 1.5-2 hoursCabs are ubiquitous and a fairly reliable way to get where you’re going in Jordan. Typically, a Yellow Cab guarantees a licensed driver with a functioning meter, but if you’re unsure, have your hotel book one for you. Often, taxi drivers want to take a full car from Petra to Wadi Rum so you may have to ride with other passengers. Ridesharing has become more popular these days so it’s worth checking out apps like Uber as well. The same rules apply regarding switching drivers at the visitor center.
By Bus
Duration: 2 - 2.5 hoursThere is a minibus that runs from Wadi Musa to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. It operates daily and leaves early in the morning (around 6 am). Most public buses don’t run on Fridays (or certain holidays) but this heavily-trafficked route is an exception for the tourist crowds. Seats fill up fast in the high season, but it's possible to book a seat in advance through your hotel.
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