The best places to visit in Jordan + the perfect road trip itinerary
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Jordan is one of the best countries for a road trip. It's relatively small, making the driving distances easy to manage, yet it's packed with incredible landscapes, ancient history, and unforgettable experiences. One of the biggest advantages of travelling through Jordan is the Jordan Pass, which includes entry to Petra as well as more than 40 other attractions across the country. It's excellent value for money and something I'd highly recommend purchasing before your trip.
We spent just under a week exploring Jordan by car and followed the itinerary below. Of course, you can easily adjust the route depending on how much time you have or add extra stops along the way.
Amman (1–2 days)
The easiest place to begin your Jordan road trip is Amman, the country's capital.
You don't need to spend many days here, but it's a convenient place to stay if your flight arrives late in the evening.
Before continuing your journey, I recommend visiting the Amman Citadel. This archaeological site dates back to around 1800 BC and contains fascinating remains from the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods, all located in the heart of the city.
If you have an extra day, consider taking a trip to Jerash, located about 45 minutes north of Amman. Often called one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, Jerash is filled with impressive temples, theatres, and ancient streets that are well worth exploring.
Petra (2–3 days)
The drive from Amman to Petra takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on how often you stop to admire the scenery. The landscapes along the way are stunning, so the journey itself is part of the experience.
We recommend spending at least two full days in Petra. If you prefer a slower pace or enjoy hiking, adding a third day is definitely worthwhile. To experience Petra at its best, try to arrive before opening time. We reached the entrance about 15 minutes before the gates opened, and for a while it felt as though we had the famous Treasury almost entirely to ourselves. It was truly magical.
Later in the day, Petra becomes much busier, but don't worry—the archaeological site is enormous. Beyond the famous Treasury and the Siq, there are countless trails, viewpoints, and ancient ruins where you'll often find yourself away from the crowds.
Wadi Rum (1–2 days)
From Petra, it's about a two-hour drive to Wadi Rum Village. Depending on where you're staying, you'll usually leave your rental car in the village before being picked up by your accommodation in a 4x4 vehicle to continue into the desert.
Accommodation ranges from simple Bedouin camps to luxurious glass-domed tents with panoramic desert views. If you're travelling during winter, keep in mind that temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, so some of the more basic camps may get quite cold.
Most camps offer guided jeep tours through the desert, with options ranging from half-day to full-day excursions. In our experience, one full day is enough to explore Wadi Rum's spectacular landscapes and famous rock formations.
Aqaba (1–2 days)
We only spent a short time in Aqaba, but if you're interested in diving or snorkelling, this is the place to be. The drive from Wadi Rum Village takes just over one hour. Aqaba offers plenty of luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and excellent opportunities to explore the colourful coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Whether you're a certified diver or simply want to snorkel, Aqaba is one of Jordan's best coastal destinations.
The Dead Sea (2–3 days)
The Dead Sea lies much further north than Aqaba and can be reached from Amman in under an hour. We drove directly from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea, which took us just over four hours. Since we visited Jordan in February, ending our trip here was the perfect choice. After the cooler temperatures in Petra and Wadi Rum, it was noticeably warmer at the Dead Sea and gave us the chance to relax for a few days before flying home.
Of course, you could just as easily start your Jordan itinerary here instead.
Most resorts are located along the northern shoreline of the Dead Sea. Staying at one of these resorts is highly recommended, as they usually have private beaches with direct access to the water.
One of the highlights is covering yourself in the famous mineral-rich Dead Sea mud, which is often provided in large containers on the beach for guests to use.
Although the water is far too salty for swimming, floating effortlessly on the surface is an unforgettable experience and something everyone should try at least once.
