Petra to Wadi Rum: Best Transfer Options & Desert Camp Guide (2026)
Complete guide for traveling from Petra to Wadi Rum. Distance, private transfers, taxi options, and the perfect two-day itinerary for combining Jordan's top two destinations.
Petra to Wadi Rum: Best Transfer Options & Desert Camp Guide (2026)
Petra and Wadi Rum are Jordan's two most iconic destinations, and they sit remarkably close to each other — just 110 kilometres (68 miles) apart along the Desert Highway. For most visitors, visiting Petra and Wadi Rum in a single trip is not just possible; it is the ideal way to experience southern Jordan. The ancient Nabataean city and the vast desert wilderness complement each other perfectly — history carved in stone followed by nature sculpted by wind and time.
This guide covers everything you need to know about travelling from Petra to Wadi Rum, including distance, travel time, transfer options, practical logistics, and tips for combining both destinations into an unforgettable two-day itinerary.
Distance and Travel Time: Petra to Wadi Rum
Distance
The distance from Petra (Wadi Musa town centre) to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre is approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles). The route follows the Desert Highway (Route 15) south for the majority of the journey.
Travel Time
- By private transfer: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- By rental car: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- By taxi: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (depending on negotiation)
- By bus: Not available as a direct service — requires a connection in Ma'an or Aqaba
The Route
The journey from Petra to Wadi Rum is almost entirely on the Desert Highway (Route 15), Jordan's main north-south artery.
- Depart Wadi Musa (Petra) heading south on Route 15
- Pass through the town of Ma'an (approximately 40 km south) — the last major settlement with fuel stations and shops
- Continue south for approximately 60 km
- Take the clearly signposted Wadi Rum turnoff (east, off the Desert Highway)
- Drive the final 20 km paved road to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre
The road is well-maintained throughout, and the journey is straightforward. The landscape transitions from the mountainous terrain around Petra to the wide desert plains of southern Jordan, with the red mountains of Wadi Rum appearing on the horizon as you approach.
Option 1: Private Transfer — Petra to Wadi Rum (Recommended)
A private transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum is the most convenient and comfortable option. The journey is short — barely 90 minutes — and a pre-booked transfer ensures a seamless connection between two of Jordan's most demanding sightseeing days.
What a Private Transfer Includes
- Hotel pickup in Wadi Musa (Petra) — Your driver meets you at your hotel reception
- Professional English-speaking driver who knows the road, the timing, and the Wadi Rum check-in process
- Clean, air-conditioned vehicle — sedan, SUV, or minivan depending on your group size
- Flexible departure time — Leave whenever you finish exploring Petra
- Luggage assistance — Your driver helps load and unload your bags
- Door-to-door delivery — Dropped directly at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre or your desert camp
Why a Private Transfer Works for This Route
Most visitors spend one full day at Petra (5–7 hours walking the site) and then head south to Wadi Rum for sunset and an overnight camp stay. A private transfer allows you to:
- Leave Petra when you are ready — not on a fixed bus schedule
- Arrive at Wadi Rum in time for a sunset jeep tour (4:00–4:30 PM departure is ideal)
- Have your luggage transported directly to your desert camp
- Book a round-trip or onward transfer to Aqaba or the Dead Sea for the following day
How to book: Contact us on WhatsApp for an instant quote. We specialise in inter-city transfers that connect Jordan's top destinations.
Option 2: Taxi from Petra
Taxis are available in Wadi Musa for the trip to Wadi Rum. You can arrange one through your hotel or find one at the taxi stand near the Petra Visitor Centre.
What to Expect
- Negotiate the fare upfront (expect approximately 40–60 JOD for a one-way trip)
- Travel time of 1 hour 15 minutes
- Vehicle quality varies — inspect the air conditioning and seatbelts before departing
- The driver may offer to wait at Wadi Rum for a return trip or continue to Aqaba
Important Considerations
- Language can be a barrier — have your destination written in Arabic
- Confirm whether the fare includes waiting time at any stops along the way
- The driver will expect cash payment in Jordanian Dinars at the destination
- If you are staying overnight in Wadi Rum, confirm whether the driver will return for you the next day (separate negotiation required)
Verdict: A taxi works if you are comfortable negotiating and your hotel can recommend a reliable driver. For a guaranteed experience with fixed pricing, a pre-booked private transfer is safer.
Option 3: Rental Car
If you have rented a car for your Jordan trip, driving from Petra to Wadi Rum is simple.
The Drive
- Exit Wadi Musa heading south on Route 15
- Drive past Ma'an (40 km) continuing south
- After approximately 90 km from Petra, take the Wadi Rum turnoff
- Drive the final 20 km to the Visitor Centre
What to Know About Parking
You cannot take your rental car into the protected desert area. You must park at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre (secure parking, approximately 5 JOD per day) and take a local jeep tour or camp transfer from there.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Complete flexibility to stop at Ma'an or other points
- Useful if you are continuing south to Aqaba after Wadi Rum
- Freedom to arrive and depart on your own schedule
Cons:
- You pay for a day of rental car use while it sits parked at the Visitor Centre
- International Driving Permit required
- You must still arrange local desert transport separately
Option 4: Guided Tour (Petra → Wadi Rum)
Many tour operators offer combined Petra-to-Wadi Rum packages that include:
- Morning guided tour of Petra (2–3 hours with a licensed guide)
- Lunch in Wadi Musa
- Private transfer to Wadi Rum
- Afternoon jeep tour in the desert
- Overnight at a Bedouin camp with dinner and breakfast
- Return transport to Amman, the Dead Sea, or Aqaba the following day
This is an excellent option if you want everything arranged in one seamless package.
Combining Petra and Wadi Rum: The Perfect Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Petra
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Breakfast at your hotel in Wadi Musa |
| 6:30 AM | Enter Petra (opens at 6:00 AM summer, 8:00 AM winter) |
| 6:30–7:00 AM | Walk the Siq to the Treasury (uncrowded, magical light) |
| 7:00–11:00 AM | Explore the Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, Theatre |
| 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Lunch break at a restaurant inside or near the site |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Climb to the Monastery (Ad Deir) — 850 steps, worth every one |
| 2:00–3:00 PM | Descend and explore the lower city |
| 3:00–3:30 PM | Exit Petra |
| 3:30–4:00 PM | Pick up luggage from hotel, meet your driver |
Day 1 (Evening): Transfer to Wadi Rum
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:00 PM | Depart Petra via private transfer |
| 5:30 PM | Arrive at Wadi Rum Visitor Centre |
| 5:30–5:45 PM | Check in, arrange jeep tour |
| 5:45–7:30 PM | Sunset jeep tour (Lawrence's Spring, Red Sand Dunes, Khazali Canyon) |
| 7:30 PM | Arrive at desert camp |
| 8:00 PM | Zarb dinner (Bedouin underground-cooked feast) |
| 9:00 PM | Stargazing, campfire, music |
Day 2: Wadi Rum Morning + Departure
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Sunrise in the desert (optional, highly recommended) |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast at the camp |
| 8:30–10:30 AM | Morning jeep tour or camel ride |
| 10:30 AM | Return to Visitor Centre, check out |
| 11:00 AM | Depart for Aqaba, Dead Sea, or Amman |
What to Do in Petra
Petra requires a full day to experience properly. Key highlights include:
The Siq — A 1.2-kilometre natural gorge flanked by 80-metre-high cliffs, leading dramatically to the Treasury.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — Petra's most famous monument, carved into a rose-red sandstone cliff face. It is best seen early morning when the sun hits the facade directly.
The Monastery (Ad Deir) — A 45-minute uphill climb (850 steps) through beautiful scenery. The Monastery is larger than the Treasury and far less crowded.
The Royal Tombs — A series of monumental tombs carved into the eastern cliff face, including the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, and the Corinthian Tomb.
The Theatre — A 7,000-seat Nabataean-Roman theatre carved into the mountain.
Petra by Night — On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, the Siq and Treasury are lit by over 1,500 candles. The experience is magical but requires an additional ticket (17 JOD).
What to Do in Wadi Rum
Jeep Tours — The essential Wadi Rum experience. Tours range from 2 hours to full-day explorations, visiting key sites such as Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, Burdah Rock Bridge, and the Red Sand Dunes.
Camel Rides — A slower, traditional way to explore the desert. Rides from 30 minutes to full-day treks are available.
Overnight Camping — Staying at a Bedouin camp is the highlight of most visitors' Jordan trips. Camps range from basic (shared tents, mattress on the floor) to luxury bubble domes with ensuite bathrooms.
Stargazing — Wadi Rum is a certified Dark Sky Park. On moonless nights, the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye.
Practical Tips
Luggage Storage
If you are visiting Petra for the day and continuing to Wadi Rum, most hotels in Wadi Musa will hold your luggage until your driver arrives. Alternatively, luggage storage is available at the Petra Visitor Centre.
What to Pack for Both Destinations
- Comfortable walking shoes (Petra requires 15,000–25,000 steps)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (both sites are exposed)
- 1.5–2 litres of water per person per day
- Snacks or a packed lunch (expensive inside both sites)
- Scarf or buff (useful for dust at both sites)
- Warm layers for the evening desert camp
- Headlamp or torch (for Petra's dark side trails and Wadi Rum at night)
- Camera with extra batteries
Best Time of Year for This Combination
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for hiking in Petra and exploring Wadi Rum, and desert nights are cool but not cold.
Summer (June–August): Start Petra at 6:00 AM to avoid the midday heat. Afternoon Wadi Rum jeep tours are possible but hot.
Winter (December–February): Petra can be cold and occasionally rainy. Wadi Rum nights are very cold (0–5°C). The sites are quiet, and the desert light is stunning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Petra from Wadi Rum?
Petra and Wadi Rum are approximately 110 kilometres (68 miles) apart. The drive takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by private transfer or car.
Can I visit Petra and Wadi Rum in one day?
Technically yes, but it is a very long day. You would need to enter Petra at 6:00 AM, exit by 11:00 AM, drive to Wadi Rum (1.5 hours), take a quick 2-hour jeep tour, and return. You will not do justice to either site. Two days is strongly recommended.
What is the best way to get from Petra to Wadi Rum?
A pre-booked private transfer is the most convenient option. Your driver picks you up from your Petra hotel and drops you at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre or your desert camp. The journey is under 90 minutes.
Do I need a 4x4 inside Wadi Rum?
Yes. The desert tracks inside the protected area require a 4x4 vehicle driven by a local guide. Your transfer car or rental car cannot enter the desert tracks.
Can I leave my luggage at Petra while visiting Wadi Rum?
Yes. Most hotels in Wadi Musa (Petra) will store your luggage after checkout. Some also offer luggage transfer services directly to your Wadi Rum camp.
Should I visit Petra or Wadi Rum first?
Visit Petra first, then Wadi Rum. Petra is more physically demanding (long walking on uneven terrain), and you will appreciate the relaxation of the desert camp after a full day at Petra. Wadi Rum's sunset and stargazing are also best experienced after the exertion of Petra.
Is there a direct bus from Petra to Wadi Rum?
No. There is no direct public bus service between Petra and Wadi Rum. The JETT bus runs from Amman to Petra and Amman to Aqaba, but not between Petra and Wadi Rum directly. A private transfer or taxi is required.
How much does a private transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum cost?
Pricing varies by vehicle type and number of passengers. Contact us on WhatsApp for an instant quote tailored to your group size and schedule.
Plan Your Petra-to-Wadi Rum Journey
The combination of Petra and Wadi Rum is the highlight of almost every Jordan itinerary. The two destinations are close enough to visit in tandem, yet different enough to offer completely distinct experiences — ancient Nabataean engineering meets timeless Bedouin desert culture.
With a pre-booked private transfer, the connection between them is seamless. You finish your day exploring Petra's tombs and temples, your driver collects you from your hotel, and 90 minutes later you are watching the sun set over the red sands of Wadi Rum. It does not get better than that.
Ready to book your transfer? Contact us on WhatsApp for an instant quote. We offer reliable, comfortable private transfers between Petra and Wadi Rum, with flexible timing and English-speaking drivers. We can also arrange multi-stop itineraries covering the Dead Sea, Aqaba, and Amman.
For more information on transport across Jordan, read our Petra Day Trip from Amman guide or the Airport Transfer Jordan guide.
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