Journey to Wadi Rum, Jordan’s largest desert located just to its southeast. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, you won’t be remiss in mistaking the otherworldly terrain for Mars thanks to the arid landscape, towering mountains, and crimson-colored sand dunes. What’s more, at only 60 kilometers east of Aqaba, it’s easy to reach this UNESCO Heritage Site from the Red Sea via public transportation.
If you want to know how to get to Wadi Rum and the best places to stay, this article will go over options for every budget, from the thrifty to the extravagant. Whether you prefer to travel by bus or car or have always desired to sleep in a bubble tent like a real Martian, you’re sure to have an amazing holiday. Better still, transportation in Jordan is normally safe and reliable while accommodation choices are plentiful so you won’t even have to worry about any needless hassles or delays.
Spanning over 74000 hectares, Wadi Rum owes its reddish hue to the presence of iron oxide prevailing throughout the protected reserve but there’s more to its allure than its resemblance to the Red Planet. The sweeping expanse also has a ton of activities to offer travelers from ancient ruins to incredible hiking and rock-climbing trails to make you have a holiday you won’t ever forget.
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HOW TO GET TO WADI RUM
Although Jordan is still a developing country, recent influxes in tourism have led to much growth and improvement in its infrastructure, especially concerning its roadways and transport services. The Middle-Easter nation has two major international airports; Queen Alia International Airport near the capital of Amman to the north of the country and Aqaba King Hussein International Airport to the very south. The easiest way to get to Wadi Rum would be to fly into the latter since Aqaba is a mere 60 kilometers due west of the desert reserve.
The 74,000-acre arid expanse glimmers red thanks to minerals that have eroded into its sands and is chock full of wonders to uncover (look here for a complete rundown of the best things to do in Wadi Rum). Travelers can also pair their trip with a visit to Aqaba to go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Red Sea. However, you should keep in mind that. like with many other commodities in Jordan, adventure sports tend to be a bit pricier due to the cost of importing goods into the resource-poor nation. Their hospitality sector is no different so don’t be surprised to see price tags similar to those in Europe.
*All prices below are listed in JOD - Jordanian Dinar
From Amman
It’s absolutely possible to get from Amman, Jordan’s capital, to Wadi Rum via public transportation. There’s a shuttle bus service between Amman and Aqaba run by Jett Bus which offers multiple departures per day from about 8 AM to 6 PM. The journey costs around 10 JOD (better to reserve online in advance during high season) and lasts around 5 hours.
The most central Jett Bus office in Amman is in the 7th circle so after you fly into Amman, take a taxi directly from the airport to the bus terminal to continue southward toward Aqaba. The bus should deposit you at the Visitors’ Center in Wadi Rum where you should arrange pick-up with your choice of accommodation.
*All visitors must pay to enter Wadi Rum (∼ 5 JOD). Alternatively, this fee is included in the Jordan Pass (a good investment if also thinking of visiting Petra).
From Aqaba
Does everything above sound like a lot of hassle? Then, the most convenient way to get to Wadi Rum is to book a flight into Aqaba and head to Wadi Rum directly afterward before eventually continuing onto Petra if it tickles your fancy (the ancient ruins lie about equal distance between Aqaba and Amman). Please keep in mind that all visitors must pay a fee to enter Wadi Rum (∼ 5 JOD) but this price is included in the Jordan Pass (as is the entry fee for Petra).
By Taxi
You can expect many taxis waiting right outside the airport to whisk tourists away to Downtown Aqaba or Wadi Rum but, be forewarned, the fare is massively overpriced. For the most affordable fare, it’s best to arrange your pick-up directly from your accommodation in Wadi Rum (more on why in a bit).
If that’s not possible, you should be able to negotiate a fair rate of around 30-50 JOD for the one-hour taxi ride from Aqaba Airport to Wadi Rum’s Welcome Center. From the Visitors¡ Center, your accommodation should be able to pick you up for the last leg of your journey.
By Shuttle Bus
For thriftier travelers, the most economical way to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum would be to take the bus as long as you’re not pressed for time. The route is operated by Jett Bus with multiple pick-ups in Aqaba from either Movenpick Tala Bay Resort & Spa, the Divers Village, or the Jett Office Terminal. There’s only one departure daily at around 8 AM and the fare is about 15 JOD (book in advance during high season), with the journey taking a little under two hours before leaving passengers right in front of the Visitors’ Center.
From there, your accommodation should be able to arrange a transfer to their facilities. Whenever you’re ready to head back to Aqaba, you can take another Jett bus from the same dropoff point at 6:30 PM.
By Local Bus
For even cheaper fare (∼10 JOD), there’s also a local bus that goes from Aqaba Bus Station (which is basically just a big parking lot) to Wadi Rum every day except Friday around 1 PM. You’ll have to wait for it to fill up before it takes off which can take a while in low-season but, in high-season, expect it to get packed quickly so make sure to arrive very early to snag yourself a spot.
For the return journey, the bus departs from Wadi Rum’s Visitors’ Center around 9 AM.
By Car
Jordan is a rather expensive country for travelers so hiring a rental car can be a bit pricey (∼40-60 JOD per day with insurance) and paying for gas is no exception. Unless you’re traveling in a group to split the costs or money is no expense compared to the time you’d save commuting, getting around by car isn’t advisable for spendthrifts.
All that being said, driving to Wadi Rum is very convenient as roads in Jordan are quite safe and fairly well-maintained. Additionally, many car rental companies are based right out of Aqaba Airport, and having a car can grant you more freedom to explore the area on your own (take care to fill up your tank to full in Aqaba first).
From Aqaba, the trip should take an hour or less. First, exit the airport to drive onto Jordan Valley Highway (AKA Route 65) for a few kilometers until you see signs for the Desert Highway (AKA Route 47). This highway is the main road to Wadi Rum so stay on for about another half-hour until you spot signs for Wadi Rum Road (or Ad Disa) leading to the exit towards the preserve. After another twenty minutes or so, the Visitors’ Center should start appearing to your left. You can park in their lot for free or drive through after paying the entrance fee, however, some cars may be subjected to extra fees depending on their size.
WHERE TO STAY IN WADI RUM
Before booking accommodation in Wadi Rum, it’s essential to keep in mind that’s a vast desert expanse about the size of NYC with very little infrastructure outside of its campgrounds. Unless you come with your own mode of transportation, you should be prepared to remain isolated at your lodgings come nightfall and will likely have to book all extra meals and tours through the same establishment (my experience was a nightmare, which I’ll cover more in my final thoughts).
Overlooking the cliffs behind Lawrence’s House on cloudy winter day so I’m fully laayered.
A couple more notes to take into consideration is the time of year you’re traveling. Being a desert, summer temperatures in Wadi Rum tend to soar throughout the day (∼30-33 ºC) while leveling out at night (∼17-19 ºC). Contrastingly, winter days are usually sunny yet cool (∼14-16 ºC) whereas temperatures plummet come nightfall (∼2-4 ºC) with fierce winds. Thus, you might want to select a climate-controlled room to make sure you’re not scorching or freezing during your stay.
The best time to visit Wadi Rum would be autumn or early winter when overall temperatures are typically moderate and rainfall is minimal. The desert is very likely to flood after a single heavy storm (which happened during my trip), making going anywhere else impossible until the water is absorbed away by the sand.
However, rest assured that I’ve picked the best options to make sure your trip goes without any hiccups, including accommodation for all price ranges. Whether you don’t mind sleeping in a traditional tent or even outside underneath the stars or prefer to splurge on a bubble tent, there’s sure to be the perfect place for you. Here are your top contenders, all with breakfast comped, of course! Just don’t expect the best WiFi or a strong mobile signal.
*Symbols below correspond to the following values:
WIFI: 🌐
On-site restaurant: 🍽️
Free parking: 🅿️
24-hour reception: 🛎️
Airport shuttle service: ✈️
Offers tours: 🗺️
Private bathroom: 🚻
Air-con/Heating: ♨️
The Best Choice of Bargain-Hunters
Bedouin Tours Camp
These campgrounds are a great compromise for travelers seeking comfort without having to sacrifice an arm and leg. Couples should book a tent with a double bed while larger groups or families can reserve a private tent for up to seven people although neither comes with private bathrooms. The grounds also include free parking, a communal tent for lounging in colder weather, and an outdoor seating area for warmer days. The camp also provides its guests with a range of tour activities from camel rides to jeep tours so you know you’re in for a great stay.
🗺️ 🌐 🍽️ 🅿️
Star Walk Camp & Tours
Traveling with your partner or just a couple of friends? This campground has everything from twin-room tents with two beds to family tents with up to four, all with shared bathrooms. Better yet, breakfast and dinner are included with every booking to be enjoyed either in the communal lounge or outdoor picnic area, weather permitting. Along with 24-hour reception, the camp also offers free parking or shuttle service from the airport, plus various tour opportunities to Wadi Rum’s most famous sites.
✈️ 🗺️ 🅿️ 🛎️
Wadi Rum Sky Tours & Camp
A group of friends or a small family can’t go wrong staying at this quaint campground. It offers many traditional tents with shared bathrooms, such as twin rooms, triple rooms, and quadruple rooms. For a bit more, you can even splurge for a double room with a private bathroom and balcony. Most bookings come with breakfast and dinner included and, even better, free shuttle service from the airport and free parking. Make sure to sign up for a hiking tour or camel ride at reception to make the most of your stay.
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 🍽️ 🅿️
Sand Star Camp
For travelers who prefer a bit more privacy during bathtime, these campgrounds are your safest bet. Each tent, from double to quadruple rooms, comes with a private bathroom and the luxury tent even has air-conditioning plus a furnished balcony. Enjoy the outdoor fireplace, shared kitchen, and on-site restaurant serving authentic Jordanian cuisine. Apart from 24-hour reception, the camp also has a currency exchange, free parking, free airport shuttle service, and a babysitting service. What more could you ask for?
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 🍽️ 🅿️ 🛎️
Most Bang for Your Buck
Wadi Rum Magic Nature Camp
Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, this camp has a range of options from tents with double beds or up to five single beds, each with a shared bathroom. Besides 24-hour reception, the campground also offers room service, airport shuttle service, an on-site restaurant and coffee shop as well as an outdoor fireplace and picnic area. Take advantage of the complimentary dinner or ask for a packed lunch to go with any of the many sightseeing adventures available at reception.
✈️ 🗺️ 🍽️ 🛎️
Panorama Wadi Rum
Crave a bit of glamor without having to break the bank? This campsite should be your top pick thanks to its spacious modern tents which can come with extra-large double beds or up to five single beds, each with a private bathroom. No matter which you pick, you’ll be sure to wake up in a paradise with mountain views and room service. The camp also provides guests with free parking and airport shuttle service upon request so don’t hesitate to book your spot.
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 ♨️ 🅿️
Rum Stars Camp
If you yearn to end every day in Wadi Rum in elegance and comfort yet don’t want to pay out the nose for the experience, this enchanting campsite is just what you need. With lush double-bed tents and family rooms that sleep up to five, you’ll be sleeping easy despite the shared bathrooms. Prefer to have a private bathroom and air-conditioning? Upgrade to a deluxe suite, each of which also has a furnished terrace to take in the stunning mountain views. Along with free parking, the guests can also access the on-site restaurant or request the airport shuttle service or room service. What else could you possibly need?
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 ♨️ 🍽️ 🅿️
The Most Luxurious Digs
Wadi Rum Dream Camp
Are you revenge-traveling and can’t wait to ball out a little after being cooped up for so long? These campgrounds offer a traditional Bedouin experience but a very posh flair, including all the amenities you could ask for. From free WIFI throughout the camp to yoga classes and an on-site masseuse, you won’t want for much while at this camp. Each spacious suite features extra long beds and soundproofing and you can choose between double or triple rooms with shared bathrooms. Still not enough? Why not treat yourself and upgrade to a deluxe suite with a private bathroom plus dinner included?
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 ♨️ 🌐 🅿️
Rum Magic Nights
If you long to live in the lap of luxury without all the upmarket costs, this gorgeous campsite won’t disappoint. Relish in the high-end decor throughout the double and family rooms, which come with ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning, as well as free parking and WiFi. The reception would be more than happy to help you arrange any local excursions from hot-air balloon rides to jeep tours so explore to your heart’s content. Between tours, you can also rest in the luminous social tent or sit out on the communal terrace to kick back after an exciting day out in the desert.
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 ♨️ 🌐 🅿️
Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
Want to feel like royalty? There’s nearly no experience more regal than staying at this extravagant campsite. Featuring roomy tents dripping with taste and opulence, each suite comes with a furnished terrace, ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, and sweeping mountain views. This lavish setup also includes a playground for kids along with free parking and an on-site restaurant, plus there’s also an airport shuttle service. Book a jeep tour and camel ride at reception and spend the day exploring before coming back to relax in splendor surrounded by your cushy digs.
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 ♨️ 🍽️ 🅿️
Bubble RumCamp
If you’ve ever dreamt of staying in a bubble tent, then these campgrounds are sure to make your wildest ones come true. Catering to bubble enthusiasts, this site specializes in a real Martian experience, offering domed suites equipped with all the mod-cons including ensuite bathrooms, furnished terraces, air-conditioning, soundproofing, and toiletries. To make sure you want for nothing during your stay, the camp also provides guests with 24-hour reception, complimentary WiFi, free parking, an onsite restaurant, a coffee shop, an outdoor fireplace, a picnic area, and room service. Could you ask for more?
✈️ 🗺️ 🚻 ♨️ 🌐 🍽️ 🅿️ 🛎️
FINAL THOUGHTS
Wadi Rum is truly one of Jordan’s most magical destinations apart from Petra and the Dead Sea so it should be a highlight of any travel itinerary. If it’s warm enough, you can even sleep outside under the stars while the Milky Way’s copious celestial bodies twinkle above you without any light pollution.
Undeniably, the most important factor to consider is where to stay due to the desert’s seclusive nature. Since I’d booked my flight tickets on a whim, my accommodation options were also spur-of-the-moment but the best campsites were already full. In the end, I wound up splurging on a bubble tent only to find it had barely any hot water as well as a faulty heating system although it was the dead of winter (it was still a cool experience for the views). Even worse, although I’d paid for tours in English, every tour was only given in Arabic and I had to have the other travelers translate for me.
Worst still was the relentless harassment from my host who kept making advances during my whole stay even when I politely refused several times (especially at night since I was traveling alone and he had a key to my room). On my last day, I ended up checking out early to hightail it back to Aqaba, which is all to say that solo female travelers might need to be a bit more vigilant while in Jordan (avoid Wadi Rum Moon Camp, alias Wadi Rum Rise Camp at all costs).
However, you can rest assured that all the establishments on this list have been vetted for their safety, customer satisfaction, and well-equipped amenities so you’re certain to have a better stay than I did. Nevertheless, life is what you make it and I still miss Wadi Rum’s endless titian terrain and star-studded night skies to this day. Maybe one day I’ll go back for a re-do. Until then, you’ll have to enjoy it for me so write me when you get there!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M