You can't fly into Wadi Rum. There's no train. To get to this desert, you drive — and depending on where you're starting from, the drive can be anywhere from 50 minutes to 4 hours. Here's exactly how to plan it.
Where you're actually going: the Wadi Rum visitor centre
You don't drive to your camp. You drive to the Wadi Rum visitor centre which sits just outside the village at the edge of the protected area. You park there. Your camp sends a 4x4 to pick you up and take you into the desert. This applies to every camp inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area, including SunCity Camp.
From Aqaba (the closest gateway)
Distance: 60 km · Drive time: 50–60 minutes · Best for: Cruise ship passengers, Red Sea divers, fly-in via Aqaba King Hussein International Airport (AQJ).
Private taxi: 30–40 JOD one-way. Rental car: Pick up at AQJ airport. Public minibus: ~5 JOD, 1–2 times per day, unreliable.
From Petra
Distance: 110 km · Drive time: 1.5–2 hours · Best for: Anyone doing the Petra-Wadi Rum combo (the classic Jordan route).
Private taxi: 50–60 JOD. JETT bus: Once daily at 06:30, ~7 JOD.
The classic Petra → Wadi Rum sequence
Day 1: Arrive Petra. Day 2: Full Petra day. Day 3: Morning Petra, afternoon drive to Wadi Rum, sunset tour, Zarb dinner, stars. Day 4: Sunrise at Wadi Rum, depart for Aqaba.
From Amman
Distance: 320 km · Drive time: 3.5–4 hours via Desert Highway · Best for: First-day arrivals from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
Private driver: 80–120 JOD one-way. Rental car: Best for multi-day itineraries. JETT bus: ~12 JOD + transfer.
Pro tip: If your AMM arrival is after 16:00, don't drive direct to Wadi Rum same-day. Spend night 1 in Petra or Madaba; drive to Wadi Rum on day 2.
What it costs (summary)
| Route | Private taxi | Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Aqaba → Wadi Rum | 30–40 JOD | 5 JOD |
| Petra → Wadi Rum | 50–60 JOD | 7 JOD |
| Amman → Wadi Rum | 80–120 JOD | 12 JOD + transfer |
All prices in Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD ≈ 1.30 EUR.
FAQ
Q: Can I drive into the protected area myself?
A: No. Personal vehicles are not permitted inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area.
Q: Is there a closer airport than Amman?
A: Yes — Aqaba King Hussein International (AQJ), 60 km away.
Q: How early should I arrive?
A: Between 13:00 and 16:00 if you want sunset tour + dinner.
Ready to plan? Book direct at suncitycamp.com. Pickup from the Wadi Rum visitor centre is complimentary.