How to plan a trip to Jordan

Encompassing unparalleled ancient wonders and cultures, soul-stirring desert landscapes, and rejuvenating waters, Jordan is a very special kind of destination. To support making the most of your time in the country, here’s how to plan a trip to Jordan, from figuring out the best time to visit and places to have on your itinerary radar, through to how to get around and what to pack. There are certainly plenty of reasons to rediscover Jordan, as revealed right below as we talk you through planning your perfect trip. 

When’s the best time to visit Jordan? 

When it comes to deciding the best time to visit Jordan, you need to be aware that despite its small size, Jordan is subject to regional variations in weather conditions that relate to its topography, and all the corresponding temperature variations that entails — the higher you are, the cooler it is.

For example, popular places like Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum are over 800m above sea level, while the Dead Sea is 400m below.

And, given that 90% of Jordan is covered by desert, be aware that summer here is scorchingly hot. For example, the beaches of Aqaba can reach 104°F (40°C) in July. At the same time, Wadi Rum can drop to 39°F (4°C) in winter.

On balance, the best time to visit Jordan is during the spring months of March to May or fall (September to November). 

These seasons both offer pleasant temperatures, making outdoor activities and sightseeing more enjoyable. 

Spring is also an especially rewarding time for hikers to go to Jordan — expect to see wild flowers blooming in the country’s lush valleys and rolling hills.

How many days are enough in Jordan?

Most travelers find a 7-to-10-day Jordan itinerary is a decent duration in which to experience the country’s primary attractions pretty comfortably i.e. without racing around too much.

For example, in 10 days you could tour Amman and visit the iconic Roman theater and citadel, along with exploring Petra and Wadi Rum before spending time in Aqaba, Jordan’s vibrant Red Sea resort, and relaxing in hot springs. 

Conversely, even if you only have 5 days, you could still experience Amman, Jerash — one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world — and Petra.

Need support deciding how long to visit and how to plan your itinerary? Our local Jordan travel experts can curate a trip tailored to your interests, for any duration. 

How much does a trip to Jordan cost? 

As is always the case, trip costs depend on the season (high, low or shoulder), and how you like to travel — do you tend to travel on a very tight budget, or are you in the market for all-out luxury?

With that in mind, here we share a ballpark budget for a 7-day trip to Jordan, with estimated average costs for a mid-range stay.

• Accommodation: book early, and you can bag yourself stays in mid-range hotels for around $45 a night.
• Meals: dining out in mid-range restaurants cost $15 to $20 per person, per meal.
• Transport: local transport expenses will average about $23 a day.
• Activities and sightseeing: while entrance fees to attractions and guided tours vary a lot, mid-range travelers typically spend what averages out at $30-$35 a day.
• Miscellaneous: allocate $100 to $200 for souvenirs, tips, and unexpected expenses. 

Total estimated cost: $1200+ 

Staying longer than three days? Our cash-saving tip is to get yourself a Jordan Pass — more on that right below.

Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?

Most travelers, including those from the US and UK, need a visa to enter Jordan. The easiest option is the visa-on-arrival, available at Queen Alia International Airport.

If you’re staying for more than three nights, you’d be wise to get yourself a Jordan Pass. It includes entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra and Wadi Rum, and waives the visa fee. 

Apply online before your trip, and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

Do I need to consider any safety issues?

While Jordan is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, it's advisable to stay informed about regional developments and adhere to local guidelines. 

Note that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends avoiding travel within 3 km of the Syrian border due to potential security concerns. 

You might also want to wise up with Jordan travel advice, and customs and etiquette in Jordan.  

What are the best places to visit in Jordan?

Here we share the top places to visit in Jordan for different types of activities and experiences. Following our tips for how to plan a trip to Jordan will maximize your chance of seeing many of them.

Best places for historic attractions

Petra
Known as the Rose City, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra is an utterly unforgettable experience. Celebrated for its rock-cut architecture and intricate water conduit system, key highlights include the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the Monastery (Ad Deir).

Don’t miss the chance to also visit "Little Petra”. Located a just a few kilometres to the north, it features a mini-Siq and its own distinct carved facades.

Jerash
Set in a well-watered valley 50km north of Amman, and boasting a bounty of sophisticated public structures — including colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and plazas — Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the whole of the eastern Mediterranean. 

Best places for nature and outdoor activities
 

Wadi Rum
Known as the “Valley of the Moon”, Wadi Rum’s dazzling desert landscape showcases scenes of dramatic sandstone mountains and ancient petroglyphs.

Our tip is to book a one or two-day tour with a local guide, devoting at least one night in your schedule to sleeping under the desert stars.

Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan's largest nature reserve, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, and offers numerous hiking trails, including the wonderful Wadi Dana Trail (14km; 5–6hr). 

Leading from the village along the downward-sloping floor of the wadi, this can be done alone or with a guide.

Dead Sea
Experiencing the magic of floating in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea is another top Jordan experience.

Located near the Dead Sea, Ma’in’s natural thermal waterfalls and pools are also ideal for unwinding.

Aqaba
Aqaba, a port city on the Red Sea, is a popular center for beaches, snorkeling, diving and water sports. It’s also served by operators running tours to Wadi Rum.

Best places for cultural experiences

Amman
Jordan’s capital city blends ancient history with modern-day life and amenities. be sure to spend time exploring the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater.

Madaba
The market town of Madaba is famous for its Byzantine-era mosaics, including the Madaba Map — the oldest known map of the Holy Land, no less.

How can I get around Jordan?

In all honesty, getting around Jordan is easiest by car, especially if you want to explore places like Wadi Rum, and head to lesser-visited sites like Dana Biosphere Reserve. 

While car rentals are affordable, and roads are generally in good condition, you need to prepared for chaotic driving conditions in Amman. In fact, we suggest you give thought to hiring a driver or booking guided tours with transport included instead. 

For budget travelers, public minibuses connect major cities, though they’re not always punctual and routes can be confusing. 

Also note that many hotels offer shuttles to iconic places like Petra and Wadi Rum, so perhaps hold off on booking your own tours until you have accommodation in mind, so you can cross-refer and compare all the information (and costs).

Getting to Jordan from the US is pretty straightforward, with several airlines offering flights to Amman.

Note, though, that there are no direct flights from the US. Rather, carriers like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates connect through hubs like Istanbul, Doha and Dubai. Expect a travel time of 13–18 hours, depending on your layovers.

From the UK, direct flights to Amman are available from Royal Jordanian and British Airways, with a flight time of around five hours. 

Budget carriers like EasyJet occasionally offer seasonal flights to Aqaba on the Red Sea.

Where to stay in Jordan

Accommodation in Jordan covers everything from the cheapest, most basic dorm-style rooms right up to luxury five-star hotels. 

Amman, Petra and Aqaba have a big huge of options in all price brackets, and Jordan’s Dead Sea hotels are among of the world’s finest spa resorts. It’s all a question of your budget and tastes.

So, after deciding which destinations have made it onto your definitive Jordan itinerary, take time to check a range of options in each location.

One special experience worth considering is spending a night or two in a Wadi Rum campsite — think traditional bedouin tents pitched in the desert, typically with a decent toilet block, kitchen and showers, and all food provided. 

Petra: being Jordan's most iconic, most-visited attraction, it’s advisable to pre-book a guided tour, perhaps with transport to and from your accommodation included in the package.

Wadi Rum desert tours and camping: to make sure you have your pick of tour options and campsites with the facilities you require, pre-book an organized tour.

Red Sea diving in Aqaba: book your diving sessions or courses in advance, after checking availability with reputable dive centers.

Get travel insurance

The truth is, even the most well-planned tris don’t always go to plan, so you should get a travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Decide how you’ll get online

Get your Jordan Pass

A couple of months ahead of your travels, apply online for your Jordan Pass, as detailed above.

While you can use major debit and credit cards in big hotels and stores in major cities and tourist destinations, and while some places accept USD, it's advisable to pre-exchange Jordanian Dinar (JD) before you travel.

You’ll need them when heading off the beaten track, and to tip your guides.

You’ll need to pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime, and warmer layers for cooler evenings, especially if you’re spending any time in desert areas.

Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for exploring archaeological sites and hiking trails.

Heading to the Dead Sea, Red Sea, or hot springs? It goes without saying you’ll need swimwear. Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat) are essential wherever you’re visiting. 

Also note that you should consider local culture and dress modestly, particularly in rural areas and at religious sites.