Size: The desert covers about 720 km², stretching roughly 45 km north–south and 38 km east–west.​

Population: Around 2,000 residents live in Rum Village, with a few thousand Bedouins across nearby desert settlements.​

Camps: There are approximately 200–300 desert camps in the region.

By Rental Car or Taxi: Wadi Rum Village is about 1 hour from Aqaba, 1.5 hours from Petra, and 4 hours from Amman via the Desert Highway. Parking is available at the village or the visitor center.

From Amman:

Taxi fro Queen Alia or Amman City: 120-135 JOD per car, Van is higher.

From Petra:

taxi from 40-65 JOD per car

From Aqaba: 

Taxi from 20-45 Jod

By JETT Bus: JETT buses run between Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. From Petra or Aqaba, continue to Wadi Rum by taxi. The best connection is going once a day in the morning directly to Wadi Rum Visitor Center (7:30/8:00 am and arriving around noon) and daily back in the afternoon around 5:00 pm. (Tickets from 10 - 18 JOD)

By Airplane: Fly into Aqaba (King Hussein International Airport), then take a 1-hour taxi or rental car to Wadi Rum Village.​

Once at Wadi Rum Village, entry into the desert is by 4×4 vehicle, usually arranged through the local camp or guide.

Visitors entering Wadi Rum must pay the entrance fee of 7 JD per person. If you have a Jordan Pass, simply show it at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center to get free entry. Without the pass, you can pay the fee in cash (7 JoD per person) at the center before starting your tour.

With over 200 camps in the desert, choosing where to stay can be challenging. Many travelers prefer authentic Bedouin camps inside the protected area, which all operate with solar power and water tanks. Camps outside the protected area are closer to villages and use electricity and water pipes, offering a more hotel-style setup rather than a true desert experience. To the camps. Prices ranges

The classic 4×4 desert tours range from 2 to 8 hours, exploring Wadi Rum’s sand dunes, canyons, and rock formations. Tours are arranged by any camp and guided by local Bedouins.  They can include sunset viewpoints, natural arches, and cultural stops. Prices depend on group size, with 1–9 people per vehicle.  

Jebel Umm Ad Dami – Jordan’s highest peak (1,854 m), a moderate all‑day hike with panoramic views over the desert and toward Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea.

Burdah Rock Bridge – Iconic rock arch hike, moderate to challenging, with some scrambling to reach the arch and great vista points.

Jebel Al‑Hash Trail – Easy to moderate ridge hike with wide views; perfect for a half‑day outing.

Rakkabat Canyon / Raqabat Um Ajl – Canyon traverse involving scrambling and narrow passages — adventurous and scenic.

Um Fruth Rock Bridge – Moderate hike (~6 km) to a beautiful natural rock bridge (less scrambling than Burdah).

Barrah Canyon – Short canyon walk (~3 km) with dramatic cliffs — great for a relaxed hike.

Trekking and hiking tours can be arranged through your camp. For safety and navigation, all hikes should be done with a local Bedouin guide, who will show you the best trails, canyons, and viewpoints in Wadi Rum.

Clothing: Light, breathable clothes for daytime; long sleeves and pants to respect local Bedouin culture and protect from sun and sand; warm layers for evenings and nights.

Shoes: Comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Slippers for the showers, when staying in a basic camp

Accessories: Hat or cap, sunglasses, and scarf or shawl (optional for wind, sand, and modesty).

Other Essentials: Water bottle to stay hydrated, camera or phone for photos, headlamp or flashlight for overnight stays.​

Wifi is not everywhere accessible! Bring Cash money for souvenirs & tipps!​This list helps you travel comfortably, safely, and responsibly in Wadi Rum.

​​​​​​​​​​​​ Lawrence’s Spring: A historic site named after T.E. Lawrence, with a small spring and stunning desert views.

Lawrence House: Nabatean Stones and Viewpoint

Burdah Rock Bridge: One of the largest natural rock arches in the world, a moderate hike with breathtaking panoramas.

Um Fruth Rock Bridge: A slightly easier rock bridge hike, perfect for photos and short climbs.

Khazali Canyon: A narrow canyon with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions, easy to explore on foot.

Barrah Canyon: Dramatic cliffs and winding paths, ideal for short hikes and photography.

Red & White Sand Dunes: Iconic desert dunes for sunset views, sandboarding, and camel rides.

Nabataean Temple & Ancient Petroglyphs: Historical sites scattered across the desert, reflecting the region’s rich heritage.

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These are the top highlights for visitors, easily combined in 4×4 tours, hiking trips, or camel rides.

Hospitality: Bedouins are known for their warm hospitality. Guests are often offered tea or coffee, and it’s polite to accept.

Respectful behavior: Dress modestly, avoid loud behavior, and ask before taking photos of people.

Shoes: Remove shoes when entering tents or homes.

Dining: Meals are usually shared communally; wait for the host to serve and start eating.

Interactions: Handshakes are common with men, but always follow the lead of locals—some may prefer verbal greetings or nods.​

Following these customs ensures a respectful and authentic experience while visiting Wadi Rum and staying with Bedouin hosts.

Wadi Rum is home to a variety of desert wildlife. You may see goats and camels raised by Bedouins, as well as desert foxes, hyraxes, lizards, and snakes. Birds are common too, including desert larks, sand partridges, and migratory species. Most wildlife is shy and best observed from a distance, so remember to respect their space.

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Fun Fact: The domestic house cat originally comes from desert regions like the Middle East, so in a way, your little feline friend has ancestors from landscapes like Wadi Rum!

The most comfortable months are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are mild and the desert is pleasant for hiking, 4×4 tours, and camping.

Summer (June–August) can be extremely hot during the day, while winter (December–February) is cooler and nights can be very cold, but it’s still possible to visit with warm clothing.