Traveling through Jordan is a dream for many, but the costs can add up fast. Still, with smart planning and local tips, it is possible to travel Jordan on a budget and see its most famous spots. This country has so much to offer, from ancient cities to desert landscapes. In our guide, you will learn how to enjoy the best of Jordan without spending too much. You’ll find technical and practical advice on renting a car in Jordan, dining, and accommodation.
Before you start your road trip, plan your travel time and budget effectively. Jordan’s costs vary by season and by region, so some times are better than other destinations if you want to save.
To explore the country, you’ll need a way to get around. Jordan’s public transport system is limited, but there are affordable ways to travel if you plan well. Renting a car in Jordan is one of the easiest and most flexible options for seeing the country. Roads are in good shape, and driving is safe. There are no toll roads, and traffic drives on the right. You can pick up your car at Queen Alia International Airport or in cities like Amman and Aqaba. If you land in Aqaba, you might even avoid visa fees due to the special economic zone.
Finding a place to stay that doesn’t cost too much is possible in every region of Jordan. There are many low-cost options with decent quality and warm service.
Hostels are easy to find in cities like Amman, Madaba, and Wadi Musa. Dorm rooms cost as little as 10 JOD ($14 USD). These places often have female-only dorms and shared kitchens. Guesthouses and small hotels are usually cheaper than big hotel chains and can give you a more personal experience.
Some travelers use Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free. You get to know Jordanian families and save money at the same time. Many hosts offer a bed, home-cooked meals, and stories about local life. Couchsurfing is especially useful in Amman and Wadi Rum.
In Wadi Rum, camping under the stars is an affordable and unforgettable option. Bedouin camps offer shared tents and meals for a low price. In other parts of Jordan, renting a small apartment or Airbnb can also help you save, especially if you cook your meals.
Food in Jordan can be very affordable and still very tasty. If you're on a budget, street food and small local spots are your best friends. Try local dishes like falafel, shawarma, hummus, and mansaf, the national dish. These filling meals usually cost under 5 JOD ($7 USD). Street stalls and local diners often serve better and cheaper food than tourist restaurants.
Jordan has many world-famous sites. Some entrance fees are high, but there are many ways to see them without spending too much.
The Jordan Pass is one of the best ways to save money while exploring Jordan on a budget. It includes the visa fee and entry to over 40 sites, including Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash. It pays for itself quickly. Just make sure to buy it before you arrive in Jordan and plan to stay at least three nights.
Petra is the most visited site in Jordan. A one-day entry without the pass is 50 JOD ($70 USD). With the pass, it’s covered. You can enter early and explore for 8 to 10 hours. Maps are available, so you don’t need to pay for a guide. Also, try Petra by Night, a special candle-lit tour on certain nights of the week.
There are smaller sites like Little Petra, which is free and located 8 km from Wadi Musa. Museums like the Mazar Islamic Museum and Jordanian Heritage Museum offer insight at no extra cost. In Madaba, you can see the mosaic map of the Holy Land in churches that are free or have very low fees.
Jordan has mountains, deserts, and valleys, and many of these places are free or cost very little to explore.
If you enjoy walking in nature, Jordan has great trails with amazing views. One of the best is the Wadi Dana Trail, which you can enter for free. The trail starts near the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a protected area with several marked paths. There is a small fee to enter the reserve, but it gives you access to clean trails and safe paths. If you prefer something more flexible, you can walk around Mount Nebo. Some of the surrounding trails are outside the park entrance and do not require a ticket. You can also join local hiking groups who organize day hikes from Amman. These hikes are low-cost and often include trail clean-ups, which let you meet local people while enjoying the outdoors
You don’t need to stay at a resort to float in the Dead Sea. You can go to public beaches north of the hotel areas. They are basic but free. If you want comfort, buy a day pass to a resort. Prices range from 20 to 35 JOD, which is cheaper than booking a room.
Floating in the Dead Sea is a must-do, and you don’t have to stay in a resort to do it. Head to the public beaches north of the hotel strip. These beaches are not fancy but free and give you the full experience. The salty water makes it easy to float, and the mud is good for your skin. If you want to enjoy extra comfort like showers or beach chairs, many hotels offer day passes. The cost is between 20 and 35 JOD, which is much cheaper than booking a room. This is a good choice if you only visit for the day and want access to clean facilities.
In Wadi Rum, budget camps offer shared rooms and Bedouin meals. These camps usually include jeep tours or walks in the desert. Sleeping under the stars here is one of the best parts of a road trip in Jordan.
Saving money in Jordan is not only about cutting costs but also about being smart with your choices.
Traveling in Jordan doesn’t have to be expensive if you know where to look and how to plan. You will meet kind people, eat fantastic food, and see one of the most beautiful countries in the Middle East. With a rented car and a plan, you can move at your own pace and explore deeply. Use local tips, stay flexible, and keep your eyes open for chances to save. Traveling this way brings you closer to the heart of Jordan and makes every dinar count.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform for travelers starting in Amman. We offer affordable cars, clear pricing, no hidden fees, and fast online booking. Pick up your rental in the capital and begin your road trip without delays.
