Madaba is a perfect place to start your road trip in Jordan. The town is known for its ancient mosaics, friendly locals, and peaceful streets. Many visitors love staying here because it has a laid-back vibe yet close to major highways, historical landmarks, and key sites. With so much to see just a short drive away, having a car makes the journey even better. Renting a car in Jordan is easy. Our guide will help you plan the best drives around Madaba.
Madaba is one of the best places to begin a road trip in Jordan. It’s 30 minutes from Queen Alia International Airport, so you can land, pick up your rental car, and skip the city traffic. Unlike Amman, which is busy and crowded, Madaba is easy to navigate. Unlike Amman, which has crowded streets and heavy traffic, Madaba has wide roads, light traffic, and plenty of parking.
The town is well-connected. Major highways like Route 35 and Route 40 run nearby, which makes it easy to drive to Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib, and the Madaba Plateau. These spots are 30 to 60 minutes away. You can go from the city center to a panoramic viewpoint or a floating session at the Dead Sea before lunch.
Madaba is worth exploring too. It’s known as the City of Mosaics, and the most famous one is the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land inside St. George’s Church. You can walk in, stand over the map, and see how people viewed the region over 1,400 years ago.
The town also has a walkable center filled with local shops, cafés, and art galleries. You can grab fresh falafel, shop for handwoven rugs, or pick up mosaic souvenirs made by local artists. The Madaba Archaeological Park and Church of the Apostles are also just a short walk apart, and you can explore layers of Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic history in one afternoon.
Umm ar-Rasas is one of the easiest day trips from Madaba. The site is about 51 minutes away by car and sits 40 kilometers south along Route 35. You’ll pass quiet farmland and small villages before arriving at the entrance, which has a parking area and a small visitor booth.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a Roman military camp that later became a Christian town. Today, the ruins include old churches, arches, and stone houses. One of the most important spots is the Church of St. Stephen. Inside, a large mosaic floor shows 8th-century cities like Jerusalem, Gaza, and Nablus. The mosaic is protected under a metal roof and remains in its original place. There’s also a tall tower nearby, believed to be used by early Christian monks for seclusion and prayer.
The site is open daily, and entry costs around 3 Jordanian dinars, but it’s free if you have a Jordanian Pass. Most visitors spend one to two hours walking through the ruins. The main paths are marked, and signage explains the key sites. No shops or cafes are nearby, so bring your own water and snacks.
Ma’in Hot Springs is a popular wellness spot just 39 minutes when driving from Madaba. The drive covers about 29 kilometers and takes you through quiet roads like Ibn Kathir Street and Ma’in Street. The area sits below sea level, which is why the climate gets warmer as you drive closer. Road conditions are good, and there’s clear signage along the way.
The hot springs are known for their naturally heated waterfalls and mineral-rich pools. The water comes from winter rain that gets heated underground by volcanic activity before flowing back to the surface. The main waterfall is the largest and most visited. But there are also several smaller pools and falls open to the public. There’s an entry fee to access the public baths. If you stay at the resort nearby, you can use their private pools, which are cleaner and less crowded.
Visitors often stop here for a few hours to relax in the warm water or enjoy a massage at the spa. The site is open year-round, but the pools feel best during cooler months like October to March. Since it’s close and easy to reach, Ma’in is one of the best road trips near Madaba for travelers who want a calm, scenic escape.
Dhiban is an archaeological site located about 48 minutes from Madaba. The drive follows Route 35, covering roughly 38 kilometers through farmland and open plains. You’ll pass through several small towns along the way, with Dhiban just off the main highway. There is no entrance gate or ticket booth, and parking is available near the site.
The ruins of Dhiban hold layers of history dating back to the Moabite kingdom. This was once the capital city of ancient Moab. One of the most important artifacts found is the Mesha Stele, a large inscription discovered in the 19th century. While the stele is now in the Louvre Museum, Dhiban is an active site for archaeologists. Visitors can walk around stone foundations, collapsed walls, and partially excavated areas. You’ll see remains from the Moabite, Roman, and Islamic periods all in one place.
There are no facilities on site. Information signs are limited, but the open setting lets you explore freely. For those interested in lesser-known ruins, it’s a solid pick for the best road trips near Madaba.
Iraq al‑Amir sits about 35 km from Madaba, a 58‑minute drive via Maadaba Al‑Gharbi Street. The roads are paved, with light traffic outside the morning rush. You pass olive groves and occasional springs as you drop into Wadi al‑Seer Valley. It’s best to leave early to avoid midday heat and catch the soft morning light across the ruins.
The main attraction is Qasr al‑Abd, also known as the “Castle of the Slave.” This Hellenistic palace was built in the late 2nd century BCE, likely by Hyrcanus of the Tobiad family, as shown by Aramaic inscriptions like “Tobiah” on nearby caves. The palace features massive white limestone blocks with carved lion and panther reliefs.
Nearby, more than ten caves carved into the hillside date back to the Copper Age and Iron II periods. These include caves used as burial sites, stables, cisterns and dovecotes. Some still show early Hebrew script inscriptions. You can also see Roman‑Byzantine remains like Al‑Bassah Cave Church and Muallaqat al‑Dayr, a dovecote carved into rock with 800 nesting niches.
Wadi Al Hidan lies about 40 km south of Madaba. It takes around 54 minutes by car along Route 35. The road is mostly paved and easy to follow. You pass farmland and small villages before reaching Wadi Al Hidan near Ash Shuqayq.
Wadi Al Hidan is a canyon with a flowing stream, waterfalls, and narrow gorges. It’s a valley carved from black basalt cliffs. Wildlife like hyenas, rabbits, and migratory birds can be spotted. The route is part of the Jordan Trail and is popular with hikers and canyoneers. For those seeking a guided experience, local tours include gear, meals, and transport for around 45 JOD per person.
The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes several hours. You’ll cross water channels and navigate rocky terrain. Because it’s slippery, it’s best to wear boots and use poles. The trail is easy to walk through at the beginning, then shifts to steep descents into the gorge. Adventure companies provide helmets, life vests, and safety guidelines.
There’s no café or shop on site. Bring water, snacks, and a small backpack. Mobile signal is weak, so download maps in advance. Wadi Al Hidan is one of the best road trips near Madaba if you like hiking, landscapes, and mild adventure. You can drive out, enjoy the valley, and return by evening.
Ar‑Rabba lies about 71.7 km from Madaba and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via Route 35. Rabba is on the ancient King's Highway and was once a key trade route linking kingdoms. It sits on a narrow semi-fertile plain. To the west, the land drops into Wadi Ibn Hammad, while the east opens to the dry expanse of the Jordanian desert.
This area is the site of ancient Rabbath Moab, later called Areopolis during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. You’ll see stone ruins from the Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine eras along the main road. One key highlight is a Roman temple dedicated to emperors Diocletian and Maximian. The minimal ruins of this temple date back to the late 3rd century AD—two niches once held statues of the emperors. There’s a nearby Byzantine church and other Roman-era buildings. Aside from that, you’ll find a large water reservoir carved into the rock. It was used by earlier communities who adapted to the region’s environment.
The best time to drive from Madaba is between October and April. These months bring cooler weather, clearer skies, and more comfortable conditions for outdoor visits. Sites like Wadi Al Hidan, Umm ar-Rasas, and Dhiban have limited shade, so cooler temperatures make the experience easier and safer. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and walking tours.
It’s best to leave Madaba between 8 and 9 AM. Early starts give you more daylight and help you avoid intense midday heat, especially in lower areas like Ma’in Hot Springs. Roads are quieter in the morning and easier to navigate, especially through small towns and rural areas with narrow streets.
Avoid long drives in the summer months, especially from June to August, when temperatures can exceed 35°C. Some areas, like Rabba and Iraq Al-Amir, are exposed to the sun and have no shaded facilities. Sunset drives may sound appealing, but rural roads have limited lighting and few road signs. For safety and comfort, return to Madaba before dark.
Driving in Madaba and nearby areas is generally safe, but it’s good to be prepared. Roads can shift from smooth highways to narrow rural tracks, depending on your route. Stick to main roads like Route 35 for clearer signage and better road conditions. Navigation apps work well in most areas, but it’s don’t get to download your map ahead of time in case you lose signal in valleys or remote towns.
Drive carefully through towns and villages. In rural areas, expect to see slow-moving tractors, herds of sheep, or parked vehicles blocking part of the road. Drive slower than the speed limit when passing through these zones, especially at curves or hilltops.
Make sure your car rental has working headlights, a spare tire, and enough fuel before you leave Madaba. Gas stations are less frequent the farther you go from the city. Always bring water and a phone charger, especially if you're heading to places like Wadi Al Hidan or Umm ar-Rasas where facilities are limited. Keep your lights on when driving through dusty roads or at dusk. If you're unfamiliar with the area, avoid at night outside of Madaba.
Madaba is surrounded by historical ruins, natural springs, deep valleys, and ancient villages.You can hike through basalt canyons at Wadi Al Hidan, step into Hellenistic stonework at Iraq al-Amir, or uncover Moabite layers at Dhiban and Rabba. Exploring one or two destinations a day is enough to create a memorable experience. With your own schedule, you can stop for photos, detour through villages, or take extra time at lesser-known sites.
To make the most of your trip, rent a car with FinalRentals. We offer a wide range of vehicles and reliable customer service. Start booking online to secure your desired vehicle and experience the best road trips near Madaba.
