Driving from Aqaba to Wadi Musa is one of the best ways to explore southern Jordan. The route takes you from the shores of the Red Sea to the edge of the mountains where Petra sits. It is not a long drive, but it is packed with different views and places to stop. The scenery changes quickly from sea to desert to rocky hills. You will pass open landscapes, small villages, and one of the most famous deserts in the world. It is the kind of road trip where you can stop when something catches your eye and take your time getting to Petra.
If you want to prepare for your trip in advance, the first thing is to rent a car in Jordan. You can book online and pick up your car at the airport or in the city. Our blog will guide you through the journey. You will get helpful tips for driving, the best stops along the way, and things to do once you reach Petra.
The road from Aqaba to Wadi Musa is about 126 kilometers long. It takes around 2 hours to drive without stops, but you’ll want extra time to enjoy the views and places. The best time to start driving is in the morning. The weather is cooler, the sun is not too harsh, and you will have more daylight to explore. From April to May and September to October, the temperature is just right. In summer, it gets very hot in the desert areas, so carry water and wear light clothes.
Renting a car in Jordan is a good choice for this trip. Most travelers pick up their car at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. It’s a small airport, so finding your rental company is easy. Choose a vehicle with good air conditioning. A compact car or small SUV is usually enough.
Jordan drives on the right side, which is helpful to know before you begin. Before leaving Aqaba, stop to fill up your tank. Gas stations become far apart once you get past the city. It’s also smart to check your phone’s GPS. Make sure it works well in this area, and download an offline map in case you lose signal along the way.
After leaving Aqaba, you begin on Route 15, also known as the Desert Highway. This is a major north–south road that connects Aqaba with Amman. For the first 15 kilometers, the road runs through flat desert with low hills in the distance. You’ll drive past some industrial areas and shipping zones. Once you pass these, the landscape becomes wide open. There’s little shade, so make sure your car’s AC is working well. The road is smooth and well-maintained, with speed limits posted clearly.
Before heading too far inland, you can make a detour to South Beach, which is 10 kilometers from the city center. It’s a public beach with coral reefs and a calm coastline. If you’re interested in snorkeling or diving, there are local centers nearby like Sea Guard or Coral Garden. Another nearby spot is Ayla Oasis, a modern resort area with restaurants and waterfront views. While not on the direct route to Wadi Musa, it’s a short drive and a nice place for a meal or coffee. Once you’re back on Route 15, you’ll pass the Aqaba Thermal Power Station and long stretches of desert with few buildings.
Wadi Rum is about 60 kilometers from Aqaba. The drive takes around one hour if you follow signs toward the Desert Highway and then turn onto the road that leads to the visitor center. The road is paved until the entrance, but once inside, many paths are sandy or gravel. You can enter Wadi Rum village by car, but you will need a 4x4 or book a local jeep tour for deeper areas. These tours are easy to find and usually start near the visitor center or in the village itself. You can book a quick one-hour ride or spend the whole day exploring.
Wadi Rum is filled with massive rock towers, narrow canyons, and ancient carvings on the walls. Some of the most popular places to visit inside include the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, named after T.E. Lawrence’s book, and Khazali Canyon, which has Nabataean and Thamudic inscriptions on the rock. You can also visit natural bridges like Um Fruth and Burdah. These are giant rock arches formed by wind and time. If you're short on time, just stop at the visitor center lookout. From there, you can take great photos of the wide valley with mountains in the distance.
The light in Wadi Rum is best early in the morning or before sunset. The rocks turn red and orange, and the shadows are long and soft. Bring water, sunglasses, and sunblock because there is very little shade. There are also Bedouin tents where you can drink tea and rest. Wadi Rum is a protected area, and you must pay an entrance fee. It’s part of Jordan’s natural heritage and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After visiting Wadi Rum, you will continue driving northeast toward Wadi Musa. Along the way, you can take a short break in Disah village or Al Rajif. These villages are small but peaceful, set against wide desert plains and hills. Disah is located near the edge of the Wadi Rum Protected Area and has become a popular stop for travelers who want to slow down. The village sits near green farmland, which is a unique sight after the dry desert.
Al Rajif is closer to Wadi Musa and is at a higher elevation. The air here is cooler, especially in the afternoon. This village is less visited than Disah but has wide views of the rocky hills. There are a few shops and small restaurants along the road where you can buy tea, cold drinks, or simple local food. Most of the homes are made from stone or concrete blocks. It’s a good place to rest before the last climb toward Petra.
As you get closer to Wadi Musa, the land begins to rise. The road curves through rocky hills and becomes a bit steeper. You will notice more buildings, small shops, and signs pointing toward Petra. Wadi Musa is the main town that serves visitors to Petra. It is built on several levels, with hotels, restaurants, and markets spread across the hills. The town is not large, but it has everything you need after a long drive. There are ATMs, pharmacies, and places to buy snacks or simple gear for exploring Petra.
Most travelers stay in Wadi Musa for at least one night. If you have a car, choose a hotel with parking near the Petra Visitor Center. This way, you can walk to the entrance without worrying about where to leave your vehicle. Some hotels also offer shuttle rides or guided tours. Prices range from basic hostels to more comfortable boutique hotels. The closer you stay to the site, the easier it is to start early the next day. Many places offer free breakfast, which is helpful if you plan to visit Petra in the morning.
The town is quiet in the middle of the day, but comes alive in the evening. After sunset, travelers return from Petra and gather in cafes or rooftop restaurants. You can find local food like mansaf and maqluba, or try a shawarma plate with fresh juice. If you're tired from the road, take time to rest and plan your visit to Petra. Check the opening hours and ticket options at the Petra Visitor Center.
Petra is the main reason people visit Wadi Musa, but the town and nearby areas have other interesting places too. One of the best is Little Petra, also called Siq al-Barid. It is about 8 kilometers north of Petra and much quieter. You can drive there in less than 20 minutes. The site has carved rock buildings, a narrow entrance, and open courtyards. It is like a smaller version of Petra but with fewer crowds. Entry is free, and the walk is short, which makes it a great place to explore if you have extra time.
Another good stop is the Petra Museum, located near the main entrance to the Petra Archaeological Park. The museum is modern and has displays that show how the Nabataeans lived. You can see tools, pottery, and models of Petra’s old water system. There is also a section that explains the area's geology and ancient trade routes. The museum is air-conditioned and not very crowded, so it’s a nice way to spend an hour in the afternoon.
If you want to see Petra from above, try the Al-Khubtha Trail. The path begins near the Royal Tombs inside Petra and leads to a high lookout point. From there, you can see the famous Treasury from the top. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip and is steep in some parts, but the view is worth it. For something more relaxed, check out Petra by Night for 30 Jordanian dollars. It runs from Sunday to Thursday. On those nights, the Siq and the Treasury are lit with candles, and a short show is held. It is a peaceful and unique way to see Petra under the stars.
Looking back, this drive isn’t just about getting to Petra. The real value is in the slow moments of pulling over for a photo, sharing tea with locals, or standing alone in the vast desert. With your car, you can turn a simple drive into a memorable part of your trip. FinalRentals is a reliable car rental platform that lets you book quickly, pick up your car in the city or at the airport, and choose the right vehicle for your journey. Our service is simple, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
