The Jordan Pass includes Wadi Rum entry – giving you access to one of the world’s most spectacular desert landscapes without paying a separate entrance fee. This guide explains exactly what’s covered, what’s not, and how to plan your Wadi Rum visit in 2026.
Is Wadi Rum Included in the Jordan Pass?
Yes – the Jordan Pass covers entry to the Wadi Rum Protected Area Visitor Centre. This gives you access to the edge of the protected area and the visitor facilities. Without a Jordan Pass, the Wadi Rum entrance fee is approximately JOD 5 (~$7) per person.
However, it’s important to understand what’s NOT included – see the section below.
What’s Included with Jordan Pass at Wadi Rum
- Wadi Rum Visitor Centre access
- Protected area entrance fee
- Basic orientation facilities and information
What’s NOT Included (Paid Separately)
The Jordan Pass does NOT cover:
- Jeep tours – the primary way to explore Wadi Rum’s vast interior (typically JOD 25-70 per person for 2-4 hours)
- Overnight Bedouin camps – a highlight for many visitors (JOD 30-80+ per person)
- Camel rides
- Rock climbing fees
- Horse rides
The practical reality: to truly experience Wadi Rum, you’ll need to arrange a jeep tour. The protected area is enormous (720 km²) and the main highlights – towering sandstone mountains, Lawrence’s Spring, the Lawrence of Arabia film locations, ancient Nabataean inscriptions – are all in the interior, not visible from the visitor centre.
What Is Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum (Arabic: وادي رم, “Valley of the Moon”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Jordan, approximately 60 km east of Aqaba. Key facts:
- Protected area: 720 km² of desert wilderness
- Dominant features: towering sandstone mountains up to 1,754 m (Jebel Um Adaami)
- Ancient history: Nabataean rock inscriptions, petroglyphs dating back thousands of years
- Modern fame: used as a film location for The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Star Wars
- Living culture: Zalabia Bedouin tribes still inhabit and guide within the area
Top Wadi Rum Highlights
- Lawrence of Arabia Spring – freshwater spring used by T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt
- Khazali Canyon – narrow siq with ancient Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions
- The Bridge (Burdah Rock Bridge) – natural sandstone arch accessible by climbing
- Um Fruth Rock Bridge – easier to climb, with spectacular views
- Red Sand Dunes – dramatic dunes for sand-boarding and photography
- Sunset viewpoints – the colors at golden hour are among the most photographed in the world
How to Arrange a Wadi Rum Visit
- Drive or take a minibus to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre (the gateway village)
- Present your Jordan Pass at the entrance
- Arrange a jeep tour with local operators at the visitor centre (or pre-book online)
- Negotiate for 2-4 hour tours or full-day tours depending on your time
- Optional: arrange overnight camping for sunset and sunrise in the desert
Getting to Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum is located in southern Jordan, easily combined with Petra:
- From Petra (Wadi Musa): ~90 km south via the Desert Highway, approx. 1.5 hours by car
- From Aqaba: ~60 km north, approx. 1 hour by car
- From Amman: ~320 km south, approx. 4-5 hours by car or bus
Public buses run to the visitor centre junction from Aqaba. Taxis from Wadi Musa are also available. Having a rental car gives maximum flexibility for the southern Jordan circuit.
Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum
| Season | Temperature | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 20-30°C daytime | Excellent – ideal temperatures |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 35-40°C+ | Very hot; overnight camps enjoyable; day tours early AM only |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 22-32°C | Excellent – similar to spring |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 5-15°C daytime; near 0°C nights | Cold but beautiful; dramatic skies and fewer tourists |
Combining Wadi Rum with the Jordan Pass Itinerary
The classic southern Jordan loop using your Jordan Pass:
- Petra (2-3 days with Explorer/Insider pass) → Wadi Rum (1-2 nights) → Aqaba (1 night for Red Sea)
This circuit covers three of Jordan’s greatest highlights in 4-5 days. See our Jordan Pass Petra guide and full attractions list for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a Wadi Rum jeep tour in advance?
It’s possible to arrange jeep tours on arrival at the Visitor Centre, but pre-booking online or through your hotel is recommended in peak season (spring, autumn) to ensure availability and better rates. Many reputable operators offer online booking.
Is it safe to camp overnight in Wadi Rum?
Yes – overnight camping in Bedouin camps is very popular and generally safe. Camps are run by local Bedouin families and range from basic tent setups to glamping-style bubble tents with beds and private bathrooms. The camps are well-established and widely reviewed online.
Can I drive into Wadi Rum protected area myself?
No. Private vehicles are not permitted into the Wadi Rum Protected Area interior. You must use licensed local jeep operators. 4WD vehicles can be arranged through local camps if you prefer a self-drive option with a guide in your own vehicle.
