Wadi Rum is a stunning desert valley in Jordan. Also known as the “Valley of the Moon,” it’s a must-visit natural wonder with sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and red dunes.
This travel guide will explain everything you need to know to plan your visit to Wadi Rum in 2025. Find out how to get there, the best time to go, and what to see and do in Wadi Rum.
Where Is Wadi Rum Located?
Wadi Rum is located in the southern region of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, about 40 miles east of Aqaba (a coastal city near the Red Sea) and just north of the border with Saudi Arabia.
The area stretches across nearly 280 square miles of desert terrain, featuring breathtaking natural wilderness and a rich cultural legacy. Wadi Rum has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.
How To Get to Wadi Rum, Jordan in 2025
The Wadi Rum Visitor Center is the main entrance to the Wadi Rum Protected Area. From there, most camps will offer pickup services to take you to Wadi Rum Village, which is the closest access point to the heart of the desert.
If you’re an international traveler, you’ll likely fly into Queen Alia International Airport or King Hussein International Airport.
Depending on your travel plans, you can then reach the Wadi Rum Visitor Center from several locations, including Aqaba, Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra), and Amman (Jordan’s capital city).
From Aqaba to Wadi Rum
- By car: Wadi Rum is just 1 hour away from Aqaba via the Desert Highway.
- By bus: There is a JETT bus that leaves at 08:00 AM from the station in Aqaba to Wadi Rum.
From Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum
- By car: Wadi Rum is a 2-hour drive (64 miles) from Wadi Musa via the Desert Highway.
- By bus: There is a tourist bus that leaves at 06:00 AM from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum.
From Amman to Wadi Rum
- By car: Wadi Rum is a 4-hour drive (194 miles) from Amman via the Desert Highway.
- By bus: Most buses heading to Aqaba along the Desert Highway stop in the small town of Rashidiyah. From there, private transportation is available to Wadi Rum.
Is There a Fee To Enter Wadi Rum?
Yes. As of 2025, all foreign visitors must pay an entrance fee of 5 JOD per person to enter the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Children under 12 get free entry.
Note: There is an additional fee if you bring a 4x4 vehicle (25 JOD for privately owned and 35 JOD for rentals) to drive in the Wadi Rum desert.
All fees are collected at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Once paid, you’ll receive a stamped ticket — make sure to keep it with you during your stay.
If you have a Jordan Pass, the entrance fee to Wadi Rum is already included, along with access to 40+ other tourist sites, including Petra. If you stay in Jordan for 3+ nights, the pass also waives the single-entry visa fee.
How to get the Jordan Pass to visit Wadi Rum
Applying for the Jordan Pass to visit Wadi Rum is quick and easy:
- Complete the online application form
- Pay using your preferred method
- Receive your Jordan Pass by email
Things To Do in Wadi Rum in 2025
Wadi Rum offers some of the most unforgettable outdoor adventures in Jordan. The desert’s raw, cinematic landscape has attracted thousands of visitors — and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why.
Going on a Jeep safari across the desert
The most popular way to explore the desert valley is on a 4x4 Jeep tour. Driven by local Wadi Rum guides, you’ll travel across sweeping landscapes and visit spots like Burdah Arch, Mushroom Rock, and Khazali Canyon, where ancient petroglyphs are carved into the stone.
Stargazing in a dark-sky sanctuary
Wadi Rum is well known for its near-zero light pollution, making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing and astronomy. On clear nights, you can see constellations, the Milky Way, and meteor showers like the Perseids and Geminids.
Hiking Jabal Umm ad Dami or walking through the canyons
For adventure seekers, hiking Jabal Umm ad Dami — the highest mountain in Jordan at over 1,800 meters — is a thrilling challenge. Alternatively, Barrah Siq and Abu Khashaba Canyon provide scenic views with narrow gorges and towering sandstone cliffs.
Sleeping in a 360° dome tent
For a unique desert experience, spend the night in a dome tent that offers 360° views of the night sky. Many of these glamping sites now also feature eco-friendly touches, including solar-powered hot water.
Exploring iconic film locations
Wadi Rum’s out-of-this-world scenery has appeared in blockbuster films like The Martian, Dune, and Star Wars: Rogue One. The desert’s golden-red hues make it a dream location, especially at sunrise and sunset.
During your stay, you’ll meet local Bedouin guides who share stories about the customs and life in Wadi Rum. If you get the chance, enjoy zarb (a traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked underground), sip herbal tea, and join in on music-filled evenings by the fire.
What Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Wadi Rum?
The best time to visit Wadi Rum is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Daytime temperatures typically range from 64ºF to 82ºF, with clear skies and mild nights — perfect conditions for desert activities and stargazing.
Expert tip: Pack layers to stay warm during the chilly desert nights. If you enjoy stargazing, also bring a red-light flashlight and binoculars for the best nighttime viewing experience.
In summer, especially July and August, temperatures can soar well above 104°F. Winters are cold, with temperatures between 45°F and 62°F, and nights that often drop close to freezing.
When you pack, don’t forget plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sun and sand. Be sure to keep cash at hand, and remember to carry your Jordan Pass and passport to gain entry to Wadi Rum.