Solo travel in Jordan – a complete guide for joining a group

Jordan's main sights lie along a north to south line from Jerash and Amman to Madaba, the Dead Sea, Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba. The distances are manageable, but public buses connect only some of these places, and often just once or twice a day. Many solo travellers end up hiring a driver or a car, which is expensive for one person. A group trip shares these costs and keeps the route smooth.

Better days at Petra and in Wadi Rum

Petra is vast, and a first visit can be overwhelming. A local guide explains the Nabataean history, points out tombs and carvings you would otherwise miss and helps you plan the walk to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice. In Wadi Rum, jeep tours, sunset viewpoints and camp stays are organised by local Bedouin families, and joining with others makes jeep tours cheaper and more social.

Company and comfort

Evenings in Jordan often mean dinner in a hotel or camp, and in the desert, sitting around a fire with tea under the stars. Sharing these moments is part of the fun. For women travelling alone, a group also means less unwanted attention and no need to arrange late transport.

• Room sharing: ask whether solo travellers can share with another participant or pay a single supplement, especially in desert camps.
• Activity level: Petra involves a lot of walking and steps, and hikes such as Wadi Mujib or Dana need reasonable fitness.
• What is included: check whether the Jordan Pass, Petra entry, Wadi Rum jeep tour and border fees are covered.

Jordan also works well as a combined trip: many travellers spend a few independent days in Amman before or after a group itinerary.

The best time to visit Jordan is usually spring, from March to May, and autumn, from late September to November. Days are warm without being too hot, nights in Petra and Wadi Rum are cool, and hiking conditions are at their best. These are also the busiest months, so popular camps and hotels fill up.

Summer

June to August is hot, particularly in the Jordan Valley, at the Dead Sea, which lies far below sea level, and in Aqaba. Amman and Petra are higher, so they feel more comfortable, but walking in Petra at midday is tiring. Start at opening time and rest in the afternoon. Summer is a good time for water hikes in the canyons, though some trails open only in certain months.

Winter

December to February can be surprisingly cold. Amman and Petra see rain and sometimes snow, and Wadi Rum nights can be near freezing. Flash floods are a risk in the canyons after heavy rain, and some routes close. On the plus side, the sites are quieter and Aqaba and the Dead Sea remain mild for a winter break.

Ramadan and holidays

During Ramadan, which moves about 11 days earlier each year, sites stay open but restaurants may close in the daytime outside tourist areas, and eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight should be avoided. Evenings are lively after iftar. The Eid holidays that follow are busy with domestic travellers.

Also check for events around Jerash, which hosts a cultural festival in summer in many years, and plan clear nights in Wadi Rum around the moon if you want to see the stars at their brightest.

Your Jordan packing list should cover big temperature changes: warm days at the Dead Sea, cool evenings in Amman and cold nights in the desert, sometimes all in one trip. Jordan is relatively relaxed by regional standards, but modest clothing is still the norm.

Clothing

• Light, breathable trousers or long skirts and tops that cover the shoulders.
• A warm fleece or jacket for Petra mornings and Wadi Rum nights, even in spring and autumn.
• A scarf for women to cover hair when visiting mosques, such as the King Abdullah I Mosque in Amman.
• Swimwear for the Dead Sea and Aqaba, with a cover-up for walking to and from the water.

Footwear

Petra involves many kilometres of walking on sand, rock and steep steps, with several hundred rock-cut steps on the climb to the Monastery. Bring well broken-in walking shoes or light boots. For canyon water hikes like Wadi Mujib, bring water shoes or sandals with grip and quick-drying clothes.

Practical items

• A universal plug adapter, as socket types vary.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
• A head torch for desert camps and Petra by Night, when it runs.
• A dry bag for your phone on water hikes.
• Old flip-flops for the Dead Sea, where the shore can be rough and salty.
• A refillable bottle; many people drink bottled or filtered water.

Avoid shaving the day before swimming in the Dead Sea, as the salty water stings small cuts, and keep it away from your eyes.

Most visitors need a visa for Jordan, but for many nationalities it is easy to obtain. Rules depend on your nationality and on how you enter, and they can change, so check before you travel.

Visa on arrival

Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders, can usually get a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and at some land and sea borders. The fee is paid in Jordanian dinars and can change.

The Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is an official tourism pass bought online before you arrive. It includes entry to Petra and many other sites, and for eligible visitors it can also cover the tourist visa fee, provided you stay in Jordan for a minimum number of nights. Conditions, prices and the list of sites included can change, so read the current details on the official Jordan Pass website before buying. For many visitors planning to see Petra, it is good value.

Land borders and Aqaba

Rules at land crossings differ, and not every border issues visas on arrival. Some crossings may close or change procedures at short notice depending on the regional situation. If you are arriving overland or by ferry, or flying into Aqaba, which has its own special economic zone rules, check the requirements for that specific route.

Passport and where to check

Your passport generally needs to be valid for at least six months from arrival. Check:

• Your government's travel advice for Jordan, such as the UK Foreign Office, the US State Department or Smartraveller in Australia.
• The Jordanian embassy or consulate in your country and official Jordanian government sources.

Government advice may also advise against travel near some border areas, so read it carefully when planning your route.

Jordan is more expensive than many of its neighbours, mainly because of entry fees, transport and accommodation. All prices below are approximate 2026 ranges in euros; the local currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD), which is worth more than one euro. Prices change, so check before you go.

Jordan budget per day

• Low budget, around €45–65 per day: hostels and simple guesthouses, falafel and local restaurants, public buses where they run, and shared jeep tours.
• Mid-range, around €90–150 per day: comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, some private transport and a better desert camp.
• Comfort, from around €200 per day: Dead Sea resorts, private drivers and premium camps.

Typical costs

A hostel dorm in Amman or Wadi Musa is often around €12–25, and a mid-range double around €60–110. A falafel sandwich or plate of hummus costs very little, while a full restaurant meal is often €10–25. Alcohol is available but relatively expensive.

Petra and the Jordan Pass

Petra is the biggest single cost. One-day tickets for international visitors staying overnight in Jordan are around 50 JOD, with slightly higher prices for two- and three-day tickets, and a much higher price for day visitors who do not stay overnight in the country. The Jordan Pass bundles Petra entry with other sites and, for eligible visitors, the visa fee, so for many people it saves money. Check current official prices before you buy.

Transport and tours

Taxis and drivers are the main extra cost for solo travellers. A private driver for a day trip from Amman to sites such as Jerash or the Dead Sea is much easier to afford when the cost is shared in a group. In Wadi Rum, jeep tours and overnight camps range from simple to luxury, from simple camps with dinner to comfort tents, so check what is included.

Jordan is generally seen as one of the more relaxed and stable countries in the region for visitors, and solo travellers, including many women, travel here regularly. Crime against tourists is relatively uncommon in the main areas. Because Jordan borders countries affected by conflict, government advice may change quickly and may advise against travel near certain borders, so read your government's latest travel advice before and during your trip.

Everyday precautions

• Keep valuables secure in busy places such as downtown Amman.
• Agree taxi fares in advance or ask the driver to use the meter; ride-hailing apps work in Amman.
• At Petra, agree prices for donkey, camel or horse rides before you start, and think about animal welfare when choosing.
• Take care in canyons and on desert hikes: check weather for flash flood risk and hike with a local guide where recommended.

Tips for women travelling alone

Many women find Jordan comfortable, but staring, comments or overly friendly behaviour do occur, including occasionally from men working in tourism. Dress modestly, especially outside Amman and Aqaba's hotels, sit in the back seat of taxis and be clear and firm if someone oversteps. Be cautious about invitations to go somewhere alone with a man you have just met, even in a friendly setting such as a desert camp or a Petra viewpoint. Choosing well-reviewed hotels and camps and joining a group for the desert section helps.

Health and the outdoors

Heat and dehydration are the main health risks, especially at Petra and the Dead Sea. Carry water, wear a hat and avoid hiking in the hottest hours. Do not put your head under the Dead Sea water and rinse off salt afterwards. Healthcare in Amman is good, while remote areas have fewer facilities, so travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation is important. Save local emergency numbers from your government's advice page.

Getting around Jordan independently is possible, but it takes more planning than in many countries because there is no passenger railway and buses do not reach every site.

Buses and minibuses

Tourist coaches connect Amman with Petra (Wadi Musa) and Aqaba, usually once or twice a day, and are the most comfortable public option. Local minibuses link towns and leave when full; they are cheap but irregular, with few services in the late afternoon and on Fridays. Reaching places like Dana, Wadi Mujib or the Dead Sea resorts by public transport is difficult.

Taxis and drivers

• Yellow taxis work within cities, especially Amman; use the meter or agree a price.
• Servees are shared white taxis that run on fixed routes, cheap and used by locals.
• Private drivers are the most common way for visitors to cover the King's Highway or the Dead Sea Highway between sites.
• Ride-hailing apps work well in Amman.

Driving

Renting a car is popular. Roads are generally good, and the scenic King's Highway passes Madaba, Mount Nebo, Karak castle, Dana and Shobak on the way to Petra. City driving in Amman is busy and confusing, and you should watch for speed bumps and police checkpoints; carry your passport and documents.

Getting to Wadi Rum and Aqaba

Wadi Rum visitor centre is reached by road from Aqaba or Petra; from there, local Bedouin operators take you into the protected area by jeep. Aqaba has an airport with some international and domestic flights, and ferries link Aqaba with Egypt's Sinai, which some travellers combine with a trip to Jordan; check current schedules and border rules.

For solo travellers, the limited transport is one of the strongest reasons to join a group trip or shared tour for at least part of the journey.

Jordan is a Muslim-majority country with a Christian minority, a strong Bedouin heritage and a large urban population in Amman. Hospitality is central: you may be offered coffee or tea, and accepting is polite.

Etiquette

• Dress modestly in towns, villages and religious sites; shorts and sleeveless tops are fine mainly in resort areas.
• Accept Arabic coffee with your right hand; gently shaking the small cup from side to side signals you have had enough.
• Ask before taking photos of people, particularly women and in Bedouin camps.
• Friday is the main day of rest, and many shops and offices close or open late.
• Avoid political or religious debates unless your host invites the conversation.

What to eat in Jordan

Mansaf is the national dish: lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yoghurt called jameed, served on rice and flatbread, traditionally shared from a large platter at celebrations. Maqluba, meaning upside down, is a layered dish of rice, vegetables and meat turned out of the pot at the table. In Wadi Rum, many camps serve zarb, meat and vegetables cooked in an underground sand oven.

Everyday food includes falafel, hummus, foul, fresh flatbread with olive oil and zaatar, and mezze plates of salads and dips. For dessert, try knafeh, a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup, popular in downtown Amman. Sweet mint tea and cardamom-scented Arabic coffee accompany most social moments.

Bedouin culture

Bedouin communities in Wadi Rum and around Petra have strong traditions of hospitality. Staying in a camp, sharing tea and listening to stories about the desert is one of the most memorable parts of a trip, but remember you are a guest in a working community.

History everywhere

Beyond Petra, Jordan has Roman cities like Jerash, Byzantine mosaics in Madaba, Crusader castles at Karak and Shobak, and desert castles east of Amman, giving the country a remarkable depth of history for its size.

Jordan's compact route means many visitors follow a similar path, from Amman to Petra and Wadi Rum, so it is common to meet the same travellers more than once. The best social opportunities come from shared activities.

Where solo travellers meet

• Hostels in Amman and Wadi Musa: common rooms and rooftops are good places to find others to share a taxi to Petra or a day trip to Jerash.
• Wadi Rum camps: dinner around a shared table and an evening by the fire bring guests together naturally.
• Shared jeep tours: joining others for a Wadi Rum jeep tour cuts costs and makes the day more sociable.
• Hiking: guided hikes in Dana, Wadi Mujib, Little Petra or along sections of the long-distance Jordan Trail bring together active travellers.
• Cooking classes: classes in Wadi Musa or Amman teach mansaf, maqluba or mezze and usually end with a shared meal.
• Diving in Aqaba: Red Sea dive and snorkel courses are a friendly way to meet people at the end of a trip.

Joining a group trip

When comparing group trips in Jordan, look at group size, the number of nights in Petra and Wadi Rum, whether the Jordan Pass is included, the type of desert camp, how rooms are shared and how much hiking is involved. Some trips focus on walking the Jordan Trail, others on history, photography or travel for women or for older travellers.

Meeting Jordanians

Jordanians are often keen to chat and help. Walking around downtown Amman's cafés, visiting Rainbow Street in the evening or staying in a family-run guesthouse in Dana or Madaba are good ways to connect. Learning a few Arabic words, such as marhaba for hello and shukran for thank you, makes a good impression.