How Much Does a Trip to Jordan Cost? (2026 Breakdown)

Jordan is a land of ancient wonders and breathtaking desert landscapes, but managing your budget here requires a keen eye on specific line items. While street food and local buses can keep costs down in Amman, the big - ticket items are undeniably the Jordan Pass, accommodation in Petra, and private transport or tours for sites like Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Expect to pay a premium for convenience and comfort, especially when venturing outside the capital. An 8 - day trip hitting the highlights will see transport and activity costs dominate over food, which is generally quite affordable. Don't underestimate the cost of internal transfers; Jordan lacks an extensive public rail network, meaning taxis, private drivers, or organized tours are often necessary for efficient travel between regions, particularly for popular routes like Amman to Petra.

The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. This means the Dinar is a strong currency, and prices will often feel higher than in neighboring countries. ATMs are widely available in major cities like Amman and Aqaba, as well as in tourist hubs such as Petra. However, smaller shops, souks, and Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum often operate on a cash - only basis, so always carry a stash of JOD for these situations. While credit cards are accepted in most upscale hotels and restaurants, expect to use cash for street food, local transport, and smaller purchases. Tipping is customary but not always expected for small transactions; rounding up taxi fares is common, and 10% is appropriate in restaurants. You can check the latest rates on XE.com.

Flights to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) are typically cheapest when booked 3 - 4 months in advance, especially for travel during the shoulder seasons (March - May and September - November), which is arguably the best time to visit Jordan. Avoid booking last - minute during peak European school holidays or major festivals, as hotel rates in Petra and Wadi Rum can spike by 30 - 50%. For a budget - friendly trip, target January - February, though expect cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain. Accommodation in Petra, particularly around the archaeological site, sells out quickly, so secure your preferred hotel or guesthouse 4 - 6 months out if traveling during peak times. Internal tours and private drivers should be arranged at least a month in advance during high season to ensure availability and better pricing.

Budget day. Budget Traveler Day: Petra (Wadi Musa) Start with a cheap falafel breakfast from a local bakery for 2 JOD ($2.80). Walk to the Petra Visitor Center (saving on taxi fare), using your Jordan Pass for entry. Explore Petra all day, packing snacks purchased from a supermarket for 3 JOD ($4.20) to avoid overpriced internal vendors. Grab a shawarma dinner from a small restaurant in Wadi Musa for 4 JOD ($5.60). Spend the night in a hostel dorm like Petra Gate Hostel for 20 JOD ($28). Total: $40.60.

Mid - range day. Mid - Range Traveler Day: Wadi Rum & Aqaba Enjoy breakfast at your mid - range Wadi Rum camp, included in your 85 JOD ($120) overnight stay. Take the morning 4x4 jeep tour (also included). After check - out, a pre - arranged shared taxi to Aqaba costs 15 JOD ($21). Have a seafood lunch at a local restaurant on Aqaba's main street for 12 JOD ($17). Spend the afternoon snorkeling at South Beach, renting gear for 10 JOD ($14). Dinner at a mid - range restaurant in downtown Aqaba for 20 JOD ($28). Stay at a 3 - star hotel like My Hotel for 60 JOD ($85). Total: $285.

Comfort day. Comfort Traveler Day: Dead Sea & Amman Enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet at your Dead Sea resort, included in your 250 JOD ($352) nightly rate at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa. Spend the morning floating in the Dead Sea and using the resort's facilities. A private transfer from the Dead Sea to Amman, arranged by your hotel, costs 50 JOD ($70). Have a gourmet lunch at Fakhr El - Din in Amman for 40 JOD ($56). In the afternoon, explore the Citadel and Roman Theater (covered by Jordan Pass). Dinner at a high - end restaurant like Sufra for 50 JOD ($70). Stay at a 5 - star hotel in Amman like the W Amman for 180 JOD ($253). Total: $801.

• Buy the Jordan Pass: This is non - negotiable. If you plan to visit Petra (which you should) and get a visa on arrival, the Jordan Pass saves you significant money. The 'Jordan Wanderer' option (75 JOD / $106) covers a 2 - day Petra entry and visa fees, easily saving you $50 - 70 compared to buying separately. Ensure you purchase it before arrival. You can learn more about visa requirements at Travel.state.gov.
• Utilize Local Minibuses (Serviis) in Amman: For short distances within Amman or to nearby towns like Jerash, the local 'serviis' (shared white minibuses) are incredibly cheap, often just 0.50 - 1 JOD ($0.70-$1.40) per ride. Ask your hostel or guesthouse how to catch them. This is far cheaper than taxis, which can quickly add up.
• Eat Street Food: Shawarma, falafel, and hummus from street stalls or small, local restaurants are delicious and incredibly affordable. A full, satisfying meal often costs less than 5 JOD ($7) per person. Avoid tourist - trap restaurants near major sites where prices can be triple.
• Book Wadi Rum Tours Directly with Camps: Rather than booking through an agency, contact a Wadi Rum camp directly. Many offer packages that include an overnight stay, dinner, breakfast, and a jeep tour for significantly less than what tour operators charge. Expect to pay around 40 - 70 JOD ($56 - 98) per person for a budget - friendly option.
• Negotiate Taxi Fares Outside Amman: In Petra (Wadi Musa) and Aqaba, always negotiate taxi fares before getting in. Many drivers will quote inflated prices to tourists. Ask your accommodation for typical fares. In Amman, taxis use meters, but ensure the driver turns it on.
• Skip Hotels in Wadi Musa for Cheaper Options: If you're on a tight budget, consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse a bit further from the Petra Visitor Center in Wadi Musa. While it might mean a slightly longer walk or a 1 JOD local taxi, you can save $10 - 20 per night. Alternatively, some travelers opt to stay in Wadi Rum for two nights instead of just one, combining their Petra visit with their desert experience by arranging transfers.
• Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Bottled water costs 0.50 - 1 JOD ($0.70-$1.40) per large bottle. Refilling a reusable bottle at your accommodation or from large dispenser bottles saves money and reduces plastic waste, crucial in the desert climate.
• Limit Souvenir Shopping: While the souks are tempting, set a budget for souvenirs. Spices, local crafts, and Bedouin jewelry can be beautiful but are often negotiable. Don't be afraid to haggle down by 20 - 30%.

• Visa Fees if Not Using Jordan Pass: If you don't buy the Jordan Pass, a single - entry visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport costs 40 JOD (approx. $56). This can be a nasty surprise if you assumed entry was free or cheaper, and it's a key reason the Jordan Pass is such a good deal.
• Mandatory Tour Guides for Some Sites: While not all sites require it, some lesser - known archaeological areas might insist on a local guide for safety or conservation reasons. Budget 20 - 30 JOD ($28 - 42) for these unexpected costs, particularly if exploring off the beaten path.
• Fuel Costs for Rental Cars: Gasoline is not cheap in Jordan, currently around 0.90 JOD (approx. $1.27) per liter. If you rent a car for an 8 - day trip covering Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum, expect to spend $150 - 250 on fuel alone, especially if you venture further to Aqaba or the Dead Sea. Factor this in if considering renting a car abroad.
• Airport Transfer to Amman: A taxi from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to Amman city center costs a fixed 20 - 25 JOD ($28 - 35). While there's an airport bus for 3.50 JOD ($5), it drops you at Tabarbour station, requiring another taxi or minibus into the city, making the total transfer closer to 5 - 7 JOD ($7 - 10) and much less convenient.
• Gratuities for Tour Guides & Drivers: While not always mandatory, a tip for good service is expected, especially from private drivers (10 - 15 JOD / $14 - 21 per day) and tour guides (5 - 10 JOD / $7 - 14 per person for a half - day tour). This adds up quickly over an 8 - day trip with multiple guides and drivers.
• Overpriced Snacks/Drinks at Tourist Sites: Vendors inside Petra or at the Dead Sea resorts charge significantly more for water, soda, and snacks. A small bottle of water in Petra might be 2 JOD ($2.80) versus 0.50 JOD ($0.70) outside.
• Souvenir Pressure in Petra: Expect persistent vendors in Petra trying to sell everything from Bedouin scarves to donkey rides. While part of the experience, it can lead to impulse purchases if you're not firm on your budget. Remember that haggling is expected.
• Internet/Data Costs: While eSIMs are increasingly popular (eSIMs & Mobile Data Abroad), local SIM cards from providers like Umniah or Zain cost around 15 - 25 JOD ($21 - 35) for a decent data package. Roaming charges from your home provider will be much higher, easily $10 - 15 per day if not careful.

• Get the Jordan Pass: Seriously, get it. It combines your visa fee with entrance to over 40 sites, including Petra. It's the best value proposition in Jordanian tourism, starting at 70 JOD ($99) for a one - day Petra entry. Buy it online before you arrive to save time at immigration.
• Use Careem/Uber in Amman: For taxis within Amman, use ride - hailing apps like Careem or Uber. They offer set prices, preventing overcharging and ensuring a fair rate. Expect a 15 - 25 minute ride across the city to cost 3 - 6 JOD ($4 - 8).
• Carry Small Denominations: Especially in souks, for street food, and for local transport, having small bills (1 JOD, 5 JOD) is crucial. Many vendors won't have change for a 20 JOD bill.
• Bargain in Souks: Prices in local markets are rarely fixed. Start by offering 50 - 60% of the initial asking price and work your way up. This is a cultural norm, not an insult.
• Drink Tap Water (Treated): While not universally recommended for drinking, tap water in most hotels and major cities in Jordan is treated. For drinking, stick to bottled water or filter your own. However, for brushing teeth and showering, it's generally fine. Always clarify with your accommodation.
• Buy Snacks & Drinks from Supermarkets: Stock up on water, juice, and snacks from local supermarkets (like Carrefour or small corner stores) rather than tourist shops or hotel mini - bars. Prices are significantly lower, usually 0.50 JOD ($0.70) for a 1.5L water bottle.
• Split Costs for Private Transfers: If traveling in a small group, splitting the cost of a private driver for longer journeys (e.g., Amman to Petra) can be comparable to or only slightly more expensive than shared taxis, offering much more comfort and flexibility. A private car for a day with a driver can be 80 - 120 JOD ($113 - 170).
• Dine Away from Tourist Hubs: Walk a few blocks away from the main tourist attractions or hotel zones to find local restaurants with better prices and more authentic food. For example, in Wadi Musa, move away from the Petra Visitor Center for dinner.
• Consider a Local SIM Card: For reliable and affordable data, purchase a local SIM card from Umniah or Zain upon arrival at the airport. A 20 JOD ($28) package typically includes plenty of data and some local calls, far cheaper than international roaming.
• Utilize Free Activities: Explore the Roman Theater and Citadel in Amman (covered by Jordan Pass). Hike around Wadi Rum without a guided jeep tour if you're comfortable navigating (though a guide is highly recommended for safety and insight). Enjoy free public beaches in Aqaba.