Wadi Rum Entrance Fee – Everything You Need to Know

Are you already crunching number and arranging stops for your Jordan itinerary? We’re glad to hear that you are also planning to visit Wadi Rum. Be aware that upon arrival to Wadi Rum you will be asked to pay an entrance fee.

This article covers why visitors pay an entrance fee to Wadi Rum, which fees you need to be aware of and how you can avoid paying them altogether. Spoiler alert: It’s much more straightforward than you might imagine.

At a Glance – All Wadi Rum Fees You Need to Know

Entrance Fee Adults: 5 JOD per person
Entrance Fee Kids: Free Entry
Jordan Pass Holders: Free Entry
Normal Cars: No extra cost
Off-road vehicles: 25 JOD per vehicle

Visit Wadi Rum.

Perfect Your Jordan Trip. Come to Wadi Rum and experience a landscape rich in natural, cultural and historic value. Leave all worries behind and enjoy one of our all-inclusive desert experiences.

Learn More.

Why Do You Have to Pay an Entrance Fee to Wadi Rum? – The Wadi Rum Protected Area

First things first. Wadi Rum is a vast desert in Southern Jordan. The general consensus is that it covers some 72,000 square kilometres running along the Saudi-Arabian border. Wadi Rum is not like any other desert though. It is naturally, culturally and historically distinct.

Its special character has been recognised by the Jordanian government as well as the UNESCO earning it the denomination of a Protected Area and the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 1997, the Jordanian government recognises the desert with its sandstone rock formations and red sand as a natural reserve. In 2011, Wadi Rum became a World Heritage Site.

The Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) is managed by the Aqaba Exclusive Economic Zone Authority that is also responsible for collecting the Wadi Rum Entrance Fee. The collection of entrance fees has two general functions. Funds are supposed to be used for the protection of the Wadi Rum desert itself as well as the support of local Bedouin communities that have been living in the desert for centuries.

Conservation Efforts

As a protected area, Wadi Rum is committed to preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage. The Wadi Rum Protected Area Authority undertakes various conservation efforts, including:

Protecting Rock Formations and Geological Features: Efforts are made to safeguard the desert’s iconic sandstone formations and other geological wonders.
Preserving Natural Habitats: The authority works to protect the habitats of the desert’s wildlife, ensuring that species like the Arabian oryx and desert fox can thrive.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Initiatives are in place to encourage eco-friendly tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and support the local economy.
Supporting the Bedouin Community: Conservation efforts also focus on preserving the cultural heritage of the Bedouin people, who have lived in the desert for centuries.

Rules and Regulations

To help preserve the beauty and integrity of Wadi Rum, visitors are expected to follow certain rules and regulations:

Respect the Environment and Wildlife: Do not disturb the natural habitats or wildlife. Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding them.
Do Not Litter: Keep the desert clean by disposing of your waste properly. Use designated trash bins or take your litter with you.
Do Not Remove Natural Materials: Leave rocks, plants, and other natural materials where you find them. Removing these items can harm the ecosystem.
Camp Only in Designated Areas: To protect the environment, camp only in designated areas and avoid lighting fires outside these zones.
Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: Adhere to the guidance and instructions provided by your guide or tour operator to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
Pay the Required Fees: Ensure you pay the entrance fee and any additional fees for activities and accommodations to support the conservation efforts and local community.

By following these guidelines, you can help preserve Wadi Rum’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

Wadi Rum Entrance Fee – All Fees & Details

If you are planning to stay inside of the Wadi Rum Protected Area, you can expect to pay the entrance fee upon arrival. Fees are strictly enforced. However, you do not need to worry. The entrance fee to the Protected Area is quite small and there pretty much no hidden costs.

First of all, all tourists arriving to Wadi Rum will be asked to pay a grand total of 5 JOD per person for their ticket to the Protected Area. For reference, this equals some $7 or 6.30€. Additionally, kids unter the age of 12 are exempt from paying this entrance fee. They enter the natural reserve for free.

Normal cars also enter Wadi Rum for free. In Wadi Rum Village, you will also find free parking on the parking lot next to Wadi Rum Rest House. Note that you should not enter the desert itself with a normal car. If you are planning to drive in the desert by yourself, a 4×4 off-road vehicle is strongly recommended. Entering Wadi Rum with an off-road vehicle will cost you another 25 JOD, $35 or 31.80€.

If you do not want to pay the entrance fee to Wadi Rum, we strongly advise you to get familiar with the so-called Jordan Pass, a sort of tourist pass for your Jordan trip. All Jordan pass holders are exempted from paying the 5 JOD per person entrance fee to the Wadi Rum Protected Area.

The Jordan Pass

You haven’t heard of the Jordan Pass yet? Then, make sure to listen very closely now. The Jordan pass is an amazing offer for tourist that covers many of the costs that you will otherwise pay separately throughout your Jordan trip. We used the Jordan Pass during our one-month journey through Jordan and these are our takeaways:

The Jordan Pass comes in three tiers: Wanderer, Explorer and Expert. You can buy the pass on the official website without any hassle, print it out and save some serious money on your Jordan trip.

All of the passes waive your visa fee upon arrival and include a plethora of attractions in Jordan including Wadi Rum. Depending on which tier you choose, your Jordan Pass will also include either 1, 2, or 3 full days of entrance to the lost city of Petra. Additionally, the Jordan Pass serves as your exclusive ticket to a historic train ride experience on the edge of the Wadi Rum Protected Area.

Getting into Wadi Rum – Where to Pay and Where to Go

Now that we have established how much your ticket to Wadi Rum will cost and how you can avoid paying for it altogether, let’s walk you through where you have to pay and go to make it to your desert camp accommodation in Wadi Rum:

Stop 1: Payment at Wadi Rum Visitor Centre

Payments for entrance tickets are accepted at the Wadi Rum Visitor’s Center some 15 minutes out of Wadi Rum Village along Wadi Rum Road. The Wadi Rum Visitor Centre is the last stop before Wadi Rum Village and a great place to run some last errands.

Either pay your fees or present your Jordan Pass, use the ATM at the Visitor Centre to withdraw some cash – you will need it – and get some more information about hotels, desert camps and tours as well as tour prices.

Stop 2: Wadi Rum Rest House in Wadi Rum Village

After running your errands at the Visitors Centre, hop back into your chosen mode of transport and arrive to Wadi Rum Village. Your trip will end at the Wadi Rum Rest House, a common meeting point for tourists and their camp accommodation hosts. Here, you will also find a free parking lot for your vehicle, if you came on your own.

In Wadi Rum Village, you will not have to pay any additional fees. However, you will have the chance to take care of some additional services. Get a snack, have lunch and get some laundry done. But most importantly, inform your Bedouin camp of your arrival, o they can send someone to pick you up in an off-road vehicle.

Stop 3: Arrival at your Desert Camp

Pick-Ups from Wadi Rum Village are done in off-road vehicles. Jump on the back of the trusty pick-up truck and get ready for a bumpy 30-minute journey into the heart of the Wadi Rum desert. Usually, transfers are included in your stay at the Bedouin camp. Be aware, however, that this goes for camp stays with desert tours included.

If you are coming to Wadi Rum without a desert tour booked – which we cannot recommend – your hosts may ask you to pay the camp transfer separately as the camp stay overnight includes your tent along with dinner and breakfast, but not the transfer. Transfer costs vary between 20-30 JOD, $28-$42 or 25€-38€ per vehicle. It is considerable cheaper to book desert tours and have transfer included there.

Arriving to Wadi Rum – 5 Additional Things You Need to Know

The Wadi Rum desert is not like any other travel destination. Therefore, take another minute to get familiar with 5 more things you need to know when you are coming to Wadi Rum as a tourist:

The perfect time to visit Wadi Rum: The Wadi Rum desert is a place with a very intense climate. While summer can be scorching hot, the winter months are often below freezing. Make sure to come in early spring or late fall to have the best experience. Don’t worry though. Visits in summer are also possible, just more intense due to the relentless midday heat.
Pack according to the season: Whenever you are coming, make sure that your packing matches the season. Bring sunglasses, loose and long clothing along with sunscreen in summer. Bring warm clothing (second layers) and a jacket in winter. You will need it.
How to Get to Wadi Rum: Wadi Rum is accessible from any place in Jordan and with any budget, if you know how. We have take time to outline any possible travel routes for you. For further information, pick a guide that matches your itinerary best and make sure to read it: Amman to Wadi Rum, Dead Sea to Wadi Rum, Petra to Wadi Rum, Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum, Aqaba City to Wadi Rum.
Sleeping and Camping in Wadi Rum: The Wadi Rum desert offers a plethora of accommodation options. In Wadi Rum, you can stay in a luxurious bubble tent, spend a night in a traditional Bedouin camp and even opt for camping in the desert under the stars. With either stay, dinner, breakfast and lots of Bedouin tea are included in your stay.
Desert Tours and Sports in Wadi Rum: Most camps offer a wide array of tours. Most attractions in Wadi Rum are far apart, making Jeep Tours the best option to get around. Our recommendation is to book a Full Day Tour. Apart from Full Day Tours, hiking, climbing and camel tours are other recommended activities for your stay in Wadi Rum.
Wadi Rum Suitable for Families: Wadi Rum is suitable for families, with camps and tours catering to children aged four and older. The desert activities are designed to be enjoyable and safe, ensuring memorable experiences for kids.

Conclusion

Let’s wrap it up. You are planning to Wadi Rum? Expect to pay an entrance fee of 5 JOD per person upon arrival. To avoid paying for a ticket and say loads of money along your trip, make sure to book the Jordan pass online.

For your stay in Wadi Rum, make sure to arrange any camping, jeep tours and camel tours in advance to get the most competitive rates. Make sure to compare tour prices to strike the beast deal for your desert experience. And most importantly, enjoy your time in the desert!

FAQs

How much is the Wadi Rum entrance fee?

Any tourist arriving to Wadi Rum is asked to pay an entrance fee of 5 JOD per person. Children under the age of 12 years do not have to pay any entrance fee. Off-road vehicle are charged another 25 JOD upon entry. Jordan Pass holders only have to present their Jordan Pass to enter Wadi Rum.

How much does the Wadi Rum tour cost?

Wadi Rum tours are the best way to experience the Wadi Rum desert and save a lot of money. The most popular Wadi Rum tours are Full Day Tours. Tour prices for these range between 75 JOD and 125 JOD per person. Group tours, such as Buddy Program Tours, tend to be significantly cheaper.

Can you visit Wadi Rum without a tour?

Yes, you can visit Wadi Rum without a tour. However, there is two downsides to it. You might be charged a fee for your camp transfer as transfers are usually included in tour prices instead of accommodation prices. Also, the sights of Wadi Rum are scattered all throughout the desert, making you appreciate having booked a tour to explore them all.

Do you need Jordan Pass for Wadi Rum?

While you do not need a Jordan Pass for Wadi Rum, we strongly recommend you to get it for your visit to Wadi Rum. For one, it waives your entrance fee of 5 JOD. Also, it includes a historic train ride experience on the edge of the Wadi Rum desert. Moreover, the Jordan Pass includes your visa fee and the entrance to the lost city of Petra.

Wadi Rum Entrance Fee – Everything You Need to Know

Visit Wadi Rum.