Wondering if the Jordan Pass is worth it for your trip to Jordan? This guide breaks down its benefits, cost savings, and why we wouldn’t visit Jordan without.
Learn how to make the most of your visit to iconic sites like Petra and Wadi Rum.
Key Takeaways:
- The Jordan Pass is an all-inclusive package that provides free access to over 40 attractions in Jordan, combining entry fees and tourist visa costs in just one expense.
- We found it convenient to build our Jordan itinerary around the Jordan Pass and got to see all sights we had planned to, including Old Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum.
- If you are planning 3 days in Jordan or more, the Jordan Pass will be totally worth it for you.
- Buy the Jordan Pass online before arrival, save the PDF and print a copy for the smoothest experience.
What is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass package is an all-inclusive sightseeing package designed to simplify and enhance your visit to Jordan. It is issued online by the Jordan Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
This pass includes a tourist visa and grants entry to over 40 of Jordan’s most popular tourist attractions. As a visitor, you gain access to historical and cultural sites such as Petra, Jerash, and the breathtaking Wadi Rum without the need to purchase separate tickets for each location.
This comprehensive package saves you money and eliminates the hassle of long lines at ticket booths. Enjoy the freedom to fill explore Jordan’s treasures at your own pace with your eligible entry tickets already secured on the date of your visit.
Whether you’re planning a short stay or an extended adventure, the Jordan Pass is designed to make your journey through this captivating country as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Jordan Pass Price and Tier Breakdown
The Jordan Pass comes in three different tiers: Jordan Wanderer, Jordan Explorer and Jordan Expert. The three tiers come at three different price points of 70 JDs (85€ or $99), 75 JDs (90€ or $106) and 80 JDs (96€ or $113) each.
Each tier includes the following benefits:
- Free digital guides to plan your Jordan trip.
- Free entry to more than 40+ attractions in Jordan including museums, archaeological sites and natural reserves.
- Discounted entry tickets to other attractions such as Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
- Free Train Ride Adventure (Journey Through 1916) as per availability.
- Waiving of visa entry fee, if you buy the Jordan Pass before arrival and stay for at least three nights.
Now, the only difference between the three tiers is the length of your visit to Petra. All of the Jordan Pass tickets include Petra tickets. But while the Jordan Wanderer tier includes a one day entry to Petra, the Jordan Explorer tier includes a two day entry to Petra and the Jordan Expert includes a three day entry to Petra.
3 Reasons to Buy the Jordan Pass
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, why should one consider buying the Jordan Pass?
We identified five main reasons to buy the Jordan Pass for your trip to Jordan:
- The Jordan Pass waives the fees for your Jordan Tourist Entry Visa, which is 40 JDs (48€ or $56).
- It helps you save money along the way by providing free entry to attractions.
- Above all, it comes with free entry to Petra, which start at 50 JDs (60€ or $70), if bought separately.
Full Breakdown of Benefits of the Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your travel experience. From cost savings to convenience, this pass is tailored to meet the needs of modern travelers and backpackers.
Let’s see how the Jordan Pass can make your trip to Jordan not just memorable but also hassle-free:
Save on Attractions & Entry Visa Fees
When it comes to cost savings, the Jordan Pass is a game-changer. Priced between 70 JDs (85€ or $99) and 80 JDs (96€ or $113), it grants access to over 40 attractions, including the iconic Petra, which alone has a high individual entry cost.
By using the Jordan Pass, tourists can save a substantial amount on entrance fees, making it a good deal for anyone planning to visit multiple sites.
This bundled package also covers the cost of entry visas, a significant saving in itself. For those planning to stay in Jordan for more than three days, the pass can reduce overall costs considerably.
For perspective, standard entry fees for Petra range from 50 JDs (60€ or $70) for a one-day visit to 60 JDs (about 74€ or $84) for a three-day visit.
Entrance fees for other attractions range from 1 JD to 15 JDs. Hence, the Jordan Pass is a cost-effective solution for exploring Jordan’s tourist attractions without overspending.
Travel Conveniently
Another one of the standout features of the Jordan Pass is the convenience it offers. Pass holders of the pass enjoy hassle-free access to over 40 tourist sites, eliminating the need to queue for tickets at each attraction.
This not only saves time but also reduces the stress of managing multiple tickets and entry fees during your trip.
The Jordan Pass includes a digital format, allowing for quick and easy access to attractions without the need for physical tickets.
Whether you’re visiting the Roman Theatre in Amman or the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, the Jordan Pass streamlines your travel experience, making it more enjoyable and less complicated.
When presenting the Jordan Pass, you technically have to show your ID to prove your ownership of the pass. In reality, however, the Jordan Pass was only glanced at quickly, making the entrance to attractions super fast and convenient.
Attractions Included in the Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass includes entry to over 40 attractions, offering a comprehensive and cost-effective way to explore Jordan. The most popular sites include Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Roman Theatre in Amman.
Petra, known as the Rose City, is Jordan’s most-visited tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When booking the Jordan Pass, you can choose between a 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day visit to Petra.
Wadi Rum, with its stunning desert landscapes, is another highlight included in the pass, showcasing some of Jordan’s tourist attractions. The Wadi Rum desert is THE place to experience Bedouin culture and a natural landscape unlike any other.
Other notable attractions include Ajloun Castle, a historic fortress with panoramic views, the Ma’in Hot Springs for a break from hardcore exploring, and Pella, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Jordan.
Sites like Umm Qays, famous for its colonnaded street and ancient theatres, and lesser-known spots like Umm Al Jimal and Gadara, as well as interesting museums such as the Jordan Archaeological Museum, and the Madaba Archaeological Museum and Dar-Al-Saraya Museum are also featured in the kingdom pass.
Currently, Jordan Pass holders also get the chance to save 30 % on the entrance fee to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the baptismal site of Jesus. Additionally, you can choose a time slot for a free historic train ride experience in Southern Jordan, called ‘Journey Through 1916′.
What the Jordan Pass does NOT cover – Excluded Attractions & Extra Costs
While the Jordan Pass package covers a whole lot, there is a few things that are not included in it. Most notably, the Jordan Pass only grants entry to each attraction once. If you decide to visit an attraction twice, you’ll have to buy entry tickets.
Exception: For your visit to Petra, you can choose between a visit duration of one, two or three full days.
Also note, that the Jordan Pass does not actually include every single major attraction in Jordan. There might still be one or the other attraction on the way that is not included in the package. In our experience, however, that happened only once, when visiting the Jordan Museum in Amman.
Other noteworthy sites not included in the Jordan Pass are Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, the beaches of the Dead Sea and the Petra by Night experience.
Moreover, the Jordan Pass does not include any guided tours. For guided tours, we recommend finding a tour operator onsite to show you around and provide you with local insights. Book your guided tours in advance to secure the best packages, customise the and save on costs.
Book your guided jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Wadi Tribe for an all-inclusive hassle-free experience of real Bedouin life in Southern Jordan.
How to Buy the Jordan Pass Online – Step-by-Step-Guide
While you can also buy the Jordan Pass upon arrival at Amman Airport, we strongly recommend getting it beforehand to save on your Jordan visa. Purchasing the Jordan Pass online is a straightforward process, but there is some pitfalls you should avoid.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the purchase process:
- Visit the official Jordan Pass website: Navigate to the official Jordan pass website on your browser to purchase the pass. There is no need to do the booking through any third-party website.
- Choose your Jordan Pass tier: Read the information on the three tiers for the Jordan Pass and decide which pass works best for you.
- Enter your information: Click on “Buy Now”, enter your personal information (such as name and e-mail address), answer some simple questions about your visit and confirm your number of ticket and ticket tier.
- Configure Add-Ons: Choose your time slot for the Train Ride Adventure. Add on the Baptism Site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan, one of the most iterating sits of the Holy Land, if interested. It comes at an additional charge of 8 JDs.
- Pay Online: Click on “Proceed to Payment” to complete your purchase. Pay via credit card, PayPal or one of the other supported methods and close the website after receiving confirmation.
- Save the PDF: Within a few minutes, you should receive an e-mail by the Jordan Pass team confirming your purchase. Attached to the e-mail, you should find a PDF-document of your Jordan pass. Save it to your phone and print a backup copy.
Is the Jordan Pass a Good Deal?
Determining whether the Jordan Pass is worth it depends on your travel plans and the number of attractions you intend to visit. For most travelers, the Jordan Pass is is a great deal. It waives your visa fee and grants you access to all major attractions, most importantly Petra and Wadi Rum.
A reminder: The visa fees (40 JDs) and the one-day entry tickets to Petra (50 JDs) alone are more expensively individually than purchasing the lowest-tier Jordan Pass (70 JDs).
The only reason not to get the Jordan Pass would be, if your trip is shorter than 3 days in Jordan, or 2 nights in Jordan. Also, check your visa requirements.
If you don’t fall within the visa-on-arrival bracket, it might be that the Jordan pass doesn’t waive all your visa fees (e.g. Somalia, Djibouti, Mauritania, Libya and Iraq).
Arab nationalities are also exempt from using the Jordan Pass as they already save on visa fees and entry tickets. In all other cases, I’m positive you will only profit from purchasing the pass.
Overall, the Jordan Pass is an excellent investment for those looking to explore Jordan’s rich heritage and diverse attractions. It offers substantial cost savings, convenience, and flexibility, making it a valuable addition to any travel itinerary.
Tips for Using the Jordan Pass
We learned it the hard way, so you can make the best of your visit to Jordan now.
Maximize your Jordan Pass by following these practical tips:
- Purchase ahead of time: Purchase the pass several days before traveling to avoid technical issues. If you encounter website glitches or unclear payment failure messages, wait an hour before retrying.
- Get the ‘Jordan Explorer’: The middle tier comes in at 75 JOD. It incudes two days of visiting Petra, making it the best bang for your buck.
- Save the PDF: Download the PDF to your phone for offline access and keep a printed version as a backup. Don’t worry, guards usually don’t pay a lot of attention to the Jordan Pass.
- Get the brochure: Enhance your visit by downloading free brochures detailing Jordan’s attractions before your arrival.
Our Experience with the Jordan Pass after 30 Days in Jordan
We visited Jordan for a full month in 2023 and booked the Jordan pass online before arrival. The booking page is easy enough to understand and the booking process worked without problems. There is absolutely no need to book the Jordan Pass through a third-party site.
We did go the extra mile and printed the Jordan Pass before arriving to Jordan via the Nuweiba-Aqaba Ferry. But honestly, we would have been fine without a printed copy, too.
Crossing the border was hassle-free. Border guards stamped the Jordan Pass and our passports free of charge at Aqaba Port. I imagine it is just the same at Queen Alia International Airport for Amman arrivals.
During our trip to Jordan, we found the Jordan Pass to be an invaluable asset. Presenting the pass in a digital format on my phone was straightforward, and in most cases, the printout were just glanced at. At Petra, the barcode on the Jordan Pass was scanned, and the process was quick and efficient.
By the way: We opted for the ‘Jordan Wanderer’ tier of the Jordan Pass that includes one day in Petra. In Petra, we hiked up all the way to the Monastery from the Visitor Center and, while it is totally possible to do it this way, it was very exhausting. Therefore, we strongly recommend getting the ‘Jordan Explorer’ as it includes two days in Petra.
Overall, I highly recommend the Jordan Pass for anyone traveling to Jordan. It simplifies the travel experience, saves money, and provides access to a wide range of attractions, making it a must-have for any visitor.
Visiting Wadi Rum with the Jordan Pass – Off the Beaten Track
Make sure you bring along your Jordan Pass when you visit Wadi Rum. The Protected Area of Wadi Rum is one of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the Jordan Pass.
If possible, print out the Jordan Pass and present it at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center when arriving to Wadi Rum. Usually, the guards at the Visitor Center will just glance at the document briefly and let you pass.
Note that without the Jordan Pass, your Wadi Rum visit will cost you an entrance fee of 5 JOD per person. If you are coming to Wadi Rum by 4×4 vehicle, you will be asked to pay an extra fee that will allow you to drive in the Wadi Rum desert itself. This fee is not included in the Jordan Pass.
Hidden Gem: Jordan Pass holders can also claim a free spot on a historic train ride experience right in front of the gates of Wadi Rum. The “Journey through 1916” was a live reenactment of the First Arab Revolt and an attack on the Hijaz Highway in Wadi Rum alongside Lawrence of Arabia.
Currently, the historical train rides seem to be suspended due to low tourist numbers in the Kingdom of Jordan. If you still wish to learn more about Lawrence of Arabia and his involvement in the Arab Revolt, we recommend reading through our article on the story of T.E. Lawrence.
Our Verdict – Is the Jordan Pass Worth It?
In summary, the Jordan Pass is a valuable tool for anyone planning to explore Jordan. It offers significant cost savings and the flexibility to visit over 40 attractions without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.
By covering both entry fees and the tourist visa, the pass is more than worth it, if you are planning to spend at least three consecutive nights in Jordan. In fact, you’d be missing out, if you didn’t get one.
Just by using the pass to waive your visa fee and to visit Petra for one day, you will have saved more money than the pass costs online. Rightfully so, we say: Getting the Jordan Pass is not only totally worth it, but a no-brainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass is an all-inclusive sightseeing package that provides tourists with a visa and access to over 40 attractions in Jordan, including iconic sites like Petra and Wadi Rum. This pass simplifies travel for visitors by encompassing major entry fees and streamlining the visa process.
How much does the Jordan Pass cost?
The Jordan Pass costs between $100 and $113, depending on the selected ticket type.
Can I use the Jordan Pass for multiple entries and exits from Jordan?
No, the Jordan Pass is only valid for a classic sing-entry visa. Once activated, it is valid for 30 days. Upon re-entering Jordan, you would have to purchase the Jordan Pass again and secure another single-entry visa.
How do I purchase the Jordan Pass online?
To purchase the Jordan Pass online, visit the official Jordan Pass website, enter your personal information, choose your accommodation type and duration, select your ticket type, and complete the payment.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
The Jordan Pass is indeed worth it, as it provides substantial cost savings and convenient access to numerous attractions in Jordan, making it an excellent choice for visitors.
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