3 Day Jordan Tour From Amman: Itinerary & Travel Guide
Three days is short, but you can still see a lot.The three places that are considered Jordan's charming tourist destination, if you haven't visited them before. The classic loop from Amman is:
Day 1 – Amman to Petra
Day 2 – Petra to Wadi Rum
Day 3 – Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea or back to Amman
Think of this page as a framework. You can do it with a rental car, a private driver, or as part of a 3 day jordan tour from amman with an agency. The route is almost the same in all cases.
If you want the full context, including where to stay and how to split time between both places, start with our Petra & Wadi Rum guide.
Complete Overview of a 3 Day Jordan Tour From Amman
Here’s the big picture:
- Day 1: Drive from Amman to Petra, visit on arrival or the next morning
- Day 2: Finish Petra (if needed), then head to Wadi Rum for afternoon / sunset
- Day 3: Morning in Wadi Rum, then continue to the Dead Sea or return directly to Amman
Approximate distances:
- Amman → Petra: about 3 hours by car via the Desert Highway
- Petra → Wadi Rum: about 1.5–2 hours
- Wadi Rum → Dead Sea: 4–4.5 hours (depending on route)
- Wadi Rum → Amman: about 4 hours
You won’t see “all of Jordan” in three days. But you will cover the country’s main highlights: Petra, desert, and either the Dead Sea or one more night in the capital.
Day 1: Amman to Petra – Sites, Stops, and Travel Tips
If you have extra time in the capital before you hit the road, here’s a quick overview of Amman: Amman- what to see and do
Most people leave Amman early, around 7–8 am. That gives you enough time on the road and at least half a day in Petra.
Getting from Amman to Petra
- By car or private driver: about 3 hours via the Desert Highway
- By JETT bus: usually around 3.5–4 hours, with a morning departure
- By tour: often hotel pickup, then straight down to Petra with a group
If you’re driving yourself, keep it simple:
- Fill the tank before leaving the city
- Follow signs for the Desert Highway / Highway 15
- Aim to reach Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra) by late morning or midday
What to do on Day 1
You have two main choices:
- Visit Petra on the same day
- Drop your bags at the hotel
- Walk down to the Petra Visitor Center
- Explore the Siq, the Treasury, and maybe reach the Royal Tombs
- This works if you arrive before early afternoon
- Relax and save Petra for Day 2
- Check in, have lunch, and walk around Wadi Musa
- Maybe walk to the viewpoint near the visitor center for sunset
- Get an early sleep and enter Petra at opening time next morning
If you arrive tired after a long flight, the second option usually feels better.
Day 2: Exploring Petra and Traveling to Wadi Rum
This is usually the “big” day. Petra is large, and distances inside the site are longer than they look on the map.
Morning: Petra
Try to be at the Visitor Center close to opening time. It’s quieter, cooler, and the walk through the Siq is more enjoyable.
For official visitor info and a quick overview of the site, see Petra- official
A common route:
- Visitor Center → Siq → Treasury
- Continue to the Street of Facades and Royal Tombs
- Decide whether to:
- Go up to the Monastery (longer hike, but great view), or
- Explore side trails and viewpoints near the main valley
Keep an eye on time. You still have to travel to Wadi Rum in the afternoon.
Afternoon: Travel to Wadi Rum
- Petra → Wadi Rum village / camp: about 1.5–2 hours by car or transfer
- Most desert camps arrange pickup from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center
Plan to leave Petra by mid-afternoon. That way you can:
- Arrive in Wadi Rum before sunset
- Join a short 4x4 ride
- Have dinner at the camp and see the night sky
If you want an official snapshot of what Wadi Rum offers, check this page: Wadi Rum – Overview
If you booked a jeep tour or overnight package, they’ll tell you exactly when to arrive.
Day 3: Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea or Back to Amman
You now have two main options for your last day:
Option 1: Wadi Rum → Dead Sea
- Morning:
- Short jeep tour (if not done on Day 2)
- Breakfast at the camp
- Late morning / midday: drive or transfer to the Dead Sea
The drive to the Dead Sea can take around 4–4.5 hours, depending on route and traffic. With a 3-day plan, this is usually a “Dead Sea afternoon and evening” rather than a long stay:
For more info: Dead-Sea Official
- Float in the water
- Rinse off and rest
- Either sleep at the Dead Sea or continue to Amman in the evening
Option 2: Wadi Rum → Amman
If you prefer to keep things simple, skip the Dead Sea and head straight back to Amman:
- Wadi Rum → Amman: about 4 hours by car
- You can still stop for a quick viewpoint or meal on the way
This option is easier if your flight is early the next day or you want some time in the capital before leaving.
Best Tips for Planning a 3-Day Jordan Itinerary
A short trip needs clear priorities. These tips help you get the most from it:
- Lock in Petra and Wadi Rum first
- These are the core of almost every 3-day plan
- Build everything else (Dead Sea, Amman city tour) around them
- Decide if you want a base or a loop
- Base in Amman and do long day trips
- Or do a one-way loop: Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum → Dead Sea → Amman
- Book key pieces early
- Petra hotel
- Wadi Rum camp
- Car rental or main transfers
- They can fill up in busy seasons
- Start early each day
- Beat traffic leaving Amman
- Reach Petra before crowds and heat
- Arrive in Wadi Rum in time for sunset
- Keep travel blocks realistic
- Amman ↔ Petra is already a few hours
- Petra ↔ Wadi Rum adds more time
- Don’t try to squeeze in too many extra stops
This structure works whether you travel independently or join a ready-made 3 day jordan tour from amman. If someone prefers everything arranged, this same route is what most tour operators follow.
FAQ
What can I see in Jordan in 3 days?
In three days, most visitors focus on:
- Petra – at least a half or full day
- Wadi Rum – desert landscape, jeep tour, and camp stay
- Dead Sea or Amman sights – if time allows
You won’t see every site in the country, but you can cover the main highlights in the south.
Is a 3-day trip enough to visit Petra and Wadi Rum?
It’s tight but workable. With a clear plan, you can:
- Travel from Amman to Petra on Day 1
- Visit Petra and move to Wadi Rum on Day 2
- Explore Wadi Rum on Day 3 and then go to the Dead Sea or Amman
If you want slower days and more hikes, four or five days are more comfortable.
How far is Petra from Amman?
By road, Petra is roughly 230–235 km from Amman, and the drive usually takes about 3 hours via the Desert Highway.
Can I join an organized tour instead of traveling independently?
Yes. Many companies offer a 3-day itinerary that follows this same basic route:
- Day 1: Amman → Petra
- Day 2: Petra → Wadi Rum
- Day 3: Wadi Rum → Dead Sea or Amman
These tours usually include transport, some meals, and overnight stays, so you don’t have to manage each piece on your own.
Is it safe to do a 3-day tour from Amman?
For most travelers, yes. The main roads between Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea are widely used and paved. If you don’t feel comfortable driving, buses, private drivers, and organized tours are all common and practical options.
