11-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Jordan
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers incredible value. By leveraging the Jordan Pass, eating like a local, and navigating the country via public minibuses, you can experience ancient wonders and desert landscapes on a shoestring budget.
This 11-day itinerary takes you from the bustling hills of Amman to the rose-red city of Petra and the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, all while maintaining a lean daily spend. Get ready for authentic interactions, communal hostel dinners, and some of the best street food in the Middle East.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival and Downtown Vibes
Arrival at Queen Alia International
Clear customs using your pre-purchased Jordan Pass to waive the visa fee. Take the yellow Airport Express bus to the North Bus Station or 7th Circle for a fraction of the cost of a taxi.
Check into Downtown Hostel
Drop your bags at a budget hostel near Al-Balad. These spots often offer the best local advice and the cheapest dormitory beds in the city.
Exploring Al-Balad Markets
Wander the gold souqs and spice markets. This is a free sensory experience that showcases the heart of Amman's daily life.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals for the most famous falafel and hummus in Jordan. It's incredibly cheap, filling, and iconic.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient Ruins and Views
The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Walk up the hill to see the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Use your Jordan Pass for free entry and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
Roman Theatre
Descend back to the valley to visit this 6,000-seat theater. It's a great spot for people-watching and is also covered by your pass.
Rainbow Street Stroll
Walk along this trendy street for window shopping and affordable tea at one of the side-street cafes.
Habibah Sweets
End your day with a portion of Knafeh for just a couple of Dinars. It's the ultimate budget dessert experience.
Day 3: Jerash, Jordan - The Pompeii of the East
Local Bus to Jerash
Head to the North Bus Station (Tabarbour) and catch a local minibus. They leave when full and are significantly cheaper than organized tours.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Spend hours exploring the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the many temples. This is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.
Ajloun Castle
If time permits, take a short minibus ride to Ajloun to see the Islamic fortress built to protect against the Crusaders.
Return to Amman
Catch the last minibus back to the capital and grab a cheap Shawarma wrap for the evening.
Day 4: Madaba, Jordan - City of Mosaics
Minibus to Madaba
Relocate to Madaba, a shorter and cheaper journey than many realize. Check into a local guesthouse.
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land. Entry is a small fee not covered by the pass but worth every piastre.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Explore more ancient floors and ruins within the town center, most of which are included in your Jordan Pass.
Local Family Dinner
Many guesthouses in Madaba offer home-cooked meals for a small fee, which is often cheaper and better than restaurants.
Day 5: Kerak, Jordan - Crusader Strongholds
Traveling the King's Highway
While public transport is trickier here, you can often find other backpackers to split a taxi or navigate multiple local bus connections to Kerak.
Kerak Castle
Explore the dark corridors and vast halls of this massive Crusader fortress perched on a hill.
Street Food in Kerak
Grab a quick local manakish (flatbread with za'atar) before heading further south.
Arrival in Dana
Reach the village of Dana, a quiet stone village overlooking a massive nature reserve.
Day 6: Dana, Jordan - Hiking on a Budget
Self-Guided Hike
Avoid the expensive guided tours. The Dana Village to Wadi Dana trail is well-marked and offers stunning canyon views for free.
Picnic in the Reserve
Pack bread, labneh, and olives from the village shop for a scenic and cheap lunch in nature.
Village Exploration
Wander through the old stone houses of Dana, many of which are being restored by the local community.
Tea with Locals
Jordanian hospitality is legendary. Accept an invitation for tea and learn about the Bedouin history of the area.
Day 7: Wadi Musa, Jordan - The Gateway to Petra
Bus to Wadi Musa
Take the morning minibus from Dana to Wadi Musa. Be sure to coordinate the time with your hostel the night before.
Budget Lunch in Wadi Musa
Stick to the shops up the hill from the visitor center for much lower prices on groceries and falafel.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Take a free shuttle or a cheap taxi to Little Petra. It's free to enter and gives you a fantastic preview of the main site.
Hostel Social Hour
Connect with other travelers to plan your early morning entrance into Petra the next day.
Day 8: Petra, Jordan - The Lost City
Early Entry via the Siq
Be the first at the gate to experience the Treasury without the crowds. This is the highlight of the trip, included in your Jordan Pass.
Hiking to the Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Climb the 800 steps to the Monastery. The view is breath-taking and far less crowded than the Treasury area.
The Royal Tombs
Explore the massive facades carved into the rock face as you head back toward the center of the city.
Relax at a 'Cave' Bar
Find one of the local spots outside the gate for a mint tea and reflect on the day's hike.
Day 9: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Mars on Earth
Backpacker Bus to Wadi Rum
There is a specific daily bus for tourists that goes from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum Village for about 7 JOD.
Jeep Tour and Hiking
Book a shared jeep tour to visit Lawrence's Spring and the red sand dunes. Splitting the cost with hostel mates is essential.
Sunset at Um Frouth Rock Bridge
Watch the desert turn vibrant shades of orange and red as the sun goes down.
Traditional Zarb Dinner
Enjoy a meal cooked in an underground oven, followed by stargazing in some of the clearest skies in the world.
Day 10: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Bus to Aqaba
Take a short minibus ride south to Jordan's only port city. Feel the change in temperature as you reach the coast.
Free Public Beach
The city beach is free, but for better snorkeling, take a local bus to the South Beach area (small entry fee for club zones or free on open stretches).
Aqaba Fortress
Visit this small historic site near the waterfront, which is once again included in your Jordan Pass.
Fresh Seafood Dinner
Look for local fish shops where you buy by the kilo and they grill it for you on the spot—much cheaper than sit-down restaurants.
Day 11: Amman, Jordan - The Journey Back
JETT Bus to Amman
Book a seat on the reliable JETT bus for the long drive back to the capital. It's air-conditioned and comfortable for the 4-hour trip.
Last Minute Souvenir Shopping
Head back to the Amman souqs for cheap spices or dead sea mud to take home.
Final Hummus Feast
Have one last meal at a local cafeteria before heading to the airport.
Airport Shuttle
Catch the final Airport Express bus from the North Station to wrap up your 11-day Jordanian adventure.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best times to visit Jordan are during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, temperatures are pleasant for hiking in Petra and exploring the desert, avoiding the scorching summer heat and the surprisingly cold, rainy winter nights. For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons offer the best balance of weather and hostel availability.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While high-end hotels and restaurants in Amman and Aqaba accept credit cards, Jordan is still very much a cash-based society, especially for local buses, street food, and small shops. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill at local eateries is common practice. ATMs are widely available in cities, but stock up on cash before heading into Wadi Rum.
Getting Around Jordan
Intercity travel in Jordan is best done via local minibuses or the JETT bus system. Minibuses are the cheapest option; they don't have fixed schedules and leave when full, making them an authentic but sometimes time-consuming choice. The JETT bus offers fixed times and online booking, which is better for long hauls like Aqaba to Amman. Within cities like Amman, walking and the occasional 'Service Taxi' (shared taxi) are the most budget-friendly ways to move.
