16-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Jordan
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it is a land of incredible hospitality and manageable costs. By utilizing the Jordan Pass to cover entry fees and focusing on local 'Coaster' buses, you can traverse this historic kingdom for less than twenty dollars a day.
This 16-day epic journey takes you from the bustling markets of Amman to the rose-red silence of Petra and the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum. Prepare for a diet of delicious falafel, nights in social hostels, and some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Street Food Crawl
Arrive at Queen Alia Airport
Catch the yellow airport shuttle bus for 3.30 JOD. It is the cheapest way to reach downtown Amman compared to pricey taxis.
Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)
Wander through the narrow alleys of the old city, soaking in the scent of spices and the sound of the call to prayer.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals at this legendary no-frills eatery. A full spread of hummus, falafel, and tea will cost you less than 5 JOD.
Habibah Sweets
Queue up for a slice of Kunafa, a traditional cheese pastry soaked in syrup. It is a local ritual and very affordable.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient History & Modern Markets
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Climb the hill to see the Temple of Hercules. Use your Jordan Pass for free entry and enjoy the best panoramic view of the city.
Roman Theatre
Walk down to the 6,000-seat theatre. It is remarkably well-preserved and offers great acoustics for a quick photo op.
The Duke's Diwan
Visit one of Amman's oldest heritage buildings. It is free to enter and serves as a quiet time capsule of 1920s architecture.
Souk Jara
If visiting on a Friday, explore this outdoor handicraft market on Rainbow Street for local art and budget souvenirs.
Day 3: Jerash, Jordan - The Pompeii of the East
North Bus Terminal
Catch a local minibus (Coaster) to Jerash. It is a fraction of the cost of a private tour and a great way to meet locals.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Walk through the Oval Plaza and the Cardo Maximus. These Roman ruins are among the best-preserved outside of Italy.
Hadrian's Arch
Stand beneath this massive triumphal arch, built to honor the Roman Emperor's visit in 129 AD.
Return to Amman
Head back to the bus station for the return journey. Grab a shawarma from a street stall near the terminal for a cheap dinner.
Day 4: Madaba, Jordan - The City of Mosaics
Travel to Madaba
Take a minibus from South Bus Station. Madaba is a peaceful alternative to the chaos of Amman.
St. George’s Church
View the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the region.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Explore the remains of Byzantine churches and intricate floor mosaics that tell stories of ancient mythology.
Church of St. John the Baptist
Climb the bell tower for a view of the city skyline and explore the ancient acropolis underneath.
Day 5: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating at the Lowest Point
Dead Sea Transport
Since there are no direct public buses to the beaches, team up with hostel friends to share a taxi or rent a car for the day.
Public Beach Experience
Avoid the $50 resort fees by visiting the public beach areas or finding a safe spot along the Dead Sea highway for a free dip.
Wadi Mujib Viewpoint
Drive along the Dead Sea highway to the Mujib Reserve entrance to photograph the dramatic canyon walls and turquoise water.
Salt Formations
Stop at the shoreline to see the natural salt crystals that form at the water's edge—perfect for free, unique photography.
Day 6: Kerak, Jordan - Crusader Fortresses
Travel to Kerak
Use the local minibuses via the King’s Highway for a scenic and affordable journey south.
Kerak Castle
Explore the dark corridors and massive halls of this Crusader stronghold. The views from the top reach as far as the Dead Sea.
Kerak Old City
Walk the streets surrounding the castle. It is a great place to find local Mansaf (Jordan's national dish) at a non-tourist price.
Al-Mujib Panoramic Lookout
Catch a glimpse of the 'Grand Canyon of Jordan' as you head further south toward Wadi Musa.
Day 7: Wadi Musa, Jordan - Gateway to Petra
Bus to Wadi Musa
Take the morning minibus from Kerak. Be prepared to wait until the bus is full—this is the local way.
Hostel Check-in
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel. Many offer free shuttles to the Petra entrance.
Moses' Spring (Ain Musa)
Visit the site where tradition says Moses struck the rock. It is a free site located just outside the main town.
Wadi Musa Town Walk
Explore the upper town for cheaper groceries and water than those sold near the Petra visitor center.
Day 8: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
The Siq
Enter early to beat the crowds and the heat. Walking through this 1.2km gorge as the sun rises is a spiritual experience.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The iconic facade of Petra. Take your photos and then head toward the Royal Tombs to see the colors of the rock.
Royal Tombs
Hike up to the Urn Tomb and the Silk Tomb to see the incredible natural patterns in the sandstone.
High Place of Sacrifice
Take the steep climb for incredible views of the city below. It is a strenuous but rewarding free hiking route.
Day 9: Petra, Jordan - The Monastery & Little Petra
The Monastery (Ad Deir) Hike
Climb the 800 steps to one of Petra's largest monuments. It is far less crowded than the Treasury.
Colonnaded Street
Walk the ancient Roman-style thoroughfare and visit the Great Temple ruins.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Take a free shuttle or a cheap taxi to this smaller site. It is free to enter and features unique frescoes.
Wadi Musa Markets
Rest your legs and grab a cheap pita wrap from a local bakery to keep your daily food cost low.
Day 10: Wadi Rum, Jordan - The Valley of the Moon
Bus to Wadi Rum
The early morning tourist bus is the most reliable way to get from Wadi Musa to the Rum Village.
Wadi Rum Visitor Centre
Use your Jordan Pass to cover the entry fee to the protected area.
Desert Trekking
Avoid the expensive jeep tours by hiking to nearby spots like Lawrence’s Spring from the village.
Zarb Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked underground. Most camps provide this as part of the overnight experience.
Day 11: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Red Sand & Canyons
Khazali Canyon
Explore this narrow fissure to see ancient Petroglyphs and inscriptions dating back thousands of years.
Red Sand Dunes
Climb the massive dunes for a workout and a spectacular view of the red desert floor.
Um Frouth Rock Bridge
A natural arch that is a favorite for climbers. It is a stunning spot for sunset photography.
Stargazing
With virtually no light pollution, the desert sky is a free and awe-inspiring attraction every night.
Day 12: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Bus to Aqaba
Take the local bus from Wadi Rum village. It’s a short ride to the coastal city of Aqaba.
Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque
Visit this stunning white mosque by the sea. It is free to enter (respect dress codes) and very peaceful.
Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle)
Explore the 16th-century fortress, which played a role in the Great Arab Revolt.
Aqaba Flagpole
Walk along the Corniche and see one of the tallest free-standing flagpoles in the world.
Day 13: Aqaba, Jordan - Reefs & Snorkeling
South Beach Snorkeling
Take a local minibus to South Beach. You can snorkel right off the shore for free if you bring your own gear.
Aqaba Marine Park
Explore the protected coast and learn about the coral conservation efforts in the Red Sea.
Duty-Free Shopping
Aqaba is a special economic zone. Browse the shops for tax-free nuts, coffee, and local goods.
Fish Market Dinner
Visit the local fish market where you can buy fresh catch and have a nearby restaurant cook it for a small fee.
Day 14: Amman, Jordan - The Long Road North
JETT Bus to Amman
The JETT bus is the most comfortable and reliable way to handle the 4-hour desert highway journey back to the capital.
King Abdullah I Mosque
Visit the famous blue-domed mosque. It is the only mosque in Amman that openly welcomes non-Muslim visitors.
Jabal Al-Lweibdeh
Explore this bohemian neighborhood filled with street art, small galleries, and cheap cafes.
Wild Jordan Center
Enjoy a tea with a view. While the food is pricier, the information center about Jordan's nature reserves is free.
Day 15: As-Salt, Jordan - The Golden City
Minibus to As-Salt
Take a short 45-minute minibus ride to this UNESCO World Heritage town known for its yellow limestone buildings.
Abu Jaber House
Visit the Historic Old Salt Museum housed in one of the most beautiful mansions in the city.
Al-Hammam Street
Wander through the traditional souk, which feels much more authentic and less touristy than Amman's markets.
Return to Amman
Head back to the capital for your final night. Spend your remaining JOD on spices and local Za'atar at the markets.
Day 16: Amman, Jordan - Final Souks & Departure
Souk Al-Sukar
Dive into the frantic energy of the fruit and vegetable market for some last-minute travel snacks.
The Jordan Museum
Check out the Dead Sea Scrolls and ancient statues before you leave. It’s a great final educational stop.
Final Falafel at Al-Quds
Grab one last sandwich from this famous Rainbow Street stall—it’s cheap, filling, and iconic.
Airport Shuttle
Catch the North Terminal bus back to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, temperatures are pleasant for hiking in Petra and exploring the desert without the blistering summer heat or the surprisingly cold winter nights. Backpackers should note that desert temperatures drop significantly at night, even in warmer months.
Currency & Money
Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). It is pegged to the US Dollar, making it a very strong currency. Cash is king in Jordan, especially for local buses, street food, and markets. ATMs are widely available in cities, but always carry enough cash when heading to Wadi Rum. Tipping (Baksheesh) is common for service but not mandatory in small local eateries.
Getting Around Jordan
For the budget traveler, local 'Coaster' buses are the primary mode of transport. They are cheap (usually under 5 JOD) but don't have fixed schedules; they depart when full. For longer, more reliable routes (like Aqaba to Amman), the JETT bus service offers air-conditioned coaches at a higher but still reasonable price. There are currently no passenger train services in Jordan, so buses and shared taxis (Serviis) are your best bet.
