6-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Jordan
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers incredible value through its world-class hospitality and affordable public transport network. This 6-day route takes you through the historical heart of the Levant, utilizing local minibuses and the famous JETT bus system to keep costs low while maximizing adventure.
By sticking to local falafel joints, staying in communal dorms, and securing a Jordan Pass before arrival, you can experience the magic of the Middle East without draining your savings. Prepare for dusty hikes, starry desert nights, and some of the best hummus you have ever tasted.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Ancient Citadel & Local Flavors
Arrival and Hostel Check-in
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport and take the Sariyah Airport Shuttle bus (approx. 3.30 JOD) to the North Bus Station or Tabarbour. From there, take a local taxi or bus to Downtown Amman to drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Walk up the hill to the Citadel. While there is a small fee (included in the Jordan Pass), the panoramic views of the sprawling white city are priceless. Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace ruins.
Roman Theater & Odeon
Descend back to the downtown area to visit the impressively preserved 2nd-century Roman Theater. It is a great spot to sit on the stone steps and watch the local life unfold in the plaza below.
Street Food Dinner at Al-Quds
Head to Rainbow Street or the downtown souks for a legendary falafel sandwich from Al-Quds. For less than 1 JOD, you will have a filling, authentic meal that is a staple of the Jordanian budget diet.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Roman Grandeur in Jerash
Minibus to Jerash
Head to the North Bus Station (Tarbarbour) and catch a local minibus to Jerash. These buses leave when full and cost about 1 JOD, offering a truly local experience compared to private tours.
Exploration of Ancient Gerasa
Spend your morning walking through the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the Arch of Hadrian. Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman Decapolis cities in the world.
Return to Amman Souks
Take the return minibus to Amman and spend your afternoon getting lost in the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. It is a free sensory experience that captures the essence of the capital.
Hummus at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals at this legendary no-frills spot downtown. There is no menu—just incredible hummus, mutabal, and falafel served at lightning speed for just a few Dinars.
Day 3: Wadi Musa, Jordan - The Journey to Petra
JETT Bus to Petra
Take the early morning JETT bus from the Abdali station. It is the most reliable budget transport to Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra). The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours through the desert landscape.
Wadi Musa Village Life
Check into your hostel and walk through the steep streets of Wadi Musa. Visit the local bakeries for fresh 'khubz' (bread) and snacks to pack for your big hike tomorrow.
Moses' Spring ('Ain Musa)
Walk or take a short taxi to this local historical site. It is a free attraction where, according to tradition, Moses struck the rock to bring forth water.
Budget Dinner at Valentine Inn
Many hostels in Wadi Musa offer a communal 'backpacker buffet' for a low fixed price. It is a great way to meet fellow travelers and fill up on home-cooked maqluba.
Day 4: Petra, Jordan - The Rose-Red City
The Siq and The Treasury
Enter the site as soon as the gates open to beat the crowds and the heat. Walking through the narrow Siq canyon as the sun hits the Treasury is a moment you will never forget.
Hiking to the Monastery (Ad Deir)
Challenge yourself with the 800-step climb to the Monastery. It is quieter than the Treasury and arguably more impressive in scale. Bring your own water to avoid high prices inside the site.
Royal Tombs & High Place of Sacrifice
Explore the intricate facades of the Royal Tombs. If you still have energy, the trek to the High Place of Sacrifice offers incredible views of the entire valley below.
Exit via the Main Gate
Walk back through the site as the light turns golden. Remember to carry out all your trash to help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 5: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Desert Nights
Local Bus to Wadi Rum
Take the daily morning minibus from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum Village. This service is specifically for travelers and is the cheapest way to reach the protected area.
Desert Jeep Tour
Join a shared jeep tour from the Visitor Centre or your desert camp. These tours usually visit the Lawrence's Spring, the red sand dunes, and the Khazali Canyon.
Bedouin Lunch in the Wild
Most tours include a simple lunch cooked over an open fire. Enjoy traditional tea flavored with sage or thyme while resting in the shade of the towering sandstone mountains.
Stargazing & Zarb Dinner
Stay in a basic Bedouin camp. Dinner is often 'Zarb'—meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Spend the night sleeping under one of the clearest skies on Earth.
Day 6: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Transfer to Aqaba
Catch a minibus or share a taxi with other backpackers for the short 1-hour drive from Wadi Rum to the coastal city of Aqaba.
South Beach Snorkeling
Avoid the expensive private beach clubs. Take a local bus to the South Beach (Public Beach) where you can rent a snorkel and mask for a few JOD and see the coral reefs just offshore.
Aqaba Fortress & Museum
Visit the Mamluk Castle near the waterfront. It is a small but interesting site that tells the story of the Great Arab Revolt. The entrance is usually very cheap or free.
Farewell Sayadieh Dinner
End your trip with a plate of Sayadieh (spiced fish and rice), an Aqaba specialty. Look for small local eateries away from the main tourist strip for the best prices.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild enough for long days of hiking in Petra and exploring the desert without the blistering heat of summer or the surprisingly cold, rainy nights of winter. Backpackers should note that desert temperatures drop significantly at night, even in the shoulder seasons.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While credit cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in Amman and Aqaba, Jordan remains a cash-heavy society. You will need cash for minibuses, street food, and small souvenir stalls. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in budget eateries; rounding up the bill is a common practice.
Getting Around Jordan
For the budget traveler, minibuses are the lifeblood of Jordan. They don't have fixed schedules and leave when full, making them cheap and culturally immersive. For longer, more reliable routes like Amman to Petra, the JETT bus service offers air-conditioned coaches at a reasonable price. Rideshare apps like Uber and Careem work well in Amman and help avoid the 'tourist tax' often added to street taxi fares.
