7-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Jordan
Jordan is a dream destination for budget backpackers who know how to navigate the local scene. While the country has a reputation for being expensive, sticking to public transport, street-side falafel, and the indispensable Jordan Pass allows you to witness world-class wonders like Petra and the Wadi Rum desert for a fraction of the usual cost.
This itinerary follows a logical north-to-south route, starting in the bustling hills of Amman and ending by the Red Sea in Aqaba, before looping back. By utilizing the 'JETT' bus system and local microbuses, you can bridge the gaps between historic sites without the high cost of private taxis or rental cars.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - The Arrival & Old City Vibes
Airport Express Bus to Downtown
Skip the pricey taxis and hop on the yellow Sariyah bus from Queen Alia International Airport. It drops you at the North Bus Station or Tabarbour, where you can take a cheap local taxi or bus to the Al-Balad downtown area.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Perched on the highest hill in Amman, the Citadel offers panoramic views of the city. Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Use your Jordan Pass for free entry.
Roman Theatre
Descend into the heart of the old city to see this 6,000-seat theater. It’s still used for cultural events today and is a prime spot for people-watching in the afternoon sun.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals at this legendary, no-frills alleyway eatery. For just a few Dinars, you'll get a feast of hummus, falafel, and fresh bread. It's the ultimate budget meal in Jordan.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient Jerash & Rainbow Street
North Bus Station (Tabarbour)
Head to the station to catch a local microbus to Jerash. These buses depart when full and are significantly cheaper than organized tours or taxis.
Jerash Archaeological City
Walk through the Oval Plaza and the Cardo Maximus in one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. The scale of the colonnaded streets is breathtaking.
Souk Jara and Rainbow Street
Return to Amman and walk up to Rainbow Street. Explore the artisan shops and enjoy a cheap tea at a local cafe while overlooking the city skyline.
Al-Quds Falafel
Grab a famous falafel sandwich on Rainbow Street for less than a dollar. It’s a favorite of the Jordanian Royal Family and perfect for a backpacker budget.
Day 3: Amman to Wadi Musa, Jordan - The King’s Highway
JETT Bus to Petra
Catch the reliable JETT bus from the Abdali office. It’s the most efficient way to get to Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra) for a flat, transparent fee.
Wadi Musa Check-in
Drop your bags at a budget hostel. Many hostels in Wadi Musa offer free shuttles to the Petra visitor center and cheap communal dinners.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Take a local taxi or the free shuttle to Little Petra. It’s free to enter and gives you a crowd-free introduction to Nabatean architecture before the main event tomorrow.
Wadi Musa Market
Explore the local grocery stores and bakeries to stock up on water and snacks for your big hike in Petra tomorrow.
Day 4: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
The Siq & The Treasury
Enter as soon as the gates open to experience the Siq in silence. Arriving early at the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) allows you to take photos before the tour buses arrive.
High Place of Sacrifice
Hike up the steep stairs for a stunning view of the valley. It’s a challenging climb but far less crowded than the main trails.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Climb the 800 steps to reach Petra's largest monument. The view from the top overlooking the Wadi Araba desert is one of the best in Jordan.
Royal Tombs
On your way back to the exit, stop by the Royal Tombs as the setting sun turns the sandstone a deep purple and gold.
Day 5: Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Backpacker Bus to Wadi Rum
Arrange with your hostel to catch the daily minibus that picks up tourists for Wadi Rum. It’s a direct and social way to travel with other backpackers.
Wadi Rum Village
Check in at the rest house. Meet your Bedouin guide for a shared 4x4 tour, which is much cheaper than booking a private excursion.
Red Sand Dunes & Canyons
Explore the Khazali Canyon and climb the high sand dunes. The desert scenery is otherworldly and was the filming location for 'The Martian'.
Zarb Dinner at Camp
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal cooked underground. Many budget camps offer an all-inclusive price for a tent, dinner, and breakfast.
Day 6: Wadi Rum to Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Morning Microbus to Aqaba
Catch the local bus from Wadi Rum village to Aqaba. It’s a short one-hour trip that drops you near the city center.
Aqaba Fort & Museum
Visit this historic Mamluk castle near the waterfront. It’s a small, affordable site that offers insight into the city's strategic past.
South Beach Snorkeling
Take a local bus to the South Beach. You can rent a mask for a few dollars and snorkel right off the shore to see vibrant coral reefs without a boat tour.
Aqaba Night Market
Walk through the bustling markets and try some Sayadieh (fish and rice), a local Aqaba specialty, at one of the street stalls.
Day 7: Aqaba to Amman, Jordan - Final Souvenirs
Northbound JETT Bus
Take the air-conditioned JETT bus for the long haul back to Amman. The desert highway offers a final look at Jordan's rugged landscape.
King Abdullah I Mosque
Visit this iconic blue-domed mosque in Amman. It is open to non-Muslim visitors outside of prayer times for a small fee.
Souq Al-Sukar
Get lost in the vegetable and spice market. It’s the perfect place to buy affordable za'atar, sumac, or dates to take home.
Airport Shuttle Departure
Head back to the North Bus Station to catch the final Airport Express bus for your flight home, concluding your Jordanian adventure.
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 windows, the temperatures are mild enough for hiking in Petra and exploring the desert without the blistering heat of summer or the surprisingly cold, rainy nights of winter. Spring also brings beautiful wildflowers to the northern hills near Jerash.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. Cash is king in Jordan, especially for local buses, street food, and small souvenir shops. While ATMs are widely available in cities like Amman and Aqaba, always carry enough cash when heading into Wadi Rum. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill at local eateries is a common practice.
Getting Around Jordan
Intercity travel in Jordan is best handled by the JETT bus for long distances (Amman to Petra or Aqaba) and local microbuses for shorter hops (Amman to Jerash). Microbuses are the cheapest option but don't follow a fixed schedule; they depart when full. Within Amman, the Service Taxi (white cars with fixed routes) is a budget-friendly alternative to private yellow taxis. There are no passenger trains in Jordan, so the road network is your primary means of exploration.
