Jordan’s King’s Highway
Jordan
In short: Jordan’s King’s Highway is a about 560 km with Aqaba extension historical road trip in Jordan, typically driven over 5 days, best in Oct–Apr. Highlights: Amman, Madaba, Karak.
The classic King’s Highway sequence runs Amman–Madaba–Karak–Dana–Shobak–Petra. This five-day plan protects a full Petra day and treats Wadi Rum and Aqaba as a clearly marked southern extension.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Amman → Madaba → Karak (about 150 km; 3 hr plus visits)
Madaba mosaic map · King’s Highway to Karak · Haret Jdoudna – Madaba
Day 2Karak → Dana → Shobak → Wadi Musa (about 230 km; 5 hr plus stops)
Karak Castle · Dana viewpoint · Panorama Al Karak
Day 3Petra full day (Wadi Musa overnight)
Siq, Treasury and Royal Tombs · Monastery or High Place · My Mom’s Recipe – Wadi Musa
Day 4Wadi Musa → Wadi Rum (about 115 km; 2 hr)
Wadi Rum visitor check-in · Guided desert circuit · Booked Wadi Rum camp dinner
Day 5Wadi Rum → Aqaba (about 75 km; 1 hr)
Morning camp departure · Aqaba waterfront or marine park · Red Sea Grill – Aqaba
Stops along the route
Things to Do
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Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Jordan’s King’s Highway drive?
The Jordan’s King’s Highway covers about 560 km with Aqaba extension from start to finish.
How long does the Jordan’s King’s Highway take to drive?
Most travellers spend 5 days on the Jordan’s King’s Highway, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Jordan’s King’s Highway?
The recommended season for the Jordan’s King’s Highway is Oct–Apr.
Where does the Jordan’s King’s Highway start and end?
The Jordan’s King’s Highway runs from Amman to Aqaba.
What are the main stops on the Jordan’s King’s Highway?
The Jordan’s King’s Highway passes through Amman, Madaba, Karak.
How difficult is the Jordan’s King’s Highway to drive?
The Jordan’s King’s Highway is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Jordan’s King’s Highway in a regular car?
Yes — the Jordan’s King’s Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
How many fuel stops are needed on the Jordan’s King’s Highway?
Plan around 1 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Jordan’s King’s Highway, based on its about 560 km with Aqaba extension length.
Is the Jordan’s King’s Highway safe to drive?
As of July 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Jordan (Level 3; advisory issued May 4, 2026), with specified border areas, refugee camps and other locations at Level 4. Check the mapped itinerary and official advice again before departure. Mountain grades, winter weather and slow town traffic make short days sensible. Wadi Mujib trails are seasonal and can close for flash-flood risk; verify with Wild Jordan on the day.
What scenic tier is the Jordan’s King’s Highway?
The Jordan’s King’s Highway is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.