RoadAtlas
Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan — Historical
Middle East

Kings Highway, Jordan

Jordan

In short: Kings Highway, Jordan is a 450 km historical road trip in Jordan, typically driven over 3–5 days, best in Oct–Apr. Highlights: Amman, Madaba, Kerak Castle.

Distance
450 km
Duration
3–5 days
Best Season
Oct–Apr
LegendaryEasyHistorical

One of the world's oldest continuously used roads, the Kings Highway from Amman south through Madaba's Byzantine mosaics, the Crusader castle of Kerak, the rose-red city of Petra's rock-carved temples, and the vast sandstone wilderness of Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia waged his desert campaign. Three thousand years of trade routes in one drive.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
This is mainly paved and straightforward, but the mountain sections between Amman, Karak, and Tafila can be slow with steep grades, blind bends, and winter rain or occasional snow. Fuel up before leaving the main towns, and plan shorter driving days if you want time for Petra and Wadi Rum access roads.
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Stops along the route

Amman — Departure — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Departure
Amman
The Roman Citadel, a 6,000-seat theatre still in use, and the souqs of East Amman frame a city where ancient and modern coexist gracefully.
Hotels
Madaba — City — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
City
Madaba
The 6th-century Madaba Map, oldest cartographic depiction of the Holy Land, is embedded in the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St George.
Hotels
Aqaba — Arrival — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Arrival
Aqaba
Jordan's only sea outlet on the Red Sea. World-class reef diving includes the Cedar Pride wreck, deliberately sunk as an artificial reef.
Hotels

Things to Do

Kerak Castle — Landmark — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Landmark
Kerak Castle
A Crusader fortress besieged seven times by Saladin before falling in 1188. Views reach the Dead Sea on clear days.
Petra — Landmark — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Landmark
Petra
The Nabataean capital entered through the 1.2 km Siq gorge to the Treasury's 43m facade. The Monastery and High Place extend for kilometres beyond.
Wadi Rum — Nature — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Nature
Wadi Rum
Lawrence of Arabia's sandstone wilderness: 720 sq km of rust-red canyons, arches, and towering jebels. Bedouin camps offer nights under the stars.
Mount Nebo — Historic Site — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Historic Site
Mount Nebo
A biblical site near Madaba offering panoramic views of the Holy Land and the Dead Sea.
Dana Biosphere Reserve — Nature Reserve — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Nature Reserve
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan's largest nature reserve, offering diverse wildlife and hiking trails through stunning landscapes.
Aqaba Marine Park — Marine Park — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Marine Park
Aqaba Marine Park
A protected area in Aqaba ideal for snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Wadi Mujib — Canyon — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Canyon
Wadi Mujib
A dramatic canyon near the Dead Sea, offering adventurous hikes and water treks through its gorges.

Where to Eat

Haret Jdoudna — Middle Eastern — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Middle Eastern
Haret Jdoudna
A charming restaurant in Madaba offering traditional Jordanian dishes in a historic setting with live music.
Al Qantarah — Jordanian — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Jordanian
Al Qantarah
Located in Petra, this restaurant serves authentic Jordanian cuisine with a view of the ancient city.
Red Sea Grill — Seafood — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Seafood
Red Sea Grill
A seaside restaurant in Aqaba known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the Red Sea.
Al Qidra Restaurant — Middle Eastern — Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan
Middle Eastern
Al Qidra Restaurant
A popular spot in Wadi Rum offering traditional Bedouin dishes in a desert camp setting.

Explore related routes

Jordan road trips Legendary Desert RoadsHistoric Road Trips Middle East routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Kings Highway, Jordan drive?

The Kings Highway, Jordan covers 450 km from start to finish.

How long does the Kings Highway, Jordan take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–5 days on the Kings Highway, Jordan, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Kings Highway, Jordan?

The recommended season for the Kings Highway, Jordan is Oct–Apr.

Where does the Kings Highway, Jordan start and end?

The Kings Highway, Jordan runs from Amman to Aqaba.

What are the main stops on the Kings Highway, Jordan?

The Kings Highway, Jordan passes through Amman, Madaba, Kerak Castle.

Can I drive the Kings Highway, Jordan in a regular car?

Yes — the Kings Highway, Jordan is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Kings Highway, Jordan?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Kings Highway, Jordan, based on its 450 km length.

Is the Kings Highway, Jordan safe to drive?

This is mainly paved and straightforward, but the mountain sections between Amman, Karak, and Tafila can be slow with steep grades, blind bends, and winter rain or occasional snow. Fuel up before leaving the main towns, and plan shorter driving days if you want time for Petra and Wadi Rum access roads.

What scenic tier is the Kings Highway, Jordan?

The Kings Highway, Jordan 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.