How to Travel Jordan on a Budget
Travel Jordan on a budget by purchasing a Jordan Pass before arrival to cover your visa and entry fees, utilizing the JETT bus for intercity travel, and eating at local street stalls rather than tourist restaurants. You can comfortably explore the major sites for $70–$90 USD per day if you avoid high-end tour groups and book your own logistics.
- Buy the Jordan Pass. Purchase the 'Jordan Explorer' pass online before your flight. It costs 75 JOD ($106 USD) and covers your visa fee (which is 40 JOD alone) and entry to over 40 sites, including Petra and Jerash. This is non-negotiable for budget travelers.
- Use public and shared transit. Skip private taxis between cities. Use the JETT bus for reliable, scheduled travel between Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. For smaller routes, use 'servees' (shared local taxis) which depart only once full and cost a fraction of a private car.
- Sleep in hostels or family-run guesthouses. Avoid international hotel chains. Look for hostels in Amman (Rainbow Street area) or guesthouses in Wadi Musa. Expect to pay $15–$25 for a decent bed in a dorm or a simple private room.
- Eat like a local. Stick to falafel sandwiches (0.50–1 JOD) and chicken shawarma wraps (2–3 JOD). Sit-down meals in tourist hubs like Wadi Musa will double your daily spend. Buy water and snacks at local grocery stores, not hotel gift shops.
- Is it safe to travel alone in Jordan on a budget?
- Yes. Jordanians are incredibly hospitable. Stick to main roads, avoid traveling in remote desert areas at night, and keep your valuables in a secure money belt.
- Can I use credit cards everywhere?
- No. Outside of Amman and major hotels, cash is king. Keep plenty of small denominations of Jordanian Dinar on you for buses, snacks, and entrance fees.