Is one week enough time for Jordan?

Yes, one week covers the main highlights well. You'll see Petra properly, experience the desert, and get a taste of Amman culture. Two weeks would let you add Jerash ruins and more Dead Sea time.

Do I need a car or can I use public transport?

Rental car gives you most flexibility and costs about the same as tours. Public buses exist but are slow and don't go directly to tourist sites. Many travelers do a mix: tours for Petra and Wadi Rum, car for Dead Sea and general transport.

How much should I tip guides and drivers?

Tip 10-15% for good service. For day-long guides, 5-10 JOD is appropriate. For Wadi Rum Bedouin guides, 3-5 JOD per person per day. Hotel porters expect 1-2 JOD.

What if I only have 5 days instead of 7?

Skip the Dead Sea day trip and one full day in Amman. Focus on: 1 day Amman arrival, 2 days Petra, 1 day Wadi Rum, 1 day return to Amman and fly out. This covers the absolute must-sees.

How to spend one week in Jordan

Seven days gives you enough time to see Petra, float in the Dead Sea, explore Amman, and experience Wadi Rum desert. Fly into Amman, rent a car or book tours, and expect to spend $80-120 per day including accommodation, food, and activities.

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, explore downtown. Land at Queen Alia International Airport. Take the airport bus to downtown Amman for 3 JOD or taxi for 25 JOD. Check into your hotel in Rainbow Street area. Walk the Citadel and Roman Theatre before sunset. Eat dinner on Rainbow Street.
Day 2: Amman to Dead Sea (1 hour drive). Pick up rental car or take tourist shuttle. Drive to Dead Sea resort area. Book a day pass at a beach resort (15-25 JOD) or stay overnight. Float in the water, cover yourself in mud. Return to Amman evening or sleep at Dead Sea resort.
Day 3: Amman to Petra via Desert Highway. Drive 3 hours south to Wadi Musa (Petra town). Check into hotel near Petra entrance. Buy 2-day Petra ticket (55 JOD). Enter Petra at 2pm, walk to Treasury, explore Street of Facades. Exit before closing at 6pm.
Day 4: Full day in Petra. Enter Petra at 6am opening. Hike to Monastery (Ad Deir) - 2.5 hours round trip, moderate difficulty. Return to Treasury area for lunch. Climb to High Place of Sacrifice for sunset views if energy remains. Exit at closing.
Day 5: Petra to Wadi Rum (1.5 hour drive). Check out of Petra hotel. Drive to Wadi Rum village. Book jeep tour with Bedouin camp (40-60 JOD includes dinner and breakfast). See rock bridges, Lawrence's Spring, sunset from high dunes. Sleep under stars in desert camp.
Day 6: Wadi Rum to Aqaba, then back to Amman. Morning camel ride or more jeep touring in Wadi Rum. Drive 1 hour to Aqaba for Red Sea lunch and quick snorkel (optional). Drive 4 hours back to Amman or fly Aqaba to Amman (45 minutes, about 100 JOD).
Day 7: Final Amman day and departure. Last-minute souvenir shopping in downtown souks or Abdoun Mall. Visit Jordan Museum if time allows (5 JOD entry). Head to airport 3 hours before international flights. Airport bus costs 3 JOD from downtown.

Is one week enough time for Jordan?: Yes, one week covers the main highlights well. You'll see Petra properly, experience the desert, and get a taste of Amman culture. Two weeks would let you add Jerash ruins and more Dead Sea time.
Do I need a car or can I use public transport?: Rental car gives you most flexibility and costs about the same as tours. Public buses exist but are slow and don't go directly to tourist sites. Many travelers do a mix: tours for Petra and Wadi Rum, car for Dead Sea and general transport.
How much should I tip guides and drivers?: Tip 10-15% for good service. For day-long guides, 5-10 JOD is appropriate. For Wadi Rum Bedouin guides, 3-5 JOD per person per day. Hotel porters expect 1-2 JOD.
What if I only have 5 days instead of 7?: Skip the Dead Sea day trip and one full day in Amman. Focus on: 1 day Amman arrival, 2 days Petra, 1 day Wadi Rum, 1 day return to Amman and fly out. This covers the absolute must-sees.