Solo Female Travel in Jordan: A Practical Guide

Solo female travel in Jordan is safe and rewarding if you stick to main tourist routes and dress modestly to respect local customs. Rent a car for freedom between Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum, and always arrive at your next destination before sunset.

  1. Get the Jordan Pass. Purchase the Jordan Pass online before you fly. It covers your visa fee and entry to over 40 sites, including Petra. It saves you roughly $60 USD and streamlines entry processes.
  2. Choose your transport. Rent a car if you are comfortable driving. The highways are well-maintained. If not, use JETT buses for major routes between Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. Avoid local microbuses if you are solo, as they only depart when full and lack fixed schedules.
  3. Respect the dress code. In Amman and rural areas, keep shoulders and knees covered. Loose-fitting linen trousers and shirts are ideal. You do not need to cover your hair, but carrying a light scarf is useful for impromptu mosque visits.
  4. Time your arrivals. Plan to reach your accommodation by 4:00 PM. Jordan is conservative, and streets become empty and quiet after dark. Walking alone at night is discouraged for solo women.
Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?
Yes. Jordanian culture is generally hospitable and respectful. You may get some stares, but ignoring them and acting with confidence is standard practice.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
No. English is widely spoken in all tourist hubs and by anyone under 40 in cities. A few polite phrases like 'Shukran' (thank you) go a long way.