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How to get from Dahab to Wadi Rum
From Dahab to Wadi Rum you cross from Egypt into Jordan by ferry: about 1 h by road to Nuweiba, then a ferry to Aqaba that is scheduled at a few hours but often delayed. From Aqaba it is about 1 h by taxi to Wadi Rum. Plan a full day and check the ferry and border situation before you go.
Best option: Ferry. The Nuweiba–Aqaba ferry is the only direct crossing between Sinai and southern Jordan.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry Taxi or bus from Dahab to Nuweiba port, then the ferry to Aqaba (AB Maritime) | about 1 h by road plus a ferry of several hours including delays | about one sailing a day, sometimes fewer | about US$75–110 for the ferry | Departure times are unreliable; arrive early and expect to wait. Check current status before travelling. |
| taxi From Aqaba port, taxi to Wadi Rum village or your desert camp meeting point | about 1 h | on demand | about JOD 25–40 | Many camps can arrange a pick-up in Aqaba. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Aqaba is in a special economic zone where many nationalities get a free visa; check current rules, or consider the Jordan Pass if visiting Petra.
- Bring US dollars for the ferry ticket and some Jordanian dinars for the taxi.
- Book your Wadi Rum camp in advance and arrange the pick-up time loosely, given ferry delays.
- Check government travel advice for Sinai and the Egypt–Jordan route before travelling.
Common questions
How do I get from Dahab to Wadi Rum?
Travel about 1 hour by road from Dahab to Nuweiba port, take the ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba to Aqaba in Jordan, then a taxi of about 1 hour to Wadi Rum. The ferry timetable is unreliable and delays of several hours are common, so plan a full day and stay flexible.
Do I need a visa for Jordan when arriving in Aqaba?
Many nationalities can enter Jordan at Aqaba with a free visa under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone rules, provided they meet the conditions; others buy a visa or use the Jordan Pass, which also covers Petra. Rules change, so check the current Jordanian requirements for your passport before you travel.
Is there a bus from Dahab to Aqaba?
There is no direct bus that crosses the sea; you need the Nuweiba–Aqaba ferry. Buses and taxis run from Dahab to Nuweiba. Overland routes via Taba depend on crossing through a third country and on the current border and security situation, so check carefully before considering them.
Can I do Wadi Rum as a day trip from Dahab?
No. The ferry crossing alone can take most of a day, and you need time for the border, the taxi and the desert itself. Plan at least one night in a Wadi Rum camp, and ideally combine it with Petra, about 2 hours further north.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.