The treasures of Jordan have beenguiled visitors for hundreds of years, from the cliff-carved city of Petra to the sand dunes of Wadi Rum.

Travelers can now afford to visit Jordan's most popular tourist attractions thanks to this program. The Jordan Pass is a good choice for most visitors.

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What is the Jordan Pass?

The Jordan Pass package combines a tourist visa with admission to a number of tourist sites for a discounted price. Depending on whether you want to visit Petra for one, two or three days, there are three different prices to choose from.

A Bedouin guide leads his two dromedary camels over the tall dunes of Wadi Rum, Jordan, Middle East
Access to the Mars-like landscapes of Wadi Rum is included with the Jordan Pass © Tom Mackie / Lonely Planet

Is getting a Jordan Pass worth it?

Travelers who are interested in the Jordan Pass.

  • traveling independently (not with a tour group)
  • eligible for a visa on arrival
  • planning to visit Petra
  • planning to spend at least three nights in Jordan 

You won't be able to take advantage of the savings if you only stay in Jordan for a single day. It doesn't make sense to buy the pass if you aren't planning to go to Petra We think anyone who comes to the country shouldn't miss this place.

The visa fee for the Jordan Pass depends on your country of origin. Travelers from more than 100 countries can get a visa. If you purchase the Jordan Pass online before you arrive in the country, you will not have to pay the visa fee. Even though Petra is the only site included with the Jordan Pass, it's still a good deal.

The Jordan Pass is probably not worth it if you are travelling with a tour operator. Do you know if site entry fees are included in your tour?

The entry fee for Petra is 50 US dollars for one day, 55 US dollars for two days or 60 US dollars for three days. There are multiple price points for the Jordan Pass.

The Jordan Pass has a lot to offer.

If you have only a few days in Jordan…

Don't miss the highlights. Plan at least one full day to cover a good amount of ground in Petra, then spend a night or two in Wadi Rum, one of the sites included with the Jordan Pass.

One day in Petra might be enough for a casual visitor, but hikers and history buffs will want to have more time to explore. If you choose the three-day Jordan Pass, you can visit the High Place of Sacrifice, one of the best viewpoints of the region, and a site that is said to be the burial place of Aaron.

You can enjoy the slow pace in Wadi Rum after you have been to Petra. Hike and camp with local Bedouin and explore the craggy rock faces and sand dunes.

A couple points to an ancient Roman arch at the archeological site of Jerash, Jordan, Middle East
The ruins of the ancient Roman city of Jerash are among the best-preserved you’ll find, and admission is included with the Jordan Pass © Irene Sánchez / EyeEm / Getty Images

If you have a week in Jordan… 

Take a road trip to see some attractions. One of the best preserved Roman cities in the world is located less than an hour's drive from Amman. You can hire a guide to show you around and tell you stories about the place.

If you have time to spare, you can add the Ajloun Castle to your Jordan Pass itinerary.

If you time it right, you can see the views from atop the capital's highest hill after visiting the nearby Citadel. One of the largest Crusader castles in the region and a fee-free attraction for Jordan Pass holders can be found at Karak Castle.

Add a day in Aqaba for snorkeling and two more Jordan Pass attractions: Aqaba Fort and Aqaba Museum.

If you’re interested in religious sites…

Madaba must be included on your itinerary. You can take a day trip from Amman to the Dead Sea or southern Jordan. When you arrive in Jordan, Madaba is a good place to spend your first day or night.

The Madaba Museum and the Madaba Archaeological Park are included in the Jordan Pass, and you can find Byzantine-era mosaics, archaeological exhibits, a preserved section of Roman road, and Ottoman buildings. St George's Church is not included in the Jordan Pass, but it is worth a visit if you are in town.

Two hikers on the Jordan Trail through rock formations in Bedouin country to the north of Petra, Jordan, Middle East
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can reach several Jordan Pass sites on foot by hiking the Jordan Trail © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

If you want to get off the beaten track…

The Jordan Pass has access to a number of interesting sites further away from the tourist trail.

The best-preserved Byzantine town in the region, Umm Al Jimal, is located off the beaten path in northern Jordan.

If you are staying in Amman, you can take a day trip to the Iraq Al Amir Cooperative, where you can enjoy lunch and handicraft workshops before the sun goes down. The Jordan Pass includes entrance to the site and activities at the women's cooperative.

If you are traveling through Jordan on the King's Highway, you should stop at Umm Ar-Rasas, a UNESCO-listed site where you will find gorgeous stone arches and very few, if any, other visitors.

Hiking the Jordan Trail is one of the best ways to get around Jordan and get the most out of the Jordan Pass. The Jordan Pass includes a number of sites along the Jordan Trail. Since you won't have time to cover the full Jordan Trail, we recommend you choose a section that suits your interests.

The article was first published about a year ago.