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[manzara]

We are spending five nights in Jordan next month on arriving at Aqaba. We plan to drive to Petra where we shall stay three nights. Is it a fairly easy and quite well signposted journey and how long should it take? Any hints?

After leaving Petra, we are heading up to the Dead Sea, in the Madaba area. Apparently, taking the Desert Highway will be much quicker, but what are the advantages of using the King's Highway - and the difference in journey times? We'd plan to spend the day on the journey and probably have brief stops en route.

Thanks for your help.

[starlagurl]

How far is Aqaba from Wadi Rum?

I see this on Wikitravel:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Petra#Get_in
The minibus from Wadi Rum costs 3 Jordanian Dinars (JD) each. It takes 1.5 hours to get to Petra. Have the Rum Guesthouse or your tour operator call the bus owner the day before to arrange an exact time for pick up. The bus usually leaves from Wadi Rum at 8:30 in the morning, but may be delayed due to weather or tour groups coming the other way.

[_tz_]

We are spending five nights in Jordan next month on arriving at Aqaba. We plan to drive to Petra where we shall stay three nights. Is it a fairly easy and quite well signposted journey and how long should it take? Any hints?

After leaving Petra, we are heading up to the Dead Sea, in the Madaba area. Apparently, taking the Desert Highway will be much quicker, but what are the advantages of using the King's Highway - and the difference in journey times? We'd plan to spend the day on the journey and probably have brief stops en route.

Thanks for your help.

You drive means you have a car? Than no problem, you will find the way to Wadi Mousa/Petra, there are signs. You can make it in about 60-90 min. If you drive during the day, allow some more time to stop and enjoy the desert.
If you do not have a car, you can get a taxi or minibus from Aqaba, no problem.

Taking the King's Highway from here to Madaba will take you a little longer, but it is a drive with beautiful views and many sights to stop for on - or a couple of kilometers off - the road. Allow yourself at least half a day, so you can stop and explore without any pressure. IMHO, King's Highway goes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Jordan.

You need more information or tips about the area here, ask! otherwise enjoy your trip.

Greetings from Petra,
Andy

[manzara]

Many thanks for your replies.

Yes, we shall have a hire car Andy. It will give us much more flexibility.

I think the King's Highway is definitetly the way to head north. You've sold it to us!

Can't promise I won't get back to you before we leave in three weeks time!

Thanks again.

David

[manzara]

I told you I'd be back!

Looking at the map, and considering we have now decided to stay for a night or two close to the northern shores of the Dead Sea I am wondering if the journey from Petra would be more interesting as follows:

The King's Highway north then taking Highway 50 through Al Karak to join the Dead Sea Highway for the remainder of the journey?

Is this a reasonable option now we are not heading for Madaba?

Thanks again.

[_tz_]

I told you I'd be back!

Looking at the map, and considering we have now decided to stay for a night or two close to the northern shores of the Dead Sea I am wondering if the journey from Petra would be more interesting as follows:

The King's Highway north then taking Highway 50 through Al Karak to join the Dead Sea Highway for the remainder of the journey?

Is this a reasonable option now we are not heading for Madaba?

Thanks again.

You're welcome

Well, it is a good option to cross to the Dead Sea HW at Kerak, it is a very nice road, especially in the evening when sun sets.
If you are not interested in Mt. Nebo or the mosaics at Madaba, the only reason to go there would be that hotels there are a lot cheaper than on the Dead Sea coast. If this is OK for you, skip Madaba and enjoy the Wadis and canyons along the Dead Sea HW!

Andy

[manzara]

Hello again Andy,

That's what we'll do!

I'm really grateful for your help and advice. Looking forward to Sinai and Jordan in three week's time!