3 days in Jordan: Start in Amman or Aqaba

Three days in Jordan is a whirlwind of a visit. Plan as much into your days as possible to see what you want to see in the time you have. Typically 3 day trips to Jordan either start in Amman or Aqaba, but then there are also trips that start in Jerusalem or Eliat. An Itinerary for 3 days in Jordan almost always involves Petra, and usually a quick trip to Wadi Rum. It can also include Jerash or Amman or the Dead Sea, but there is not much time to see very much. Below I have put together a few popular itineraries, If you are not picky, go with the first one. If there is something you like more about the second one, go with it instead. My goal here is to give you options and let you decide which one suits your trip to Jordan best!

What to see in Jordan in 3 days

Itinerary for 3 Days in Jordan (starting in Aqaba)

Day 1

Today you will drive to the Dead Sea to float at the lowest place on earth. It is close to 4 hours drive, so ensure you are rested. After floating at the Dead Sea, you can spend the night there or drive to Amman for the evening.

Recommendations:

5 things to do in Amman at night.

You are going to need a car for your trip. I always suggest an aggregator like this one or this one that shows you a range of brands.

If you choose to stay in Amman, here are some of the best places to stay. If you choose the Dead Sea, choose one of these hotels.

Day 2

After breakfast drive to Petra and half day Petra visit. You will have the opportunity the visit Petra again tomorrow as well, but use this one-day itinerary to guide your day. Overnight in Petra. You can do Petra by night tonight.

Recommendations:

Here is a list of hotels near the Petra site entrance. If you have a car you can also choose to stay farther away and drive to the visitor’s centre.

After your Petra visit, consider eating in one of these restaurants in Wadi Musa (the town where Petra is located).

Day 3

Spend the morning in Petra or drive 15 mins to Little Petra. Continue to Wadi Rum for Jeep tour and overnight in a Bedouin Tent

Recommendations:

Take a Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum and then stay in one of these Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum. If you dream to stay in a domed martian tent while you are in the desert, check out this list of best spots for glamping in Wadi Rum.

Day 4

Drive back to Aqaba for departure.

With these quick itineraries, when you arrive and hit the ground running really depends on your flights. This itinerary is actually 4 days and assume you arrive in the morning of day 1. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have to skip the Dead Sea and Amman or drive to Amman and then back to Petra which means over 7 hours driving in just one day.

Itinerary for 3 days in Jordan (starting and ending in Amman)

Day 1

Today you will explore Amman Citadel, Roman Theatre, drive to Jerash, and then back to Amman for overnight.

Alternate: After Jerash overnight at the Dead Sea.

Recommendations:

If you choose to stay in Amman, here are some of the best places to stay. If you choose the Dead Sea, choose one of these hotels.

You are going to need a car for your trip. I always suggest an aggregator like this one or this one that shows you a range of brands.

Day 2

Drive to Petra and Petra Visit. You can either go to Little Petra or enjoy another few hours in Petra tomorrow, but use this 1 day in Petra guide for your day. Overnight in Petra

Recommendations:

Here is a list of hotels near the Petra site entrance. If you have a car you can also choose to stay farther away and drive to the visitor’s centre.

After your Petra visit, consider eating in one of these restaurants in Wadi Musa (the town where Petra is located).

Day 3

Little Petra or Petra half day, then drive to Wadi Rum and overnight in a bedouin camp.

Recommendations:

Take a Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum and then stay in one of these Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum. If you dream to stay in a domed martian tent while you are in the desert, check out this list of best spots for glamping in Wadi Rum.

Day 4

Drive back to Amman for departure. If your flight is very late you can stop at the Dead Sea before your flight.

With these quick itineraries, when you arrive and hit the ground running really depends on your flights. This itinerary is actually 4 days and assume you arrive in the morning of day 1. If you arrive in the evening of day 1 you may have to drop Jerash.

Overwhelmed with Planning a trip to Jordan?

Want to skip all of the planning and access my detailed Jordan Itinerary and Guide? I have been to Jordan several times and after being asked again and again for suggestions, not only did I build this website but I created an interactive PDF guide to help you plan the best trip to Jordan! It includes an interactive map, multiple itineraries for up to 10 days and as little as three days and plenty of practical information about renting a car and driving in Jordan. Get the guide by clicking the button below. 

Step into Jordan Guide and Itinerary Preview of Cover

Sharing is caring!