Visitors to the Middle East are often looking for information on how to travel from Jordan to Egypt. If you are one of these travellers, you are in the right place. I have taken this ferry and have written everything you need to know about travelling on the Jordan to Egypt ferry.
While air travel in and out of countries is usually organized and quite easy (as well as similar from country to country), traveling by ferry can be more chaotic but also more hurry up and wait. I found that there are several queues and several times I had to present my passport and have my luggage scanned. Pack your patience when traveling by boat from Jordan to Egypt.
Ferry from Jordan to Egypt
Travelling from Jordan to Egypt by Ferry is quite easy, but not always painless and probably more expensive than you might think. Ferries take tourists from Jordan to Egypt or Egypt to Jordan across the Gulf of Aqaba, daily. Certain vessels also move cargo, vehicles, and Jordanians or Egyptians who might be traveling for work or a vacation themselves.
DON’T NEED DETAILS? GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Here are a few things you will need to know about taking a ferry from Jordan to Egypt (or the other way around):
- There are two main ports in Egypt on the Red Sea, Nuweiba and Taba in Egypt, and Aqaba in Jordan. That is the first thing you need to know. If you are in Sharm el Sheikh, you will need to travel to Nuweiba by car. It takes about 2 hours.
- There are not a lot of ferry companies to choose from, AB Maritime is the company that manages the ferries that run from Jordan to Egypt and back. You can book the ferry online.
- Israeli Passports stamps (or cards or declarations of visiting Israel) are not a problem for visiting Egypt from Jordan.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Egypt.
How to Travel from Jordan to Egypt
AB Maritime is the company that runs the vessels across the Gulf of Aqaba between the two countries. Their timetables change seasonally. Check your dates at the link below.
Aqaba / Nuweiba
Aqaba to Nuweiba runs daily at 10pm (arrival 2:30am)BOOK HERE
Nuweiba to Aqaba for those returning to Jordan runs daily at 12pm (arrival 4:30 pm) BOOK HERE
*** These are subject to change seasonally and my ferry was over an hour late
Aqaba / Taba
Aqaba to Taba runs 5 times a week (changes seasonally, so check the link below)
Taba to Aqaba runs Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday leaves at 1:30pm (arrives 2:30pm)
*** these are subject to change DAILY and my ferry into Taba was on time but our return ferry left 3 hours after the scheduled time (but the agents had informed us of the time the night before)
I have a complete post on the crossing from Aqaba to Taba for details on that route!
Prices of the Egypt / Jordan Ferries
The ferry price for one way from Aqaba – Nuweiba is around USD110
Round Trip price Aqaba – Nuweiba – Aqaba is a bit cheaper when purchased together.
Ferries to Taba are sold as round trip only
Aqaba – Taba are around USD70 one way and USD115 booked as a round trip
These prices do not include Jordan Exit tax (mentioned in next section)
Leaving Jordan
When leaving Jordan in Aqaba by ferry, you will need to go through exit customs and pay JD10 departure tax. Your luggage will be scanned (customs is usually looking for illegal exports such as antiquities).
Entering Egypt
On arrival at the port, you will have your luggage scanned (again) as well as a metal detector (a VERY sensitive one, take off all jewelry, belts etc) before the customs agent. There is only one booth and one queue for the whole boat. If you are visiting in the hot months, ensure you have something to cover your head and some water, as it can be upwards of an hour before your passport is stamped and you can leave the port.
What you need to know about Egyptian Visas When Arriving from Jordan By Ferry
On Arrival in Egypt, you will be given a free visa, but it has conditions. It is ONLY valid for the Sinai region (Taba / Nuweiba / Sharm el Sheikh / Dahab etc). You can see the differences in the photos below.
Buying Tickets in Aqaba
You can book your tickets online in advance. There is also a ferry office in Aqaba.
Lindsay has been visiting Jordan for the past 10 years and built this website because of the lack of practical and updated information online. Lindsay is also the owner of Amman Food Tours, a social enterprise that is women-owned and hires local female guides. This project provides meaningful employment for women in Amman.