Travelling from Israel to Jordan can connect your journey with Petra’s ancient monuments, Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes, Amman’s neighbourhoods and Aqaba’s Red Sea coast.
However, crossing arrangements require advance planning. Your nationality, visa status, chosen crossing and travel date all affect your options. Opening hours and access can change at short notice, so avoid treating the journey as a guaranteed same-day connection.
This guide introduces the main routes and explains what to confirm before arranging the Jordanian part of your trip with Excursions Jordan.
The Three Main Land-Crossing Routes
Three principal crossings serve journeys between Jordan, Israel and the West Bank. They have different procedures and passenger eligibility rules.
| Crossing | Location and route considerations |
|---|---|
| Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin | Near Eilat and Aqaba; geographically convenient for southern Jordan. |
| Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River | A northern crossing that may suit onward journeys into northern Jordan or Amman. |
| King Hussein Bridge / Allenby | Connects the West Bank and Jordan; has distinct visa and passenger restrictions. |
The closest crossing is not necessarily the one you are eligible to use. Confirm the rules for your passport and travel circumstances before booking transport.
Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Crossing
The southern crossing lies near Eilat and Aqaba, making it a practical route to consider for an itinerary focused on Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra.
Before travelling, confirm:
Whether you need a visa or other approval in advance.
Any booking or organised-travel requirements.
Passenger admission hours for your intended date.
How you will reach the departure terminal.
Where your onward driver will meet you in Jordan.
Do not assume that a visa available at an airport is also available at this crossing. Likewise, a hotel or activity reservation does not itself establish permission to enter Jordan.
Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River Crossing
This northern route can suit travellers continuing towards northern Jordan or Amman.
Check the current operating schedule, including weekend and holiday arrangements. The last time passengers are admitted can be earlier than the terminal’s closing time.
Confirm visa eligibility separately and allow time for checks, terminal transport and onward travel. Avoid booking a tightly timed activity immediately after your expected arrival.
King Hussein Bridge / Allenby Crossing
King Hussein Bridge has procedures that differ from the other crossings. It connects the West Bank with Jordan and should not be treated as an interchangeable alternative.
Arrange the required Jordanian visa before travelling rather than expecting to obtain one at the bridge. Passenger eligibility also varies: Israeli citizens cannot use this terminal to enter Jordan.
Confirm any advance booking, terminal shuttle and luggage requirements for your circumstances. If your itinerary involves returning through the bridge, check those procedures separately rather than assuming they match your outward journey.
Can You Cross with a Rental Car?
Do not plan to take a rental vehicle across without explicit confirmation from both the rental company and the relevant authorities.
Rental agreements commonly restrict international travel, and terminal rules may prohibit rental vehicles. A workable alternative is to arrange transport to the departure side and a separate collection after completing entry into Jordan.
Private vehicles have their own requirements, potentially involving ownership documents, authorisation, insurance and customs procedures. Confirm these directly for your chosen crossing.
A private transfer booking does not automatically mean the same vehicle can cross the border.
Travelling by Bus or Taxi
Public transport may help you reach a nearby city, but it does not necessarily take you to the passenger terminal.
Plan the journey in separate stages:
Travel to the departure terminal.
Complete exit procedures and any required terminal transfer.
Complete Jordanian entry procedures.
Continue to your destination in Jordan.
Check each stage independently. An ordinary taxi may not be permitted to operate between terminals, and a mandatory shuttle may have a separate charge.
For onward transport, agree on the destination, total price, luggage allowance and waiting arrangements before confirming your booking.
Should You Book an Organised Tour?
An organised experience can simplify transport and sightseeing, but it cannot guarantee border access or replace the documents you need.
Before booking a cross-border itinerary, ask:
Does the service start before the crossing or only after entry into Jordan?
Who handles each transport stage?
Are visas, departure charges and terminal fees included?
Is Petra admission included?
What happens if the crossing closes or processing takes longer than expected?
Does the cancellation policy cover border disruption?
When browsing experiences on Excursions Jordan, check the stated departure point carefully. A tour beginning in Aqaba or Amman should not be assumed to include collection from Israel or assistance inside the terminal.
Budget for More Than the Transfer
The full journey may include several separate expenses:
| Possible expense | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Transport to the crossing | Collection point, fare and luggage capacity. |
| Departure charges | Current amount, exemptions and payment methods. |
| Terminal shuttle | Whether it is required and charged separately. |
| Jordanian visa | Eligibility, application procedure and cost. |
| Onward transport | Meeting point, waiting time and final destination. |
| Sightseeing | Admission, guiding and meals included in your booking. |
Avoid relying on an old package price or another traveller’s experience, as charges and eligibility can differ.
Where to Go After Entering Jordan
Aqaba and Wadi Rum
After entering through the southern crossing, you can plan time on Aqaba’s coast before continuing to Wadi Rum.
Allow flexibility between border arrival and any desert excursion. Confirm camp transfers and meeting points in advance.
Petra
For a more relaxed Petra visit, consider staying overnight in Wadi Musa rather than combining border formalities, a long transfer and extensive sightseeing in one day.
Check which admission category applies to your stay and whether your booked experience includes the ticket.
Amman and Northern Jordan
Depending on your crossing and route, continue towards Amman or arrange visits to northern destinations such as Jerash.
Choose an itinerary that allows realistic driving time and rest after the crossing.
Browse tours, transfers and local experiences across Jordan
Before You Travel
Reconfirm arrangements shortly before departure:
Check official travel advice for every part of your route.
Verify crossing availability and the final passenger admission time.
Confirm passport validity, visa requirements and passenger eligibility.
Save bookings and contact details offline.
Arrange a clear onward meeting point.
Check insurance coverage and cancellation conditions.
Leave flexibility for delays or changes.
Follow staff instructions at the terminal and observe restrictions on photography.
Plan Your Jordan Experience with Excursions Jordan
Once you have confirmed your crossing and entry arrangements, build an itinerary that gives Jordan’s destinations the time they deserve.
Excursions Jordan brings together activities from local providers across the country. Compare available experiences in Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra, Amman and beyond, checking collection points and inclusions before booking.
Discover tours, activities and local experiences with Excursions Jordan