11 Essential Tips for Exploring Jordan on a Budget

While Jordan may not be seen as a budget-friendly destination, you can save money with some insider knowledge and a few adjustments to your plans.

Accommodation, guided tours, entry fees, and dining can quickly add up, but our top tips will guide you on how to enjoy Jordan without breaking the bank.

1. Get the Jordan Pass

If you plan to stay in Jordan for at least three nights and qualify for a visa on arrival, invest in the Jordan Pass. Priced the same as the entry fee to Petra, this pass includes your visa, access to Petra (for one, two, or three days based on your selection), and entry to about 40 attractions throughout the country.

2. Grab Winter Deals

Jordan's winters are brief but chilly and wet, leading to fewer visitors and lower prices from late November to February. You can save on accommodations and tours, but be prepared to be flexible with your plans, as wind, rain, and occasionally snow can lead to cancellations.

If you're heading to Jordan during winter, make sure to pack suitable cold-weather attire, especially if you plan to hike or stay overnight in Bedouin tents in Wadi Rum. If possible, avoid visiting in January, as it tends to be the coldest and wettest month. However, you can still enjoy pleasant weather in Aqaba and at the Dead Sea during this season.

3. Avoid Foreign Chain Hotels

Accommodations in Jordan can be expensive. Consider budget-friendly hostels like Nomads Hotel, available in Amman and Petra, or Carob Hostel, which offers simple, affordable stays.

Staying in a hostel connects you with knowledgeable staff and fellow travelers who can provide tips on great value options, help arrange budget tours, and share costs for meals and transport if you team up.

Inquire at your hostel or hotel about shuttle or taxi services. Some places provide airport shuttles, while others offer rides to popular destinations like Petra, and many can arrange taxis and tours that may not be widely advertised.

Choosing locally owned boutique hotels can also help reduce accommodation costs. Their rates are generally lower than those of chain hotels, and you might be able to negotiate a better price if you book directly.

4. Explore Amman Without Spending a Dime

You don't need a fat wallet to enjoy Amman. Free activities abound, such as a walking tour starting outside the Pasha Hotel (just ask at the reception), visiting a mosque, people-watching on Rainbow Street or in Al Balad, and joining Running Amman for some exercise. While the capital may have a reputation for being costly, there are numerous free attractions in Amman.

5. Purchase Alcohol at the Airport or Go Dry

Alcohol in Jordan comes with a hefty price tag, comparable to cities like Los Angeles. Visitors can buy one liter of alcohol at duty-free shops, either upon arrival at the airport or within 14 days at the Duty Free Shop on Al Abdali Boulevard. To save money, consider skipping alcohol altogether and enjoy a dry vacation instead.

6. Opt for On-the-Go Meals Instead of Dining Out

Jordan is rich in fruit and vegetable markets, convenience stores, and grocery shops, making it easy to save on food. Pack a reusable cooler bag to gather snacks and produce, and treat yourself to fresh falafel and hummus for just a few dinars. Enjoy your meals at your accommodation or have a picnic in a park or on a hiking trail.

Imported foods tend to be pricier, so steer clear of the brands you're used to back home. Don’t forget to try some Medjool dates—they're locally grown, travel well, and are packed with antioxidants and nutrients.

If you crave a home-cooked meal, consider a multi-course feast at Galsoum’s Kitchen in Umm Qais for JD15 per person. It’s often more budget-friendly—and arguably tastier—than a restaurant meal, plus you get the unique experience of dining with a local family.

7. Join a Conservation Group for Hiking

While private guided tours can be expensive, budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy the experience. EcoHikers, a Jordanian environmental organization with the slogan “let’s clean as we hike,” provides affordable guided group hikes to various locations across the country (check their Facebook and Instagram for details on upcoming hikes).

Hikes typically start in Amman, and the package includes transportation, gear for trail cleanups, and a knowledgeable guide. Both locals and visitors participate, making it a wonderful opportunity to engage in a meaningful activity while learning about the land, culture, and each other.

8. Take a Bus to Petra

Use the JTT bus service to reach Petra and save on the costs of hiring a private driver and guide. The air-conditioned buses run routes including Amman to Petra, Amman to Aqaba, and Aqaba to Wadi Rum.

The bus company also provides daily tours to various popular attractions as part of its tourism offerings. While the schedule is available online, it may change, so it’s advisable to call ahead or visit the JTT office in person to secure your ticket.

9. Opt for a Budget-Friendly Dead Sea Experience

Dead Sea resort rates vary widely, ranging from JD85 to JD380 per night. To enjoy the Dead Sea without breaking the bank, consider purchasing a day pass instead of booking an overnight stay. Plan a day trip from Amman or Madaba, where you can find more affordable accommodations, or include it as a stop on your journey from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba.

Day pass prices can fluctuate, so it’s wise to contact hotels to compare options that fit your budget. The Dead Sea Spa Hotel offers one of the most affordable rates at approximately JD20 per person, while the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea charges about JD35 per person.

If you’re traveling alone, these day-pass prices can be economical, but for couples or groups, the costs can accumulate quickly—consider opting for a budget hotel and staying overnight instead. Also, keep in mind that weekend rates are often higher, so planning your visit for weekdays can lead to savings as well.

10. Create Your Own Souvenirs

Participate in a handicraft workshop to enjoy a dual benefit: an engaging activity for your itinerary and a unique souvenir to take home. Join a basket-weaving class or a stonemasonry session in Umm Qais, a mosaic-making workshop in Amman, an Aqabawi handicraft class, or a Bedouyat ceramic lesson in Aqaba.

11. Avoid the Rush of Trying to Do Everything

With so much to see and do in Jordan, crafting the ideal budget itinerary can feel daunting. Accommodation costs, entry fees, guided tours, and intercity transport can quickly add up. To save money, prioritize your top two or three activities and fully immerse yourself in those experiences instead of trying to fit everything in.

Daily Expenses in Jordan

• Hostel dorm bed: JD18–40

• Standard room for two: JD75–150

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): JD45+ per night

• Coffee: under JD1

• Sandwich: JD1–6

• Dinner for two: JD20-35