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Jordan · Red Sea Coast

Aqaba

Jordan's Red Sea — diving, coral reefs + gateway to Wadi Rum + Petra

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city — Red Sea diving with coral reefs, WWII shipwrecks + Cedar Pride wreck. Duty-free port + gateway to Wadi Rum (2h) + Petra (2h). Warmer year-round than the north — perfect winter escape.

Airport
King Hussein AQJ — 20 min to city
From Amman
45 min flight or 4h bus
Duty-free status
ASEZ special economic zone
Best season
October-May

Aqaba highlights

Red Sea diving

Cedar Pride wreck, Japanese Gardens, Big Bay coral reef. Aqaba Marine Park protects the coastline.

Snorkelling at the Marine Park

Free public beach + shallow reef. Good for non-divers. Bring your own gear or rent from dive shops.

Ayla Oasis lagoon + hotels

Man-made lagoon on the northern beach — Al Manara Boutique, Mövenpick + Kempinski Aqaba.

Aqaba Castle

16th-century Mamluk fortress on the corniche. JOD 3 entry.

Sunset dinner at the port

The Old Waterfront restaurants — fresh fish + view of Israel/Egypt/Saudi Arabia across the bay.

Wadi Rum day trip

2h drive north — see the Mars-like desert as a day trip if you can't spend a night.

Petra day trip

2h north — long day but doable. Depart 06:00, back 20:00. Rental car or private driver.

Getting there

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) has direct flights from Amman (45 min), European charters. 20 min from city. Bus from Amman 4h.

Getting around

Taxi + Careem operate. Rent a car for Wadi Rum + Petra day trips.

Best time to visit

October-May (mild, warm sea). June-September very hot (40°C+).

Budget per day

$30-60 backpacker · $80-180 mid-range · $300+ luxury (Kempinski Aqaba, Mövenpick Tala Bay)

Airport transfer from King Hussein International (Aqaba) (AQJ)

Getting out of Aqaba (AQJ)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Where to stay in Aqaba

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Frequently asked about Aqaba

Should I fly to Aqaba or Amman?
Amman for Petra + Dead Sea + Amman itself. Aqaba if you're focused on diving + Wadi Rum + Petra. Many travellers fly into one + out of the other.
How many days do I need in Aqaba?
2-3 days — day 1 dive Cedar Pride, day 2 snorkel Marine Park + Ayla lagoon, day 3 Wadi Rum or Petra day trip. Or fly in + out same day for onward Wadi Rum.
Is Aqaba safe?
Very safe — Jordan's biggest tourist Red Sea resort. Border crossings to Israel (Eilat) + Egypt (Taba/Nuweiba) are common.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba?
October-May — mild + warm sea for swimming. Winter (December-February) is the perfect winter beach escape from cold northern countries.