The Kings Highway in Jordan: stops from Madaba to Petra, duration and tips
The Kings Highway is the old caravan road that crosses Jordan's highlands from Madaba to Petra, passing Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, Kerak, Dana and Shobak. You do it by car or with a driver, in one long day or better in two days with a night in Dana or Kerak; the road itself is free, only the sites have an entry fee (several are included in the Jordan Pass).
Highlights
Kerak
The great Crusader fortress, the central stop of the route: see Kerak Castle.
Dana
The stone village and the reserve, to sleep or hike for half a day: see Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Madaba and Mount Nebo
The usual start: the Madaba mosaic map and the view from Mount Nebo, see Madaba and Mount Nebo.
Wadi Mujib
A great valley the road crosses in hairpins; viewpoints over the gorge, with no paid entry at the roadside.
Shobak and Petra
The last stop: Shobak Castle, then Petra.
Practical info
Tips
- The usual order, north to south: Madaba, Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, Kerak, Dana, Shobak, Petra. Allow one long day by car with 3 to 4 stops, or two days with a night in Dana or Kerak. Times between stops depend on traffic and bends: leave margin, especially on the Wadi Mujib descent. The road is paved but winding, with lorries: drive by day. Fill up in Madaba or Kerak. To organise it: car rental, a private driver or a tour (multi-day tours in Jordan). The Jordan Pass covers the castles of Kerak and Shobak: see the Jordan Pass. The Kings Highway fits into Jordan in 7 days.
How to get there
From Amman, Madaba is reached in about 45 minutes (about 30 km). At the end, Shobak is about 40 km from Petra. Public transport is slow and impractical on this road: rental car, driver or tour. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for the day.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
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