The Jordan Bike Trail is Jordan’s national cycling route: about 730 km from the Roman ruins of Umm Qais in the far north to Aqaba on the Red Sea, usually ridden in around 12 days. Roughly 60% is off-road, on dirt tracks, desert sand and quiet village roads, passing Dana, Petra and Wadi Rum. Experience Jordan Adventures developed the trail, and we guide cyclists and e-bikers along its best stages.

The Jordan Bike Trail at a glance

Distance: about 730 km
Time: around 12 riding days for the full route
Start and finish: Umm Qais in the north, Aqaba in the south
Terrain: roughly 60% unpaved, from forest tracks to deep desert sand
Sections: north, central and south, each about four days
Best seasons: spring and autumn
Guided options: Cycle Jordan (8 days), Jordan Active Adventure (hike and bike, 8 days) and private tours, with e-bikes available

Why we created the Jordan Bike Trail

We wanted a route that would let cyclists experience the country at a human pace and bring visitors, and income, to villages that tourism usually passes by. So we developed the Jordan Bike Trail: a continuous route linking caravan paths, mountain ridges and desert, with homestays, Bedouin camps and family-run meals along the way. Today it is used by independent cyclists from around the world and by tour companies, including our own.

The route, section by section

The north

The trail starts among the black basalt ruins of Umm Qais, with views over the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee, then rolls through Jordan’s green north: olive groves, pine forests around Ajloun and farming villages, with views down to the Jordan Valley. Spring, from February to early April, is when the north is at its greenest.

The centre

The central section crosses the highlands around Madaba and Mukawir, with deep canyons and big views over the Dead Sea, and some of the biggest climbs and descents on the route.

The south

The most spectacular stages. From Shobak Castle the trail contours the mountains of Dana and Petra with views across the Jordan Rift Valley, reaches Little Petra and Petra, then descends to the desert of Wadi Rum, with its mud flats, sandstone mountains and sandy tracks, before finishing at the Red Sea in Aqaba.

How hard is the Jordan Bike Trail?

Jordan is hilly, and the full trail has a lot of climbing, some steep grades and sections where you may push your bike through deep sand in the south. Our guided Cycle Jordan tour rides the southern stages at about 50 km a day, with up to 1,000 m of climbing on the hardest day, and is rated slightly above moderate. On an e-bike the same stages become far more manageable, which is why e-bikes now let families and less experienced riders enjoy the trail too.

Ride it guided or independently?

Independently: the route is mapped end to end, but water sources are rare, some stretches have no services, wild camping is difficult and camping in nature reserves is not allowed, and bike shops are scarce outside Amman. You need to plan water, accommodation and repairs carefully.

Guided with us: a cycling guide, a 4×4 support vehicle with water, snacks, spare parts and full mechanical support, quality bikes (Scott Aspect hardtails or Trek Powerfly e-bikes), and accommodation from Bedouin camps to hotels, all arranged. You just ride.

Our Jordan Bike Trail tours

Cycle Jordan: Jordan Bike Trail through Petra and Wadi Rum (8 days, US$1,850): 4 riding days, about 200 km of the southern trail, a hike into Petra through the back door, nights in Bedouin camps, and time at the Red Sea and Dead Sea. E-bike supplement available.
Jordan Active Adventure (8 days, US$1,495): two rides of about 50 km on the trail plus hikes in Petra and Wadi Rum. E-bikes on request, subject to availability.
Private and tailor-made rides on any section of the trail, for groups, families and clubs. Contact us.

Practical tips

Ride in spring or autumn; summer is too hot for long days in the saddle.
Avoid Ramadan if you’re riding independently, as many shops and restaurants close during the day.
Carry plenty of water and buy more daily; don’t drink from canyon streams.
Use tubeless tyres if you can, and bring a good repair kit.
Bring your own helmet; it’s compulsory on all our tours.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Jordan Bike Trail?

About 730 km from Umm Qais to Aqaba, usually ridden in around 12 days.

Who created the Jordan Bike Trail?

Experience Jordan Adventures developed the Jordan Bike Trail to grow cycling tourism and bring its benefits to local communities.

Can I ride part of the trail?

Yes. Most people ride a section. The southern stages, through Dana, Petra and Wadi Rum, are the most popular.

Can I ride the Jordan Bike Trail on an e-bike?

Yes. E-bikes are permitted for licensed adventure tour companies in Jordan, and we offer them on our cycling tours.

See dates for Cycle Jordan