In short
- Car or driver recommended.
- Minibuses run from Amman's South Bus Station to Karak.
Routes
| From | To | Time | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amman | Karak | ≈ 2 h | Desert Highway; minibus from South Bus Station |
| Madaba | Karak | ≈ 1.5–2 h | King's Highway via Wadi Mujib |
| Karak | Shobak | ≈ 2 h (≈ 120 km) | King's Highway via Tafileh |
| Petra | Shobak | ≈ 40 min | Taxi or car |
| Karak | Dead Sea | ≈ 1 h | Down to the Dead Sea Highway |
Book tours in Karak & ShobakLive times, prices and free cancellation terms on GetYourGuide.
Check availabilityDriving tips
Avoid driving after dark; the King's Highway is narrow and winding with villages, speed bumps and animals. Keep your passport for checkpoints.
From the Dead Sea
A steep road climbs from the southern Dead Sea near Mazra'a to Karak in about an hour, with dramatic views — combine it with Wadi Mujib in the morning.
From Petra to Shobak
Shobak is about 35 km north of Wadi Musa. Drive north towards the village of Shobak and follow the signs to the castle (Qal'at ash-Shawbak), which sits on a hill east of the road. A taxi from Wadi Musa with an hour's waiting time is easy to arrange through your hotel.
From Amman to Karak by bus
Minibuses and buses to Karak leave Amman's South Bus Station throughout the morning, taking about 2 hours via the Desert Highway. From Karak's bus station it is a short taxi ride or a steep 15-minute walk up to the castle.
Fuel, food and breaks
Karak and Tafileh have petrol stations, bakeries and restaurants; between them the highway passes through small villages with few services. Carry water and snacks if you plan to stop at viewpoints.
Which way suits whom?
| You are… | Best way | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Amman → Petra | King's Highway via Madaba and Karak | About 5 h without stops; a full day with stops |
| In a hurry | Desert Highway to Karak turn-off | About 2 h from Amman |
| At the Dead Sea | Climb from Mazra'a | About 1 h; steep road |
| In Petra | Taxi or car to Shobak | About 40 min each way |
| Without a car | Bus from Amman's South Bus Station to Karak | Shobak needs a taxi |
King's Highway or Desert Highway?
The Desert Highway (Highway 15) is fast, wide and dull, with heavy trucks; the King's Highway (Route 35) is slow and winding but passes Madaba, the Mujib canyon, Karak, Tafileh, Dana and Shobak. A good compromise for a single day is to drive the Desert Highway south as far as the Karak junction, visit the castle, then follow the King's Highway south to Petra. See the King's Highway guide for the full comparison.
Distances
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Amman → Karak (Desert Highway) | ≈ 125 km | ≈ 2 h |
| Madaba → Karak (King's Highway) | ≈ 90 km | ≈ 1.5–2 h |
| Dead Sea resorts → Karak | ≈ 90 km | ≈ 1.5 h |
| Karak → Shobak | ≈ 120 km | ≈ 2 h via Tafileh |
| Shobak → Wadi Musa | ≈ 35 km | ≈ 40 min |
Parking and arrival
Karak Castle sits at the top of the old town, and the final approach is up narrow, steep streets that can be congested; follow the brown signs to the castle car park beside the entrance. If the car park is full, park lower in town and walk up. At Shobak, a short road climbs to a parking area just below the gate. Both sites have small ticket offices at the entrance where you show your Jordan Pass or pay.
Public transport
Buses and minibuses run to Karak from Amman's South Bus Station (about 2 hours). From Karak there are minibuses to Tafileh and other towns, but connections to Shobak and Petra are infrequent and slow; a taxi or driver is the practical choice. From Wadi Musa, taxis to Shobak can wait while you visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there public transport to Shobak?
Very limited; take a taxi from Wadi Musa (about 40 minutes).
Can I drive from Karak to the Dead Sea?
Yes — a steep, winding road descends from Karak to the southern Dead Sea near Mazra'a in about an hour; from there the Dead Sea Highway runs north to the resorts and Wadi Mujib.
Is the King's Highway safe to drive?
Yes in daylight with care: it is narrow and winding with villages, speed bumps, trucks and animals. Avoid driving after dark and in snow, and follow current official travel advice.
Sources and official information
Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.
JordanTravel.com is an independent guide, not the official site of the Jordan Tourism Board, the Government of Jordan or any operator. Some links are affiliate links: tours go to GetYourGuide and hotels go to Booking.com, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
