In short
- Most visitors see the castles on a self-drive or private-driver King's Highway day.
- Live GetYourGuide options below.
How to visit with a guide
Ask a private driver in Amman, Madaba or Petra for a King's Highway transfer with stops at Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, Karak and Shobak. Private Petra tours from Amman can sometimes route via Karak on request.
Private day trip to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman or the Dead Sea
A private car and driver for the long south run, with pickup from Amman or a Dead Sea resort. Good for families who want their own pace.
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From Amman: full-day private tour to Petra
Private car and driver from Amman to Petra and back, so you set the pace inside the site.
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Book tours in Karak & ShobakLive times, prices and free cancellation terms on GetYourGuide.
Check availabilityPlanning a King's Highway day with a driver
A typical day leaves Madaba around 8 AM, stops at Mount Nebo or Umm ar-Rasas, the Mujib canyon viewpoints, Karak (lunch), Dana viewpoint and Shobak, and reaches Wadi Musa by sunset. Agree the route, stops and price in writing; the King's Highway guide has times.
Petra tours that pass Karak
Private Petra day trips from Amman normally use the faster Desert Highway; ask before booking whether the driver can return via Karak, which adds about 1.5 hours. Multi-day private tours more often include the King's Highway on one leg.
Self-drive is easy
Both castles are well signposted, with parking at the gates. If you are renting a car for Petra and Wadi Rum anyway, take the King's Highway south and the Desert Highway back — you see the castles without needing a tour.
Your options compared
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive on the King's Highway | Road-trippers | Most freedom; well signposted |
| Private driver, Madaba or Amman → Petra | Couples and families without a car | Turns a transfer into a sightseeing day |
| Multi-day private tour | First-timers wanting a guide | Ask for the King's Highway route on the way south |
| Taxi from Wadi Musa to Shobak | Petra visitors | Half-day return trip with waiting time |
| Petra day tour from Amman | Short on time | Usually Desert Highway — ask if a Karak stop is possible |
Hiring a driver for the King's Highway
Hotels in Madaba and Amman routinely arrange King's Highway transfers to Petra. Agree the stops in writing (for example Mount Nebo, Mujib, Karak, Dana viewpoint, Shobak), the total time, whether the driver waits at each stop and whether fuel and tolls are included. Drivers know the route but rarely guide inside the castles, so read up first or hire a local guide at the Karak gate if one is available.
If you hold a Jordan Pass, both castles are included; otherwise budget for small entry fees at each gate.
Multi-day tours that pass the castles
The 2- and 3-day private tours from Amman to Petra and Wadi Rum, such as the private 2- or 3-day Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea tour, can sometimes be routed down the King's Highway — ask the operator before booking. See all multi-day Jordan tours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Karak on the way from Amman to Petra?
Yes — it adds 1.5–2 hours via the Desert Highway, or make a full day of the King's Highway.
How long does a King's Highway transfer from Madaba to Petra take?
With stops at Mujib, Karak, the Dana viewpoint and Shobak, plan 8–9 hours. Without stops the drive from Madaba takes about 4.5 hours.
Is it worth hiring a guide for Karak Castle?
It helps — the castle is a maze and signage is limited. A guide explains the Crusader and Mamluk phases; otherwise the museum gives a good overview.
Can I see Karak on a day trip from Amman?
Yes — Karak is about 2 hours from Amman by the Desert Highway. Combine it with Wadi Mujib or the Dead Sea for a full day.
Are there day tours from Petra to Shobak?
Not as standard products we could verify; most visitors take a taxi or driver from Wadi Musa (about 40 minutes each way) and agree the waiting time.
Can I do the King's Highway on public transport?
Only in pieces and slowly, with buses between towns and taxis for the castles and viewpoints. Most travellers rent a car or hire a driver.
Is there a guide at Shobak Castle?
Sometimes a local guide offers tours at the gate; otherwise explore with care and a torch.
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.
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