King’s Highway

The basics

Just 175 miles (280 kilometers) long, the King’s Highway dates back to the Bronze Age, appears in the Old Testament, and was used by the Nabateans. Improved by the Romans, it remained a pilgrims’ route for centuries. Some travelers spend a couple of days self-driving from Madaba, taking time to enjoy the mountains, canyons, castles, and nature reserves along the way. While many trips from Amman to Petra follow the faster (and flatter) Desert Highway, a few drive the King’s Highway: Pick a tour with plenty of photo stops.

Things to know before you go

• While steep, narrow, and winding in places, the King’s Highway is generally in good condition. It’s around a 4-hour drive excluding stops.
• The historic King’s Highway forms part of Jordan’s Route 35, but Route 35 extends beyond the old road.
• Automatic cars are relatively uncommon in Jordan and a stick shift is helpful when driving the King’s Highway.
• The King’s Highway can be a fun family road trip: Crusader castles are great with kids.
• Few sights along the King’s Highway are adapted for travelers who rely on wheelchairs.

How to get there

No public buses run the length of the King’s Highway, so self-driving, hiring a driver, or joining an organized tour are your best options.

When to get there

The King’s Highway can be driven all year round. Winter (December through February) sees shorter days, surprisingly cold temperatures, poorer visibility, and more rain than other times of year; high summer (July and August) can be too hot for some travelers.

Road-Tripping Jordan’s King’s Highway

The King’s Highway starts at Madaba, famed for mosaics, then passes biblical Mt. Nebo. (Consider making a detour to Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Byzantine mosaics, and/or Herod the Great’s palace at Mukawir.) Take in views of Wadi al-Mujib, stop at the enormous Karak Castle, and explore the mountain landscapes of the Dana Nature Reserve. Shobak Castle (Krak de Montréal) is the last major stop before Wadi Musa.