How to cross the border from Israel to Jordan via Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Arava Crossing

While visiting Israel, many travelers are now crossing the border from Israel to Jordan more and more to see sites as Petra and Wadi Rum. One of the most popular border crossings between Israel and Jordan is via Yitzhak Rabin Terminal, also referred to as Wadi Arava Crossing. This border is accessed via the southern city of Eilat, which is easily reached from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, for example by shuttle bus from Tel Aviv or shuttle bus from Jerusalem. It is a relatively easy process to cross from Israel to Jordan and it is also appealing as there is no need to book flights to cross between these two countries.

How to get to the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Arava Border Crossing

While there are no public buses that take you directly to the Yitzhak Rabin border terminal, travelers can order taxis from the Central Bus Station in Eilat to the border. Alternatively, crossing the border with a tour group offers transportation directly to the border, as well as border assistance. Offering tours from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as well as Eilat, and options for 1, 2, 3 and 4 day tour options throughout Jordan. Our organized Petra Tours can help with border crossing procedure including pre-arranged visas and transportation.

Travelers are able to pass by foot, bus, or private car. It is worth noting that passengers are not permitted to pass in rental cars, motorcycles or bicycles. This is part of the Israeli-Jordanian agreement.

Advantages of crossing from Israel to Jordan with a Tour Group

Traveling from Israel to Jordan in an organized group tour can make the border crossing experience much easier. Tours offer all transportation, guiding and border assistance when crossing. When booking a group tour, a visa will be pre-arranged in advance making the border crossing easier and quicker. Check out one of the most popular options, the Petra and Wadi Rum from Tel Aviv which crosses through the Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Arava Border Crossing.

Crossing the border from Israel to Jordan via Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Araba Crossing

Times to Cross from Israel to Jordan At Yitzhak Rabin Terminal

The border crossing is open every day with the exception of Yom Kippur and the Muslim New year in which there will be border closures.

Sunday-Thursday open 06:30 – 20:00
Friday and Saturday open 08:00 – 20:00

Please note border crossing time may change due to covid regulation.

Passport Requirements

Always make sure you have six months of passport validity in order to enter from Israel to Jordan, as well as a blank page which is required for the entry stamp.

Fees to cross the border

The fee is 101 NIS for departing passengers crossing from Israel to Jordan at Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Arava Crossing.

Currency at the Israel-Jordanian border

When crossing the border at Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Arava Terminal, JOD and USD are accepted on the Jordanian side, while NIS and USD are accepted on the Israeli side. Bank machines are available but it is recommended to prepare cash in advance for border/visa fees.

Photo: Chris Yunker via Flickr.com

Bathrooms and Food Services at Yitzhak Rabin Terminal/Wadi Arava Crossing

The Yitzhak Rabin border crossing offers a small cafe and authentic seating to drink coffee and tea as well as purchase snacks and small gifts. Bathroom services are available directly next to the cafe.

Getting around once you’ve crossed from Israel to Jordan

If you are not crossing from Israel to Jordan with a group tour and want to get to either Petra or Aqaba taxi options are best. To get from the Wadi Arava Crossing to Aqaba, a taxi will cost approximately 10 JOD. To get to Petra, a one-way taxi ride can cost about 70 JOD. There is also a minibus service available which travels to Petra from the Aqaba bus station and costs 5 JOD. We advise travelers to join an organized Jordan tour to avoid rip-offs and uncertainties.