Getting from Eilat to Aqaba is a journey of just a few kilometers between the two resort cities, which sit at the ‘head of the Red Sea’. But it requires crossing from Israel into Jordan. The process of traveling from Eilat to Aqaba is threefold, with the need to travel from Eilat city center to the Arava Border Crossing, cross the border itself, and continue with another mode of transport from the Jordanian side to the city of Aqaba. There are shuttles available from hotels in Eilat to hotels in Aqaba, which simplify and, in many cases, work out cheaper than traveling independently between the two cities. This article will spell out the options for getting from Eilat to Aqaba.
The Independent Route

The independent route from Eilat to Aqaba means the following:
- 1. Take a taxi from the city of Eilat to the Arava Border. The journey is 5-10 minutes from Eilat city center (10-15 minutes from the hotels south of the center), and the taxi would cost around 30-40 NIS (approx. $10)
- 2. Enter the border crossing and leave the Israeli side, enter the Jordanian side, paying all fees directly to the authorities. (For a seamless experience, travel to Jordan with an organized tour or take a pre-booked shuttle, as the operator is able to handle the visa preparation, and the customer should just pay the visa fee at the border)
- 3. Take a taxi from the Jordanian border to Aqaba: The ride from the Wadi Araba (Jordan) border terminal to Aqaba city center is only about 9-10 km and takes roughly 10-15 minutes. A standard metered fare is often around 3-4 JOD (~$4-$6), but many travelers negotiate a flat rate of about 10-11 JOD (~$14-$15) with local drivers. Taxi prices can vary, so it’s a good idea to agree on the fare before departure to avoid overcharging.
Tours from Eilat to Aqaba
Traveling from Eilat to Aqaba is simple and convenient. Many of our tours to Petra include transfers from Eilat to Aqaba, taking care of all the logistics so you can focus on the experience. With all the logistics covered, including knowledgeable guides, border assistance, activities and hotels, these tours make it easy to explore Aqaba and Petra without the stress of planning every detail. Whether you’re stopping in Aqaba on a day trip or as part of a multi-day adventure, joining one of our tours from Eilat ensures a seamless, stress-free journey.














