Desert highways stretching towards an endless horizon define the 1,006-kilometer border between the kingdoms of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. This frontier is a crucial corridor for millions of religious pilgrims and a primary channel for regional trade. Your journey across this expanse is one of long distances and modern, busy facilities.
You have three main crossings to choose from. The Al-Omari crossing is the most common for travelers heading from Amman towards Riyadh and the central regions of Saudi Arabia. Further south, the Mudawara crossing serves traffic coming from Aqaba and Ma’an. The third, the Durra Crossing, is located right on the Gulf of Aqaba, connecting Jordan’s port city with the Saudi coastal region.
These are well-equipped, 24-hour facilities designed to handle significant traffic. However, you should plan for potential delays, especially during the Hajj pilgrimage season when hundreds of thousands of people cross. The process is generally straightforward, but the sheer volume can slow things down.
Be prepared for the long drives. The distance between the border and the nearest major cities can be several hours through sparsely populated desert terrain. Ensure you have sufficient fuel and supplies, particularly when using the more remote Mudawara crossing. This route is a modern-day caravan trail, essential to the economies and cultural life of both kingdoms.