Dana sits 220 km south of Amman on the King’s Highway, at the end of a narrow road that drops off the plateau edge into the sandstone canyon below. Getting here requires planning — there is no direct bus to Dana Village, no train, and no rideshare service that covers the final stretch from the main road. But the journey itself, particularly along the King’s Highway from Amman through Madaba and Karak, is one of the more scenic drives in Jordan.
From Amman by Car
The fastest route from Amman is the Desert Highway (Route 15) south to the Qadisiyya junction, then a turning west toward Dana — around 3 hours covering 220 km. The Desert Highway is fast but uneventful; most of the interest is in the final approach as the road narrows and the escarpment drops away into view.
The King’s Highway is slower (approximately 4 to 4.5 hours from Amman) but passes through Madaba, the Mukawir ruins above the Dead Sea, and Karak Castle. For first-time visitors to Jordan covering the south, this route makes logical sense — it turns the drive into an itinerary rather than a transfer.
Parking is available in Dana Village near the RSCN visitor centre. There is no designated car park; vehicles are left near the village entrance on the flat area before the descent into the old stone houses.
From Amman by Public Transport
Step 1: Take a southbound minibus or coach from Amman’s South Bus Station (Wahdat) toward Tafilah. Departure frequency is reasonable in the mornings (roughly every 1 to 1.5 hours from 7am); afternoon services thin out after 14:00. Fare approximately JOD 2.50 as of 2026, journey time 2 to 2.5 hours.
Step 2: From Tafilah, shared taxis and occasional minibuses cover the 15 km to the Qadisiyya area and Dana Village. Fare approximately JOD 5 to 8 per taxi (not per seat, typically). Journey time around 30 minutes. Confirm with the driver that they are going to Dana Village specifically — Qadisiyya is the plateau town above and requires a separate taxi down the hill road if that is where you are dropped.
Timing note: Arrive in Tafilah before 14:00 to have a reasonable chance of a same-day connection. Onward taxis from Tafilah in the late afternoon are unreliable. If you arrive late, Tafilah has basic guesthouses.
From Petra (Wadi Musa)
Dana is approximately 75 km north of Wadi Musa — about 1 hour by car on the road through Tafilah. This is the most common approach for travellers following the King’s Highway southward.
Private taxi: The standard fare from Wadi Musa to Dana Village runs approximately JOD 20 to 30 as of 2026. Negotiate at the taxi rank near the Petra visitor centre entrance. Drivers making this run are familiar with the route and can wait at Dana while you visit, or return to collect you at an agreed time.
Tour packages: Several operators running King’s Highway day tours from Amman or Petra include Dana as a stop. These typically cover Karak, Dana (a 2-hour visit), and continue to Petra or Amman in the same day. A stop of this length is only sufficient for the village viewpoint and the RSCN shop — the trails and the reserve require at least a half-day, preferably an overnight.
Getting Around Inside the Reserve
Dana Village to the wadi trails: The RSCN visitor centre in the village is the starting point for the White Trail (descent into the wadi, 5 km one way) and nearby viewpoints. These require no vehicle — you walk from the village. The White Trail is one-way downhill; arrange a 4WD pickup from the wadi floor in advance through the RSCN visitor centre if you plan to walk it.
Dana Village to Rummana Campsite: Approximately 8 km north of the village along a marked road. A car is needed — there is no footpath connecting the two areas directly. The RSCN can arrange 4WD transfers for guests without vehicles; ask at the visitor centre.
Dana Village to Feynan Ecolodge: Feynan is at the desert floor of Wadi Feynan, roughly 3 to 4 hours on foot from Dana Village via the White Trail, or approximately 45 minutes by 4WD via the eastern approach road from the Wadi Araba side. Feynan arranges 4WD transfers for booked guests — this is the reliable option if you are not walking. Confirm logistics when you book; the lodge at rscn.org.jo handles all transfer arrangements.
Leaving Dana
If you are continuing south to Petra or Wadi Rum, the route via Tafilah and Ma’an is straightforward by car. By public transport, the reverse sequence applies: shared taxi to Tafilah, then onward connections toward Ma’an or Aqaba, or backtrack north toward Amman.
A private driver hired for a Dana day trip from Amman or Petra can be asked to continue to the next destination rather than return — agree this and the adjusted fare in advance. Tour drivers familiar with the King’s Highway route are accustomed to this arrangement.
For guided King’s Highway tours that include Dana alongside Karak and Madaba, browse Jordan circuit tours to compare current multi-day itinerary options.