Crossing between Egypt and Jordan: ferry and flights

The Jordan–Egypt crossing is less common than the Jordan–Israel one, but it is a logical route for travellers doing a broader Middle East trip that combines Jordan with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula or Cairo. There are two practical ways to cross: by sea (Aqaba to Nuweiba ferry) or by air (Amman to Cairo or Sharm el-Sheikh).

This guide covers both in full — what they cost, how to book, what to expect at the border, and which is right for your itinerary.

Option 1: Aqaba–Nuweiba ferry

The sea crossing between Aqaba (Jordan) and Nuweiba (Egypt) is operated by AB Maritime. The two ports are about 60 km apart across the Gulf of Aqaba — roughly 1.5 hours at sea on the fast passenger ferry.

Route: Aqaba Port (Jordan) → Nuweiba Port (Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula). From Nuweiba you can continue by bus or taxi to Sharm el-Sheikh (about 2 hours south) or north toward Taba and the Israeli border.

Frequency: Services run daily in each direction, with the schedule adjusted seasonally. Verify current timetables directly with AB Maritime or through a local travel agent in Aqaba — ferry schedules are subject to change and are not always reliably published online.

Prices (2026 approximate):

• Passenger ticket: approximately 70–80 USD per person one-way
• Car transport: significantly more (300+ USD) with complex paperwork — not practical for most tourists
• Children: reduced rates typically apply for under-12

Journey time: Approximately 90 minutes on the fast passenger ferry. There is also a slower car ferry (4–5 hours) that operates at different times and carries vehicles.

How to book:

• In person at the AB Maritime office or the port terminal in Aqaba
• Through Aqaba travel agencies (several along the main waterfront strip)
• Some hotels in Aqaba can book on your behalf

Online booking for the ferry is inconsistent — the AB Maritime website is not always reliable. Booking in person 1–2 days ahead is the standard approach. During peak season (July–August, December–January) and Eid holidays, the ferry fills quickly; book 3–5 days ahead.

What to bring:

• A valid passport (with Egyptian visa if your nationality requires one — check requirements)
• Egyptian visa: most Western nationalities (US, EU, UK, Australia, Canada) can obtain a visa on arrival at Nuweiba Port, or an e-visa in advance from visa2egypt.gov.eg. Fee approximately 25 USD
• Cash: the port does not always have reliable ATM access. Have USD, JOD, and some Egyptian Pounds if possible
• Jordan exit fee: approximately 10 JOD (paid at the Jordanian exit terminal before boarding)
• Food and water: the crossing is short, but bring snacks and a water bottle for the terminal wait time

The port experience:

Arrive at Aqaba Port at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. The terminal process involves Jordanian immigration and customs exit, then boarding. On the Egyptian side, expect immigration and customs, including potential baggage inspection. The overall process — including waiting, boarding, crossing, and Egyptian immigration — typically takes 3–4 hours door-to-door, despite the 90-minute sea time.

Practical note: The Aqaba port used for the ferry (South Beach Port terminal) is south of central Aqaba, about 5 km from the main hotel strip. A taxi from central Aqaba should cost 3–5 JOD. Confirm your departure terminal when booking — Aqaba has more than one port facility.

Option 2: day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh to Petra by ferry

For travellers already in Sharm el-Sheikh who want to see Petra without a multi-day Jordan trip, organised day tours cross the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry, visit Petra, and return the same day. It is a long day — 16+ hours — but feasible.

From Sharm El Sheikh: day tour to Petra by ferry

This type of tour handles the ferry booking, Egyptian and Jordanian border formalities, transport to Petra, and the return crossing. It is the most practical option for a Petra day visit from Egypt.

Option 3: flying between Jordan and Egypt

Amman → Cairo: Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, and various budget carriers fly between Amman Queen Alia International Airport and Cairo International Airport multiple times daily. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. This is the fastest and most reliable option for reaching mainland Egypt (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan).

Amman → Sharm el-Sheikh: Less frequent direct flights, though options exist via code-shares and low-cost carriers. Check current routes as they vary seasonally. Alternatively, fly Cairo and connect domestically.

Aqaba → Egypt: Aqaba Airport (King Hussein International Airport) is a small regional airport with limited international connections. Flying from Aqaba to Egypt usually requires a connection via Amman — not practical compared to the ferry for Sinai-bound travellers.

When to fly instead of ferry:

• If you are heading to Cairo rather than Sinai — the ferry only goes to Nuweiba (Sinai), which is far from Cairo
• If you value time over cost — flights are faster but more expensive than the ferry
• If you have a lot of luggage — ferry terminals can be unpredictable with large bags

Egypt visa requirements for Jordan travellers

Egyptian visa on arrival is available at Nuweiba port and at all Egyptian international airports for most Western nationalities (US, EU, UK, Australia, Canada, and many others). The fee is approximately 25 USD.

Egypt e-visa can be arranged in advance via visa2egypt.gov.eg. Cost is similar to the on-arrival fee. Having the e-visa avoids queues at the port immigration desk — recommended if you know your travel dates in advance.

Some nationalities cannot get a visa on arrival and must apply through the Egyptian embassy. Check the official Egyptian government e-visa site or your country’s Egypt embassy for current requirements.

Note on Jordanian re-entry: If you plan to return to Jordan after Egypt, ensure your Jordanian visa allows re-entry (multi-entry visa) or that you can obtain a new Jordan visa on arrival. A single-entry Jordan visa is used upon initial entry — it does not allow re-entry. A multi-entry visa (90 JOD at time of writing) covers multiple entries within its validity period.

The Jordan exit fee

All travellers departing Jordan by land or sea pay a Jordan exit tax:

• Land border: approximately 10 JOD
• International flights: typically included in the airfare as a departure tax

This applies at the Aqaba Port ferry terminal. Pay at the designated window before proceeding to the boarding area. Exact change is helpful but not required.

Practical itinerary suggestions

Jordan first, then Egypt: Finish your Jordan trip in Aqaba (this is natural — Aqaba is the southernmost destination). Take the morning ferry to Nuweiba, then bus or taxi to Sharm el-Sheikh for a Red Sea segment, continuing to Cairo by domestic flight or bus if desired.

Egypt first, then Jordan: Cross from Nuweiba to Aqaba. From Aqaba you are ideally positioned to go straight to Wadi Rum (1 hour) then Petra (2 hours from Rum, or 2 hours directly from Aqaba), and north to Amman.

Sinai-only loop: Fly into Sharm el-Sheikh, explore the Sinai Peninsula (diving, St Catherine’s Monastery), cross to Aqaba by ferry, and explore Jordan before flying home from Amman. This requires an Egyptian multi-entry visa or a single-entry that covers your Sinai stay, plus a Jordan visa.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Aqaba–Nuweiba ferry safe?

Yes. The ferry is a standard commercial passenger service operating on an established international route. Modern fast-ferry vessels run the service. As with all ferry services, conditions depend on weather — the Gulf of Aqaba is generally calm, but choppy conditions occasionally occur in winter.

Can I bring a rented car on the ferry?

Technically yes on the car ferry, but in practice this is complex: you need specific permission from your rental company (most prohibit it), additional insurance, and Egyptian customs documentation for the vehicle. Assume your rental car cannot cross unless your operator explicitly confirms it.

Is there a fast ferry vs a slow ferry?

Yes — AB Maritime operates both a fast passenger ferry (1.5 hours) and a slower car ferry (4–5 hours). The car ferry is primarily for goods vehicles and passengers bringing vehicles. The fast ferry is the standard tourist option. Confirm which service you are booking when you purchase your ticket.

What currency do I need for the Aqaba ferry terminal?

The Jordanian exit fee (approx. 10 JOD) must be paid in JOD or USD. Egyptian entry at Nuweiba accepts USD for the visa fee. Egyptian Pounds are useful for small purchases once you are in Egypt. ATM availability at Nuweiba port is inconsistent — arrive with appropriate currency.

From Nuweiba: continuing in Egypt

Once you have cleared Egyptian immigration at Nuweiba, you are in the Sinai Peninsula. The main onward options:

To Sharm el-Sheikh: Approximately 2 hours south of Nuweiba by shared taxi or private taxi. Shared taxis (called “service taxis” in Egypt, similar to Jordan’s servis) run when full from the Nuweiba bus station — cost approximately 50–80 Egyptian Pounds. A private taxi costs more but is faster and more comfortable. Sharm el-Sheikh is a major Red Sea resort hub with excellent diving, significantly more tourism infrastructure than Aqaba, and direct international flights.

To Dahab: About 1 hour south of Nuweiba, Dahab is a laid-back beach town with excellent snorkelling (the Blue Hole dive site) and a backpacker-oriented café culture. Very popular with independent travellers who cross from Jordan for a few days. Budget accommodation is excellent value.

To Taba and the Israeli border: Approximately 1 hour north of Nuweiba. If you want to enter Israel from Egypt, the Taba–Eilat crossing is the only Egypt–Israel land border. This creates an interesting regional loop: Jordan → Egypt (ferry) → Israel (Taba crossing) or the reverse.

To Cairo: Bus services from Nuweiba or Sharm el-Sheikh run overnight to Cairo (6–8 hours). This is a significant detour from the Jordan–Sinai route but workable for travellers who have the time.

The car ferry: a note for travellers with vehicles

The slow car ferry (4–5 hours, sometimes called the “roll-on/roll-off” ferry) carries private vehicles as well as passengers. If you have a rental car from Jordan or Egypt, crossing with a vehicle is theoretically possible. In practice:

For rental cars: Most Jordanian and Egyptian rental companies do not allow their vehicles to cross the border on the ferry. This is a specific exclusion in most rental agreements. If you want to cross with a rental car, you must confirm in writing with your rental company before the trip that international ferry transport is permitted.

For privately owned vehicles: Possible, but requires carnet de passage (an international driving document for your car), Egyptian/Jordanian customs clearance, and significant paperwork. Not practical for most tourists.

For tour buses or organised group transport: Some tour operators run group transport across the ferry with commercial vehicle documentation. This is how organised Sharm–Petra day tours bring vehicles across.

Planning a Jordan–Egypt loop

The most natural combined Jordan–Egypt itinerary for independent travellers:

Option A: Jordan first, Sinai second Fly into Amman. Tour Jordan (Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba). Take the Aqaba–Nuweiba ferry. Explore Dahab and the Sinai Peninsula. Fly home from Sharm el-Sheikh (good international connections) or Cairo (major hub).

Option B: Egypt first, Jordan second Fly into Cairo or Sharm el-Sheikh. Explore Egypt (Cairo, Luxor, Sinai). Ferry from Nuweiba to Aqaba. Tour Jordan north (Wadi Rum, Petra, Amman). Fly home from Amman.

Option C: Full regional loop with Israel Fly into Tel Aviv. Tour Israel. Cross to Jordan at Wadi Araba (Eilat ↔ Aqaba). Tour Jordan south to north. Cross back to Israel at King Hussein Bridge. Fly Tel Aviv–Sharm. Ferry Taba–Eilat (or fly Cairo). Ferry Nuweiba–Aqaba if returning to Jordan. Complex but doable in 3+ weeks.

Booking the ferry: practical steps

1. Confirm the schedule: Contact AB Maritime directly or a local Aqaba travel agent (several on the main waterfront) to get the current departure schedule. The ferry timing shifts seasonally.

2. Book your ticket: In person at the AB Maritime office in Aqaba (south of city centre near the port) or at your hotel’s travel desk (expect a small surcharge). Some third-party booking sites also sell ferry tickets — verify they are legitimate before paying.

3. Arrive early: Recommended arrival at the Aqaba port terminal is at least 90 minutes before departure. Jordan exit formalities, ticket check, and boarding take time. Late arrivals may miss the departure.

4. Bring snacks: The ferry crossing itself is 90 minutes, but total time at sea from boarding to disembarking at Nuweiba can be 2+ hours. Small provisions and water are recommended.

5. Arrange your Nuweiba onward transport before you go: Particularly for the car ferry (which arrives at different times), having your Egypt-side transport pre-arranged avoids confusion at the Nuweiba terminal.