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Wadi Araba Crossing

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Wadi Araba Crossing

Wadi Araba Crossing

The Wadi Araba Crossing is a border checkpoint connecting the city of Aqaba, Jordan, with Eilat, Israel. Established in 1994, it serves as one of the primary land gateways for travelers moving between the two countries. Visitors use this crossing to transition from the Jordanian coast to the Israeli resort city of Eilat.

Getting There

The crossing is located south of the Aqaba city center. It is most easily reached by taxi or private vehicle. Depending on traffic and the specific starting point within the city, the drive typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Time Requirement

Travelers should allow several hours for the crossing process. The total time spent depends on the length of the queues and the efficiency of passport control and customs procedures on both sides of the border.

When to Visit

It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the longest queues. The crossing can become crowded during peak tourist seasons and on weekends. Due to the desert environment, temperatures are highest in the summer months.

Nearby Points of Interest

The crossing is situated near several sites that can be integrated into a travel itinerary:

  • Aqaba Bird Observatory (0.8km)
  • Tell el-Kheleifeh (3.1km)
  • Eilat Museum (3.6km)
  • Aqaba Church (5km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Wadi Araba Crossing

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Tell el-Kheleifeh

Heritage & monuments

Tell el-Kheleifeh

This ancient site sits near Aqaba, at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba. Some believe it was once a port from the time of King Solomon, making it an evocative place to explore while imagining its storied past.

3.1 km away

Eilat Museum

Museums & galleries

Eilat Museum

A museum that presents the history of Eilat, Israel. Its exhibits trace how the city developed over time, making it a good quick stop while traveling.

3.6 km away

Aqaba Church

Temples & religious sites

Aqaba Church

A 3rd-century site in Aqaba, Jordan, brought to light through excavations in 1998. Built even earlier than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, it's considered the oldest surviving purpose-built Christian church.

5.0 km away

Tal Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan

Heritage & monuments

Tal Hujayrat Al-Ghuzlan

This Chalcolithic-era site lies 4 km north of Aqaba and preserves traces of active copper production and trade. It's a worthwhile stop for travelers wanting to trace the footsteps of ancient civilization.

5.5 km away

Aqaba Archaeological Museum

Museums & galleries

Aqaba Archaeological Museum

The official archaeological museum of Aqaba, Jordan, home to artifacts excavated in the region. Its collection offers a broad look at Aqaba's long history.

6.3 km away

Aqaba Castle

Castles & palaces

Aqaba Castle

This fortress and caravanserai once stood along the pilgrimage route to Mecca and Medina, built during the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, with its current form dating to the 16th century. It also served as a strategic military site around the time of World War I.

6.4 km away