Overview
Aqaba is Jordan's only seaside city, a relaxed Red Sea port where desert mountains meet warm, coral-rich water. It's the natural base for Gulf of Aqaba diving and snorkelling, and the closest airport to both Wadi Rum and Petra, which makes it a favourite with UK travellers who want beach time and bucket-list sights on one trip. Flights land at King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), a short hop from the hotels and dive centres.
Best time to fly to Aqaba
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spot: warm, dry days in the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius and comfortable evenings for exploring. Winter is mild by UK standards, with sunny days and cool nights, and it is when most direct low-cost flights run. High summer (June to August) is intensely hot, often above 40°C, so it suits divers and pool days more than sightseeing. The sea is swimmable year-round. For the cheapest fares, check the When to book chart above and the price charts on this page.
Airlines and routes
Direct flights from the UK to Aqaba are seasonal, typically running through the winter months; low-cost carriers such as easyJet have operated non-stop services from London Gatwick, with a flight time of around five and a half hours. Outside that window, most travellers connect through Amman on Royal Jordanian from London Heathrow and take the short one-hour domestic flight south, or route via a European hub. Connecting itineraries usually take eight to twelve hours depending on the layover. Flying into Amman and driving down, roughly four hours, is another option if you want to see more of Jordan on the way.
Things to do in Aqaba
Aqaba rewards slow days by the water alongside easy trips into the desert.
- Red Sea diving and snorkelling: Shore-accessible reefs, the Cedar Pride wreck and an underwater military museum lie within the Aqaba Marine Park.
- Wadi Rum: The vast protected desert of sandstone cliffs and dunes is about an hour away, ideal for a 4x4 tour or an overnight camp.
- Petra: The rose-red Nabataean city is roughly a two-hour drive north and comfortably done as a long day trip.
- Aqaba Fort and the old town: A Mamluk-era castle, the towering Arab Revolt flagpole and a lively souk in the town centre.
- Glass-bottom boat trips: An easy way to see the coral and a sunken tank offshore without getting wet.
At King Hussein International Airport (AQJ)
The airport sits about 10 km north of Aqaba, usually 15 minutes by road. There is no rail link; taxis wait outside the terminal and many hotels and dive resorts arrange transfers if you book ahead. Car hire desks are available in the terminal and are worth considering if you plan to drive to Wadi Rum or Petra. The Tala Bay and southern beach hotels are around 20 to 30 minutes away.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Aqaba
- Book early for winter: Direct seats are limited and seasonal, so booking two to four months ahead usually beats late deals.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheaper than weekend ones.
- Stay flexible: Use the price charts on this page to shift your dates by a few days around school holidays and peak weeks.
- Compare direct versus connecting: Weigh a non-stop from Gatwick against a routing via Amman, which can be cheaper and lets you add Petra.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Jordan, but arriving through Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport, which lies within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, usually means a free single-entry visa on arrival for stays of up to one month, provided you have onward travel booked. Alternatively, buy a Jordan Pass online before you travel to cover the standard visa fee and Petra entry. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. The local currency is the Jordanian dinar; cards are widely accepted, though it helps to carry cash for taxis and markets. No vaccinations are required for travellers from the UK; drink bottled water, pack strong sun protection and check the latest FCDO advice before booking.
