The best Petra tours depend on where you start your day: Eilat and Aqaba are the closest bases, Amman works if you are already in Jordan, and Tel Aviv or Jerusalem tours add a short domestic flight. Our team runs all eight options in this guide every week, with group and private versions. Prices start from $190 per adult from Aqaba and from $261 per adult from Eilat.
★ Add Booking-Tours as a preferred source on Google
Below you will find a side-by-side comparison, what you actually see in one day, how the border and fees work, and the tips we give our own guests before they leave.
Best Petra tours at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Petra, next to the town of Wadi Musa in southern Jordan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| How long to spend | One full day covers the Siq, the Treasury and the main ancient city center. Plan more time if you want long hikes. |
| Best time | Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. In any season, an early start is best. |
| How to get there | Day tours from Eilat via the Arava crossing, from Aqaba or Amman inside Jordan, or from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with flights to Ramon Airport near Eilat. |
| What it costs | See tour prices below. Tours start from $190 per adult. |
| Border and visa fees | 140 USD per person in total on our Israel to Jordan tours. You can pre-pay them on the booking form. |
| Booking tip | Day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. Tours that include flights or hotels are non-refundable. |
How to choose the best Petra tours for your trip
Most people pick a Petra tour by price first. We suggest you pick by start city first, because that decides how much of your day is spent on the road and how much is spent inside Petra.
Ask yourself three simple questions:
- Where will you sleep the night before? If you are in Eilat or Aqaba, you are already close. If you are in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, a flight tour saves you a very long drive.
- Do you want a group or your own guide? Group tours cost less. Private tours let you set the pace, stop for photos and ask more questions.
- How much walking can you do? Petra is a walking site. Every tour involves a lot of time on your feet, often on sand and uneven stone.
Once you know these answers, the choice between Petra Jordan tours becomes easy. The table in the next section shows every option we run.
Best Petra tours compared: every Petra tour we run
Here is the full list, sorted from the lowest from-price to the highest. Each from-price is per adult and is the starting price shown on the tour page.
| Tour | Starts | Duration | Flights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group tour from Aqaba | Aqaba (Jordan) | Full day | No | from $190 per adult |
| Private tour from Aqaba | Aqaba (Jordan) | Full day | No | from $230 per adult |
| Group tour from Eilat | Eilat | 12 hours | No | from $261 per adult |
| Private tour from Eilat | Eilat | Full day | No | from $320 per adult |
| Group tour from Amman | Amman (Jordan) | Full day | No | from $360 per adult |
| Group tour from Tel Aviv | Ben Gurion Airport | Full day | Yes | from $400 per adult |
| Group tour from Jerusalem | Jerusalem | Full day | Yes | from $540 per adult |
| Private tour from Tel Aviv | Ben Gurion Airport | Full day | Yes | from $545 per adult |
From Aqaba: the shortest and lowest-priced option
If you are staying on Jordan's Red Sea coast, our Petra day tour from Aqaba with a horse ride and Aqaba sightseeing is the best value. It includes hotel pickup, a licensed guide, Petra entry and a short horse ride. It runs a full day, from $190 per adult.
Want more space and your own pace? The private Petra tour from Aqaba with skip-the-line entry adds an air-conditioned car and your own guide. It suits couples, families and anyone who walks slowly or likes long photo stops. It is a full day, from $230 per adult.
From Eilat: the classic Israel to Jordan day trip
Eilat is our home, and this is the trip we run most. The full-day Petra tour from Eilat includes border assistance at the Arava crossing, then a drive across the desert to Wadi Musa. It takes about 12 hours and starts from $261 per adult. It suits budget travelers and solo guests who are happy in a group.
The private Petra day tour from Eilat with guide and lunch starts with an 08:00 hotel pickup. It includes help at the border, your own guide in Petra, entry fees and lunch. It is a full day, from $320 per adult, and is our first pick for families with kids or older travelers. For a step-by-step plan, read our guide on how to visit Petra from Eilat.
From Amman: for travelers already in Jordan
The Petra day tour from Amman with lunch and hotel pickup takes you from Jordan's capital to Petra and back by 19:00. It includes a licensed guide, your Petra entry ticket and lunch. It is a full day, from $360 per adult. It suits people who flew into Amman and do not want to drive themselves.
From Tel Aviv and Jerusalem: Petra by flight
The Petra day tour from Tel Aviv starts with an early flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport near Eilat. From there you cross into Jordan and continue to Petra. It is a full day, from $400 per adult. It suits visitors with only one free day in their Israel trip.
The Petra day tour from Jerusalem with flights from Tel Aviv adds hotel transfers, a Jordanian guide, entrance fees, a short horse ride and lunch. It is a full day, from $540 per adult. The private Petra tour from Tel Aviv with flights includes round-trip flights to Ramon Airport, border transfers, a guided visit to the Treasury and lunch, from $545 per adult. Remember, tours that include flights are non-refundable.
Group or private: which Petra tour fits you?
A group Petra tour is the easiest way to keep costs down. You share the vehicle and the guide, and the schedule is fixed. That works well if you are fit, flexible and happy to walk with others.
A private Petra tour costs more, but you get a guide who walks at your speed. You can stop for a coffee, skip a section, or spend extra minutes at the Treasury. In our experience, private tours are worth it for:
- Families with young children who need breaks
- Travelers over 65 or anyone with knee or back issues
- Photographers who want time for the light
- Couples on a honeymoon or a special trip
Language matters too. All our guides speak English. In Petra, local Spanish and French-speaking guides are free. German, Italian and Russian-speaking guides in Petra cost a small flat fee per booking. Just ask when you book.
What you see on the best Petra tours in one day
Petra was carved into sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. It is so large that no single day covers all of it. The UNESCO World Heritage listing for Petra gives a good overview of its history and why it matters.
On a typical day tour, your guide will walk you through these highlights:
- The Siq: a narrow, winding gorge with tall rock walls. This is the main way into the ancient city.
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): the famous carved facade you have seen in photos. It appears suddenly at the end of the Siq, and it is the moment most guests remember.
- The Street of Facades: rows of carved tombs cut into the cliffs.
- The Theater: a large theater carved straight into the rock.
- The Royal Tombs: big tombs high on the cliff face, beautiful in afternoon light.
- The Colonnaded Street: the old Roman-era main street of the city.
The Monastery (Ad Deir) sits high above the city at the top of a long climb of steps. On a day tour with a fixed return time, most guests do not have time for it. If it is on your list, tell your guide early so you can plan your free time well.
Many of our Petra Jordan tours also include a short horse ride near the entrance. Check each tour page to see whether it is included.
Border, fees and what is included
If your Petra tour starts in Israel, you will cross into Jordan by land. On our Israel to Jordan tours, Jordan border and visa fees are 140 USD per person in total. You can pre-pay them on the booking form, so you do not need to carry cash for the border.
Our guide on the Israel Jordan border crossing explains the steps, what to bring and how long you should allow. Always carry your passport. Check your own passport and visa rules before you travel, because they depend on your nationality.
The Petra 1-day entrance ticket is 130 USD per person at the time of writing. Ticket prices and opening hours can change, so check the official Visit Jordan tourism website before your trip. Many of our tours include Petra entry. Check the inclusions list on each tour page so you know exactly what you are paying for.
If you start in Aqaba or Amman, you are already in Jordan. The Israel border fees above do not apply to those tours, but you still need valid entry to Jordan.
Best time for Petra tours and practical tips
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for Petra tours. Summer can be very hot, and winter days are shorter and can be cold, especially early in the morning. Whatever the season, an early start gives you cooler air and fewer crowds in the Siq.
These are the tips we give our own guests the night before:
- Wear real walking shoes. Sneakers with a good grip are fine. Avoid sandals and new shoes.
- Dress modestly and in layers. Jordan is a conservative country. Light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is respectful and also protects you from the sun.
- Bring sun protection. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must, even in cooler months.
- Carry water and a snack. You will walk a lot. Some tours include lunch, but you will want water during the walk.
- Bring small cash. It helps for drinks, tips and souvenirs.
- Keep your passport on you. You need it at the border and sometimes at checkpoints.
If you have more than one day, think about adding a night in the desert. Our complete guide to Wadi Rum shows why many guests combine the two.
Safety and travel advisories
This guidance is current as of November 2026. Petra and southern Jordan receive many international visitors, and tours run with licensed guides on fixed routes. Still, conditions in the region can change quickly, and border crossings can close at short notice.
Before you book, and again a few days before you travel, check your own government's official travel advisory for both Israel and Jordan. If anything changes on your tour date, our team will contact you directly on WhatsApp or by email.
Who the best Petra tours suit
Petra Jordan tours suit almost anyone who can walk for several hours. History lovers, photographers and first-time visitors to the Middle East all tend to leave happy. Kids usually love the Siq and the horse ride.
A one-day tour is less suitable for guests who cannot walk on uneven ground. In that case, choose a private tour and tell us your needs when you book. We can advise you honestly on what is possible.
If you are building a longer Eilat trip around your Petra day, see our list of things to do in Eilat and our guide to the Red Sea reef and coast. A beach day before or after Petra is a great way to rest your legs.
Tours that include Petra Tours
Live prices and dates, hotel pickup on most tours, and a local team in Eilat that answers on WhatsApp.
Petra Day Tour from Aqaba with Horse Ride and Aqaba SightseeingFrom $190View tour
Frequently asked questions about Best Petra Tours
How long do you need in Petra?
One full day lets you walk the Siq, see the Treasury and explore the main city center with a guide. If you want to hike to the Monastery or other high viewpoints, plan more time. Most visitors on a day tour feel they saw the essential sites.
How much does a Petra tour cost?
Our Petra tours start from $190 per adult from Aqaba, from $261 per adult from Eilat, and from $360 per adult from Amman. Tours with flights from Tel Aviv start from $400 per adult. On Israel to Jordan tours, add 140 USD per person in border and visa fees, which you can pre-pay on the booking form.
What is the best time to visit Petra?
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for walking. Summer is hot, so start early and carry water. In winter, bring warm layers for the morning.
Can you visit Petra from Tel Aviv in one day?
Yes. Our Tel Aviv tours fly from Ben Gurion Airport to Ramon Airport near Eilat, then cross the border into Jordan. It is a long but very doable day. Note that tours that include flights are non-refundable.
Can you visit Petra from Jerusalem?
Yes. Our Jerusalem tour includes hotel transfers, flights from Tel Aviv to Ramon Airport, a Jordanian guide, entrance fees, a short horse ride and lunch. It runs as a full day, from $540 per adult.
What should I wear in Petra?
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip and light, modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Add a hat and sunglasses. In cooler months, bring a warm layer for the early start.
Do I need a visa for Jordan on a Petra tour from Israel?
On our Israel to Jordan tours, border and visa fees are 140 USD per person in total, and you can pre-pay them on the booking form. Bring a valid passport. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so check them before you travel.
Is a Petra day tour worth it?
For most of our guests, yes. Walking out of the Siq and seeing the Treasury for the first time is a moment people talk about for years. If you only have one free day, a guided tour handles the border, transport and entry so you can focus on the site.
How do you pronounce Aqaba?
Aqaba is pronounced AH-ka-ba, with the stress on the first syllable. It is the Jordanian city just across the border from Eilat, and many Petra tours from Eilat pass through it.
In which country is the Port of Aqaba located?
The Port of Aqaba is in Jordan. It is the country's only seaport, at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, right next to Eilat in Israel.
Keep planning
More travel guides for this trip
Plan your trip
If you are staying in Eilat, our private Petra day tour from Eilat with guide and lunch is the one we recommend most to families and first-time visitors. Prefer a group? The full-day Petra tour from Eilat is a great value choice.
Not sure which of the best Petra tours fits your dates? Message our Eilat team on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected]. We answer real questions from real travelers every day. You can also browse all our Petra and Jordan tours and guides or our full Israel, Jordan and Egypt travel guide.
Cover photo: David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons