You can visit Petra from Amman as a full-day trip or as an overnight stay. The drive is about three hours each way by road, so a day trip works but feels rushed. If you can spare a night in Wadi Musa, the town next to Petra, you will see far more and enjoy it more.
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We are local guides who have run trips across Israel, Jordan and Egypt since 2008. Every week our groups make the Amman to Petra drive. This guide shares what we tell our own guests before they book.
Petra from Amman at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Jordan, next to the town of Wadi Musa |
| Drive time from Amman | About 3 hours each way, sometimes more with traffic and stops |
| How long to spend | One full day at minimum. Two days if you want the Monastery and quieter trails |
| Best time | Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) |
| How to get there | Guided tour with hotel pickup, private driver, rental car or public bus |
| What it costs | Entry tickets vary and can change. Our tours start from $360 per adult. See tour prices below |
| Booking tip | Start early. The first hours after opening are cooler and less crowded |
How the drive from Amman to Petra works
Most drivers take the Desert Highway south from Amman. It is the fastest road and the one most tour vehicles use. The landscape is flat and dry for much of the way, with a rest stop or two for coffee and restrooms.
The other option is the King's Highway. It is older, slower and much more scenic. It winds through valleys and past sites like Madaba, Mount Nebo and Karak Castle. It suits multi-day trips, not a single day.
Plan for about three hours each way on the Desert Highway. That means about six hours in a vehicle on a day trip. Bring water, a snack and something to do, and try to sleep on the way back.
Your transport options
- Guided tour with pickup: The easiest choice. A driver collects you at your hotel, and a licensed guide meets you at Petra.
- Private driver: Flexible timing, but you arrange your own ticket and guide.
- Rental car: Good if you are confident driving in Jordan. Road signs are in Arabic and English.
- Public bus: The cheapest option, but schedules are limited, so it rarely works for a same-day return.
Petra day trip from Amman vs staying overnight
This is the biggest choice you will make. Both work. They just give you very different days.
The day trip
A Petra day trip from Amman starts early in the morning and ends in the evening. On our day tour, you are back by about 19:00. You walk the Siq, reach the Treasury and see the main valley with your guide.
A day trip suits you if you are short on time, staying in Amman, or happy to see the highlights only. It is a long day, so it is better for travelers who walk well and do not mind time in a vehicle.
Staying one or two nights
When you sleep in Wadi Musa, you can enter Petra soon after it opens. Early morning light in the Siq is beautiful, and the paths are quieter. You also have energy left for the climb to the Monastery, which most day trippers skip.
An overnight stay also lets you try Petra by Night on the evenings it runs. Check the schedule before you go, because it does not run every night.
Our honest advice: if you can add one night, do it. Most of our guests who choose the day trip tell us they wish they had more time inside Petra from Amman, not less.
What you will see in Petra
Petra was carved into rose-colored sandstone by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site is huge, so plan your route.
The main route on a guided day
- The Siq: A narrow, winding canyon that leads into the city. The walls rise high above you on both sides.
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): The famous carved facade that appears at the end of the Siq. Most people stop here for photos.
- Street of Facades: Rows of tombs cut into the cliffs.
- The Theatre: Carved straight into the mountainside.
- The Royal Tombs: Large tombs with colorful rock patterns, best in afternoon light.
- Colonnaded Street and Great Temple: The heart of the old city center.
If you have more time
- The Monastery (Ad Deir): A massive facade at the top of hundreds of rock-cut steps. It is a tough climb but worth it.
- High Place of Sacrifice: A hilltop altar with wide views over the valley.
- The Treasury viewpoint: A trail above the Treasury with a view looking down on it.
On a day trip, you will usually see the first list well. The second list is why many guests choose to stay overnight.
How much a trip to Petra from Amman costs
Your total cost depends on a few things. Here is what to plan for.
Petra entry tickets
Petra ticket prices depend on how long you stay in Jordan and how many days you visit. Travelers who do not stay overnight in Jordan, such as day visitors crossing from Israel, pay 130 USD per person for a one-day ticket. If you are staying in Jordan, different rates may apply. Prices can change, so check the official Visit Jordan tourism site before you travel.
Many visitors who fly into Amman buy the Jordan Pass. It can bundle your visa fee and Petra entry if you meet its stay rules. Read the current conditions on the official Jordan Pass website.
Other cost factors
- Transport: A tour, private driver or rental car, plus fuel.
- Guide: A licensed guide helps you understand what you see and saves time on the route.
- Hotels: If you stay overnight in Wadi Musa.
- Food and water: Prices inside Petra are higher than in town.
- Extras: Horse, donkey or carriage rides inside the site, and Petra by Night tickets.
Our day tour from Amman includes hotel pickup, a licensed guide, your Petra entry ticket and lunch. That makes it easy to compare against doing it yourself.
Best time to visit Petra from Amman
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Days are warm, nights are cool, and walking is comfortable. Spring also brings wildflowers in the hills.
Summer is very hot in the open parts of Petra. If you go in summer, start as early as possible, carry plenty of water and rest in the shade. Winter can be cold and sometimes rainy, and heavy rain can close parts of the site for safety.
Time of day matters as much as season. Mornings are cooler and less busy. The Treasury is often in shade early, and the Royal Tombs glow in the late afternoon.
Practical tips for Amman to Petra
These are the tips our guides give every group before the trip.
- Wear good shoes. The paths are sandy and rocky, with many steps if you climb.
- Dress modestly. Jordan is a conservative country. Covering shoulders and knees is respectful and also protects you from the sun.
- Bring sun protection. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential most of the year.
- Carry water. You can buy drinks inside, but having your own saves money and time.
- Bring your passport. You may need it at checkpoints and at the Petra ticket office.
- Carry some cash. Small Jordanian dinars help for drinks, tips and rides.
- Think twice about animal rides. Ask about the animal's condition, agree on the price first, and choose rides that look well cared for.
Guide languages
Our guides speak English. In Petra, local Spanish and French-speaking guides are available free of charge. German, Italian and Russian-speaking guides in Petra cost a small flat fee per booking.
Safety and travel advisories
Jordan welcomes millions of visitors, and Petra is a well-managed site with tourist police on duty. Even so, conditions in the region can change. As of November 2026, we advise every guest to check their government's official travel advisory for Jordan before booking and again before departure, for example the US State Department travel site. We follow official guidance and will contact you if anything affects your trip.
Our Petra tours from Amman compared
We run several tours that start in Amman. Here is how they compare, so you can pick the one that fits your time and pace.
| Tour | Duration | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petra day tour from Amman with lunch and hotel pickup | Full day | Travelers short on time | from $360 per adult |
| Petra and Jerash 2 day tour | 2 days | History fans who want two ancient cities | from $504 per adult |
| 3 day Petra tour with 2 nights in Petra | 3 days | Travelers who want Petra without rushing | from $550 per adult |
| 4 day Petra tour with two days in Petra | 4 days | Independent explorers who want a free day | from $562 per adult |
| 4 day Jordan tour with Aqaba, Petra and a Wadi Rum camp | 4 days | Travelers who want desert and sea too | from $744 per adult |
| 5 day Jordan tour of Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba | 5 days | First-time visitors who want the highlights | from $1063 per adult |
Which one should you choose?
The day tour is the simplest way to see Petra from Amman. It includes hotel pickup, a licensed guide, your entry ticket and lunch. You walk the Siq to the Treasury and are back by about 19:00.
The Petra and Jerash tour adds Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the region. You spend a night in Petra and ride through the Siq on horseback. It also starts from Eilat. If you start in Israel, Jordan border and visa fees are 140 USD per person in total, and you can pre-pay them on the booking form.
The 3 day tour starts from Amman airport with private transfers, two hotel nights in Petra, a guided day and a 2-day ticket. It departs daily. This is the tour we recommend most often for Petra alone.
The 4 day Petra tour gives you three hotel nights with breakfast, a guided day and a free day to explore on your own. It suits hikers who want the Monastery and back trails at their own pace.
The Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum tour includes a night in Aqaba, a guided Petra tour with lunch, a jeep safari and a Bedouin camp night. Read our complete guide to Wadi Rum to see what the desert part looks like.
The 5 day Jordan tour adds an Amman city tour, Mount Nebo, Karak, Wadi Rum and a beach night in Aqaba. It is a full first look at the country.
Day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. Tours that include flights or hotels are non-refundable, so book those once your dates are firm.
Who a trip to Petra from Amman suits
A day trip suits fit travelers, business visitors with one free day, and cruise or stopover guests. An overnight trip suits families, photographers, slower walkers and anyone who wants the Monastery.
If you are traveling in Israel, Amman is not your only starting point. Many of our guests reach Petra from the south. See our guide on how to visit Petra from Eilat, and read the Israel Jordan border crossing guide for the crossing rules.
Want more ideas for Jordan? Browse our Petra and Jordan tours and guides or our full Middle East travel guide.
Tours that include Petra From Amman
Live prices and dates, hotel pickup on most tours, and a local team in Eilat that answers on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about Petra from Amman
How long is the drive from Amman to Petra?
The drive is about three hours each way on the Desert Highway. Traffic, weather and rest stops can add time. The King's Highway is more scenic but takes much longer.
Is a Petra day trip from Amman worth it?
Yes, if a day is all you have. You will see the Siq, the Treasury and the main valley. If you can add a night, you will see much more with less rushing.
How much does it cost to visit Petra from Amman?
Costs depend on transport, guide, hotels and your entry ticket. Our day tour starts from $360 per adult and includes pickup, guide, entry and lunch. Ticket prices can change, so check official Jordan tourism sources.
How many days do you need in Petra?
One full day covers the highlights. Two days let you climb to the Monastery, hike the High Place of Sacrifice and enjoy the site in early morning light.
What is the best time to visit Petra?
Spring and autumn have the most comfortable weather for walking. In summer, start early to avoid the midday heat. In winter, pack warm layers and watch for rain.
What should I wear to Petra?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. In winter, add a warm jacket for the mornings.
Can I visit Petra from Amman by public bus?
Buses run between Amman and Wadi Musa, but schedules are limited. A same-day return is hard to manage this way. Public transport works better if you stay overnight.
Is it safe to travel from Amman to Petra?
Petra is a well-managed site with tourist police, and the route is a busy, main road. Regional conditions can change, so check your government's official travel advisory before you book and before you go.
Keep planning
More travel guides for this trip
Plan your trip
Ready to see Petra from Amman? For a single day, book our Petra day tour from Amman with hotel pickup and lunch. If you can stay longer, our 3 day Petra tour with 2 nights in Petra gives you the time this place deserves.
Not sure which option fits? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected]. Tell us your dates and pace, and we will suggest the right trip. You can also explore all our Petra and Jordan tours to plan the rest of your journey.
Cover photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons