Petra Jordan How to Get There: Complete Transportation Guide

Introduction to Petra and Why Planning Your Route Matters

Petra isn’t inside a big modern city. It sits near a small town called Wadi Musa in southern Jordan and it’s not the treasure as many people think. That means you can’t just “walk over” from Amman or Aqaba. You have to plan how you’ll get there.

The site opens early, walking distances are long, and the sun can be strong. If you arrive tired or late, you’ll waste part of your visit. A clear plan for transport saves you time, money, and stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk through all the main ways to reach Petra, how long each one takes, and what it roughly costs. You can then pick the route that matches your budget and travel style.

Read the full guide -> Petra & Wadi Rum Travel Logistics Guide

Petra Jordan How to Get There: All Transportation Options Explained

To keep it simple, almost all trips to Petra use one or more of these:

• Car rental or self-drive
• JETT tourist buses from Amman and sometimes Aqaba
• Local minibuses (cheap but less comfortable and not always on schedule)
• Private transfer or taxi
• Organized day tours or multi-day tours

You’ll always end up at Wadi Musa, the town next to Petra. From there, the Petra Visitor Center is the main entry point for tickets and maps.

How to Reach Petra from Amman: Car, Bus, Taxi, Tours

Distance: about 230–235 km (around 143–146 miles).
Average travel time: 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

1. By rental car

• Route: usually via Highway 15 (Desert Highway) – the fastest and simplest.
• Time: just under 3 hours in light traffic.

This is a good option if you like flexibility and want to stop along the way.

2. By JETT bus

JETT is the main tourist bus company in Jordan.

Typical pattern (check up-to-date times before you go):

• Departure from Amman (often Abdali or 7th Circle JETT stations): around 06:30
• Arrival in Petra: around 10:30
• Duration: about 3.5–4 hours
• Price: around 10–11 JD one way

You can usually book online through the JETT website or at the station.

3. By taxi or private driver

• Travel time: around 3 hours.
• Good if you’re a small group and want door-to-door service.
• Price depends on season and negotiation, but expect more than the bus and less than a luxury tour.

4. By guided tour from Amman

Many agencies offer day trips or overnight tours from Amman to Petra. They usually include:

• Transport and driver
• Sometimes a guide at Petra
• Often a stop at places like Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea

It’s more expensive than doing it yourself, but it removes planning and can be efficient if you have limited time.

Traveling to Petra from Aqaba: Best Routes for Tourists

Distance: about 125–130 km (78–80 miles).
Average travel time: around 2 hours by car.

You can reach Petra from Aqaba by:

• Rental car or private driver – easiest, about 2 hours each way.
• Shared or private taxi – faster than buses, cost can be split between passengers.
• Occasional buses or tours – some companies and hotels arrange day trips or buses from Aqaba to Petra and back.

Aqaba is a good base if you want a mix of Red Sea time and a day trip or overnight visit to Petra.

Airports in Jordan Near Petra and How to Connect to the Site

There’s no airport in Petra itself. Travelers usually arrive at one of two main airports and then continue by road:

1. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman
• The main international gateway to Jordan.
• Distance to Petra: roughly 160–180 km, drive of about 2.5–3 hours depending on route.
• To get to Petra, you can:
• Take a taxi or shuttle into Amman, then JETT bus.
• Arrange a direct private transfer from the airport to Wadi Musa.
2. King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Aqaba
• Smaller airport in southern Jordan.
• Around 2 hours’ drive from Petra.
• Good if you find a convenient flight or plan to combine Aqaba + Petra + Wadi Rum.

Some travelers also look at Tel Aviv (TLV) and cross into Jordan via land borders, but that adds border procedures and extra planning.

Driving to Petra: Road Conditions, Safety Tips, and Parking

Driving in Jordan is straightforward on the main highways. To reach Petra you’ll almost always end up on:

• Desert Highway (Highway 15) – fast, direct, more “functional” than scenic.
• King’s Highway – more scenic, passes through small towns and viewpoints but can be slower.

Road conditions:

• Highways are generally paved and in good condition.
• Night driving is possible but not ideal: limited lighting, occasional animals or pedestrians on the road.

Safety tips:

• Keep your fuel tank at least half full; gas stations become rarer between cities.
• Stick to speed limits; there are speed bumps and cameras.
• Avoid long night drives if you’re tired after a flight or a full day of sightseeing.

Parking at Petra:

• There is a parking area near the Visitor Center in Wadi Musa where most drivers leave their cars.
• Hotels nearby may also offer parking if you’re staying overnight.

Public Transportation to Petra: JETT Bus and Local Buses

JETT Bus

For many visitors, JETT is the most comfortable public option:

• Daily morning departure from Amman to Petra (check for any seasonal changes).
• Journey: about 3.5–4 hours.
• Modern tourist buses with air-conditioning and luggage space. Local buses

Local minibuses and regular buses also connect Amman or Aqaba with towns in the south. They are:

• Cheaper, but often less comfortable.
• Not fixed schedule – many leave when full, so you may wait.

If you have strict timing or a tight itinerary, JETT or a private transfer usually works better than relying fully on local buses.

Private Transfers, Taxis, and Tour Packages

If you don’t want to drive yourself or deal with bus schedules, you can:

• Book a private transfer from Amman, the airport, or Aqaba straight to Wadi Musa.
• Hire a taxi for a one-way trip or for a full-day arrangement (there and back).
• Join an organized tour, which includes transport and sometimes a guide, meals, and other stops such as Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea.

Private options cost more but give you:

• Flexible departure time
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Fewer logistics to manage, especially if you’re traveling with family or in a group

Best Time of Day to Travel to Petra

Here the focus is on when to travel, not just how:

• Early morning:
• Coolest temperatures, especially in summer.
• You can reach the site close to opening time and enjoy the Siq and Treasury before it gets too crowded.
• Midday:
• Roads are clear but the heat, especially in summer, can be intense.
• Not ideal if you plan a full day of walking inside Petra.
• Late afternoon / evening arrival:
• Works if you plan to visit Petra the next morning.
• Just avoid long night drives if you’re tired.

A common strategy:

• Travel early from Amman or Aqaba, check in or leave your luggage, and head straight to the Visitor Center. Or, arrive the evening before and start fresh the next morning.

Cost of Transportation to Petra: Full Price Breakdown

These are rough ballpark ranges to help with planning. Prices change with season, fuel costs, and negotiation. Always confirm locally.

• JETT bus (Amman → Petra): around 10–11 JD one way. jett.com.jo
• Bus from Amman with international sellers: from about $25–35 USD per ticket, depending on provider and date. checkmybus.com
• Car rental in Jordan: often around 25–30 JD per day for a standard car with insurance, plus fuel.
• Fuel for Amman → Petra one way: expect roughly 15–25 JD depending on car and fuel prices at the time (this is an estimate, not a fixed figure).
• Shared taxi Aqaba → Petra: usually in the 25–40 JD range for the car, split between 4–6 passengers.
• Private transfer or full-day driver: can be anywhere from 70–150+ JD depending on distance, car type, and what’s included.
• Organized tours: prices vary widely (especially if they include tickets, meals, and extra stops), so always check what’s included before you compare.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Petra

• Plan at least one full day inside Petra; many travelers prefer two.
• Buy water and snacks before you enter or at the visitor center – you’ll walk a lot.
• Wear proper shoes; the paths can be uneven and dusty.
• Check Petra’s opening hours and JETT schedules in advance; both can change seasonally.
• Keep some Jordanian dinars in cash for buses, taxis, and small purchases.
• If you arrive the same day you visit, start early so you have enough time to walk to the main sites like the Siq, the Treasury, and at least one viewpoint.

Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Petra

• Arriving too late in the day and only seeing a small part of the site.
• Underestimating walking time from the Visitor Center to major landmarks.
• Not checking transport schedules and then discovering the bus you wanted doesn’t run that day or is full.
• Driving long distances at night right after a long flight, when you’re exhausted.
• Ignoring the weather: in summer, mid-day heat is strong; in winter, evenings can be cold.

Avoid these, and your trip will already feel smoother and more relaxed.

Summary: Choosing the Best Route to Petra for Your Travel Style

• If you want maximum control and flexibility:
  → Rent a car and drive via the Desert Highway.
• If you prefer easy and affordable transport from Amman:
  → Take the JETT bus and book in advance.
• If you’re short on time or don’t want to plan details:
  → Book a private transfer or an organized tour from Amman or Aqaba.
• If you want to mix Red Sea and desert:
  → Fly into Aqaba, then drive or take a taxi to Petra for a day trip or overnight.

Whatever you choose, once you’re walking through the Siq and seeing the Treasury appear between the rocks, the planning will feel worth it.

FAQ

What is the nearest airport to Petra in Jordan?

The closest practical airports are:

• King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba – about 2 hours’ drive from Petra.
• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) near Amman – about 2.5–3 hours’ drive.

Most international visitors still arrive through Amman, as it has more flights.

How long does it take to drive from Amman to Petra?

Driving from Amman to Petra usually takes around 3 hours via the Desert Highway in normal conditions.

If you add stops for food, viewpoints, or fuel, count on 3–4 hours door to door.

Is it safe to travel to Petra by rental car?

For most travelers, yes. The main highways between Amman, Aqaba, and Petra are paved and widely used by locals and tourists. In addition, Jordan is known as a safe and secure country, and they always welcome tourists. If you think the highway is unsafe, rest assured that if you run out of gas, for example, you will find dozens of people to help you.

Basic tips still apply:

• Avoid driving when very tired.
• Be careful at night because of limited lighting and occasional animals on the road.
• Respect speed limits and watch for speed bumps near towns.

Are there buses from Amman or Aqaba to Petra?

Yes.

• From Amman, JETT runs a regular tourist bus to Petra, usually in the morning, with a return trip in the evening.
• From Aqaba, options are more limited but you can sometimes find JETT services, local buses, or tours that include transport.

Always check the latest schedule on the JETT website or with your hotel.

What is the cheapest way to get to Petra?

The cheapest routes usually are:

• JETT bus from Amman to Petra.
• Local minibuses, if you’re flexible about timing and don’t mind simple conditions.

If you’re traveling as a group, a shared taxi or rental car can become cost-effective once you split the price across several people.