This guide breaks down every route, every transport option, and the real travel times you should plan for, so you arrive at Petra fresh and ready to explore.
Planning your full trip? Check our complete Petra Jordan travel guide for activities, accommodation, and more.
Distance Between Amman and Petra in Numbers
Petra is located next to the town of Wadi Musa in southern Jordan. When travel guides say "Amman to Petra," they almost always mean Amman to the Petra Visitor Centre in Wadi Musa.
Here are the three road routes you can take, and what each one costs you in time:
| Route | Distance | Driving time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Highway (Hwy 15) | ~235 km | ~3 hours | Speed, day trips |
| King's Highway (Hwy 35) | ~274 km | 4 to 4.5 hours | Scenery, history, road trip |
| Dead Sea Highway (Hwy 65) | ~251 km | 4 to 5 hours | Combining with Dead Sea visit |
The Three Routes from Amman to Petra Explained
Desert Highway (Highway 15)
This is the most direct way south. The Desert Highway runs straight through Jordan's eastern desert, connecting Amman to Aqaba and passing close to Wadi Musa along the way. It's well-paved, lightly trafficked outside the cities, and almost entirely flat.
If you want to be standing in front of the Treasury before lunch, this is the route. Most regional buses, JETT services, and standard tour operators use it for exactly that reason.
King's Highway (Highway 35)
If you have time, this is the more rewarding drive. The King's Highway is one of the oldest continuously used trade routes in the world, a path the Nabataeans, Romans, and early Christian pilgrims all travelled. Today it winds through Jordan's central highlands, dropping into deep wadis and climbing back up to mountain villages, with stops at Madaba, Karak Castle, Dana Biosphere Reserve, and Shobak Castle along the way.
The drive itself takes about 4 to 4.5 hours without stops, but realistically you'll want a full day, or even an overnight stay at Dana, to do the route justice.
A practical tip for King's Highway drivers: the route passes through small towns with speed bumps along the way, so a relaxed pace works best. If you're using GPS, set your destination via the King's Highway specifically, since some apps default to the faster Desert Highway.
Dead Sea Highway (Highway 65)
Highway 65 runs along the Dead Sea coast and is a great option if you'd like to combine your Petra trip with a float in the Dead Sea or a stop at the Ma'in Hot Springs along the way. It's especially rewarding for self-drivers building a longer itinerary, offering the most varied scenery of the three routes.
For a complete itinerary with suggested time at each stop, see our transport options to Petra guide.
How to Travel from Amman to Petra
1. JETT bus
JETT is one of Jordan's largest intercity bus operators and the simplest way to reach Petra without renting a car. Buses depart from two locations in Amman: Abdali station (downtown) and the 7th Circle station.
Typical schedule:
- Departure from Amman: ~6:30 AM
- Arrival in Petra: ~10:00–10:15 AM (about 3h 45m total)
- Return from Petra: ~5:00 PM
Times shift on weekends, public holidays, and during Ramadan, so always confirm on jett before your travel date. Booking online a day or two ahead is recommended in high season (March–May, September–November).
Read how much the journey costs
2. Private transfer or taxi
A private car with a driver from Amman to Petra takes about 3 hours via the Desert Highway and can be arranged through your hotel. This is the easiest option if you're travelling with luggage, want to leave on your own schedule, or plan to stop along the way.
3. Self-drive rental car
Renting a car gives you the freedom to take the King's Highway and stop wherever you like. International rental companies operate at Queen Alia International Airport, which sits conveniently south of Amman on the way to Petra, making it a popular pickup point.
4. Day tours from Amman
Plenty of operators run guided day tours that include transport, a guide inside Petra, and lunch. They almost always use the Desert Highway, leave Amman around 6:30–7:00 AM, and return in the evening. It's a full day, and a great choice if Petra is your main focus.
Day Trip from Amman to Petra: Is It Worth It?
A day trip is feasible, and many travellers do it. With about 3 hours each way plus 6–7 hours inside Petra, you'll have time for the Siq, the Treasury, the Street of Façades, and one of the high viewpoints such as Al-Khubtha or the Monastery.
If you can spare an extra night, stay at least one night in Wadi Musa. There's far more to Petra than a single day allows. A second day lets you enter at opening time, explore at a slower pace, and tackle the longer trails such as Al-Khubtha, which leads to a high-place viewpoint looking down over the Treasury, or the climb up to Ad-Deir (the Monastery). You can also venture beyond the main site to Little Petra (Siq Al-Barid) and the Neolithic village of Beidha just to the north.
Evenings in Wadi Musa open up further options. Experience Petra by Night, a candlelit walk through the Siq to the Treasury that runs Sunday through Thursday from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Or join a class at the Petra Kitchen, where local chefs share authentic Jordanian recipes in a relaxed, family-style setting.
FAQs
What is the distance between Amman and Petra?
The road distance is approximately 235 kilometres via the Desert Highway, and about 274 kilometres via the King's Highway.
How long does it take to drive from Amman to Petra?
About 3 hours via the Desert Highway with no major stops. The King's Highway takes 4 to 4.5 hours and easily becomes a full-day trip with sightseeing.
Can I do a day trip from Amman to Petra?
Yes. Leave by 6:30 AM, plan for about 6–7 hours inside Petra, and return on the late-afternoon JETT bus or with a private driver. You'll have time for the main sites, and for the longer trails most travellers prefer at least one overnight in Wadi Musa.
Is it safe to drive from Amman to Petra?
Yes. Both major routes are paved, well-signposted in Arabic and English, and used daily by locals and tourists.
Should I buy the Jordan Pass before this trip?
Almost certainly yes if you're staying more than three nights. The Jordan Pass covers your tourist visa fee plus entry to Petra and dozens of other sites including Jerash, Wadi Rum, and Karak Castle. For most visitors it pays for itself on the first visit to Petra alone.
