A trip from Cairo to Petra opens a passage to ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes of the Middle East. Cairo is an ideal starting point for Petra tours, offering cultural richness and convenient transport links. From the world-famous Giza pyramid complex to the hidden treasures of Petra's rock-cut architecture, this journey promises an immersive exploration of history, ancient civilizations, and natural beauty.
Ways to Get to Petra from Cairo
When traveling from Cairo to Petra, there are several options. You could enjoy a scenic bus journey through desert landscapes or opt for the flexibility of a self-driven road trip along picturesque routes. Another convenient choice is to take a quick flight from Egypt’s Cairo to Jordan’s Amman, followed by a brief drive to Petra. The choice of transport mode for your Cairo to Petra tours will ultimately depend on factors such as cost, time, distance, and personal preferences.
By bus
Experience the magic of the ancient world on a wallet-friendly bus journey from Cairo to Petra, where every mile is a step closer to history.
Traveling from Cairo to Petra by bus can offer a cost-effective and immersive journey. The distance between the two cities is about 600 kilometers. The duration of the bus ride between Cairo and Petra can vary depending on factors, such as border crossing times and traffic conditions, but expect a travel time of 12 to 13 hours. Several bus companies operate between Cairo and Petra, offering direct and indirect service options. Ticket prices typically range from USD 25 to USD 85, depending on the level of comfort and service provided.
Distance covered: 600 kilometers
Duration: 12 to 13 hours
Pro tips:
Look for reputable bus companies operating between Cairo and Petra. Companies like JETT offer reliable services.
Secure your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid last-minute problems.
Make sure you have all required travel documentation, such as passports and visas for border crossings.
Ensure you have enough local currency for border fees and expenses on your trip to Jordan and Egypt.
Be prepared for a long bus journey by bringing entertainment, snacks, and water. Pack light but include essentials like a jacket, travel pillow, and essential medicines.
Choose overnight bus travel so that you are fully rested and have enough time to explore Petra.
Keep a watch on your belongings throughout the travel, particularly at breaks and border crossings.
By car
Drive from Cairo to Petra and unlock the flexibility to discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks at your own pace.
Can you drive from Cairo to Petra? Absolutely! Going on a road trip allows you to make stops at various points between the two cities, making your trip more fun and rewarding. The distance between Cairo and Petra is around 600 kilometers, which can be covered in 8 to 10 hours. It may take even longer if you make several stops along the way. Popular routes may include traveling through the Sinai Peninsula and crossing the border into Jordan at the Taba Crossing. Renting a car for the trip can cost between USD 120 and USD 150 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration.
Distance covered: 600 kilometers
Duration: 8 to 10 hours
Pro tips:
Plan your route carefully, considering border crossing requirements and driving regulations on your trip to Egypt and Jordan.
Explore car rental agencies in Cairo offering cross-border services to Jordan. Ensure the rental agreement permits international travel.
Make sure your vehicle is in a good condition and fill up your tank before beginning your drive.
Consider using GPS navigation or offline mapping, as certain regions may have limited connectivity.
Carry enough local currencies for border crossing fees and other expenses along the way.
Familiarize yourself with road signs and local driving regulations to ensure a smooth journey. Be aware of road conditions, especially if traveling at night.
By flight
Choose the Cairo to Petra flight for a swift, stress-free journey, ensuring more time to uncover the mysteries of Petra's ancient cityscape.
Opting for a Cairo to Petra flight is a convenient and comfortable option, particularly if you have limited time. While there are no direct flights between Cairo and Petra, connecting flights are available with layovers in cities such as Amman in Jordan. The flight distance from Cairo to Amman is approximately 600 kilometers, with a flight time of around 6 hours, depending on the layover duration. The ticket can cost anywhere from USD 140 to USD 315. From Amman, Petra is easily accessible by road, with a driving distance of approximately 240 kilometers. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Petra from Amman, and costs USD 35 to USD 55.
Distance covered: 600 kilometers
Duration: 6 hours
Pro tips:
To cut down on travel time, look for connecting flights with short layovers.
To find the most practical and economical route for your vacation, use websites like Skyscanner to research and compare airline alternatives.
For cheaper airfare consider booking your flight well in advance.
To account for possible delays, security checks, and check-in, get to the airport at least an hour before your scheduled departure.
Make travel plans in advance for your means of getting from Amman to Petra, whether it is by private vehicle, public transport, or rental car.
A quick overview of traveling from Cairo to Petra
Mode of transport
Time taken
Why choose this?
Bus
12 to 13 hours
Scenic route through the Sinai Peninsula and Jordanian desert, potential stops at historical sites like St. Catherine's Monastery or Wadi Rum for hiking or sightseeing.
Car
8 to 10 hours
Flexibility to explore various stops along the route, such as the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib, and Dana Biosphere Reserve, and opportunity for spontaneous detours to lesser-known attractions.
Flight
6 hours (flight) + 3-4 hours (drive)
Quick and convenient option, saves time, stunning aerial views of the Sinai Peninsula and Jordanian landscapes during the flight.
If you are traveling from Cairo to Petra, you can choose between diverse transport modes, each offering unique advantages. Opting for a scenic bus ride presents an immersive, cost-effective experience through desert landscapes, albeit with a lengthy travel time of around 12 to 13 hours. Conversely, a self-driven road trip allows freedom to stop and explore various sites along the way. Taking a flight, on the other hand, is the quickest and most comfortable—although expensive—way to travel between the two destinations.
If you are intrigued by the ancient wonders of Petra, embarking on a Petra tour offers a captivating exploration of Jordan's rich history and remarkable landscapes. For a more personalized experience, you can collaborate with one of our local travel experts to create a customized trip to Jordan.
Jordan’s rich tapestry of history and natural wonders comes alive in this private five-day tour, ideal for young adults, experienced travelers, or anyone craving an immersive Middle Eastern adventure. Begin in Amman and journey through the country’s most significant cultural and archaeological sites, with seamless transport and expert local insights every step of the way.
Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans at Jerash—dubbed the Pompeii of the East—where you’ll explore Hadrian’s Arch, the famed Hippodrome, and the Temple of Artemis. In Madaba, marvel at the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in St. George Church, then gaze out from Mount Nebo, just as Moses did in biblical times.
The magic intensifies in Petra, where the ancient Nabatean city reveals its secrets—stand before the iconic Treasury, meander through the Royal Tombs, and take in the grandeur of the Roman Theatre and Qasr Al Bint. Your journey concludes amid the surreal desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, a favorite among filmmakers and adventurers alike.
What distinguishes this tour package is its private, flexible approach—allowing you to experience Jordan’s highlights at your own pace, with personalized attention and comfort throughout. For travelers who want to dive deep into Jordan’s history and natural beauty in just five days, this trip delivers an unforgettable blend of culture and wonder.
Your Jordan adventure begins with the timeless wonder of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into rose-red cliffs. Discover Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), a hidden Nabataean gem that offers a more intimate glimpse into ancient history. Then venture into the vast Wadi Rum Valley, where golden dunes and towering sandstone formations create a surreal desert landscape perfect for exploration. Continue to Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), the biblical site of Jesus’ baptism, and experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Conclude your journey in Amman, a vibrant capital where modern energy meets deep-rooted heritage.
For travelers passionate about food and culture, the "Taste Of Jordan" tour package offers an irresistible blend of culinary adventure and iconic sightseeing. Over 8 days, journey from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea, all while learning to prepare Jordan’s most beloved dishes against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.
This immersive experience is perfect for young adults and seasoned explorers alike, inviting you to cook traditional Galayah in bustling Amman, master the art of Mansaf in the ancient city of Petra, and savor Zarb—slow-cooked in desert sands—with Bedouin hosts in Wadi Rum. Other highlights include making Magluba, creamy hummus, and the time-honored Taboun bread in centuries-old ovens.
Beyond hands-on cooking, this tour provides genuine opportunities to connect with locals, gaining insight into Jordanian hospitality and daily life. The unique selling point? An authentic culinary journey woven seamlessly with visits to some of Jordan’s most famous attractions. If you’re hungry for deeper cultural immersion, this trip delivers unforgettable flavors and meaningful interactions at every stop.
Step into the pages of biblical history on the 'Follow the Footsteps of Jesus in Jordan' tour—a private eight-day journey tracing sacred sites and legendary landscapes. Designed for both young adults and seniors with a passion for history and culture, this itinerary begins in Amman and weaves through Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Jordan River, Dead Sea, and culminates back in the capital. Along the way, you’ll stand where Moses once gazed upon the Promised Land, visit Bethany—mentioned five times in the New Testament—and walk the ancient King’s Highway to the revered Moses Springs.
A highlight of this trip is the visit to Petra, the iconic lost city carved from rose-red cliffs. What truly sets this tour apart is its focus on Christian heritage, offering a rare chance to experience Jordan’s most important religious and mythical sites through the lens of faith and legend. With expert guidance and seamless logistics, this tour promises a profound exploration of both spiritual and archaeological wonders, making it a must for travelers seeking meaning and discovery in every step.
Short on time but keen on adventure? The "Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea in Three Days" private trip is perfectly crafted for young adults and seniors alike who want to experience Jordan’s icons in a flash. Start with a guided walking tour of the Rose Red City of Petra, then journey to the dramatic canyons and dunes of Wadi Rum for an off-road adventure and a night under the desert stars. Conclude with a relaxing dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea before a comfortable transfer back to Amman. The unique selling point here is the efficient, private format—maximizing legendary highlights with seamless logistics, accommodation, and transport included.
Join us on this private, guided tour and cover the highlights of Jordan within eight days. Starting from Amman, this trip will take you to the most popular destinations in the country like Dana, Petra and Wadi Rum. See the highlights of Amman during a sightseeing tour and take a trip to Madaba, known for the sixth-century mosaic in the St George’s Church.
See the Roman forum and a colonnaded street dating back to the time to the Romans in Jerash, the best surviving example of a Roman provincial city in the whole Middle East. Explore the 'rose-red city' of Petra with your tour guide and see its Treasury.
Along with the cultural and architecture highlights of Jordan, this trip will also cover its natural landmarks. Enjoy hiking in Dana Nature Reserve with locals and ride a camel in Wadi Rum. See the diversified landscape of both these places and learn more about the people.
End your trip with a relaxing stay at a Dead Sea hotel. This trip starts and ends in Amman airport. Traveling with you during this trip will be your English-speaking driver and you will meet local tour guides in Jerash, Dana, Petra and Wadi Rum.
Please scroll down to the itinerary section for more details.
Discover Jordan in a week during this private tour. Starting from Amman, the capita city, this trip will take you to Jerash, Mt Nebo, Petra and Wadi Rum before coming to an end in the Dead Sea.
Enjoy strolling in downtown Amman and see the ruins of the citadel located at the centre of the city. Drive to Mt Nebo, the place from where Prophet Moses gazed at the Promised Land before he died. Discover the lost city of Petra, whose history goes back by more than two millennia, and explore the lunar landscape of Wadi Rum in an off-road vehicle.
End your trip with a relaxing stay at a Dead Sea hotel. This trip starts and ends in Amman Airport. Traveling with you during this trip will be your English-speaking driver. You will meet local tour guides in Jerash, Petra and Wadi Rum. For more details, please scroll down.
Looking to explore Jordan at your own pace? The "Jordan Self-Drive Tour" is tailored for those who value independence yet want to experience the best of the country’s culture, history, and landscapes. Begin in Madaba, the City of Mosaics, where ancient art and the renowned St. George’s Church await.
Adventure beckons on the Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib, a dramatic canyon trek perfect for travelers who appreciate natural beauty. Take in the biblical vistas from Mount Nebo and explore the imposing Karak Castle, a testament to Jordan’s storied past. The highlight is Petra—the legendary Rose City carved into cliff faces—a UNESCO marvel and a photographer’s dream.
Catering to both young adults and seniors, this tour package offers the freedom to chart your own course, supported by local hospitality and the flexibility to linger at sites that inspire you. The unique selling point? The ability to craft your own adventure while having all the essentials arranged, ensuring a rich, stress-free journey through Jordan’s treasures.
Step back in time and explore the magic of Jordan on the "Ship Of The Desert: Camel Safari In Jordan" tour. Perfect for both young adults and seniors seeking a blend of adventure and cultural immersion, this 10-day trip takes you from the legendary rock-carved city of Petra to the tranquil shores of the Dead Sea.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Queen Alia International Airport, followed by a visit to Petra—an archaeological wonder that never fails to captivate. Next, venture deep into the golden sands of Wadi Rum, where you’ll spend four unforgettable nights in the desert. Ride camels alongside Bedouin guides, discover ancient landscapes, and experience authentic Bedouin hospitality under star-lit skies.
The last leg of your trip offers pure relaxation as you unwind at a hotel near the Dead Sea, enjoying its mineral-rich waters and surreal floating experience. Airport transfers are included, ensuring smooth logistics from start to finish. The unique selling point? Extended time in Wadi Rum’s magical desert, providing a rare opportunity to deeply connect with Jordan’s natural beauty and Bedouin traditions.
Mishyali Fernando is a content writer from Sri Lanka with a deep passion for exploring new places and sharing her adventures through words. Growing up in such a beautiful country, she has been fortunate to travel extensively, from the cultural charm of Kandy to the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, the vibrant streets of Jaffna, and the stunning beaches of Galle and Mirissa—her personal favorite.
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