Amman to Petra: How to Travel
Surrounded by mountains riddled with gorges and passages, explore Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a renowned archaeological site that blends ancient Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. The Treasury can be seen for the first time as you enter the "Rose City" through the narrow canyon of Al Siq. A trip to Amman, Jordan’s capital city, is the starting point for almost all the tours heading to the “Lost City”. From Amman, travelers can easily find various transport modes and many tours to Petra.
Ways to Get to Petra from Amman
There are many ways to get from Amman to Petra, but the three most common transportation modes are bus, car, and plane.
By bus:
Petra is located 235 km from Amman. The one-way bus ticket costs around USD15 to USD18 for both adults and kids. As this is the cheapest mode of travel, going on a bus from Amman to Petra is a popular choice. It is also an excellent way to enjoy the beautiful scenery as you spend four hours on the road. While this may not be the ideal option for those on a short trip to Petra, traveling in local buses is the best way to experience local life.
Pro tips:
- For a more comfortable ride, use better-class buses whenever possible. Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, restrooms, and comfortable reclining seats are typically available on these buses. Especially in the summer, JETT is a great choice.
- Long-haul mini buses typically operate from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
- Bus reservations should be made in advance to guarantee a good seat
- It is always a good idea to reach the bus stop at least 20 minutes before the departure time.
- Remember that you will be charged extra fees if you carry large baggage on local buses.
By car:
Though renting a car is relatively more expensive, it is a perfect solution for those who want to travel in groups and enjoy the scenery. It also gives you options on the route you want to take. The Amman to Petra drive will take around three to four hours, and the price of a car will generally depend on the rental place. You can rent a modern model car with insurance at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman for about USD35 to USD45 per day. There are more than 100 car rental companies operating just in Amman, so possibilities are never limited.
Pro tips:
- Jordan's roads are generally not very excellent. There are many bumps, especially when entering and departing towns. You should be aware of this. Take caution because it can be difficult to spot them.
- The good thing is that Jordan does not have tolls. Hence, you can travel leisurely without having to make stops.
- Although you can rent a car in Jordan without an international driving permit, you must be at least 25 years old and present your passport and driver's license.
By flight:
Flying from Amman to Petra is your best bet if you want to travel in comfort. It is, however, quite expensive. A flight ticket could cost approximately USD100 to USD150. There is also no direct flight to Petra. So, you will be required to fly to Aqaba and then use another mode of transport to reach Petra. The King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), in Aqaba, is the closest airport to Petra. Do not forget to factor in the cost of transportation from the airport in Aqaba to your hotel in Petra. the typical flight time between Amman and Aqaba is 55 minutes.
Pro tips:
- Typically, December is the most affordable month to fly from Amman to Aqaba. You can also secure great deals by reserving your flights at the last minute.
- Make sure to book your tickets at least three months in advance if you are traveling during the holidays.
- Even though connecting flights have some drawbacks, on average, multi-stop flights save passengers up to 60 percent more than direct flights.
- To save even more, you can fly on low-cost airlines, which provide substantially less expensive plane tickets than full-service carriers.
Petra Tours
Plan an all-inclusive tour to Petra departing from Amman with Bookmundi. All your travel plans, from your lodging, meals, and transportation needs, will be decided in advance to guarantee you a stress-free vacation. The Petra packaged tours provided here are ideal for first-timers.
- Take up a three-day, private tour to Jordan starting from Amman, Jordan. Pass through Wadi Rum and along the Dead Sea. Discover sand dunes, canyons, and Nabatean rock inscriptions, and while at it, spend a night in a tent in the desert and watch the famous glimmering sunrise and sunset.
- Enjoy a fully guided, group tour in Petra commencing from Amman. Visit the majestic castle of Ajloun and walk through Al Siq to reach the beautiful Treasury. Explore the city's amphitheater and discover its many tombs and caverns under the guidance of a knowledgeable and friendly guide.
There are many ways to get to Petra, be it by bus, car, plane, or by joining an organized tour. If you are on a trip to Jordan, make time to see Petra, one of the biggest attractions.
If you are looking to explore more, there are other destinations in Jordan with abundant opportunities to venture out. You can check out the guide on things to do in Jordan to find our activities that best suit you. For a seasonal overview of the country, you can read our guide on the best time to visit Jordan. Browse through our collection of packaged tours to Jordan or contact our travel experts for customized trips to Jordan.
