Amman to Petra: Top 3 Travel Routes
Surrounded by mountains riddled with gorges and passages, the ancient city of Petra is a renowned archaeological site that blends ancient Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. As you travel from Amman to Petra and enter the “Rose City” through the narrow canyon of Al Siq, you get the first glimpse of the Treasury, one of the most iconic monuments of Petra. From then, your tour gets even more interesting. Explore the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Great Temple, and several other fascinating sites. A trip to Amman, Jordan’s capital city, is the starting point for almost all the tours to Petra.
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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 kilometers 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.
- Distance covered: Around 235 kilometers.
- Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
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.
- Distance covered: Around 235 kilometers.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
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.
- Distance covered: Approximately 156 kilometers of flying distance followed by 137 kilometers of drive.
- Duration: Around 55 minutes of flight and two hours of drive
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.
A quick overview of traveling from Amman to Petra
| Transport mode | Time | Why choose this |
| Bus | 4 hours | The cheapest option; experience local life and scenic routes. |
| Car | 3 to 4 hours | Flexibility; best for group travel. |
| Flight | 55 minutes flight + 2 hours drive | Comfortable; saves time. |
There are several ways to travel from Amman to Petra, and each option has its own advantages. The fastest and most convenient option is to take a flight from Amman to Aqaba, but it can be relatively expensive compared to other modes of transport. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option and wish to experience local life and enjoy the scenic route, taking a bus from Amman to Petra is the way to go. For travelers who prefer more flexibility in their itinerary and enjoy driving, renting a car from Amman to Petra is a great choice. Although it may be a bit more expensive, renting a car allows you to explore the route at your own pace and stop at various attractions en route.
Petra Tours
Experience the wonders of Petra stress-free with an all-inclusive Petra tour departing from Amman, arranged by Bookmundi. Our meticulously planned Petra tours ensure that all your travel needs are taken care of, including lodging, meals, and transportation. Our expert team of local guides will lead you through the historical wonders of Petra, offering insightful information about its rich history and culture.
For those seeking a more personalized journey, we offer the option to customize your tour to Jordan according to your preferences. Our local experts in Jordan will work closely with you to craft a customized trip to Jordan that will allow you to explore Petra at your own pace and even includes additional destinations in Jordan.
Check out our guide on the top things to do in Jordan for more inspiration. Also, refer to our article on the best time to visit Jordan or our guide on the best time to visit Petra to plan your trip.
Whether you prefer traveling by bus, car, or plane, or joining an organized tour, Petra awaits as one of Jordan's most impressive attractions.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to drive from Amman to Petra?
Driving from Amman to Petra is generally safe. However, it is essential to exercise caution and be aware of local driving conditions. Some roads may have bumps and hazards, especially when entering and departing towns.
2. How to get to Petra from Amman Airport?
There are several ways to get to Petra from Amman Airport. Several bus companies operate services between Amman and Petra. You can take a taxi or public transport from the airport to the bus station in Amman and then board a bus to Petra. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi or rent a car from the airport. It is the most convenient and direct way to reach Petra. Some hotels and tour companies also offer shuttle services directly from Amman Airport to Petra.
3. How far is it from Amman to Petra?
The distance from Amman to Petra is approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles) by road. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transport.
