Petra can be seen in a day from Amman, but it is long: the road takes about 3 hours each way on the Desert Highway, for 4 to 5 hours on site if you leave early. Tours usually leave around 6 to 7 in the morning and come back in the evening, often between 8 and 10 pm. There are three ways to go: a group tour, a private driver or a rental car. This page compares what each includes; tour prices vary with the date and the operator, and the Petra entry tickets are detailed on the Petra page (official prices checked on 23 October 2026).
Highlights
The Treasury
Most day tours go through the Siq and stop at the Treasury; it is the minimum to aim for in a few hours.
The Siq
It takes 20 to 30 minutes each way; with the return, count nearly 1 hour 30 already to see the Treasury.
The Street of Facades and the theatre
Feasible in a day if the start is early; the Monastery needs another half day (see the Monastery page).
A stop on the way
Some packages stop at Madaba, Mount Nebo or Kerak Castle: ask whether your time at Petra is shortened accordingly.
Practical info
Tips
- Before booking, compare five points: is the Petra entrance ticket included? (50 JD for one day for a visitor who spends at least one night in Jordan; if you have a Jordan Pass, do not pay twice, see the Jordan Pass guide); are lunch, tips and the guide included? How long on site (aim for at least 4 hours)? Group size? Departure and return times? A tour without the ticket looks cheaper but is not. Private driver: more flexible for leaving at 6 and choosing stops, at a higher budget shared among the travellers; it is the most cost-effective option with three or four people. Rental car: the road is easy (Desert Highway) but tiring on the way back after a long walk. Bus: there is a public service between Amman and Wadi Musa; check the timetable and day before counting on it, as it is limited. Honestly: if you can, spend a night in Wadi Musa; you gain the morning light in the Siq, you can climb to the Monastery and do Petra by Night, and the two-day visit costs only 5 JD more (55 JD instead of 50). To organise the day, read how to visit Petra.
How to get there
Usually pick-up at your hotel in Amman; Petra is about 230 km away, 3 hours by the Desert Highway.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.