Petra Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning a visit to Petra, it’s crucial to know where to stay and how to reach Petra. You can gather information about accommodation options and the most budget-friendly places to stay during your Petra journey. Additionally, you can learn about ticket prices for entry to Petra and how to purchase tickets online. Having detailed information about the most convenient transportation options and entrance fees to Petra while planning your travel will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. 

How to get to Petra ?

To get to Petra, there are several options available. Typically, travelers journey to Petra from Jordan capital, Amman, either by road. Here are the options for reaching Petra from Amman:

• Car Rental or Private Transfer: Renting a car or arranging a private transfer can offer you more flexibility. Driving from Amman to Petra allows for stops along the way to explore the beauty of Jordan. The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Petra is by car. Queen Alia Airport to Petra Distance 2-2:30 hours.
• Traveling by Bus: There are regular bus services from Amman to Petra. This option might be budget-friendly, although the travel time could be a bit longer. The average cost of traveling from Amman to Petra by bus is around $25, and the journey usually takes 4-5 hours.
• Tours and Organized Groups: Many tour companies organize day trips from Amman to Petra. These tours usually include comfortable transportation, guided tours, and stops at specific points of interest.

Comparing transportation options before heading to Petra and selecting the one that best suits your travel plans can enhance your overall experience.

The Best Time to Visit Petra, Jordon ?

Petra is suitable for visiting year-round, yet the summer months can be quite challenging due to intense heat. Even though temperatures may reach 36 degrees Celsius, the humidity is minimal. Therefore, visiting Petra during spring and autumn months would be more pleasant and manageable. If you’re planning for a two-day or day trip, we recommend aligning your visit with the ‘Petra by Night‘ experience held twice a week, where night walks are organized.

Where to Stay in Petra ?

There are various hotels and accommodation facilities near Petra, with some situated quite close to the entrance of the ancient city, offering convenient lodging options for visiting Petra. Additionally, some accommodations located farther from Petra offer complimentary daily shuttle services to the site (please confirm this during the reservation process).

Tip: Booking hotels two or three months in advance can secure more affordable rates for your trip.

Petra Entrance Ticket Prices: How Much Does It Cost ?

The entrance fee to Petra is 90 JD for one day. However, if you are staying in Jordan, the prices are as shown in the first table. It’s a kind of promotion applied to those staying in Jordan. Entrance tickets can be purchased with cash or credit card from visitor offices or online through this page

1. Fees for the accommodated visitor: Visitor who stays at least one night in Jordan.

Entrance Ticket	Price
One  Day	50 (J.D)
Two  Days	55 (J.D)
Three days	60 (J.D)

2. Fees for non-accommodated visitor:

Entrance Ticket:  (90 JD)

Notes: 

• Please submit your valid passport to the tickets office.
• Tickets are available by cash or Credit cards .
• Children under 12 years are free of charge.
• Visit is consecutive for the visitors who holds two/ three days entry ticket.
• The residents fee is 1 JD as long as the resident is holding a valid residence card issued for 1 year at least.
• Jordan pass ticket doesn’t include the Night show “Petra by Night“.
• Jordan pass ticket holders should submit their ticket in the ticket office so they can do the back road route. 
• Daylight ticket is required to attend the Petra by night show.

How Long Should You Stay In Petra, Jordan?

Petra is one of Jordan’s most famous and impressive ancient cities. For many visitors, a period of 2-3 days can often be enough time to explore this ancient city. Petra covers a quite extensive area and houses numerous ancient structures, tombs, temples, and carved rock formations. In 2-3 days, it’s possible to visit the main highlights such as the City Entrance (Siq), the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Main Temple, and the Monastery (Ad Deir). Additionally, you can allocate time for hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and experiencing the local culture. However, if you desire a more in-depth exploration or wish to visit less popular spots, you might need to extend your stay. It’s essential to plan your time accordingly if you also want to explore other regions of Jordan.

Petra Opening and Closing Times

Petra is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm during the summer and 6 am to 4 pm in the winter. The site closes around sunset and the quietest times to visit Petra are usually in the early mornings and late afternoons.Petra Night” begins every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30 PM from the Petra Visitor Center. The breathtaking paths of the canyon are specially illuminated for this night.As you take each step, historic structures start to emerge, slowly revealing the grandeur of Petra.As one of the world’s seven wonders, Petra unveils its beauty under the stars during this nighttime event. The impressive structures exude the essence of history with every passing moment. The experience concludes by returning to the visitor center at 10:30 PM.