Petra in a day from Amman
You can see the Treasury in one day from Amman, but the day is long. By car or taxi the drive takes about 3 hours each way on the Desert Highway, or about 4 hours on the King's Highway. Traffic, detours and stops come on top. There are three ways to go: an organised tour, the public bus or a driver.
Tours bundle transport, a guide, the Petra entry and often lunch. The public bus leaves Amman Abdali at 06:30 and returns from Petra at 17:00. Check the current timetable and fare before you go. From Queen Alia Airport you can take a taxi straight to Petra, or continue to Amman's southern bus station for a minibus.
Our picks: Petra day trips from Amman
Our take: the private day is the most comfortable for a long drive. The group or private full day is a little cheaper, and the Dead Sea combination suits you if you want a swim the same day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Full day to Petra from Amman, group or private
- Hotel or airport transfer
- Driver
- Water and Wi-Fi
The transport is covered; the Petra ticket comes with the matching option.
Check availability →
Private full day to Petra from Amman
- Private transfer
- Driver
- Water and Wi-Fi
A private car to Petra and back. The entry and a local guide come with the matching options.
Check availability →
Petra and the Dead Sea in one day
- Amman transfer
- Vehicle
- Water and Wi-Fi
A shared or private day. The Petra entry is only part of the all-inclusive option.
Check availability →Petra day trips from Amman
Private and group day tours with hotel transfer, guide, entry and lunch, with live prices and availability. Check what is included and the pick-up time.
A sample day
Typical times for a day tour. They are approximate.
06:30 Pick-up in Amman
The tour collects you in Amman and drives south. The long drive is the main reason to book a tour rather than drive yourself.
09:30 Arrival at Petra
You reach Petra after about 3 hours. Direct sun reaches the facade roughly from 09:00 to 11:00, which is not a promise for every month.
Best time and light →Walk to the Treasury
Allow up to 1 hour from the Visitor Center through the Siq, depending on your pace, and the same for the way back.
The Siq →17:30 Departure
In winter (2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027) the site closes at 17:00, and some ticket terms say 16:00. The departure time of a vehicle is not permission to stay, so be out of the gate on time.
Hours and tickets →21:00 Back in Amman
The sample tour returns at about 21:00. A return at that hour leaves no time for Petra by Night, which runs 20:30 to 22:30.
Petra by Night →Ways to get from Amman to Petra
Compared for a single day.
| Option | Departure | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organised day tour | Hotel pick-up, for example 06:30 | Back in Amman at about 21:00 in the sample | Transport, guide, entry and lunch in a private tour that runs daily. Check the tour details |
| Public bus | Amman Abdali at 06:30 | Return from Petra at 17:00 | Check the current timetable and fare before you go |
| Taxi or driver | Your choice | About 3 hours on the Desert Highway, about 4 on the King's Highway | Agree the price and the waiting time before you start |
| Own car | Your choice | Same roads as a taxi | Private pick-ups are not allowed in the park, so you cannot drive to the Treasury |
For most first-time visitors a day tour is the simplest option, since it handles the long drive. If you want more than a few hours in Petra, sleep in Wadi Musa instead. See where to stay and the full routes from Amman.
What a day trip costs and leaves out
Add the Petra entry unless your tour includes it: JOD 50 for one day with at least one night in Jordan, JOD 90 without. The Club Car to the Treasury costs JOD 15 one way or JOD 25 return, and the Jordan Pass can be worth it if you stay at least two nights. Everything is on the tickets page.
A day trip covers the Siq and the Treasury well, with little time left beyond that. For the Monastery and the hiking trails you need a second day. Compare tours before you choose.
Petra day trip from Amman: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Amman to Petra?
About 3 hours by car or taxi on the Desert Highway and about 4 hours on the King's Highway. Traffic, detours and stops are not included, so allow extra time.
Is one day enough for Petra?
It is enough for the Siq and the Treasury. For more of Petra, stay overnight in Wadi Musa. See where to stay.
Is there a public bus from Amman to Petra?
Yes. The bus leaves Amman Abdali at 06:30 and returns from Petra at 17:00. Check the current timetable and fare before you go.
Do I need to buy a Petra ticket for a day trip?
Yes, unless your tour includes it. The day ticket is JOD 50 with at least one night in Jordan and JOD 90 without one. Children under 12 are free in the daytime.
Can I combine a day trip with Petra by Night?
Not on the same day from Amman. A tour that returns at about 21:00 leaves no time for the show, which runs 20:30 to 22:30. Stay overnight in Wadi Musa to attend.
Is this an official Petra transport site?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not connected to the authority that runs Petra, the bus operator or any tour company.