How to get to Petra in outline
The base for Petra is the town of Wadi Musa, which sits at the entrance to the site. From there, the Treasury is reached on foot from the visitor center through the Siq, a walk of up to 1 hour depending on your pace. The journey to Wadi Musa is the long part.
From Amman, a car or taxi takes about 3 hours on the Desert Highway and about 4 hours on the King's Highway. From Aqaba, public buses take roughly 2 hours from the bus station. If you want transport and entry handled for you, compare Petra day trips from Amman and the tours from Eilat or Aqaba.
Full route notes for each starting city are on the sister guide: Petra from Amman and Petra from Aqaba.
Journey options compared
Times are rough guides. Traffic, detours and stops are not included.
| From | How | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amman | Car or taxi, Desert Highway | About 3 hours | The faster of the two main roads |
| Amman | Car or taxi, King's Highway | About 4 hours | The slower route |
| Amman | JETT bus | – | Leaves Abdali at 6:30 a.m., return from Petra at 5:00 p.m.; check the current timetable and fare before you go |
| Queen Alia airport | Taxi, or onward by minibus | – | A direct taxi to Petra, or a transfer to Amman's southern bus station for a minibus connection |
| Aqaba | Public bus from the bus station | About 2 hours | Check the timetable and fare for your day |
For a short stay, a guided day trip with a transfer saves the planning. If you have two days or more, travel to Wadi Musa, sleep near the entrance and see the Treasury at opening time. Where to sleep is covered on the where to stay page.
Book a private transfer from Queen Alia Airport (AMM) to Petra at a fixed price on Kiwitaxi.
Our pick: a transfer from Amman
No car? This day trip covers the ride from your hotel in Amman and back.
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.
Petra tours with transport included
Day trips from Amman, Aqaba or Wadi Musa that include the journey, with live prices and availability. Check what each tour adds to the entry ticket.
A day trip from Amman, hour by hour
One tour example, with approximate times.
6:30 a.m. pickup in Amman
The example tour collects guests at 6:30. The arrival in Petra is about 9:30.
9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
That leaves roughly 8 hours at the site, minus the walk to and from the Treasury. The tour leaves Petra at about 5:30 p.m.
9:00 p.m. back in Amman
The return is at about 9:00 p.m. The vehicle departure time does not extend opening hours.
Winter closing
Winter hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027. Your time inside ends at closing, not at the departure of the vehicle. The ticket terms give an even earlier winter closing time, so aim to be out by 4:00 p.m.
Best time to visit →At the entrance: Club Car, parking and access
Tickets are sold at the visitor center, and licensed guides can be arranged there. In summer the site is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until 1 October 2026.
The Club Car takes you to the Treasury for JOD 15 one way or JOD 25 return (2026). It needs no advance booking, and the return can be agreed on the spot. It is the permitted vehicle transport to the Treasury. Private pickups inside the park are not allowed, so do not plan on a rental car reaching the facade.
Some hotels, such as the Petra Guest House, offer free parking for guests. Ask about fees and opening times for public visitor parking before you rely on it. For the walk itself, see the Siq.
Road notes
What to expect on the way.
Desert Highway
Expect unmarked roadworks, broken-down vehicles and accidents. Drive in daylight when you can, and leave time to spare.
Winter around Petra
Snow can block roads around Petra in winter. Check the weather and the road before a winter drive.
From Eilat or Aqaba
Trips from Eilat cross the border, and crossing hours can change at short notice. Plan the border time separately from the drive.
Tours from Eilat or Aqaba →Plan the rest of your visit
After you arrive.
Getting to Petra: 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 and stops come on top.
Is there a bus from Amman to Petra?
A JETT bus leaves Abdali at 6:30 a.m. with a return from Petra at 5:00 p.m. Check the current timetable and fare before you plan around it.
How do I get from Queen Alia airport to Petra?
You can take a taxi directly to Petra, or go on to Amman's southern bus station for a minibus connection.
How long does the bus from Aqaba take?
Roughly 2 hours from the Aqaba bus station. Check the timetable and fare for the day you travel.
Can I drive to the Treasury?
No. You can drive to Wadi Musa and the entrance, then walk through the Siq or take the Club Car for JOD 15 one way or JOD 25 return (2026). Private pickups inside the park are not allowed.
How far is the Treasury from the visitor center?
Allow up to 1 hour on foot, depending on your pace. The Siq itself is a little more than 1.2 km long.