Where a horse ride in Petra goes
The horse route runs along the Main Trail from the main entrance to the start of the Siq. That is the approach to the gorge, not the gorge itself. The Siq and the Treasury come after that point.
Do not assume a ride is part of your Petra ticket. A free ride followed by a request for a tip is a known pattern, and the ticket terms warn against it. Treat any ride as a separate service, and agree the price and the exact route before you sit down.
On foot, the walk from the visitor center to the Treasury takes up to 1 hour, depending on your pace and your photo stops. The Siq alone is a little more than 1.2 km long and as narrow as 3 m in places. For the full route, see the Petra overview.
Ways to reach the Treasury compared
What each option covers. Prices are for 2026 where a fare is fixed.
| Option | Route | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| On foot | Visitor center, Siq, Treasury | Included in your Petra ticket | Up to 1 hour one way, plus the return |
| Horse | Main entrance to the start of the Siq | Agree before you start | Not a given part of the ticket; the horse route ends at the start of the Siq |
| Club Car | To the Treasury | JOD 15 one way, JOD 25 return | No advance booking; the return can be agreed on the spot |
| Donkey or mule | Steep paths | – | The authority warns against rides on steep trails |
The Club Car is the permitted vehicle transport to the Treasury, and private pickups inside the park are not allowed. For most visitors, walking the Siq is the simplest way to reach the facade. If the distance is a problem, the Club Car is the fixed-price option.
Our pick: a guided golf cart tour
If you prefer not to ride an animal, a golf cart with a guide is the alternative.
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.
Guided walks and tours to the Treasury
Guided visits in Petra on foot, plus day trips from Amman, Aqaba or Wadi Musa, with live prices and availability.
Animal welfare, in plain terms
In April 2025 the animal-rights group PETA described limping donkeys, hoof injuries and too little water for animals in Petra. It also said that the Petra Veterinary Clinic, which it supports, gives free veterinary care. That is PETA's position.
Horse-drawn carriages run in Petra as well. PETA noted 20 electric vehicles replacing part of the carriage fleet as early as 2021.
The choice is yours. If you decide to hire an animal, ask for the price, the route and the time before you start, and look at how the animal is kept.
Practical points at the entrance
A short list for the first few minutes.
Know the route
The horse route ends at the start of the Siq. If you are offered a ride further, ask exactly where it stops.
The Siq →Ask about tips first
If a ride is offered as free, ask whether a tip is expected. The ticket terms warn against free offers that end in a tip demand.
Say no politely
Handlers and guides at the entrance work during a busy day. A clear, friendly no is enough if you prefer to walk.
Plan the return
The way back is the same length as the way in. Winter closing is earlier, so leave time to get out before the site closes.
Best time to visit →Plan the rest of your visit
What comes after the entrance.
Horse rides in Petra: frequently asked questions
Is a horse ride included in the Petra ticket?
Do not count on it. Treat a ride as a separate service, and be cautious with offers of a free ride that end in a request for a tip.
How far does the horse ride go?
The horse route runs from the main entrance to the start of the Siq.
Can I ride a horse to the Treasury?
The horse route ends at the start of the Siq. To reach the Treasury you walk, which takes up to 1 hour from the visitor center, or take the Club Car.
How much is the Club Car?
JOD 15 one way and JOD 25 return to the Treasury in 2026. You can pay on the spot, without advance booking, and the return can be agreed there.
What about donkeys and mules?
The authority warns against rides on steep trails. Check the path and the animal before you agree to anything.
How much does a horse ride cost?
Ask for the price and the route before you start. Do not rely on a figure from a guide or a forum, because fares can vary.