How to get from Amman to Petra: The Amman to Petra Bus + 4 Other Easy Options
Wondering how to get to Petra from Amman?
If you’re in Jordan it’s no doubt you’re going to be visiting Petra. With approximately 240km between them, Amman to Petra is probably THE most well-trodden path in Jordan. But are you wondering about getting from Amman to Petra?
the main point of entry to Jordan is the capital, Amman and Petra is Jordan’s number 1 attraction so it’s no wonder there are plenty of options for all budgets. One of the most affordable options is to catch the Amman to Petra bus but that’s not the only way.
Depending on your time scale, travel style and budget, there is something to suit everyone. In this article, I’m going to talk about three easy ways to get to Petra from Amman.
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Easiest Way to Get From Amman to Petra
The most efficient way to get from Amman to Petra is on a tour that includes your transportation. If you’re considering this option, then this is my top suggestion out of all the Amman to Petra tours on offer.
Private Amman to Petra Tour – 4.5/5 Stars
This is the best tour from Amman to Petra, as it has various options of what’s included giving you more choices.
This immersive experience includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, so there’s no faffing about getting to various pickup points in Amman. Throughout the day, an English-speaking driver will accompany you to Petra.
Travel in comfort and style with transportation in a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive.
Depending on the option you select, you can opt for just the transfers (if you already have the Jodan Pass), or you can bolt on the guided tour and entry tickets to Petra, and even lunch inside the historical park.
This full-day tour gives you the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the most efficient way possible from Amman.
You can read reviews about this Amman Petra tour, and different options here.
How Far Is Petra From Amman?
The distance from Amman to Petra by car is about 230 kilometres (140 miles). The journey takes approximately 3 hours via the most direct route.
Taking the scenic Dead Sea Highway (Highway 65) adds some distance, extending the drive to around 150 miles and 4 hours.
Is It Worth Doing the Trip From Amman to Petra for Just One Day?
The Amman to Petra distance is approximately 230 kilometres (140 miles), and the drive typically takes about 3 hours each way, depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions.
However, considering the significance and vastness of the Petra archaeological park, I recommend that you spend at least a full day exploring its wonders. If you opt to travel from Amman to Petra in just one day, you’ll only realistically have time to see the highlights.
To make the most of your visit, I suggest staying overnight in Petra or its surrounding area. This allows you ample time to fully immerse yourself in the ancient city and experience its remarkable sights.
Consider booking overnight accommodation for the best experience, and then travelling back from Petra to Amman on the following day.
Related Article: What To Do In Amman, Jordan
Where to Stay In Petra?
Just outside the Petra archaeological park, you’ll find some exquisite resorts that offer a luxurious and boutique experience. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that and still want to be close to Petra, Wadi Musa is a great choice.
Mövenpick Resort Petra – Boutique Accommodation in Petra
Mövenpick Resort Petra is a boutique accommodation located near the entrance of the Petra archaeological site. It offers luxurious rooms, on-site dining options, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a spa. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a comfortable and convenient stay while exploring Petra.
Petra Gate Hotel – Affordable Accommodation in Petra
Petra Gate Hotel is an affordable accommodation option in Wadi Musa, close to the entrance of Petra. It offers comfortable rooms and convenient access to the archaeological site, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious travellers exploring Petra.
Read Next: 26 Unmissable Things To See At Petra
How to Get From Amman to Petra?
Here are the main ways to get to Petra from Amman.
The cheapest and slowest option is the Amman to Petra bus. The public bus isn’t much more than a minivan There is also a tourist bus option, it’s more comfortable and still affordable. Finally, you could do the Amman-Petra route by car. With the car, you can choose to self-drive, or for a private transfer.
Amman to Petra Tourist Bus
The national tourist carrier in Jordan is a bus company called JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation). The JETT buses are a reliable and comfortable way of getting from Amman to Petra.
The JETT bus from Amman to Petra departs at 6.30 am. It’s also advisable at peak times to book in advance as spaces do sell out!
The main depot for Amman to Petra JETT bus is near 7th Circle. If you are staying in central Amman (e.g. Rainbow Street) then a taxi here should cost no more than a few dollars.
The JETT ticket office is next to the station. The JETT Amman to Petra bus takes about 4 hours. The JETT bus Amman to Petra price is 10 JD (approx $15) for a one-way journey.
There is a return JETT bus from Petra to Amman, at about 5.00 pm. To catch the Petra to Amman bus, go to the main Petra bus station just outside the ruin site.
Using the JETT bus is a feasible option to visit Petra in one day.
Local Bus Amman to Petra
The local bus from Amman to Petra is the cheapest option. It also takes the longest amount of amount of time so I don’t recommend this if you’re planning to go there and back on the same day. You need to stay over at least one night for this option.
To take the local Amman Petra bus, you’ll need to be at South Bus Station, Amman. Depending on where you are based in Amman, grab a taxi to the station. From a central location such as Rainbow Street, this shouldn’t cost more than a few dollars.
It takes about 20 minutes to get to South Bus Station from Rainbow Street. When you arrive at the station, ask for the public bus to Petra. It looks like a white minivan.
The public buses in Jordan work in a collective style. This basically means that they won’t leave until they are full. Depending on the time of day, this can be a short or a long wait. The last public bus to Petra will leave by mid-afternoon, so ensure you are there at a decent time.
If comfort is your thing, then the Amman to Petra local bus probably isn’t the best option for you. They are crowded and both passengers and their luggage will be packed in.
There’s also no air con, just the windows and dodgy suspension. However, it’s cheap and certainly an experience! Wear something lightweight and breathable for the best comfort.
The local bus to Petra takes about 4 hours with a single stop in the middle of nowhere to stretch your legs, go for a pee, get some fresh air, etc.
At my time of visiting, the first price that the bus driver gave was 10JD. Then the locals actually kicked up a fuss and said he was charging us too much. I ended up paying 6JD even then we were told that it was a bit more than we should have been charged – annoyingly, I never did find out the exact amount.
Amman to Petra Road Trip (Self Drive)
The most flexible way to get there there is to do a road trip from Amman to Petra.
If you’re self-driving to Petra from Amman, then you’ll be glad to hear that the main roads are actually in pretty good nick in Jordan.
The main roads have decent signage and outside of the cities, the traffic isn’t actually too bad. The word ‘erratic’ perfectly describes the Jordanian driving style. So if you do opt for this just expect to be undertaken, the sudden braking from the car in front, 4 cars side-by-side on a 3-lane highway and cars overtaking into oncoming traffic. It can be a bit of a white-knuckle ride.
How to Get To Petra From Amman by Car
To get to Petra, Jordan from Amman the best route is to head south from Amman. Take the Desert Highway (Highway 15).
It will take about 3 hours to drive the 230kilometer/ 140 miles journey. Another option is to take the Dead Sea Highway (Highway 65). It’s slightly longer in both distance and time – at 150 miles and 4 hours, however, if you’re not pushed for time, this is a more scenic route.
Car Hire in Jordan
If you’re just planning on driving from city to city, any regular car would be fine.
However, if you are considering combining your trip to Petra with a road trip out to the Wadi Rum Desert – which I highly recommend you do – then you’ll need to make sure the car you hire is up to it.
If you’re planning on doing a self-drive excursion to the Wadi Rum Desert then 100% you will need a 4×4.
Alternatively, you could book an overnight stay in one of the luxury moon capsules in Wadi Rum, and then do a day trip from there to Petra on a full-day tour.
Private Driver and Taxi From Amman to Petra, Jordan
If you want the comfort of a car but don’t want to hire and drive yourself, then you might want
to consider a private transfer. An Amman to Petra taxi service will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you to Petra.
The Amman to Petra taxi cost will vary depending on the size of the vehicle, however, expect to pay around 90JD for a one-way trip.
Read Next: Overnight Camping in The Wadi Rum Desert
Multi-Day Trips From Amman to Petra
If you have a bit of time and want to more highlights of Jordan but with NONE of the leg work then you might be interested in these multi-day trips.
Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea 2-Day Tour
This tour features the highlights of Jordan. In this two-day tour from Amman, you’ll get to explore Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. Marvel at rock-carved monuments in Petra, “swim” in the Dead Sea, and spend a night in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. Enjoy pick-up, a jeep tour, tent accommodation, and meals.
Read reviews and find out everything included in the 2 Day Petra Tour here.
Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea 3-Day Tour
For an extended exploration, delve into the wonders of Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Dana Reserve on a captivating 3-day tour. Explore Petra, camp in Wadi Rum, witness stunning sunsets at the Dead Sea, and immerse yourself in the Dana Reserve. This includes pick-up, accommodation, meals, and a jeep safari.
Read reviews and find out everything included in the 3 Day Petra Tour here.
Travel From Amman to Petra – FAQs
So I’ve gone into various ways of getting to Petra from the nation’s capital as well as how to get from Petra to Amman. This section answers various other questions you might have about making this journey.
What’s the Distance From Amman to Petra?
The distance between Petra and Amman is approximately 229.9 kilometres (142.8 miles), and it takes about 3 hours to drive between the two cities.
Are the Tours From Amman to Petra Worth It?
Yes, taking a Petra tour from Amman is worth it for the convenience they offer. They provide transportation, and guides plus take care of logistics, making it easier for travellers, especially if you’re short on time. However, it’s important to note that these tours can be more expensive compared to organizing the trip independently.
What’s the Best Mode of Transport From Amman to Petra?
The best mode of transport is the JETT bus to Petra from Amman, which offers comfortable and affordable transportation with multiple daily departures.
If you’re in a hurry or prefer more flexibility, hiring a private driver or taking a taxi can be a convenient option, though it will be considerably more expensive.
Is There a Train From Amman to Petra?
No, there is no train from Amman to Petra. The primary modes of transportation to Petra are tourist buses, public buses, or private cars. Trains are not available for this particular route.
What’s the Tourist Jordan Bus Company Called?
The tourist bus company in Jordan is called JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation). They provide convenient and reliable bus services for various destinations in Jordan, including popular routes like Amman to Petra.
Tickets for JETT buses can be purchased online, offering ease and flexibility for travellers
Is It Easy to Get From Amman to Petra by Bus?
Getting from Amman to Petra by bus is relatively easy, although the level of comfort may vary depending on the type of bus.
The public bus is a more budget-friendly option but may not offer the same level of comfort. The JETT bus, on the other hand, provides a more comfortable and convenient experience, and it is easy to book tickets online.
Where Do I Find the Petra to Amman Bus?
The Petra to Amman bus can be found at the bus station located just outside the Petra archaeological site. After exploring the ruins, you can make your way to the nearby bus station to catch the bus back to Amman.
Is It Worth Driving From Amman to Petra by Car?
Yes, driving from Amman to Petra by car is worth considering as it allows you the flexibility to make stops and explore places along the way. You can take breaks at scenic viewpoints or visit other attractions, enhancing your overall experience of the journey to Petra.
How to Reach Petra by Road
To reach Petra by road from Amman, you need to head south via the Desert Highway (also known as Route 15) and continue onto Route 45M. This route will take you directly to Petra, allowing you to enjoy a scenic drive through the Jordanian countryside.
Now You Know Everything About Getting From Amman to Petra
Now that you have learned about how to get to Petra from Amman, you have several options available for every time scale and budget.
Whether you choose to take the Amman to Petra bus, drive by car, or opt for a guided tour, each mode of transportation offers its own advantages.
Choose the method that suits your preferences. Essentially, getting from Amman to Petra can be super easy.
Planning on travelling around Jordan? read more inspirational articles here…
- The Best Jordan 10 Day Itinerary
- What To Wear In Jordan
- 26 Things To See At Petra
- What To Do In One Day In Amman
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