Amman to Petra: every way to get there

Petra sits in the south of Jordan, and almost everyone arrives from Amman. The choice comes down to three things: how much you want to spend, how much control you want over the day, and which road you take. Here is every option with honest pros and cons.

Desert Highway or King's Highway?

The Desert Highway is the fast road: about 3 hours, mostly dual carriageway, with little to see. Buses and most drivers use it. Choose it when getting there is the point.

The King's Highway takes about 4.5 hours, winding through valleys and villages, with natural stops at Karak castle and the Dana nature reserve. Choose it when the journey is part of the trip, ideally with a driver or a hire car so you can stop. Do not start it late in the day: you want the scenic stretches in daylight.

Every option compared

Private driver

A car and driver for about 50–70 JOD one way is the most comfortable way to travel and, shared between three or four people, not much more than the bus. You leave when you want, stop where you want, and are dropped at your hotel. Agree in advance whether the price includes stops on the King's Highway and waiting time, and get it in writing from your hotel or the driver.

Downside: expensive for a solo traveller, and quality varies — book through your hotel or a well-reviewed company rather than at the airport kerb.

JETT bus

JETT is Jordan's main intercity coach company and runs to Petra on the Desert Highway. At about 10–12 JOD a seat it is the best value for one or two people, with fixed departures and air-conditioning.

Downside: one daily rhythm, no stops, and you must book ahead in high season. Confirm the current departure time and pick-up point directly with JETT — we do not list them here because they change.

Shared minibus

Shared minibuses run between Amman and Wadi Musa for about 7–10 JOD. They leave when full, which can mean a long wait.

Downside: no fixed timetable, little luggage room, and arrival times you cannot plan around. Fine if you are flexible; not for a tight itinerary.

Rental car

At 30–55 JOD a day plus fuel, a hire car gives you the most freedom and pays off if you are touring — Dana, Little Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba are all within reach. The main highways are good.

Downside: Amman city traffic is stressful, and the King's Highway has sharp bends, trucks and the occasional animal on the road. Avoid driving it after dark.

Organised tour

Day and multi-day tours bundle the transport, often a guide and sometimes the ticket. They suit first-time visitors who would rather not handle logistics.

Downside: day tours from Amman spend most of the day on the road and arrive after the Siq is busy. Check exactly how many hours you get inside Petra and whether the entry fee is included.

Day trip or overnight?

A day trip from Amman means roughly six hours in a vehicle for a few hours inside — enough for the Treasury and the Colonnaded Street, rarely the Monastery. Staying at least one night changes everything: you can walk through the Siq at 06:00, rest through the midday heat and go back for the late light. See where to stay in Wadi Musa.

Coming from Aqaba or Wadi Rum instead

If you fly into Aqaba or are combining Petra with Wadi Rum, Petra is about 2 hours north. A night in Wadi Rum on the way is an easy, popular add-on.

All fares here are what the project's cost data uses; check them with the operator before you travel. The ticket itself is explained in the Petra entrance fee guide, and visitpetra.jo posts any road or site closures.