How to Get from Amman to Petra
Complete 2026 guide — compare flights, buses, driving, and guided tours with prices, durations, and insider tips.
The most popular way from Amman to Petra is the JETT bus (3.5 hours, ~€10) or a private car/taxi (3 hours, €70-90). Self-driving takes about 3 hours on the well-maintained King's Highway or Desert Highway. There are no flights or trains on this route. Most travelers depart early morning to maximize their time in Petra.
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 By JETT Bus (Public) | 3.5 hours | €9-11 (one way) | Budget travelers and solo travelers |
| 🚐 By Local Minibus | 4-5 hours (with waiting) | €7-9 | Adventurous budget travelers |
| 🚗 By Rental Car (Self-Drive) | 3-4 hours | €25-45 (fuel) + rental from €30/day | Flexible travelers who want to explore en route |
| 🚕 By Private Taxi / Transfer | 3 hours | €70-100 (whole car) | Groups, families, and comfort seekers |
By JETT Bus (Public)
JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transport) operates a daily direct bus from Amman Abdali station to Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra). The bus departs at 6:30 AM daily, arriving around 10:00 AM. A return service leaves Wadi Musa at approximately 5:00 PM. Tickets cost around 11 JOD (~€14) for a return trip. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable with reserved seating.
- Most affordable option for solo travelers
- Direct service with no transfers needed
- Air-conditioned modern bus
- Drops you at the Petra Visitor Centre in Wadi Musa
- Only one departure daily (6:30 AM)
- No flexibility in schedule or stops
- Must book in advance as seats fill up
- Return is same day only (5 PM departure)
By Local Minibus
Local minibuses depart from Amman South Bus Station (Mujamaah al-Janoob / Wahadat station) to Wadi Musa. These shared minibuses leave when full, not on a fixed schedule. Most departures are in the morning between 7-9 AM. Some require a transfer in Ma'an or Tafila. The ride takes longer than the JETT bus due to stops along the way.
- Cheapest option available (~5 JOD)
- Authentic local experience
- Multiple departure opportunities in the morning
- No fixed schedule — leaves when full
- Can take significantly longer with stops
- May require a transfer in Ma'an
- Less comfortable than JETT or private car
- Can be confusing for first-time visitors
By Rental Car (Self-Drive)
Two main routes connect Amman to Petra: the Desert Highway (Route 15) is faster at about 3 hours via a straight, modern motorway through flat desert. The King's Highway (Route 35) is slower at 4-5 hours but spectacularly scenic, passing through Dana Nature Reserve, Wadi Mujib canyon, Kerak Castle, and Shobak Castle. Car rental agencies are available at Queen Alia International Airport and downtown Amman.
- Complete flexibility to stop at scenic sites along the way
- King's Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the Middle East
- Can visit Kerak Castle, Dana, and Shobak en route
- Useful for combining Petra with Wadi Rum and Aqaba afterward
- Fuel and rental costs add up for solo travelers
- King's Highway has winding mountain roads and is slower
- Parking in Wadi Musa can be tight during peak season
- Desert Highway is monotonous with little scenery
By Private Taxi / Transfer
Private taxis or pre-arranged transfers from Amman to Petra via the Desert Highway take approximately 3 hours. The price is per car (not per person), making it good value for groups of 2-4 people. Many hotel concierges and travel agencies in Amman can arrange transfers. You can also negotiate with local taxi drivers, though pre-arranged is recommended for fixed pricing.
- Door-to-door service from your hotel
- Fixed price per car — great value for groups
- Flexible departure time
- Driver can stop at viewpoints on request
- Air-conditioned and comfortable
- Expensive for solo travelers
- Need to negotiate or pre-arrange price
- One-way only — need separate return transport
- Quality varies between drivers
By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free)
One Nation Travel Jordan tours include comfortable air-conditioned transport from Amman to Petra with scenic stops along the way. Your licensed English-speaking guide meets you at your Amman hotel and handles every detail. Most packages include 2 days in Petra to cover both the main trail (Treasury, Monastery) and off-the-beaten-path sites, plus accommodation in Wadi Musa.
- Everything arranged — transport, hotels, guide, entrance fees
- Licensed guide brings Petra's Nabataean history to life
- Scenic stops at Kerak Castle, Dana, or Mt. Nebo included
- Petra entrance fee (50 JOD) included in tour price
- Two full days in Petra for the complete experience
- Fixed itinerary (though customizable on request)
📊 Amman to Petra — At a Glance
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Best For | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 By JETT Bus (Public) | 3.5 hours | €9-11 (one way) | Budget travelers and solo travelers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚐 By Local Minibus | 4-5 hours (with waiting) | €7-9 | Adventurous budget travelers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚗 By Rental Car (Self-Drive) | 3-4 hours | €25-45 (fuel) + rental from €30/day | Flexible travelers who want to explore en route | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🚕 By Private Taxi / Transfer | 3 hours | €70-100 (whole car) | Groups, families, and comfort seekers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🎫 By Guided Tour (Hassle-Free) | Included in multi-day package | All-inclusive from tour price | Travelers who want the complete Petra experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🧳 Travel Tips for This Route
Drive south on the scenic King's Highway through Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Kerak, and Dana Nature Reserve. Return via the faster Desert Highway. This way you enjoy the best of both routes.
Leave Amman by 6-7 AM to arrive in Petra by mid-morning. The site opens at 6 AM and the Treasury is most photogenic in early morning light when the sun illuminates the facade.
The Jordan Pass (from 70 JOD) includes Petra entry (normally 50 JOD for 1 day), 40+ other attractions, and your tourist visa fee waiver. It pays for itself with just Petra alone.
If driving the King's Highway, Kerak Castle is a magnificent 12th-century Crusader fortress that makes an excellent 1-hour stop. It is included in the Jordan Pass.
Book your JETT bus ticket at jett.com.jo or at the Abdali station in person. The single daily 6:30 AM departure fills quickly in peak season.
March-May and September-November offer ideal weather for Petra. Summer (June-August) temperatures exceed 35C and winter (December-February) can be cold and rainy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
By car or private taxi via the Desert Highway, the journey takes approximately 3 hours (230 km). The JETT bus takes about 3.5 hours. If you take the scenic King's Highway, allow 4-5 hours with stops at viewpoints and historical sites.
Yes. JETT operates a daily direct bus from Amman Abdali station to Wadi Musa (Petra) departing at 6:30 AM. The fare is approximately 11 JOD return. Book in advance as seats fill up, especially between March and November.
The cheapest option is a local minibus from Amman South Bus Station (Wahadat) to Wadi Musa for around 5-7 JOD. The JETT bus is slightly more expensive at about 7 JOD one way but far more reliable and comfortable.
While technically possible (the JETT bus departs 6:30 AM and returns at 5 PM), it is not recommended. Petra is enormous and deserves at least 1.5-2 full days. A day trip gives you only about 5 hours at the site, which is barely enough to reach the Treasury and walk the main Siq. You would miss the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and the High Place of Sacrifice.
The Desert Highway (Route 15) is faster at 3 hours but monotonous. The King's Highway (Route 35) takes 4-5 hours but is one of the most scenic drives in the Middle East, passing ancient castles, deep canyons, and nature reserves. Ideally, take the King's Highway one direction and the Desert Highway the other.
No. Once in Wadi Musa, Petra's archaeological site is explored entirely on foot. Most hotels in Wadi Musa are within walking distance or a short taxi ride (1-2 JOD) from the Petra Visitor Centre entrance. You do not need a car in Wadi Musa itself.
Skip the Hassle — Book a Guided Tour
Let One Nation Travel handle your Amman to Petra journey. All transfers, flights, hotels, and guides included in one package.
