Home/Destinations/Jordan
Jordan · Southern Jordan

Petra

The Rose City — Al-Khazneh Treasury + UNESCO wonder + Nabataean tomb complex

Petra is Jordan's essential destination — the "Rose City" carved from red-sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans 2,000 years ago. Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) is the iconic first glimpse after the Siq walk. UNESCO World Heritage + one of the New 7 Wonders. Petra by Night (Monday/Wednesday/Thursday) is candlelit magic.

UNESCO listed
Since 1985
From Amman
3h drive or JETT bus ($18)
Best season
March-May + September-November
Petra by Night
Mon/Wed/Thu 20:30 — book at gate

Petra highlights

The Siq + Al-Khazneh (Treasury)

1.2 km narrow gorge opens onto the iconic Treasury facade — the classic first reveal. Best photographed 08:30-11:00.

Monastery (Ad Deir)

800-step climb but arguably more impressive than the Treasury. 45 min from Treasury. Sunset view is magic.

Royal Tombs

5 elaborate tombs carved into the cliff — Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb. Climb up for the panoramic view.

High Place of Sacrifice hike

600 steps to Nabataean altar — best sunrise viewpoint over the whole site.

Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu)

1,800 candles light the Siq + Treasury. Bedouin music. JOD 17 additional to standard ticket.

Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)

10 km north — smaller Nabataean site with preserved frescoes + fewer crowds. Free entry.

Bedouin lunch in a cave restaurant

Cave Bar or Wanderers cave restaurants — traditional mansaf (lamb + yoghurt + rice).

Getting there

No airport at Petra. Wadi Musa is the base town — 3h drive from Amman (Queen Alia QAJ) or 2h from Aqaba (King Hussein AQJ). JETT bus from Amman ~$18.

Getting around

Petra site itself — walking 6-8 km per day. Horse to Treasury (JOD 10-15). Donkey to Monastery (JOD 15-25). Wadi Musa town — taxi.

Best time to visit

March-May + September-November (mild). Avoid June-August (35°C+ hiking in exposed sun).

Budget per day

$40-80 backpacker · $100-200 mid-range · $400+ luxury (Movenpick Petra, Petra Marriott)

Airport transfer from Queen Alia International (Amman) — 3h drive (AMM)

Getting out of Petra (AMM)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Where to stay in Petra

Find hotels in Petra, Jordan

1.4M+ properties · Trip.com

Search hotels

Fly to Queen Alia International (Amman) — 3h drive (AMM)

Popular direct routes from: Amman, Aqaba

Find cheap flights

Compare flights · Powered by Trip.com

Search flights
Or compare on Expedia — often better US + EU faresBundle flight + hotel on Trip.com

Where to stay in Petra

Petra hotels on Expedia

Bundle your flight + hotel for typical 5-15% saving. Free cancellation on most rates for Petra stays.

Search Petra on Expedia

US default

Expedia bundles the flight + hotel discount in-cart (5-30% off the combined book). Price-match guarantee means you can rebook if the rate drops before check-in.

See Petra rates

Frequently asked about Petra

How much is Petra entry?
JOD 50 (~$70) for 1 day, JOD 55 for 2 days, JOD 60 for 3 days. Jordan Pass (from JOD 70) includes 40+ sites + visa fee — best value if visiting Jordan for 3+ nights.
How many days do I need at Petra?
2 days minimum — day 1 Siq + Treasury + Royal Tombs, day 2 Monastery + High Place of Sacrifice. Add Petra by Night if on right days.
When is the best time to visit Petra?
March-May + September-November are ideal. Avoid June-August (35°C+ hiking in exposed sun). December-February can be cold + occasional rain.
How do I get from Amman to Petra?
JETT tourist bus from Abdali (3h 30m, ~$18 each way) or private taxi (~$100). Rental car easiest for flexibility.