Petra

Petra

Plan your Petra visit: opening hours, ticket prices, key sights from Treasury to Monastery, and how to get there from Amman or Aqaba.

Best time to visit
March-May, October-November
Days needed
1-2 days
From Amman
3 hours (Desert Highway)
From Aqaba
2 hours
Entry fee (1 day)
50 JOD (~70 USD)
UNESCO listing
1985

What makes Petra one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites

There is a moment every visitor to Petra shares. You’ve walked 1.2 kilometres through the Siq — a narrow slot canyon whose walls lean in overhead, blocking out the sky — and then the passage widens, and there it is: the Treasury, Al-Khazneh, its rose-pink facade carved directly into the cliff. Two thousand years ago, Nabataean craftsmen cut this monument from a single sandstone mountain. Standing in front of it, that fact is almost too large to absorb.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) filmed the Treasury’s exterior and made it globally famous. But the film barely scratches the surface of what Petra actually is: a 264-square-kilometre archaeological zone, the former capital of the Nabataean kingdom, and arguably the greatest monument-building project ever executed in the ancient Near East. There are more than 800 individual monuments carved into the rock — temples, tombs, triumphal arches, a Roman colonnaded street, a Byzantine church with intact mosaic floors — and most visitors see perhaps a tenth of them.

The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Neither accolade is hyperbole. Petra is genuinely one of those places that exceeds expectations regardless of how elevated those expectations already are.

The colour of the sandstone changes with the light. At sunrise, the cliffs burn amber. In midday sun, they soften to cream and peach. At dusk, they glow deep rose and violet. This is the other reason photographers and painters have been drawn here since Johann Ludwig Burckhardt “rediscovered” the city for the Western world in 1812 (local Bedouin, of course, had always known it was there).

Getting to Petra

From Amman

The most common approach. The Desert Highway south from Amman covers approximately 260 kilometres and takes around 3 hours by private car or taxi — faster if you leave before 8 am and avoid the Amman morning traffic on the 6th Circle. JETT buses run a daily service from Abdali station in Amman (verify current schedule at the JETT office or via your hotel); the journey takes around 3.5 hours with one stop. Book seats in advance during peak season.

Alternatively, the King’s Highway route (via Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Karak) takes 4-5 hours but passes some of Jordan’s most scenic landscape and important sites. If you have a rental car and a full day, the King’s Highway is worth doing at least one way.

Private day trip from Amman to Petra with licensed guide and hotel pickup

For travellers who want flexibility without the planning burden, a private guided tour from Amman is the smartest option. You get door-to-door transport, a licensed guide inside the site, and the freedom to move at your own pace without worrying about parking or bus schedules.

From Aqaba

Aqaba sits roughly 130 kilometres southwest of Petra, a 2-hour drive on a fast, well-maintained road. This route is increasingly popular because many visitors fly into Aqaba airport (cheaper flights from Europe) and use Aqaba as their base before travelling north. JETT buses connect Aqaba to Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra) but the schedule is limited — check current times locally.

Full-day Petra tour from Aqaba with licensed guide

Self-drive

Petra is accessible and easy to navigate by rental car. Parking at the visitor centre is free. The road from Amman via the Desert Highway is dual carriageway most of the way. From Aqaba, the road is single-lane but well-surfaced. Petrol stations are plentiful on both routes. Note: an international driving permit is technically required in Jordan, though checks are rare.

Getting to Wadi Musa (the gateway town)

Petra’s entrance is in Wadi Musa, the town that grew up alongside the site. Most hotels, restaurants, and the ATMs you will need are here. If you are arriving by bus, you will be dropped in central Wadi Musa; the visitor centre is a 10-15 minute walk downhill.

Top experiences inside Petra

The Siq and the Treasury

Every visit begins in the Siq — the 1.2-km natural cleft in the rock that Nabataean engineers widened and paved as the ceremonial entrance to their city. The walk takes 20-30 minutes and builds to a moment of genuine architectural theatre when the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) appears. At 40 metres high and 25 metres wide, it is the most elaborately carved of all the Petra monuments. The urn at the top was once believed to contain the pharaoh’s treasure (Khazneh means “treasury”); Bedouin gunfire has pockmarked it over the centuries.

Arrive at the site gates by 6:30 am. The Treasury in the early morning light, with almost no other visitors, is transformative. By 10 am, the tour buses have arrived and the place is crowded. By 2 pm, the light on the facade becomes flat and the Treasury is at its least photogenic. Planning your visit around this rhythm is the most impactful decision you can make.

Private 3-hour guided tour of Petra with hotel pickup

Royal Tombs and Urn Tomb

Beyond the Treasury, the main valley opens out and the Colonnaded Street stretches ahead. On your right, cut high into the cliff face, are the Royal Tombs: the Palace Tomb (modelled on a multi-storey Roman structure), the Corinthian Tomb, the Silk Tomb (prized for the swirling colours of its sandstone), and the Urn Tomb — the largest of the group, whose deep portico was converted into a Byzantine church in the 5th century. Climbing up to the Urn Tomb (there are steps) gives you one of the best elevated views down the main street.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

The Monastery is Petra’s other great monument and, many visitors argue, the more impressive of the two. It is also significantly less visited because reaching it requires climbing approximately 800 rock-cut steps — a 45-minute ascent from the main valley. The climb is exposed and demanding in summer but perfectly manageable in spring or autumn with water and sensible shoes. Donkey rides are available for those who cannot manage the steps; fix the price firmly before you start.

Ad-Deir measures 47 metres wide and 48 metres tall — larger than the Treasury. It was originally a Nabataean temple, later used as a Byzantine church, and stands in a vast open plateau with long views over the desert. A small chai stall at the top serves tea and coffee; the owners have some of the finest unofficial views of the monument. Allow 2-3 hours for the round trip from the main valley.

High Place of Sacrifice

The second major hike inside Petra, and a rewarding one. The High Place of Sacrifice (Madbah) sits atop a mountain ridge reached by a rock-cut staircase on the south side of the site, near Qasr al-Bint. The summit holds two obelisks, a large altar, and sweeping views across the entire Petra basin. The descent on the western side brings you past the Lion Monument, the Garden Temple, and the Columbarium before returning to the Colonnaded Street. Allow 2-3 hours.

Roman Theatre and Colonnaded Street

Midway through the site, a Roman theatre with capacity for approximately 8,500 spectators was cut into the rock face — the Nabataeans converted an existing tomb area to build it. Further on, the Colonnaded Street was Petra’s main commercial avenue, lined with shops and temples. At the end stands Qasr al-Bint, one of the only free-standing structures in Petra, a large Nabataean temple whose upper walls still reach 22 metres high.

Petra by Night

Three evenings per week — Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday — Petra by Night runs from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The route covers just the Siq and the Treasury; the path is lit by around 1,800 paper bag candles, and the experience ends with Bedouin music and tea at the Treasury. The ticket costs 17 JOD (approximately 24 USD) and is purchased separately from the daytime entry ticket. It is not included in the Jordan Pass.

Petra by Night: tickets and hotel pickup

Is it worth it? For photographers: yes, unconditionally. The candlelit Treasury is one of the most photogenic scenes in the Middle East. For those who found the daytime visit crowded: the night version is calmer and more atmospheric. For those on a tight budget or with young children: the content is limited and the late finish can be difficult.

Where to stay in Petra (Wadi Musa)

Luxury

Mövenpick Petra sits literally at the entrance to the site — you walk out of the lobby and you are at the visitor centre gate. This is its primary advantage and justifies the premium for anyone who wants to arrive early. The property is large, reliable in quality, and has a good restaurant (Al Saraya) with a terrace view of the hillside.

Petra Marriott sits above town with sweeping valley views. The rooms are comfortable, the pool is welcome after a long day, and the breakfast buffet is solid. A 10-15 minute walk or short taxi ride from the site entrance.

Mid-range

The Petra Moon Hotel and Rocky Mountain Hotel both offer clean, well-maintained rooms at a significantly lower price point than the Mövenpick or Marriott. Both are within 10-15 minutes’ walk of the site entrance. At this level, the breakfast quality varies — check recent reviews before booking.

Budget

Wadi Musa has a handful of budget guesthouses near the town centre (a 15-20 minute walk from the site). Al-Anbat Guesthouses I and II are long-standing, reliable options. The tradeoff at the budget end is primarily location — you will want to budget for taxis to reach the site early.

When to visit Petra

Best months: March to May and October to November

Spring (March-May) is the prime window. Daytime temperatures in Wadi Musa sit between 18-28°C, the wildflowers are in bloom on the hills above the site, and the light is golden. Easter week brings increased visitor numbers but the site is large enough to absorb them.

Autumn (October-November) is equally good and arguably less crowded. The summer heat has broken, temperatures are comfortable, and the angle of the light produces some of the most dramatic photography of the year.

Summer (June to September)

Genuinely challenging. Temperatures inside Petra regularly reach 35-40°C in July and August, and there is almost no shade in the main valley after 11 am. If you must visit in summer, be at the site by 6 am and aim to finish by noon. Carry at least 2 litres of water. The Monastery hike in high summer is inadvisable.

Winter (December to February)

Underrated and under-visited. Temperatures are cool (5-15°C), crowds are thin, and the warm tones of the sandstone stand out against occasional grey skies in a dramatic way. In February 2024, Petra received a rare snowfall that produced extraordinary photographs — the rose city under snow is genuinely stunning. However, flash flooding can briefly close parts of the site; check conditions locally before entering.

Practical information for visiting Petra

Ticket prices and the Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is nearly always the right choice for international visitors planning more than a few days in Jordan. It covers the Petra entry fee plus entry to more than 40 other sites (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Ajloun Castle, etc.) and — critically — waives the Jordanian visa fee (which would otherwise cost 40 JOD). To qualify for the visa waiver, you must stay in Jordan for at least 3 nights. Buy the Jordan Pass online at jordanpass.jo before you travel.

Opening hours

The site opens daily at 6:00 am. Official closing time is 6:00 pm in summer (April-October) and 4:00 pm in winter (November-March), though gate staff often allow people to stay later once inside. Petra by Night runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 pm.

What to bring

Water is non-negotiable — at least 2 litres per person for a full day. Snack bars and restaurants operate inside the site (the Basin Restaurant near Qasr al-Bint serves lunch), but food is expensive and the quality is average. Pack a lunch or snack if budget matters. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are essential; the site has a lot of uneven rock, gravel, and steps. A hat and sun cream are mandatory from April through October.

Dress code

Petra is an archaeological site, not a religious site, so the dress code is relatively relaxed by Jordanian standards. However, respectful dress is recommended — covered shoulders and knees are appropriate, especially if you plan to interact with local guides or visit the adjacent town. Petra is extremely family-friendly and broadly welcoming.

Tourist traps and practical warnings

Touts and unofficial “guides” operate near the Siq entrance, particularly around the start of the main path. They are not dangerous but can be persistent. Decline politely and firmly. For a licensed English-speaking guide, book in advance through your hotel or via GetYourGuide — they carry official ID cards.

Camel and horse rides are offered throughout the site. The standard scam involves agreeing on a price and then arriving at a different price at the end. Establish the exact price, distance, and destination before you mount. The horse-and-carriage ride from the entrance gate to the Treasury is technically included in the entry ticket (one-way only); do not pay extra for this unless you want the return journey.

Exchange money before you arrive. ATMs in Wadi Musa town centre dispense Jordanian dinars at standard rates. Hotel exchange counters offer poor rates. Most mid-range and luxury hotels in Wadi Musa accept credit cards; budget guesthouses are cash-only.

How Petra fits into a Jordan itinerary

For a standard 7-day Jordan trip, Petra takes 1-2 days and sits naturally in the southern part of the loop. The most common sequence: fly into Amman, spend 1-2 days in the capital, day-trip or overnight at the Dead Sea, drive the King’s Highway south (stopping at Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Karak), arrive in Petra for 2 nights, then continue to Wadi Rum (1h45 from Petra) and Aqaba (1h from Wadi Rum) before flying out or returning north.

For a shorter 3-day trip, Petra is often combined with Wadi Rum in a southern circuit from Amman: drive down, 1 night in Petra, onward to Wadi Rum for 1 night, back to Amman via Aqaba airport.

See our complete guide to the 7-day Jordan itinerary and the 3-day Jordan express route for day-by-day planning details. The dedicated getting from Amman to Petra guide covers all transport options in detail.

Petra also connects naturally with Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), a smaller Nabataean site 9 kilometres north of Wadi Musa that can be visited in a half-day, and Dana Biosphere Reserve, a superb hiking destination about 50 kilometres north on the King’s Highway.

Frequently asked questions about Petra

How long do you need to see Petra?

One full day is enough to see the Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs, Roman Theatre, and Colonnaded Street — the core experience. Two days allows you to add the Monastery hike (the day’s biggest physical undertaking) and the High Place of Sacrifice without either feeling rushed. If you have only a few hours (arriving on a day trip from Aqaba, for example), focus everything on the Treasury and the immediate surroundings — you will still leave satisfied.

Is the Jordan Pass worth it for Petra?

Almost always yes. The Jordan Pass costs 70-80 JOD depending on which variant you buy (1-day, 2-day, or 3-day Petra entry included). Without the Pass, a standalone Petra 1-day ticket costs 50 JOD and the Jordanian visa costs 40 JOD. So if you are flying from outside the GCC and planning to visit at least one or two other sites (Jerash, Wadi Rum, etc.), the Jordan Pass pays for itself within the first day. Requirement: stay at least 3 nights in Jordan. Full analysis in our Jordan Pass guide.

Is 1 day in Petra enough?

For most visitors, one day covers the highlights and leaves a strong impression. You will not feel short-changed. However, if you are a keen hiker, archaeology enthusiast, or photographer, you will wish you had two days. The Monastery alone deserves half a day. Our dedicated guide on 1 day vs 2 days in Petra covers the trade-offs in detail.

What are the opening hours at Petra?

The site opens at 6:00 am daily. It closes at 6:00 pm in summer (April-October) and 4:00 pm in winter (November-March). Petra by Night runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm (separate ticket required).

Is Petra safe?

Petra is very safe for tourists. Jordan as a whole is one of the most politically stable countries in the Middle East and has an excellent track record for tourism safety. The Petra site is well-managed, well-lit (during operating hours), and patrolled. The main practical considerations are physical: heat exhaustion and dehydration are the real risks, particularly in summer. Drink water, wear sun protection, and do not underestimate the distances involved.

Can you visit Petra with young children?

Yes, though it requires planning. The walk from the visitor centre to the Treasury (through the Siq) is about 1.2 km each way on an uneven path — double buggies will struggle; a baby carrier works better. The main valley is mostly flat and manageable. The Monastery hike (800 steps) is not suitable for toddlers, but donkey rides are available for older children. Horse-and-carriage rides between the entrance and Treasury are popular with families. Our family-friendly Petra guide covers logistics in full.

Where do I exchange money near Petra?

Use the ATMs in Wadi Musa town centre. There are several on the main street, and they dispense Jordanian dinars at standard interbank rates. Avoid changing money at hotel desks — the margins are poor. Most mid-range and luxury hotels accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) but carry cash for tips, Bedouin tea, and smaller purchases inside the site.

What is the best time of day to see the Treasury?

The Treasury faces roughly east, so it receives direct sunlight in the morning and sits in shadow from late afternoon. The ideal window is 7-9 am for warm golden light on the facade. By 11 am, the sun is overhead and the light becomes flat. The candlelit version on Petra by Night evenings (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) is a completely different and highly atmospheric experience. Our Petra photography guide maps out every key shot location.

Plan your visit to Petra

The single most useful step you can take before visiting Petra is to buy your Jordan Pass online at jordanpass.jo — it saves you queuing at the visa desk and covers your entry fee. After that, book accommodation in Wadi Musa for at least one night (two nights recommended) to give yourself the flexibility to start early on both days.

For guided experiences, a private guide inside Petra transforms the visit. The context of the Nabataean civilization, the engineering behind the rock-cut monuments, and the layered history of Byzantine and Islamic occupation are hard to access without interpretation.

Explore the full Petra hub for our complete collection of guides, including detailed coverage of Petra by Night, the Monastery hike, and the High Place of Sacrifice trail. For transport logistics, see getting from Amman to Petra and getting from Aqaba to Petra.