How to Visit Petra from Amman: day trips, tickets and more

The Rose City is a fascinating archaeological area, considered a historic enclave near the capital of Jordan. Without a doubt, an excursion to this location is one of the best things to do in Amman. It is protected by UNESCO, as you can find monuments here that date back centuries. You can take advantage of local tours and excursions to see different perspectives of Jordan in just a few days. Note that to enter the city, you need to pay an entrance fee and have a visa.

Petra is a city that seems difficult to visit, but with good organisation, you will have a wonderful trip. For example, to pay the standard entrance fee, you must stay at least one night in Jordan. If you only enter Petra, the price rises and you are offered a refund if you decide to stay overnight. To answer these questions, here's everything you need to know to visit!

The most complete option

Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea 3-Day Trip from Amman

Get tickets for the city of Petra and don't miss out on this three-day tour!

Visit Amman's most beautiful natural landscapes. Perfect if you want to see a city more than 2,000 years old, camp under the stars in Wadi Rum and enjoy a healing swim in the Dead Sea.

From AED 1,659 at Hellotickets

These types of experiences take advantage of the prime location of Amman and Petra to explore different parts of Jordan. You will have the opportunity to hike in Wadi Rum and spend the night under the stars. There are usually two- and three-day options. At least two days will give you enough time to enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea, known for its depth and healing powers. These tours are customisable, so if you decide to extend your trip it's possible to visit Mount Nebo, Madaba and Shobak Castle.

If you're up for this plan, you can find tours from 250 euros. The main advantage is that they will usually help you sort out transport, accommodation and some meals. You can also experience a jeep ride in the desert. Entrance fees to attractions are not usually included, so to save money I suggest you buy the Jordan Pass, which you can find from 90 euros.

Recommended if... you want the full experience of exploring the trails of Wadi Rum, the sandstone city of Petra with its nightly shows and monuments, as well as a swim in the Dead Sea.

The city of Petra is only accessible with a ticket in hand, as it is a tourist centre in Jordan. The only place you can visit for free is Little Petra, the backside of the red sandstone. Note that you can find tickets to Petra from 65 euros, as the cost depends on the number of days you spend exploring this historic site.

Of course, you'll need to have your Jordan visa beforehand. Don't leave it in your suitcase, as you'll be required to get it to enter Petra. To get it, you must go to your country's embassy or to the immigration points at airports and borders. You must also pay 52 euros and have a passport that is at least six months old.

On the other hand, you should know that if Petra is your first destination, you will be charged the most expensive entrance fee. In this case, your whole family will have to pay an entrance fee of 120 euros per person. This is a fee that is refunded when you leave the city, so don't be caught off guard.

There are three types of tickets available to access the city of Petra, but they offer the same benefits. What varies is the number of days you can stay in the city. Specifically, you can purchase a one, two or three-day ticket. Additionally, the Petra by Night show is separate from the entrance fee, and costs approximately 20 euros.

It cannot be booked in advance, you need to go to a specific ticket office. In addition, only cash payments are accepted. The Petra by Night experience is one of the best things to do at night, as it is a spectacle of lights and music. I recommend finding a good location, as it is a very special attraction, especially if you are going for the first time.

On the other hand, you don't have to worry about queuing for the Petra tour, as you will pass through a checkpoint at the entrance and you will automatically be inside. For the night show, there is usually a queue, so arrive before 20:00 hrs. In any case, avoid the high season from March to May and opt for the mid-season from September to February. Additionally, to enter the city you have to walk a short distance, but it's quite short and for convenience you can hire an electric car from 20 euros.

The only tourist pass available in Jordan is the Jordan Pass, but it is quite comprehensive. It offers access to around 40 tourist attractions, spread throughout the country. This card can even save you a visa at the border. It also includes access to Wadi Rum, the Madaba Archaeological Museum, the Amman Citadel, Shobak Castle, the Roman Theatre in Amman and Ajlun Castle.

The price starts at 90 euros and has several modalities with the same benefits, what changes is the number of days. Specifically, this card can facilitate your trip for up to 3 days. Adding the cost of entering Jordan and Petra (approximately 125 euros), this pass is already one of the best options.

Another important fact is that the card remains valid for up to two weeks after its first use, so you can spend the rest of the days. Also, in order to get the visa, you must spend at least 3 days sightseeing in Jordan. You can buy it on the website, but to pass it at checkpoints, you need to have a digital or printed voucher.

A guided tour of Petra is not usually included in the ticket price. However, a tour with a professional is worthwhile. The best tours and excursions in Amman often offer such experiences. They are the best way to take the hassle out of organising the itinerary, while saving time and money. They range from 250 euros, offering options of up to three days.

The main advantage is that you'll get to know the history of Petra. They generally include transport, as well as some meals and accommodation. This type of tour not only takes you to the red sandstone, but also allows you to enjoy a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum and a healing swim in the Dead Sea. You may even get to visit Mount Nebo, Madaba and Shobak Castle. Note that these experiences don't usually include the cost of a guide, or entrance fees to attractions such as Petra.

There are no discounts for the elderly, or people with mobility or health problems. However, there are facilities if you go on your own and need to secure transport between the entrance and the city. I recommend you go to the Visitor Centre, where they usually issue a special permit for you to enter with your car. There is an additional charge for this.

Electric cars are another alternative, for around 20 euros. If you're going with older adults and are planning to take advantage of Amman' s best tours and excursions, consider that the maximum age limit is 69. Also, it is not recommended for people with physical problems.

Petra is a multicultural and varied city, ideal if you're looking for things to do with children near Amman. The best thing is that tickets for children under 15 are usually free. This only applies if you're spending at least one night in Jordan - for flash trips, children's tickets are more expensive than adults' and start at 115 euros.

This tour is recommended for children aged 12 and up, especially if you're planning a combined tour of at least two days. Young children may get tired camping in Wadi Rum, but it's a good idea to consider children's activities on the perimeter of Petra.

At the entrance to Petra there is usually not much of a queue, so it doesn't matter if you buy at the last minute. However, it is more convenient to buy online. In this case, there are tour agencies that offer packages at the entrance, which may include a professional guide. The best way to book in advance is to purchase the Jordan Pass.

This tourist pass offers free access to over 40 attractions. Please note that the night show can only be booked on the day at the ticket office. There is no way to purchase these tickets online.

Petra is an archaeological site, which is well worth spending part of your trip to Amman. It is open every day, although opening hours vary according to the season. In summer, i.e. from April to October, it's open from 6am to 6pm. In winter, from November to March, it is open from 6am to 4pm.

On the other hand, the evening shows are not available every day. They only take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 20:30 to 23:30 hrs. To get a good seat and avoid queues, it is advisable to arrive early.

The amount of time to spend in Petra will depend on your travel budget, as well as the monuments you want to visit. It's a good idea to stay at least one night. A round-trip tour is perfect for short trips, but you'll miss out on a lot. It is advisable to stay for about two days, exploring the labyrinths of this mythical city.

If you have the chance to spend at least three days in Petra, take advantage of Amman' s tours and excursions to explore the surrounding area. Remember that there is also Little Petra and the night rituals, so a rushed trip will rob you of many special moments. In addition, try to have an organised itinerary or hire a guided tour. This way, you'll be able to appreciate Jordan's Rose City and make the most of your time.

Petra is an amazing city all year round, however there are factors to consider before travelling. For example, the fact that it is a city in Jordan, a mountainous region that can have extreme temperatures in summer and winter. In summer (July to September), the humidity and heat waves of over 40°C can make travel a little tiring. Meanwhile, in winter it tends to get very cold at night and in the early hours of the day, and the days are shorter. When it comes to weather, spring or autumn is definitely the best time to visit.

If you want to see the sights without the crowds, you should avoid the high season from March to May. The more favourable option is the mid-season from September to February. Specifically, the favourite month is February, as it offers cool but not extremely cold weather and there are few crowds in the city.

When visiting a city, one of the most important things is transportation. Petra is almost two hours from Amman. The most recommended options are:

• Excursion to Petra from Amman: this is the best option, as you won't have to worry about transport at any time. This type of experience usually includes buses, minivans or comfortable cars for large or private groups.
• Hire acar: the road between Amman and Petra is easy to master, well signposted and is a dual carriageway. It can take two to three hours, and to fill up with petrol you'll need around 40 euros.
• Public transport: There are few public transport options, although the JETT company runs bus routes from Amman's Abdali station. Fares start at 10 euros per person. Note that they leave Amman only once a day, at 6:30am. Return from Petra is between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

The main purpose of visiting Petra is to enjoy a tour of the city. Embark on a walk along its 264 kilometres, which are vast and full of scenic landscapes. Bear in mind that only 85% of the archaeological sites have been excavated, so it's a box of surprises. Sites I recommend you visit here include:

• The Treasury or Al Khazna: is an amazing structure, named after the legend of the Egyptian pharaoh who hid a great treasure here.
• Avenue of the Façades: a pathway that guards Nabataean tombs.
• The Theatre: a Roman theatre located on the High Place of Sacrifice Trail, where you will get breathtaking views of the city.
• The Church: or at least the mosaics that remain of it, as it was destroyed by an earthquake and its remains were used for other monuments.
• The Petra Monastery or Ad Deir: considered the most impressive monastery in Petra, as it was an advance for the time of its construction.

What to see in Little Petra

Take advantage of free access to explore Little Petra. It's located behind the city, specifically accessed carefully along the 350-metre-high Siq Trail. It's an underrated hideaway, but that makes it all the more special as it's not as crowded as other monuments.

You can see tombs carved into the earth, as well as paintings of ancient tribes. The region was once inhabited by the Nabataean community, which still has a considerably small enclave. You can climb to a sort of lookout point in the canyon, where there is a Bedouin tea station. Overall, this route is an excellent hiking option and can be covered in a short time.

• If you plan to stay in Petra or Wadi Rum, book months in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.
• Take advantage of a guided tour of Petra to get a better understanding of its history.
• Buy the Jordan Pass, to save on visas and attractions.
• Arrive early, first thing in the morning if possible. This way, you will have the attractions to yourself.
• Wear comfortable sneakers, cool clothes and sunscreen. You will spend several hours walking back and forth, so it is important to be comfortable.
• Petra can be unsafe for women at night, as tribal people loiter around selling accommodation packages that don't exist. It's best to spend the night in a hotel, hostel or group camping in Wadi Rum.
• Avoid climbing at high altitudes, as some are in unstable ravines.