Can you see Petra for free?

Entry into the site of Petra is only permitted to visitors holding valid tickets. These are available at the Visitor Center and can be purchased on arrival.



You cannot enter the Petra Archaeological Park for free; it has one of the highest entry fees in the world, starting at 50 JOD (approx. $70) for a one-day pass. However, you can effectively "get in for free" by purchasing the Jordan Pass before you arrive in the country. The pass (starting at 70 JOD) includes the cost of your entry to Petra, waves your mandatory tourist visa fee (40 JOD), and gives you free access to over 40 other attractions. Additionally, the Petra Museum—located just outside the main gate—is free for everyone to visit regardless of whether they have a park ticket. In 2026, beware of "scammers" offering to take you into Petra via "back ways" for free; these routes are illegal, unsafe, and heavily patrolled by the local tourist police, and you will still be asked to show a valid ticket at various checkpoints inside the site.

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Do I Need A Guide Or A Tour? You can totally visit Petra by yourself—we did! If you're visiting several areas in Jordan, a tour guide and driver may simplify things, but it's certainly not a requirement. You can consider hiring a guide at the entrance to Petra, which I would have considered if we'd had more time.

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While there is certainly enough to occupy yourself for five or more days, two to three days is sufficient to visit all of the highlights in and around the park. One day--or worse yet a morning or afternoon--is likely to bring some disappointment to those who have traveled a great distance.

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Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Main Trail is 8km / 5 miles return from the Visitors Centre. Easy walk, largely flat. Allow 3 – 4 hours return, including time to see the sites along the way.

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If you plan on coming to Petra for only a day, you're missing out on most of the experience. One day in Petra is not enough. In fact, you could spend a whole week in Petra and still find new things to do! Petra is a relic of the past, a living city that transports you hundreds of years back in time.

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Whether you are in the city of Amman, exploring Petra, or trekking the desert valley of Wadi Rum, men should refrain from wearing shorts as it is seen as disrespectful.

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Monday and Tuesday tend to be the quietest days as many people arrive in Amman on the weekend, then stay a few days in the north and then come to Petra. So usually Wednesday and Thursdays are the busiest weekdays.

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Neither the US State Department nor the British Foreign Office has issue travel advice against visiting anywhere in the vicinity of Petra. They currently advise against visiting the border with Syria and Iraq. They also advise avoiding protests and political demonstrations which usually occur in the center of towns.

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However, because Petra is a ruin site, make sure you're wearing something practical as there is a lot of walking.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sneakers.
  • Lightweight and breathable clothing, such as shorts or lightweight pants.
  • T-shirts or collared shirts.
  • Hat or cap to protect from the sun.
  • Sunglasses.


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Camel Ride in Wadi Rum & Petra is optional for 15 JD / $ 21 USD per camel per hour. You don't need to book it in advance and can be arranged upon arrival to Petra or Wadi Rum.

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The trail for the Little Petra to Petra Walk starts at the left of the car park, behind the souvenir shops (it really isn't obvious!). From here the track goes out into the desert following jeep tracks, and you pass by Bedouin tents, goats, camels and the occasional stray dog that loved menacingly barking at us.

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Part of the reason that camping in Wadi Rum is so affordable during the initial booking process is that the guides running the camps make a good chunk of their money selling Jeep tours and camel rides. This is simply part of the process, and nothing to be worried about at all–but it helps to know what to expect.

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First of all, on arrival at the Visitor's Center you will need to purchase a ticket to enter the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Adult tickets are 5JD and children under 12 enter for free. Visitors entering in 4WD rental cars will be asked to pay an additional 25JD, however non-4WD vehicles enter for free.

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Our Petra & Wadi Rum Day Trip gives travelers staying in Amman and the Dead Sea the opportunity to see the wondrous sites of Jordan all in one day. This adventure will take you to two of the world's most impressive and unforgettable sites.

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It is fine to travel in Jordan in jeans most of the time, and you can, of course, wear them in Petra as well, in case this is the piece you never leave your home without, but as the visit of Petra requires quite a lot of walking, we think hiking trousers are a much better choice.

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Wearing shorts can also be seen as disrespectful, so opt for long pants instead. Dress codes are generally stricter for women than men, and many female travellers choose to wear a headscarf like the local women.

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If you're short on time, the best way to visit Petra from Israel is by joining a day tour. You'll find full-day excursions departing from cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eliat.

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Petra can be explored in one day from Amman so don't opt for longer day itineraries if you're limited to budget and time. There're innumerable accommodation options available in Wadi Mousa (the most important city of Petra). A few hotels can also be found in between Wadi Mousa and the close by village of Taybeh.

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