Is Petra close to Amman?

Petra is located in the southern part of Jordan, nearly 236 km away from Amman, Jordan's capital and business hub, where more than 40% of the population live.



"Close" is relative, but in the context of Jordanian travel, Petra is not a quick neighborhood trip from Amman. It is located approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles) south of the capital. In 2026, the drive typically takes about 3 hours via the "Desert Highway," which is the fastest and most direct route. If you take the more scenic "King’s Highway," which passes through historic sites like Madaba and Karak Castle, the journey can take 5 to 6 hours. While many tourists attempt to visit Petra as a day-trip from Amman, this is generally discouraged because it requires at least 6 hours of round-trip driving, leaving very little time to explore the massive 60-square-kilometer archaeological site. Most experts recommend staying at least one or two nights in Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra) to truly experience the Treasury, the Monastery, and the High Place of Sacrifice. Public JETT buses run daily from Amman to Petra, departing early in the morning and returning in the evening, providing a reliable option for those not renting a car.

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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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Is Jordan Safe for Female Travelers? Jordanians are known to be highly respectful towards women. However, as with anywhere, sexual assault, unfortunately, remains a possibility. Consider dressing more modestly to respect etiquette, blend in with local people, and ward off unwanted attention.

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The local people all agree--to properly and fully explore you need five days minimum. 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.

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Past travelers have spent, on average, JOD27 ($38) on meals for one day and JOD16 ($23) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Petra for a couple is JOD84 ($118). So, a trip to Petra for two people for one week costs on average JOD1,242 ($1,750).

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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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In the heart of the Jordanian desert, Wadi Rum boasts towering cliffs, dark caverns, narrow gorges, impressive mountains, sweeping dunes, and refreshing springs. Even better: it suits not just those who are looking for beauty and solitude, but adrenaline junkies as well.

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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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Is Wadi Rum safe ? Yes trips in Wadi Rum are safe as they are supervised by our professional guides.

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The best times to visit Jordan are spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The days are warm, with temperatures between 61°F and 99°F, but the nights are cool. It's not too hot for exploring sites or hiking in the nature reserves, where flora and fauna are abundant.

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Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival in Jordan, and you should carry your passport or travel document with you at all times.

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