What is the best way to get from Tel Aviv to Petra?

You'll find domestic flights available from Tel Aviv to Eliat for around $90 USD per person. You can then transfer by land to Petra. Tel Aviv also offers flights to the Jordanian capital Amman, with Royal Jordanian Airlines operating two to three per day. These cost a little more but only take around 45 minutes.



The best way to get from Tel Aviv to Petra in 2026 depends on your budget and timeframe, but for most, a structured guided tour is the most efficient. These tours often depart Tel Aviv early in the morning, handle the complex border crossing logistics at the Yitzhak Rabin/Arava border near Eilat, and provide transportation directly to the Petra visitor center. If you prefer independent travel, the fastest way is to fly from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Eilat (ETM), take a short taxi to the border, cross on foot, and then take a Jordanian taxi for the 2-hour drive to Petra. For budget travelers, the Egged 390 or 394 bus from Tel Aviv to Eilat is the cheapest option, taking about 5 hours. It is critical to remember that you must have your Jordanian visa arranged in advance (or as part of a tour) as "visa on arrival" is not available at the land border for most nationalities. Given the regional dynamics in 2026, always check the current border operating hours and security advisories before starting your journey.

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Independent Travel from Tel Aviv to Petra You can do this by taking a bus or flight to Eilat and from there a taxi to the border crossing. Remember to organize your Jordanian visa before traveling. If you are traveling without a tour group you cannot get a visa at the border.

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The easiest way to get to Petra is to join a guided tour. This option is much more expensive, but it's the most convenient one. You let someone else do all the planning and you sit back and enjoy your day. There are tour packages available from Amman and Aqaba in Jordan, or Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat in Israel.

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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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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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Jordan and Israel are not the best friends in the world but both countries signed a peace agreement some decades ago so, surprisingly, travel to Jordan from Israel (and vice-versa) is pretty easy and straightforward.

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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.

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Venturing to Petra from Israel is possible by crossing one of the three borders. The border crossings in Eilat (Wadi Arava Crossing) and Beit Shean (Sheikh Hussein Crossing) issue visas on arrival. Some restricted nationalities are required to pre-arrange a visa, so be sure to check your requirements.

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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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JETT bus has a daily service which costs around $14 USD one-way and $20 USD for a return ticket. If you don't want to wait around for buses, you can hire a car in Jordan or venture to the ancient city of Petra by taxi. The cost is approximately $75 USD for a single journey.

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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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Yes, Petra is definitely worth a trip! It's an incredible archaeological site with stunning architecture that's been carved out of the rocks. You'll be able to visit Petra in comfort with a tour and guide from Amman.

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Currently, there are not any Jordan visa bans in place for any foreign citizen. A few exceptions include citizens of Lebanon and EU countries (except for Croatia), who may present a valid national ID card if arriving at Aqaba Airport on a direct flight from Brussels.

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In my opinion, spending 2 days in Petra will give you plenty of time to explore this beautiful ancient city and world wonder. By entering Petra through the Siq on day 1, while taking the back entrance on day 2, there is plenty of variation during your visit.

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How much is the entrance for Petra? A standard one-day ticket to Petra costs 50 JD (£57 / $70 USD / €67), but you can also buy multi-day tickets for 55 JD and 60 JD.

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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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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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