Petra day tours from Amman: 235 km, 5 hours at the site, $73–$93
The flagship: 4.9 stars from 414 reviews
The flagship Amman tour is the most-booked option on this site ($93, 11 hours total, 5 hours at Petra, 4.9 stars). Private vehicle, hotel or airport pickup in Amman, English-speaking driver, onboard WiFi and water. The driver will help you hire a local guide at the visitor centre if you want one. Entry fees, on-site guides, lunch and a full-day guide are all chosen at booking — they are not bundled. A typical reviewer, eren from the United Arab Emirates: "Picked up at 8am as agreed. 3 hours each way. Deep background on Petra and Jordanian culture on the road. Spent the full 5 hours at the site." Reviewer Aimee: "Prompt collection, comfortable vehicle, never felt rushed, had time to reach the Monastery." Read the full flagship review.
The budget option: 4.9 stars from 162 reviews
The budget Amman tour ($73, 10–11 hours total, 5 hours at Petra, 4.9 stars) covers the same ground for $20 less. Air-conditioned vehicle, pickup at Amman hotels or the airport, English-speaking driver, WiFi and water. Entry ticket "if option selected" — mostly you pay at the gate. A local guide can be hired at the visitor centre. Reviewer Michael from the United States noted: "Guide Anees Jarrar knew Petra and the surrounding area; everyone recognised him at the mid-trip stop." Reviewer Khaja from the United Kingdom: "On time; the operator upgraded us to include Wadi Rum at no charge." The honest truth from the reviews: 5 hours is enough to see the Treasury and the main trail, not to rush the Monastery or roam too wide. Read the full budget review.
Private or group: which Amman tour?
Both tours offer group and private-vehicle options at booking. Both run 5 hours at the site. The flagship ($93) historically attracts slightly older, English-speaking travellers and is praised for driver knowledge and flexibility. The budget option ($73) is faster, no-nonsense, and skips the premium extras — same Petra walk, less fuss.
What is included and what is not
Both tours include hotel or airport pickup, the return drive to Amman, the driver, and water. Entry tickets (50 JOD, roughly $70) are not bundled on most bookings — you pay at the Petra Visitor Centre. On-site guides (recommended for first-timers) cost extra. Lunch is sometimes part of the package; check your confirmation. Bring a passport or ID. Wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The Desert Highway: 235 km, flat and fast
The Amman-Petra route runs south via the Desert Highway (Tariq al-Safra), the main road in Jordan. It is flat, well-maintained, and fast. Most drivers stop once for tea or coffee on the way down and the way back. Some tours include a rest-house stop; some stop in Wadi Musa for lunch. The scenic alternative is the King’s Highway (Tariq al-Malek), a slower, more winding route with views into the rift valleys. Most day tours stick to the Desert Highway to maximise time at Petra.
Book 3–7 days ahead. The Amman tours run year-round. Best months are March–May and September–November. The light in the Siq and on the Treasury facade is better in the morning, so an early start is worth it.
Still deciding?
Compare all eight Petra tours by departure city. Read whether a Petra day is worth it, or what 5 hours at Petra actually gets you. The two-day tour from Amman gives you full-day access and costs only $249.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Amman to Petra?
235 km via the Desert Highway, about 3 hours with no stops. Drivers usually break once for tea or coffee on the way down and on the return. Total tour time is 10–11 hours, of which 5 hours are spent at Petra itself.
Is the entry ticket included in the tour price?
Not on most bookings. The tour price ($73 or $93) covers transport and the driver. The Petra entry ticket (50 JOD, roughly $70) you usually pay at the Visitor Centre gate. Check your booking confirmation; some operators include it. On-site guides cost extra.
Can I book a private vehicle?
Yes. Both the flagship ($93) and budget ($73) tours offer a private-vehicle option at booking. Same drive, same time at Petra, your own schedule and stops.
Is 5 hours enough time at Petra?
It is enough to walk the Siq (1.2 km, 20 minutes), see the Treasury, walk to the Street of Facades and the Theatre, and either see the Royal Tombs or climb to the Monastery. You cannot do both the Monastery and a leisurely wander and lunch. Read what 5 hours gets you.
What is the best time of day to start?
Early. Tours usually pick you up around 8am. The light in the Siq is better in the morning. Popular sights are quieter before the midday crowds. Opening hours are 06:00–18:00 in summer (June–August) and 06:00–16:00 in winter.
What if I want to stay in Wadi Musa overnight?
You can extend your trip. The two-day tour ($249) includes Wadi Rum and a Bedouin camp night. If you stay a second night, you also pay the 50 JOD entry fee again, not the 90 JOD non-accommodated rate.