Is Jordan Safe for Petra Day Trips? The Logistics You Need to Know

Straight answer: Yes. The Amman–Petra Desert Highway is a major paved road and the safest route in Jordan. Border crossings (Eilat, Jerusalem, Sharm) are heavily managed and safe. Solo and female travellers are welcomed on tours. Stick to established routes and tour operators, and you are fine.

Amman–Petra Desert HighwayMajor paved road, heavy traffic, safe

Tourist areasPetra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea — well-established, heavily travelled

Female solo travellersWelcomed on tours; follow normal precautions

Border crossingsEilat, Jerusalem, Sharm — professionally managed

Crime against touristsExtremely rare on established tour routes

Curfews or travel bans?None for Petra. Check current conditions for the Red Sea or southern areas

What tours actually doHandle transport, borders, guide, coordination. You are not navigating alone.

The Desert Highway: Amman to Petra

The main route is a paved highway called the Desert Highway. It runs from Amman south to Aqaba and passes through Petra. Heavy traffic, many tour buses, numerous checkpoints. Jordanian police presence is visible. This is the safest route in the region. Your tour driver knows it cold and will stop for coffee or fuel. No surprises.

Border crossings: Eilat, Jerusalem, Sharm

The Eilat crossing (Wadi Araba) is a professional international border. Queues, customs, visa processing. Your tour operator coordinates this. Skip-the-line is real on some tours. The Jerusalem crossing is heavier (more traffic, longer waits) but also professional. Sharm–Taba by ferry is managed by ferry companies and Jordanian port authorities. All three are safe. They are slow sometimes, but safe.

Female solo travellers and mixed groups

Women travel on these tours regularly. The Amman tours have mixed groups. Guides are professional. Most tour operators are accustomed to solo female travellers and families. Normal precautions apply (do not display wealth, stay with the group, follow the guide) but Petra is not a danger zone. Reviewers who came solo often say it was the best travel decision they made.

What "staying safe" actually means on a Petra tour

It means: arrive on time, stay with your group, follow the guide, keep your valuables in your hotel safe, and do not wander off the main trail alone. It does not mean avoid Jordan—it means use a reputable tour operator and follow basic travel sense. All of our eight tours include professional guides and transport.

Insider tip

Stick to established tours and the main routes (Desert Highway, border crossings, Petra visitor centre). You are safe. Solo and female travellers are welcome. Do not let fear prevent you from going.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Amman–Petra drive safe?

Yes. The Desert Highway is a major paved road with heavy tour bus traffic and police presence. Thousands of tourists drive it every month. Your tour driver will handle it.

Is it safe to cross from Eilat or Jerusalem?

Yes. The border crossings are professionally managed international borders with customs, police, and security staff. They are slow sometimes but safe. Your tour operator handles the coordination.

Is it safe for female solo travellers?

Yes. Female solo travellers are common on these tours. Guides are professional. Reviewers who came alone often said it was the best travel decision they made. Follow normal precautions (do not display wealth, stay with the group).

What if I want to go alone instead of on a tour?

You can take the JETT bus or hire a taxi from Amman and navigate Petra solo. It is safe, but you are on your own for navigation and decisions. For first-timers or non-Arabic speakers, a tour handles the logistics and is more comfortable.