Petra & Wadi Rum Travel Logistics: The Ultimate Guide to Routes, Transport & Planning

Planning Petra and Wadi Rum isn’t just about where to stay. It’s about how you move: which airport you land in, how long each drive takes, and in what order you visit each place. Get this part right and the trip feels smooth instead of rushed.

 

Overview: How to Plan Your Trip to Petra & Wadi Rum

Petra and Wadi Rum sit in the south of Jordan, which is also likened to "Mars". Most people start in Amman or fly into Aqaba, then connect the main highlights in a loop.

• Why logistics matter
  Distances in Jordan look short on the map, but mountain roads, photo stops, and checkpoints add time. Good planning keeps you from spending half your holiday in a car.
• Quick snapshot: key distances & times
• Amman → Petra: about 230–235 km, 3–3.5 hours by car via the Desert Highway.
• Petra → Wadi Rum village: around 100–110 km, 1.5–2 hours.
• Petra → Aqaba: about 125–130 km, 2 hours.
• Typical route
  The most efficient loop for first-timers is:

Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum → Dead Sea or Aqaba → back to Amman (or fly out of Aqaba).

• Best months to travel
  Aim for March–May or September–early November. Summer can be extremely hot in Petra and Wadi Rum, and winter nights in the desert are cold and windy.

 

How to Get to Petra Jordan

Petra sits next to the town of Wadi Musa in southern Jordan. You’ll enter through the Petra Visitor Center at the edge of town.

Main ways to reach Petra

1. Private car or driver
• Fastest and most flexible option.
• From Amman: about 3–3.5 hours via Desert Highway.
• From Aqaba: roughly 2 hours.
2. Jett bus (Amman ↔ Petra)
• Tourist coach with fixed daily departures (usually early morning from Amman, late afternoon back from Petra).
• Cheaper than a private transfer but less flexible. Seats can sell out on weekends and holidays.
3. Rental car
• Good if you like stopping at viewpoints or small towns.
• Roads are paved and signposted in English and Arabic.
• Make sure you have insurance, offline map, and some experience with long-distance driving.
4. Organised tour
• Includes transport, guide, and meals.
• Works well if you don’t want to think about tickets, parking, or directions.

When to choose which option

• Tight schedule, more budget: private driver or small-group tour.
• Slow pace, more independence: rental car.
• Budget traveller: bus plus local taxis.

Driving tips & road conditions

• The Desert Highway (Highway 15) is the fastest route: straight, modern, and mostly in good condition.
• Expect police checkpoints. Keep your passport and car papers handy.
• Fuel stations are available, but don’t wait until the tank is almost empty.
• Avoid late-night driving if you’re tired; lighting outside cities is limited.

 

Airports in Jordan Near Petra

There is no airport in Petra itself. You’ll fly into one of Jordan’s two main international airports, then continue by road.

1. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman

• Jordan’s main hub, about 30 km south of Amman.
• Best choice if:
• You’re starting in Amman.
• You have more international flight options.
• To Petra:
• By car/transfer: about 3–3.5 hours.
• By bus: you first reach central Amman, then take a Petra coach.

2. King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Aqaba

• Near the Red Sea city of Aqaba, about 100 km from Petra.
• Best choice if:
• You plan to combine Petra with Aqaba or Red Sea time.
• To Petra:
• By car/transfer: roughly 2 hours.
• Some hotels and tour operators offer direct shuttles.

How to choose the right airport

• Short trip, Petra-focused: fly into Amman, drive straight to Petra.
• Beach + desert combo: fly from or to Aqaba, link Aqaba → Wadi Rum → Petra.
• Cheapest ticket wins? Check both AMM and AQJ, then factor in transfer cost and time to Petra.

 

Distance Between Amman and Petra

• Distance: around 230–235 km.
• Driving time: usually 3–3.5 hours with a short rest stop.

Route options

1. Desert Highway (Highway 15)
• Fastest and most common route.
• Wide, modern road with fuel stops and cafés.
2. King’s Highway
• Slower, scenic mountain road.
• Passes by canyons, small towns, and viewpoints.
• Allow 4.5–5.5 hours with stops.

Safety, rest stops & fuel

• The road is generally considered safe for tourists, especially in daylight.
• Plan one main stop to stretch, use bathrooms, and refuel.
• Carry water and some snacks in the car.

Best time to leave Amman

• Morning departure (7–8 am) works best:
• Clearer roads.
• You arrive in Petra around late morning, maximum at 2 pm, can explore in the afternoon.
• Afternoon drives are fine, but don’t arrive in Petra too late if it’s your first time and you still need tickets and hotel check-in.

 

Day Trips & Multi-Day Routes

Day Trip to Petra and Wadi Rum From Amman

You can try to do Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum → Amman in one day, but it’s a very long day and often rushed.

• Is it feasible?
  Technically yes, but you’ll spend most of the time driving and barely see Wadi Rum.
• More realistic one-day option:
• Amman → Petra (early morning)
• Explore Petra until mid-afternoon
• Petra → Amman in the evening
• A proper Petra + Wadi Rum day trip works better if you:
• Start from Aqaba, or
• Start in Amman and finish in Wadi Rum, staying overnight in a desert camp.

Petra and Wadi Rum Tours From Amman

Most agencies offer:

• 1-day tours:
• Very tight timing. Often a quick walk through the Siq and past the Treasury, then back.
• 2-day tours:
• Day 1: Amman → Petra → overnight near Petra.
• Day 2: Petra morning → Wadi Rum jeep tour → return to Amman or continue to Aqaba.
• 3-day tours:
• Adds more time inside Petra, a longer jeep tour in Wadi Rum, and sometimes Dead Sea or Aqaba.

Group vs. private:

• Group tours: cheaper, fixed itinerary, larger buses, less flexibility.
• Private tours: more expensive but adaptable to your pace, photo stops, and interests.

3-Day Jordan Tour From Amman (Classic Loop)

A common 3-day outline:

• Day 1: Amman → Madaba / Mount Nebo (optional) → Petra overnight.
• Day 2: Full morning in Petra → afternoon drive to Wadi Rum → sunset jeep tour → overnight in desert camp.
• Day 3: Morning in Wadi Rum → Dead Sea or Aqaba → back to Amman.

What you can realistically cover:

• A solid first look at Petra, including the Siq, Treasury, and at least one viewpoint or trail.
• A proper Wadi Rum desert experience with a jeep tour and starry night.
• A short float in the Dead Sea or a walk along Aqaba’s seafront, if you keep timing tight.

 

Travel Packages & Holiday Options

Package Tour to Petra Jordan

Package tours usually include:

• Transport (often from Amman or Aqaba).
• Hotel in Petra (and sometimes Amman/Wadi Rum).
• Entrance tickets, some meals, and a guide.

Pros:

• Less planning, fewer logistics to worry about.
• One contact point for issues (delays, changes).

Cons:

• Fixed schedule. Less time to wander if you like going off-itinerary.
• Limited choice of restaurants and sometimes hotels.

Best for:
Short trips, first-time visitors, or anyone who doesn’t enjoy trip planning.

Petra Package Holidays

These are longer stays that combine Petra with other stops:

• Petra + Wadi Rum:
• 3–4 days focusing on Petra’s trails and one or two nights in the desert.
• Petra + Wadi Rum + Dead Sea:
• 5–7 days, balances sightseeing with relaxation.
• Budget vs. luxury:
• Budget: guesthouses in Wadi Musa, standard tents in Wadi Rum, shared transfers.
• Luxury: boutique hotels, bubble or dome camps in the desert, private drivers.

 

Costs & Budgeting for Petra Travel

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Petra Jordan

1. Entrance fees

Approximate official Petra ticket prices (per person):

• 1-day ticket: 50 JOD
• 2-day ticket: 55 JOD
• 3-day ticket: 60 JOD
• Same-day visitors coming just for Petra from the border pay higher one-day rates (around 90 JOD).

Always double-check current prices before you travel, as they can change.

2. Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass bundles your tourist visa (if you stay at least 3 nights) with entry to Petra and 40+ sites. jordanpass.jo

• Jordan Wanderer (1 day Petra): 70 JOD
• Jordan Explorer (2 days Petra): 75 JOD
• Jordan Expert (3 days Petra): 80 JOD

It’s usually worth it if you plan to visit Petra plus at least a couple of other major sites like Jerash or Wadi Rum.

3. Transport cost ranges (very rough)

• Amman → Petra by tourist bus: budget-friendly, often under 15–20 JOD one way.
• Private transfer Amman → Petra: 80–120 JOD each way, depending on car size and season.
• Rental car: daily rate plus fuel and insurance.

4. Sample total trip budgets (per person, 3 days)

• Budget: dorm or simple guesthouse, public transport, 1-day Petra ticket
• Mid-range: hotel in Wadi Musa, one night in Wadi Rum camp, mix of bus and private transfers
• Luxury: high-end hotels, bubble camp, private driver throughout

(You can plug real prices into your own calculator or pricing table on the site.)

 

Weather, Timing & Best Practices

Best Time to Go to Petra Jordan

• Spring (March–May): mild temperatures, wildflowers, popular with hikers.
• Autumn (September–early November): similar to spring, slightly fewer crowds.
• Summer (June–August): very hot midday; early starts and late afternoon visits are essential.
• Winter (late November–February): cooler days, cold nights; you might get rain and rare snow.

Best times of day inside Petra:

• Early morning: fewer people, softer light, cooler temperatures.
• Late afternoon: beautiful light on the rocks, but leave enough time to walk back before dark.

 

Safety & Practical Tips for Traveling to Petra & Wadi Rum

Is It Safe to Visit Petra Jordan?

Jordan is generally seen as one of the more stable countries in the region, but governments usually advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to the broader regional situation. GOV.UK

What this means in practice:

• Expect a visible security presence at major sites and hotels.
• Stay updated on current advisories before and during your trip.
• Normal petty crime precautions apply: watch your bag, don’t leave valuables in unlocked cars.

Solo and family travelers:

• Solo visitors commonly travel to Petra and Wadi Rum; many join group tours for social reasons.
• Families should plan around heat, long walks, and limited shade. Strollers are difficult on Petra’s paths; baby carriers work better.

Local rules and hiking precautions:

• Stick to marked trails unless you’re with a licensed local guide.
• In Wadi Rum, only go into the desert with an authorised Bedouin guide or camp.
• Tell your hotel or camp your plan if you’re hiking longer trails.

Navigation Inside Petra

Petra is large. A quick overview:

• Visitor Center → Treasury: around 1.2 km through the Siq (about 20–30 minutes walking).
• Treasury → Street of Facades → Theatre → Royal Tombs: another 30–45 minutes of easy walking.
• Monastery trail: allow 2–3 hours round trip with steps and elevation.

Tips:

• Carry at least 1.5–2 litres of water per person in warmer months.
• Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes; the ground is rocky and dusty.
• Sunscreen, hat, and light layers are essential especially is summer; there is limited shade.
• Avoid overloading your backpack; you’ll feel every extra kilo by mid-day.

 

Getting From Petra to Wadi Rum

• Distance: roughly 100–110 km from Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum village.
• Travel time: about 1.5–2 hours by car.

 

 

Transport options

1. Private taxi or pre-booked transfer
• Most common choice.
• Your hotel in Petra can arrange a driver to pick you up and drop you at your Wadi Rum camp meeting point.
2. Shared minibus
• Local minibuses sometimes run between Wadi Musa and Wadi Rum village.
• Schedules can be flexible and not always published; ask a hotel or tour desk for current times.
3. Rental car
• Straightforward drive along Highway 35/47.
• You’ll park near the Wadi Rum Visitor Center or at your camp’s meeting point.

How to reach desert camps

• You usually cannot drive your own car into the deeper desert areas.
• Camps organise 4x4 pick-up from:
• Wadi Rum Visitor Center, or
• A parking area near the village.
• Confirm your meeting time and pick-up spot at least a day in advance.

Best time to leave Petra

• Leave Petra late morning or early afternoon:
• You arrive in Wadi Rum in time for a sunset jeep tour.
• You’re not rushing check-out in Petra or check-in at your camp.

 

Logistics Tools & Resources

Here are a few things that make planning easier:

• Jordan Pass – online pass that bundles your visa (for eligible stays) with entry to Petra and other sites. jordanpass.jo
• Public transport info – check official Jett Bus schedules and ask your hotel to confirm current departure times.
• Car rental checklist:
• Unlimited km or fixed allowance?
• Insurance and deposit amount.
• Pick-up and drop-off locations (Amman city, airport, Aqaba).
• Visitor centers:
• Petra Visitor Center (Wadi Musa) – tickets, maps, official guides.
• Wadi Rum Visitor Center – entrance fees, jeep tours, and camp pick-up points.