Distance Between Amman and Petra: Complete Travel Guide
If you’re visiting Jordan, one of the first questions you’ll ask is simple: how far is Petra from Amman ,what’s the distance between Amman and Petra and how do I get there or how long does it take to reach out there?
In short: Petra is about 230–235 km by road from Amman, and the trip usually takes around 3 hours by car via the Desert Highway, However, But if you want to enjoy going through the Jordan Valley, it will take longer, which makes it less practical for most travelers because the Jordan Valley is about an hour and a half away from Amman.
This page focuses on the Amman → Petra route. For the bigger picture (Aqaba, Wadi Rum, airports, and full itineraries), you can use the main Petra logistics guide as the central hub for planning.
How to Understand the Distance Between Amman and Petra
Petra is not in a big city. It sits next to a town called Wadi Musa in southern Jordan. When you see “distance to Petra,” people usually mean distance to Wadi Musa and the Petra Visitor Center, not only the famous Treasury.
By road:
- Amman to Petra: around 230–235 km (143–146 miles)
- Average driving time: about 3 hours with normal traffic via the Desert Highway
On maps, the straight-line distance looks shorter, but you’ll always travel by road, so the highway distance is what matters.
Best Travel Routes from Amman to Petra
You have two main road options: fast and direct, or slower and more scenic.
1. Desert Highway (Highway 15) – fastest
- Type: modern main highway
- Time: about 3 hours by car in normal conditions
- Why use it: you want to reach Petra quickly, with simple navigation
Most buses, taxis, and private transfers use this route. It’s straightforward, has clear signs, and is the standard choice if time matters.
2. King’s Highway – scenic, but slower
- Type: older road passing through towns and viewpoints
- Time: often 4–5 hours, depending on stops
- Why use it: you want a more varied drive, with landscapes and possible side visits
This route is nice if you turn the journey into a small road trip. But if you’re just trying to get from Amman to Petra in one shot, the Desert Highway is easier.
If you also want routes from other cities and borders (Aqaba, Dead Sea, Israel, airports).
How Long Does It Take to Reach Petra from Amman?
The distance doesn’t change, but the time does, depending on how you travel.
Approximate times:
- Rental car / private car via Desert Highway: about 3 hours
- JETT tourist bus: about 3.5–4 hours, plus time to get to the station
- Local bus: can be similar or a bit longer, depending on stops and schedule
- Organized tour: usually structured around a full day, but actual driving time is again around 3–4 hours each way
Traffic at rush hour, construction, or weather can add extra time, so don’t plan it to the minute.
check how to get there on the Map and other info.
Transportation Options: Car, Bus, Taxi, Tours
You can get from Amman to Petra in several ways. The best option depends on your budget, how confident you feel about driving, and how much you like planning.
1. Rental car
- Time: about 3 hours via the Desert Highway
- Flexibility: high. You can leave when you want and stop where you like.
- Road quality: main highway is paved and generally in good condition.
This is a good option if you’re visiting other places like the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum and want full control over your schedule.
2. JETT tourist bus
- Departure: usually around 06:30–07:00 from Amman (Abdali or 7th Circle, depending on the service)
- Duration: about 3.5–4 hours
- Type: coach bus with reserved seats and luggage space
This is one of the simplest options if you don’t want to drive. You just need to be on time and book early in busy seasons.
3. Local buses
- Departure: usually when full, not always on a fixed timetable
- Price: often cheaper than tourist buses
- Comfort: basic, with more stops
Local buses are fine if you’re flexible and don’t mind some uncertainty about exact departure and arrival times.
4. Taxi or private transfer
- Time: similar to driving yourself, about 3 hours
- Comfort: door-to-door, no need to handle navigation
- Cost: higher than bus, more reasonable if shared with others
You can hire a driver for a one-way trip or a full day. Some travelers negotiate stops on the way, such as viewpoints or small towns.
5. Guided tours from Amman
There are many guided tours from Amman that include:
- Transport to Petra and back
- A driver or guide (sometimes both)
- In some cases, stops at other sites or an overnight option
These tours are useful for people who want a package: no bus schedules, no rental contracts, just a set plan. For readers who want a broader overview of options and add-ons, please review how to get to Petra.
Tips for Planning Your Trip from Amman to Petra
A bit of planning makes the 230+ km between Amman and Petra much easier to handle.
- Decide between day trip and overnight
- A day trip from Amman to Petra is possible, but it’s a long day: 3–4 hours each way plus time inside the site.
- Many people prefer at least one night in Wadi Musa so they can see more of Petra at a relaxed pace.
day trip to Petra
- Start early
- Whether you’re driving, taking the bus, or joining a tour, early departures mean you arrive before midday heat and crowds.
- The JETT bus schedule also pushes you toward early-morning travel.
- Think about Wadi Rum in the same plan
- Many visitors combine Petra + Wadi Rum in one loop.
- You can travel Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum → Aqaba, or the reverse.
Petra and Wadi Rum tours
- Check bus schedules in advance
- Don’t assume buses run every hour.
- Look at departure times and buy tickets early in high season, especially for JETT.
- Consider one-way routes
- You don’t have to return to Amman.
- Some travelers go Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum → Aqaba and then leave Jordan from Aqaba or return north by road.
Take a virtual Tour Before you go
FAQ
How far is Petra from Amman?
By road, the distance between Amman and Petra (Wadi Musa) is around 230–235 km.
Is it better to drive or take a bus from Amman to Petra?
It depends on your style:
- Drive: more freedom, easy road, good if you’re visiting several places and comfortable behind the wheel.
- Bus (like JETT): less stress, no navigation, you just show up on time and ride.
If your reader likes flexibility, car wins. If they like simple logistics, bus wins.
How many hours does it take to travel from Amman to Petra?
Expect about:
- 3 hours by car or taxi via the Desert Highway
- 3.5–4 hours by JETT bus or similar coach services
Local buses and routes with many stops can take longer.
Are there guided tours from Amman to Petra?
Yes. There are many guided tours from Amman to Petra, including:
- One-day tours with an early start and late return
- Two-day tours with a night in Wadi Musa or Wadi Rum
- Combined programs that include Petra, Wadi Rum, and sometimes the Dead Sea
Is the road from Amman to Petra safe?
For most visitors, yes, the road from Amman to Petra is considered safe and well-used. The main things to keep in mind:
- Follow speed limits and watch for speed bumps.
- Avoid very late-night driving if you’re tired.
- Keep enough fuel and water in the car.
If someone doesn’t feel comfortable driving, bus services, private drivers, and organized tours are all good alternatives.
