How to Visit Petra, Jordan — The Complete Travel Guide (2026)

Petra is one of those rare places that genuinely matches the hype. A 2,000-year-old city carved from rose-red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean civilization, it was lost to the Western world for centuries before being rediscovered in 1812. Today it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and arguably Jordan's greatest treasure.

If you're planning a visit, this guide covers everything you need: how to get to Petra, the best things to see, how many days to spend, ticket prices, and practical tips that will make a real difference to your experience.

Where is Petra?

Petra is located in southern Jordan, in the Ma'an Governorate, about 240 km south of Amman and 130 km north of Aqaba. The nearest town is Wadi Musa, which serves as the main accommodation and service hub for visitors to Petra.

How to Get to Petra

From Amman

The most common route is by car or organized tour from Amman. The journey takes about 3–3.5 hours via the Desert Highway (faster) or 4–5 hours via the scenic King's Highway (highly recommended — one of the world's great drives).

JETT buses run daily from Amman's 7th Circle station to Petra, departing at 6:30am and returning at 4:30pm.

From Aqaba

Petra is about 2 hours by car from Aqaba, making it an easy day trip — though staying overnight is strongly recommended to allow more time at the site.

Petra Ticket Prices (2026)

• 1 day: 50 JOD (~$70)

• 2 days: 55 JOD (~$78)

• 3 days: 60 JOD (~$85)

Jordan Pass holders: Petra is included free with a 2-night (or longer) Jordan Pass. This is almost always the best value option.

What to See in Petra

The Siq

The entrance to Petra is through the Siq — a natural gorge 1.2 km long with walls rising up to 80 metres on both sides. The walk through the Siq is one of the most dramatic approaches to any archaeological site in the world. The light changes as you go deeper, and the anticipation builds until the gorge suddenly narrows and you get your first glimpse of the Treasury.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The Treasury is Petra's most iconic monument — a 43-metre-tall temple facade carved directly into the rock face. Built in the 1st century BCE as a royal tomb, it earned its name from a Bedouin legend that a pharaoh hid his treasure inside the stone urn at the top.

Visit early in the morning (7–8am) for the best light and fewest crowds. The Treasury faces east, so morning light is golden.

The Colonnaded Street and Central City

Past the Treasury, the gorge opens into a wide valley containing Petra's colonnaded main street, a nymphaeum (public fountain), a Byzantine church with stunning mosaic floors, and the ruins of the Great Temple — one of the largest Nabataean structures ever built.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

The Monastery is even larger than the Treasury — 50 metres wide and 45 metres tall — and arguably more impressive. Getting there requires climbing about 800 rock-cut steps, which takes around 45 minutes from the main street. The effort is absolutely worth it. There are far fewer tourists here than at the Treasury, and the views from the terrace in front are extraordinary.

Tip: Set off for the Monastery in the afternoon when the light is better for photos.

The High Place of Sacrifice

This mountain-top altar (Zibb Atuf) was used by the Nabataeans for religious ceremonies. The climb takes about 45 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views across Petra and dramatic cliffs. Most people go up via the main trail and come down through the Royal Tombs on the other side.

The Royal Tombs

A series of massive Nabataean tomb facades carved into the eastern cliff face, the Royal Tombs are best photographed in late afternoon when the setting sun turns the rock a deep amber-red. The Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb are all within easy walking distance of each other.

How Many Days Do You Need in Petra?

• 1 day: You can see the Siq, Treasury, main colonnaded street, and Royal Tombs — but it will be rushed

• 2 days (recommended): Covers everything above plus the Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice at a comfortable pace

• 3 days: Allows you to explore the remote outer areas (Jabal Haroun, the back trail to the Monastery) and revisit favourite spots in different light

Top Tips for Visiting Petra

• Start early. The site opens at 6am. Arriving early means cooler temperatures, better light for photography, and no crowds at the Treasury

• Wear good shoes. You'll walk 10–15 km per day on uneven stone paths. Trainers or hiking shoes are essential

• Bring water and snacks. Food inside the site is expensive. Bring at least 2 litres of water per person

• Don't just see the Treasury. Most day-trippers only reach the Treasury and miss 90% of Petra's wonders

• Visit Petra by Night. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, the Siq and Treasury are lit by 1,500 candles — a magical experience (separate ticket required, ~17 JOD)

• Respect the site. Do not climb on monuments, do not remove stones, and be firm but polite when declining horse/donkey rides you don't want

Where to Stay Near Petra

The town of Wadi Musa has accommodation for every budget — from boutique hotels like Movenpick Resort Petra (directly at the entrance gate) to budget guesthouses further down the hill. Staying in Wadi Musa allows you to arrive at the site at opening time and stay until closing, maximizing your experience.