Is it cheaper to rent a car?

Generally, no. Between the rental cost, fuel, and insurance, public buses are significantly cheaper for solo travelers or pairs.

Can I use credit cards in Petra?

Only at the ticket office and larger hotels. Carry local JOD cash for street food, bus tickets, and smaller guesthouses.

Visit Petra and Jordan on a Budget

To see Jordan affordably, purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival to cover your visa and Petra entry fees. Stick to local buses like JETT or shared 'servis' taxis for transport and prioritize street food like falafel sandwiches to keep costs under $60 per day.

Buy the Jordan Pass. Purchase the Jordan Pass online before you fly. The 'Jordan Explorer' pass costs 75 JOD ($106 USD) and covers your visa fee (40 JOD) and entry to Petra and over 40 other sites. This saves you roughly $40 compared to buying them separately.
Use public transit. Avoid private taxis between cities. Use JETT buses for major routes (Amman to Petra is 11 JOD) or 'servis' (shared minivans) for shorter distances. Servis vans only leave when full, so start your travel early in the morning.
Eat like a local. Skip hotel breakfasts and restaurant dinners. Visit local bakeries for manakish (flatbread with za'atar) for 0.50 JOD and get falafel sandwiches or hummus plates from street stalls for 1-2 JOD.
Stay in hostels or guesthouses. In Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra), look for family-run guesthouses rather than big hotels. You can find basic, clean rooms for 15-20 JOD per night.

Is it cheaper to rent a car?: Generally, no. Between the rental cost, fuel, and insurance, public buses are significantly cheaper for solo travelers or pairs.
Can I use credit cards in Petra?: Only at the ticket office and larger hotels. Carry local JOD cash for street food, bus tickets, and smaller guesthouses.