How to Plan a Trip to Jordan and Petra

Plan 5-7 days minimum for Jordan with 2 days dedicated to Petra. Book your Jordan Pass online before arrival—it covers entry to Petra plus 40+ sites and waives visa fees for stays over 3 nights. Fly into Amman, stay in Wadi Musa village for Petra access.

  1. Get your Jordan Pass online. Buy the Jordan Pass at jordanpass.jo before you travel. The 3-site pass costs $99 and includes Petra entry (normally $70), plus 40+ other attractions. It waives the $60 visa fee if you stay 3+ nights. Print the confirmation email.
  2. Book flights to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Fly into Amman. From North America, expect $800-1200 roundtrip. Royal Jordanian and major carriers serve AMM. Airport is 45 minutes south of Amman city center.
  3. Plan your route: Amman → Petra → Wadi Rum. Classic 7-day route: 2 days Amman, 2 days Petra, 2 days Wadi Rum desert, 1 day return. Petra to Wadi Rum is 1.5 hours drive. Wadi Rum to Amman is 4 hours.
  4. Book accommodation in Wadi Musa for Petra. Stay in Wadi Musa village, not Petra town. It's walking distance to Petra entrance. Book Mövenpick Resort ($200/night) for luxury or Petra Guest House ($80/night) for budget. Reserve 2 months ahead.
  5. Arrange transportation. Rent a car ($35/day) for flexibility, or book JETT bus from Amman to Petra (3.5 hours, $12). For Wadi Rum, arrange pickup through your desert camp—most include transport from Petra.
  6. Pack for desert climate and walking. Petra requires 6+ hours of walking on uneven stone paths. Bring broken-in hiking boots, sun hat, and 3+ liters of water daily. Temperatures swing 40°F between day and night.
How many days do I need for Petra?
2 full days minimum. Day 1: Treasury, Siq, Royal Tombs, Theater (6-8 hours). Day 2: Monastery hike, High Place of Sacrifice (6+ hours). Add a third day for Petra by Night or less rushed exploring.
Is Jordan safe for tourists?
Yes, Jordan is one of the safest Middle Eastern countries for tourists. Amman and Petra are very tourist-friendly. Avoid the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Register with your embassy and check current State Department advisories.
Can I do Petra in one day?
Technically yes, but you'll miss most of it. The Treasury is 1.2km walk from the entrance through the Siq. The Monastery is another 3km uphill hike. Budget minimum 8 hours for a rushed single day, but 2 days lets you see Petra properly.
What's the best time of year to visit?
March-May and September-November offer perfect weather—warm days, cool nights, minimal rain. Summer (June-August) hits 100°F+ daily. Winter (December-February) can be cold and rainy, especially in Petra's mountains.