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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.