Amman to Petra

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Petra is Jordan's most celebrated destination, and the journey from Amman is one of the most-travelled routes in the country. The distance is roughly 240 kilometres south along the Desert Highway, taking around three to four hours depending on how you go. There is no train. Your options are the JETT bus, a hire car or an organised tour — and each suits a different kind of traveller.

The public transport option: JETT bus

Jordan's main long-distance bus operator, JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation), runs a daily service from Amman's 7th Circle JETT terminal (also known as the Abdali terminal) directly to Petra (Wadi Musa). The journey covers the Desert Highway and typically takes 3 to 4 hours, with one departure in the morning — usually around 06:30, though you should confirm the current time directly with JETT as schedules can shift by season.

The return service departs from Wadi Musa in the afternoon, which gives you a good stretch of time inside the site if you arrive in the morning. JETT coaches are air-conditioned, comfortable and reliable — a reasonable standard for the route. Booking ahead is advisable, particularly in spring and autumn when demand is high, and tickets can be bought at the JETT office or online via their website.

There is no train between Amman and Petra. Jordan's rail network is extremely limited and does not cover this route in any practical sense for tourists.

The most flexible option: hiring a car

Driving from Amman to Petra is straightforward. The main route follows the Desert Highway (Route 15) south through Qatrana and Ras an-Naqab before dropping down to Wadi Musa. The road is well-maintained dual carriageway for most of the distance, and the journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes without long stops. If you prefer the scenic route, the King's Highway (Route 35) winds through Madaba, Karak and Dana — far more dramatic, but adding two to three hours to the journey and requiring more confident driving on narrower, hillier roads.

Hire cars from Amman are available from international operators at Queen Alia Airport and in the city. Check your rental agreement for any restrictions on using the car in the Wadi Rum or Aqaba area if you are continuing south. Petrol stations are available along the Desert Highway. Parking in Wadi Musa is easy and there is a visitors' car park at the Petra site entrance.

Self-driving gives you the freedom to stop at Madaba (mosaic map), Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea on the way, which many travellers do on a loose two-day loop.

Organised tours

Numerous agencies in Amman and through most hotels offer day trips or two-day tours to Petra, combining transport, a guide and often entry fees. These are particularly good value if you want context for what you are seeing inside the site, which is large enough that a guide helps considerably. Day tours from Amman are long — you leave early and return late — but manageable.

If you are planning to combine Petra with Wadi Rum, an organised two-day tour or self-drive loop is far more practical than trying to do both on day trips from Amman.

Getting around Petra itself

The site entrance is in Wadi Musa. From the entrance gate, the main Siq (gorge walk) to the Treasury is about 1.2 kilometres on foot — an easy, flat walk. Beyond the Treasury, the site extends significantly: the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, the Monastery (via around 800 steps) and much more. Budget at least four to six hours for a decent visit; a full day is better. Horse rides and donkeys are offered at various points, but walking gives you the most flexibility.

Accommodation in Wadi Musa is abundant and ranges from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels. Staying at least one night is a much better experience than a hurried day trip, and it lets you be first through the gate in the morning.

Practical entry notes

The Petra Archaeological Park charges a separate site entry fee on top of your visa. The Jordan Pass bundles both and is worth calculating if you are visiting multiple sites.

Which should you choose?

The JETT bus is ideal if you are not hiring a car and want a straightforward direct connection at a fixed time. Self-driving offers the most freedom and opens up the King's Highway or Dead Sea as part of a wider loop. Organised tours suit first-timers who want a guide and do not want to navigate independently. For border and visa guidance before you travel, see the borders section.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a train from Amman to Petra?

No. Jordan has no tourist-accessible train service on this route. Your options are the JETT bus, self-drive or an organised tour.

How long does the JETT bus take from Amman to Petra?

The JETT coach takes roughly 3 to 4 hours on the Desert Highway, depending on traffic and the number of stops.

Can I do Petra as a day trip from Amman?

It is possible — the JETT bus timetable is designed for it — but Petra is very large and a day trip feels rushed. Staying one or two nights in Wadi Musa gives a much richer experience.

Is the King's Highway worth taking instead of the Desert Highway?

Yes, if you have the time. The King's Highway is scenic and passes Madaba, Karak Castle and the Dana Biosphere Reserve, but it adds at least two hours to the drive and requires more careful navigation on winding mountain roads.