Petra (translation: “rock” in Latin) is the main tourist attraction in the Kingdom of Jordan, and one of the wonders of the world. A city carved out of stone, established by the Nabataean Kingdom as a trading outpost 300 to 400 years BC. Today, many travelers have this unusual destination jotted down in their travel bucket lists (that is if you haven’t visited already).
The logic behind a day trip to Petra is that the town itself (not the archeological site) is a tourist trap. It is more expensive than Amman because all the prices are for tourists.
When I visited, there was a terrorist attack the previous day at another tourist site close to Petra (the Karak Castle Attack). With this uncertainty and panic throughout the country, the staff at my hotel in Amman recommended and helped me plan a day trip to Petra. Initially, it seemed that I would have enough time to explore the archeological site. However, I would have preferred a few extra hours, before returning back to Amman later on the same day that I arrived.
Contents
Early Morning Bus to Petra
I wake up at around 5 am. The hotel receptionist organized a taxi the previous day to the bus station. I arrive on time and at 6 am the Jett Bus leaves to Petra from central Amman. It takes 3.5 to 4 hours until you arrive (with a 20-minute restroom stop in-between). The bus was only half-full, thus I claim the extra seat next to me for more comfort and to get some sleep. At 10 am, I get dropped off at the Petra bus station. This is only five minutes walking distance from the entrance to the Petra ruins.
Petra Ruins is Expensive: Take your Time
The expensive entrance ticket is valid for 2 days (overnight). The cost is 50 Jordan Dinar (70USD) for an overnight ticket, 55 JD for 2 nights, and 60 JD for 3 nights. The information center hands out maps and advice to plan your visit to the ruins. This includes how long to spend navigating your way to the furthest reaches of the Petra Archaeological camp. As far as a day trip is concerned, 5 hours isn’t enough to see all of Petra. You’ll only get a good overview.
At the entrance, there are informal horse guides who expect to be tipped. A bit further in you’ll encounter the camel guides, and other informal vendors selling e.g. postcards. Some of these informal vendors and guides can definitely be annoying if you’re not interested in their services. However, tourists may appreciate a fun short ride on an unusual animal (e.g. a camel).
After encountering the horses and the guides at the entrance, you’ll notice the narrow passageway from the “Indiana Jones and the last Crusade” movie.
Keep on moving, you’re heading in the right direction. Next, you encounter arguably the most famous Petra Ruin, “the Treasury”. Although some Bedouins, long ago, were under the impression there’s a large treasure hidden inside, it was actually only a mausoleum and tomb.
Prepare to Chill Out and Take Photos
You should dress as if you are going hiking. Don’t wear expensive designer clothing. It will simply be a burden. Instead, wear sport or hiking shoes, along with comfortable pants (depending on whether it’s summer or winter). Also, a t-shirt that you’d feel comfortable enough wearing in the mountains or the desert.
Plus, bring along a good camera, or fully-charged smartphone, to take photos.
Especially in Summer, don’t forget the sunscreen.
Enjoy Discovering Petra
If you see the main sites, you’ll get a decent idea of what Petra is about. If you stay overnight you can also see the sites further away – these are 6 to 7 km’s of walking by foot. It’s a better option to stay overnight since the ticket is valid for 2 days (overnight) anyway. If you’re into hiking (although its not the longest hike), staying overnight is a must. Moreover, you don’t want to feel like you have to rush through Petra, without stopping for an hour, sitting around, and enjoying the vibe.
At 4 pm (in Winter – Summer departure is at 5pm), the Jett bus leaves once again from the same bus station right outside the Petra gate. I arrive back in Amman at 7h30pm.
At the Jett bus station, get a Taxi, and you’re back in your hotel room in Downtown Amman before 8 pm. Right on time to get some vegetarian Falafel for dinner.
When is Petra Ruins Open?
Opening hours at the Petra site (and its visitor center) is from 6am to 6pm in Summer, and from 6am to 4pm in Winter. Tourists are requested to leave the site before it’s dark in the evening, for safety reasons.
Conclusion: Petra On A Day Trip
The recommended amount of days to visit Petra is at least one night (thus two days). Otherwise, you could stay two nights to be sure you get maximum value from your trip. However, for me three nights would be too long. I’d only stay three nights if you have very deep interest or fascination with this ancient archeological site.
After visiting the ruins of Petra, definitely also check out Jordan’s other tourist attractions e.g. desert camping in Wadi Rum. The bus system is pretty good, but for the adventurous, road tripping Jordan can be a fun alternative.
Appendix: Where To Stay In Petra?
If you can afford it, I recommend staying at the 5-star Movenpick Resort. It’s located directly at the entrance of the Petra ruins. Moreover, there’s a nice outdoor swimming pool for cooling down after spending a day hiking in the hot desert weather. Plus, make use of their small, but adequate, gym (open weekdays from 6am to 10pm). There’s no need to get out of shape while ticking Petra off your bucket list 🙂
Have you ever been to Petra, and what was your experience visiting these ancient ruins in Jordan? Post your tips, questions, and/or comments below!