To visit Petra is to walk for hours through a city carved into pink sandstone by the Nabataeans more than two thousand years ago: the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, then the roughly 800 steps up to the Monastery. The site is huge and needs planning: how many days, which ticket or Jordan Pass, what time to start, which trails to follow. This guide answers those questions, with the current official prices.
⚠️ Safety warning (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026). Since 8 July 2026 there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Jordan, and in early September renewed attacks and interceptions occurred in and around Aqaba; the greatest risk is from falling debris after interceptions. The FCDO advises against all travel to within 3 km (2 mi) of the Syrian border and warns that flights can be cancelled and airspace closed at short notice. Read the GOV.UK advice for Jordan and the U.S. Department of State page before booking and again before you leave, and sign up for alerts (FCDO email alerts, or STEP for US citizens).
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Petra at a glance
- Location southern JordanNext to the town of Wadi Musa, about 3 hours by road from Amman via the Desert Highway
- Airports Amman Queen Alia International (AMM)Check current routes with the airlines: airspace in the region can close at short notice
- Entry ticket 50 JD for 1 day, 55 JD for 2 days, 60 JD for 3 days90 JD for a day visit without a night in Jordan; free for children under 12 (visitpetra.jo, checked 26 October 2026)
- Jordan Pass 70, 75 or 80 JD depending on the number of days at PetraVisa fee included subject to a minimum stay
- Opening hours 6 am – 6 pm in summer, 6:30 am – 5 pm in winterWinter hours from October 2, 2026 to March 1, 2027
- Ideal length 2 days1 day for the highlights, 3 days for the long trails
- Best time March to May and October-November
- Entry US and UK: visa required, available on arrival (40 JD) or included in the Jordan Pass; passport valid 6 months · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Time zone UTC+3, no daylight saving
- Currency the Jordanian dinar (JD or JOD) · currencies
- Budget see our budget section
Petra tickets and the Jordan Pass: official prices
The entry price to Petra depends on how long you stay in Jordan. If you spend at least one night in the country, the ticket costs 50 JD for one day; if you come for the day without staying overnight (from Eilat or a cruise, for example), it costs 90 JD. Two- and three-day tickets must be used on consecutive days.
| Ticket | Official price |
|---|---|
| 1 day (visitor staying in Jordan) | 50 JD |
| 2 consecutive days | 55 JD |
| 3 consecutive days | 60 JD |
| Day visit without a night in Jordan | 90 JD |
| Children under 12 (daytime) | Free |
| Jordan Pass, 1 day at Petra | 70 JD |
| Jordan Pass, 2 days at Petra | 75 JD |
| Jordan Pass, 3 days at Petra | 80 JD |
The Jordan Pass combines entry to Petra, access to many other sites (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Kerak, Amman…) and a waiver of the visa fee. A single-entry visa costs 40 JD according to the UK FCDO and the U.S. Department of State: with a 50 JD Petra ticket, the 70 JD pass pays for itself as long as you stay long enough. According to the official Jordan Pass website, the visa waiver requires buying the pass before arrival and staying at least two nights (three days); the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026) mentions a minimum of three nights. Check the condition when you buy. Petra is on the modern list of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which our page presents one by one with tips for visiting.
- Passport: bring it to the visitor center ticket office.
- Petra by Night: not included in the day ticket or the Jordan Pass; it needs a separate ticket and a valid day ticket. The show only runs on certain evenings: check the schedule locally.
- Club cars (golf carts): 15 JD one way between the visitor center and the Treasury, 25 JD return, no booking needed.
- Official guides: 50 JD for the Main Trail, 100 JD with the High Place of Sacrifice or the Monastery; book at the visitor center.
- Back Trail entry: Jordan Pass holders must first have their pass verified at the ticket office.
- Source for this list: visitpetra.jo, checked 26 October 2026.
What to see in Petra: the highlights
The Siq
After the visitor center, a path runs past the Djinn Blocks and the Obelisk Tomb, then you enter the Siq, a narrow gorge about 1.2 km (0.7 mi) long between walls several dozen meters high. Look for the Nabataean water channels cut into the rock and the remains of the paving.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The Siq opens suddenly onto the facade of the Treasury, the most famous monument in Petra. It is lit by the sun in mid-morning; early in the morning the square is quieter. To see it from above, there are viewpoints opposite (15 JD according to the official price list); some unmarked trails also lead there, so do not climb just anywhere.
The Street of Facades, the theater and the Royal Tombs
Beyond the Treasury the valley widens: the Street of Facades, the Nabataean theater carved into the cliff, then the wall of the Royal Tombs (the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, the Palace Tomb). The colored veins in the rock are at their best in late afternoon.
The lower city and Qasr al-Bint
The Colonnaded Street leads to the Great Temple, the Temple of the Winged Lions and Qasr al-Bint, one of the few free-standing buildings rather than rock-cut ones. The Petra Museum, near the visitor center, displays objects found on the site: worth a visit before or after.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
From the lower city, a rock-cut stairway of about 800 steps climbs to the Monastery, an even larger facade than the Treasury. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the climb. The facade is in shade in the morning and in sunlight in the afternoon. Viewpoints beyond it overlook Wadi Araba.
The High Place of Sacrifice
A trail starts near the theater and climbs to an ancient place of worship on top of a ridge, with a view over the whole valley. The descent through Wadi Farasa passes the Lion Fountain and the Roman Soldier’s Tomb: a 2-to-3-hour loop, with fewer people.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
About ten kilometers (6 mi) north of Wadi Musa, Little Petra is a small canyon lined with facades and chambers, one of which still has wall paintings. It has its own ticket office. A trail links the area to the Monastery: this is the so-called « back » route, which avoids climbing the steps.
Itinerary: how many days in Petra?
- Day 1: enter at opening time, the Siq and the Treasury before the crowds, the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the lower city; climb to the Monastery in the afternoon if you still have the energy
- Day 2: the High Place of Sacrifice and the descent through Wadi Farasa in the morning, then the Monastery in the afternoon light
- Day 3 (optional): Little Petra and the back trail to the Monastery, or the viewpoints opposite the Treasury and the Petra Museum
In one day, focus on the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery: expect at least 15 km (9 mi) of walking round trip with many steps. Two days let you see everything without rushing. A day trip from Amman, possible by bus, leaves little time on site. The UK FCDO warns that the park has strict opening and closing hours and that you risk arrest and prosecution if you are inside outside those hours.
Petra is often part of a one-week circuit: Amman, Jerash, Madaba, the Dead Sea, Dana, Petra and then Wadi Rum. See our Jordan travel guide and check the safety warning above, which mentions Aqaba in particular.
Getting to Petra
- From Amman by bus: according to the official Petra website, JETT buses leave Abdali station at 6:30 am and return to Amman at 5 pm; book on the company’s website (visitpetra.jo, checked 26 October 2026). Public minibuses also leave from Amman’s south bus station.
- By car or taxi: about 3 hours via the Desert Highway, 4 hours via the more scenic King’s Highway (Madaba, Kerak, Dana). The U.S. Department of State describes the Desert Highway and the King’s Highway between Petra and Madaba as dangerous (narrow, winding, steep, crowded with trucks) and advises avoiding them at night.
- From Amman airport: a direct taxi, or a taxi to the south bus station and then a minibus.
- On site: everything is done on foot. The horses, donkeys and camels offered on site raise animal welfare concerns; the official club cars cover the route to the Treasury.
When to go to Petra
The best times to visit Petra are spring (March to May) and autumn (October-November): mild days for walking and little rain. Summer is dry and hot (above 30 °C / 86 °F in the afternoon at the Ma’an station in July-August): start at opening time. Winter is cool by day and cold at night (around 2 °C / 36 °F in January), and the rare rains can cause flash floods. There are no official published normals for Petra itself; the Ma’an station, on the same plateau, gives an idea.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 (57 °F) | 2.1 (36 °F) | 9 (0.4 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cool by day, cold nights |
| February | 16.2 (61 °F) | 3.4 (38 °F) | 8 (0.3 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Cool, flash floods possible in rainy weather |
| March | 20.4 (69 °F) | 6.4 (44 °F) | 7 (0.3 in) | Medium to high | Medium | ✅ Mild, ideal for walking |
| April | 25 (77 °F) | 10 (50 °F) | 5 (0.2 in) | High | High | ✅ The best month for many |
| May | 29.9 (86 °F) | 14.2 (58 °F) | 5 (0.2 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Hot in the afternoon, start early |
| June | 33.2 (92 °F) | 17 (63 °F) | 1 (0.0 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Hot, visit at dawn |
| July | 35.1 (95 °F) | 18.9 (66 °F) | 0 (0.0 in) | Low to medium | Low | ❌ Very hot in the middle of the day |
| August | 35.4 (96 °F) | 18.9 (66 °F) | 0 (0.0 in) | Medium (vacations) | Medium | ❌ Very hot, little shade |
| September | 32.8 (91 °F) | 16.6 (62 °F) | 0 (0.0 in) | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Still hot, quieter |
| October | 28 (82 °F) | 13 (55 °F) | 7 (0.3 in) | High | High | ✅ Mild, beautiful light |
| November | 20.8 (69 °F) | 7.5 (46 °F) | 3 (0.1 in) | Medium to high | Medium | ✅ Pleasant by day, cool in the evening |
| December | 15.9 (61 °F) | 3.5 (38 °F) | 3 (0.1 in) | Low (holidays) | Low → medium | ⚠️ Cool, short days |
- Spring: ideal temperatures for long walks, flowers in the wadis. It is also the busiest season: arrive at opening time.
- Summer: dry heat and little shade in the lower city and on the Monastery steps. Drink plenty, cover your head and make use of summer hours (opening at 6 am).
- Autumn: mild weather returns, with beautiful light on the pink sandstone. Winter hours apply from October 2, 2026 (6:30 am – 5 pm).
- Winter: few visitors but short days and cold nights: bring a fleece and choose a heated hotel. The UK FCDO notes that during the rainy season from November to March there is a risk of flash floods in Jordan’s wadis, and the U.S. Department of State names Petra among the areas prone to flash flooding: avoid the canyons in cloudy or rainy weather.
For the rest of the country (the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Amman), see our page on the best time to visit Jordan, or compare with where to go in April and where to go in October.
Who is Petra for?
Here is our view by traveler profile, based on the sights, budget and conditions described in this Petra guide.
| Profile | Our view |
|---|---|
| Walkers and hikers | ✅ At least 15 km (9 mi) of walking in a day, about 800 steps up to the Monastery, the High Place of Sacrifice loop. |
| Culture and history | ✅ A Nabataean city carved into sandstone: the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the Petra Museum. |
| Families | ⚠️ Free entry for children under 12, but long distances, steps and summer heat; the club cars stop at the Treasury. |
| Reduced mobility | ⚠️ The official club cars run from the visitor center to the Treasury; beyond that, everything is on foot. |
| Tight budget | ⚠️ Wadi Musa is more expensive than the rest of Jordan: roughly US$65 to 110 per person per day, plus the entry ticket or the Jordan Pass. |
| All profiles | ⚠️ Check the safety warning at the top of the page and the official travel advice before booking. |
Budget for Petra
Wadi Musa lives off tourism and prices are higher than elsewhere in Jordan. Indicative amounts per person per day, excluding flights and the entry ticket:
| Item | Tight budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (based on a shared double room) | about US$20 to 45 | about US$80 to 170 |
| Meals | about US$15 to 30 | about US$40 to 65 |
| Transportation (bus or share of a taxi from Amman, shuttles) | about US$15 to 35 | about US$35 to 55 (rental car or driver) |
| Total per day | roughly US$65 to 110 | roughly US$155 to 290 |
To save money: buy the Jordan Pass if you are staying several days in the country, bring water and snacks from Wadi Musa (the refreshment stands on the site are expensive) and choose a hotel in the upper part of the town, cheaper than near the entrance.
Where to stay in Petra
- Near the site entrance (lower Wadi Musa): the most convenient for arriving at opening time; mid-range to upscale hotels.
- Central Wadi Musa: about 1.5 km (1 mi) from the entrance, hostels and small hotels, cheaper restaurants.
- Taybeh and the heights: mountain views, quieter, but you need a vehicle.
- Camps around Little Petra: Bedouin-style accommodation, more isolated.
Nights are cold from November to March: check that there is heating. In spring and October, book a few weeks ahead.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026), a passport valid for at least six months and a visa are required; a 30-day visa is issued for a fee on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and most border crossings (not the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge), or you can apply online through the Ministry of Interior. A 3-month single-entry visa costs 40 JOD; the Jordan Pass includes the visa cost.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026), you need a visa, sold on arrival at Jordanian airports and the Sheikh Hussein crossing for 40 JOD (single entry, valid 3 months), or included in the Jordan Pass if you stay at least 3 nights. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
- Departure tax: 10 JOD, payable in cash at all land border crossings (UK FCDO).
- Safety: see the warning at the top of the page. Stay away from demonstrations and from security or military facilities, and follow the instructions of the local authorities (UK FCDO).
- Flash floods: in cloudy or rainy weather, avoid the canyons; check the forecast and do not visit a wadi for at least one day after heavy rain (UK FCDO). Emergency services: 911.
- Health: UK travelers can check TravelHealthPro and US travelers the CDC for recommended vaccines (UK FCDO and U.S. Department of State). On the site, heat and dehydration are the main risks: bring 2 to 3 liters of water per day in summer. The U.S. Embassy in Amman advises drinking only bottled water.
- Roads: the U.S. Department of State reports aggressive driving and dangerous highways; avoid driving at night.
Before you go, read our travel insurance guide and check that your policy covers Jordan in the current context.
Practical tips for visiting Petra
- Start early: enter at opening time to see the Siq and the Treasury without the tour groups coming from Amman or Aqaba.
- Shoes: good walking shoes; sand and worn steps are slippery.
- Clothing: covered shoulders and knees are appreciated, and protect you from the sun.
- Money: Visa cards are accepted at the ticket office (visitpetra.jo); bring dinars for refreshment stands, guides and tips. The UK FCDO advises asking tourist office staff if ticket prices are unclear, before agreeing to any extra charges.
- Vendors and animal handlers: say no politely but firmly if you are not interested. If you hire an animal, choose a healthy one and agree on the price beforehand.
- Internet: a Jordanian SIM card or eSIM avoids high roaming charges.
Read also: to fit Petra into a wider trip, see the best time to visit Jordan, which covers the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and Amman, and our Jordan travel guide. The best periods are spring and autumn: our selections where to go in April and where to go in October help you compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Petra?
50 JD for one day, 55 JD for two days and 60 JD for three days if you stay overnight in Jordan, 90 JD for a day visit without a night in the country. Daytime entry is free for children under 12 (visitpetra.jo prices, checked October 2026).
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
Yes if you stay several days: at 70, 75 or 80 JD depending on the number of days at Petra, it includes entry and waives the visa fee (40 JD), provided you buy it before arrival and meet the minimum length of stay.
How many days do you need to visit Petra?
Two days let you see the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice without rushing. One day is enough for the highlights if you are fit.
What is the best time to visit Petra?
March to May and October-November. Summer exceeds 33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon on the plateau; winter is cool with nights close to 2 °C (36 °F) in January.
Can you visit Petra right now?
Check the latest advice just before you leave: the UK FCDO (updated 25 October 2026) reports strikes linked to the regional conflict in Jordan, including attacks and interceptions around Aqaba in September, and warns that airspace can close at short notice.
Is Petra by Night included in the ticket?
No. Neither the day ticket nor the Jordan Pass includes it: you need a separate ticket as well as a valid day ticket.
Our sources
- Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, official website visitpetra.jo (fees, opening hours, access), checked on 26 October 2026
- Jordan Pass, official website jordanpass.jo (packages and prices), checked on 26 October 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Jordan country information (travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Jordan (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026), read on 26 October 2026
- Climate: normals for the Ma’an station (airport, about 1,070 m / 3,510 ft), published by NOAA
- European Central Bank, euro reference exchange rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Jordan travel guide, our guides to Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, and our other destinations in Asia.
