The ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About Petra (Wadi Musa)

Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a vast archaeological city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. The experience of walking through the narrow Siq gorge — a 1.2 km slot canyon — and seeing the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) emerge from the cliff face is one of travel\'s most breathtaking moments.

Beyond the famous Treasury, Petra covers an enormous area with over 800 carved tombs, temples, and monuments spread across a mountainous landscape. The Monastery (Ad-Deir), reached by climbing 850 rock-cut steps, rivals the Treasury in grandeur. The Royal Tombs, the Roman-era colonnaded street, and the High Place of Sacrifice offer hours of exploration. Most visitors spend 1-2 full days exploring the site.

Wadi Musa, the modern town at Petra\'s entrance, has developed a solid tourism infrastructure with hotels ranging from backpacker hostels to the five-star Mövenpick right at the site entrance. The Petra by Night experience (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) illuminates the Siq and Treasury with 1,500 candles, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Local Bedouin communities offer guided hikes to lesser-known parts of the site.

Nearby Landmarks

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) The Monastery Siq Canyon Little Petra Wadi Rum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost JOD 80-120 (~$113-169)
Time 3-3.5 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost N/A
Time 3-3.5 hours

N/A

Step-by-Step Directions

Take taxi to Amman 7th Circle, then JETT bus to Petra. Or rent car and drive south on Desert Highway.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi JOD 80-120 (~$113-169) 3-3.5 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare N/A 3-3.5 hours Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

There is no public transport from the airport to Petra after dark. Options: 1) Pre-booked private transfer (JOD 70-100), 2) Rental car, 3) Taxi (negotiate JOD 65-90). The Desert Highway is well-maintained but monotonous at night. The final winding descent to Wadi Musa requires careful driving after dark. Most travelers overnight in Amman and depart for Petra the next morning.

Luggage Tips

For the long drive, ensure your vehicle is comfortable. Exploring Petra requires extensive walking (10-15 km per day) — bring only a daypack to the site. Hotels in Wadi Musa will store excess luggage. Wear broken-in walking shoes, as the terrain is rocky and sandy. Carry plenty of water (2+ liters per person per day at the site).

Accessibility

Petra itself has very limited wheelchair accessibility. The Siq is a rough, uneven path with sand and gravel. Horse-drawn carriages run through the Siq to the Treasury (controversial animal welfare concerns). Donkey and camel rides are offered for the return journey and inner sections. The Visitor Center and first section of the path are more accessible. Contact Petra authorities in advance for specific accommodations.