Amman to Petra: Every Transport Option Compared (Bus, Taxi, Transfer, Car)

The Amman–Petra route is the most-travelled tourist corridor in Jordan. It is just under 250 km from central Amman to the Petra Visitor Centre in Wadi Musa, doable in under three hours on the Desert Highway — and the decision between bus, shared taxi, private transfer, rental car, or guided tour shapes both your budget and how you actually experience the day. Here is a clear breakdown of every option.

Route Overview

Two main roads connect Amman to Petra:

Desert Highway (Route 15): The fast, direct route. Dual carriageway south from Amman through the semi-arid interior to Aqaba, turning northwest at the Ma’an junction for Wadi Musa. Approximately 240 km, journey time 2.5–3 hours. Most public transport and private transfers use this route.

Kings Highway (Route 35): The historic route. Passes through Madaba, Wadi Mujib (Grand Canyon of the Middle East), Kerak Castle, and Shobak Castle before reaching Wadi Musa. Around 300–330 km and 3.5–5 hours depending on stops. No public bus uses this road. Rental car or private day-tour only.

If this is your first time in Jordan, the Kings Highway is worth the extra time — the landscapes and Crusader castles are a genuine highlight, and Petra is far more rewarding if you spread your Jordan journey across this route rather than rushing through the interior.

Option 1: JETT Bus (Cheapest Direct Option)

JETT is Jordan’s main intercity coach operator and runs a dedicated Amman–Petra service aimed specifically at tourists.

Fare: Approximately JOD 11–13 per person each way (as of 2026)

Departure: JETT terminal, 7th Circle (Sab’a Duwwar), Amman. Typically 6:30 am daily; confirm current schedule at the JETT terminal or phone ahead.

Return: Departs from the Petra Visitor Centre / Wadi Musa at approximately 5:00 pm. The return time gives you roughly 7–8 hours at the site — just about enough for a thorough visit if you start walking by 8:00 am.

Journey time: Approximately 3 hours

How to book: Tickets can be purchased at the JETT terminal (7th Circle, Amman) in person, or ask your hotel to help reserve a seat. In peak season (March–May and September–October), book the day before — this bus does sell out.

Limitations:

• Single daily departure means zero flexibility on timing
• You are locked to the 5 pm return bus unless you arrange alternative transport back
• The 7th Circle JETT terminal requires a taxi or Uber from most hotel areas (approximately JOD 5–10 extra each way)

Best for: Budget solo travellers or pairs who want a simple, affordable, no-driving option with a predictable schedule.

Option 2: Private Transfer

A pre-booked private transfer covers the Amman–Petra route door-to-door: your driver picks you up from your hotel or any Amman address, drives you directly to the Petra Visitor Centre, and can be arranged to pick you up again for the return journey.

Typical fares (as of 2026):

Vehicle	One Way (Amman → Petra)	Return (same driver, same day)
Saloon / sedan (1–3 pax)	JOD 55–80	JOD 95–140
Minivan / MPV (4–7 pax)	JOD 80–120	JOD 140–200

Split between three or four people, the private transfer becomes competitive with the JETT bus on a per-person basis while offering hotel pickup, flexible timing, and the ability to stop en route (many drivers will pause at Mount Nebo and Madaba for an extra JOD 10–15 if you ask).

Book through /go/transfers-jordan (Kiwitaxi) for a confirmed price and tracked driver. Welcome Pickups is an alternative strong on English-speaking drivers and meet-and-greet punctuality.

Best for: Groups of 2–4+ splitting costs; travellers with flexibility on departure time; anyone who wants the option to stop at Madaba, the Dead Sea lookout, or Wadi Mujib viewpoints en route.

Option 3: Shared Taxi (Service Taxi)

Shared taxis run the Amman–Petra route from Amman’s Wahadat bus station (Al-Muhajireen, south of downtown). These are shared saloon cars that fill to 4–5 passengers before departing — not a scheduled service.

Fare: Approximately JOD 8–12 per seat (as of 2026)

Waiting time: 20 minutes to 2+ hours depending on demand. Mornings (6–9 am) have the best frequency.

Departure point: Wahadat bus station, Amman. Getting there from West Amman or the tourist hotel areas requires a taxi (approximately JOD 8–12 from 4th Circle), which adds to your total.

Return: Return service taxis from Wadi Musa depart from near the Petra Visitor Centre — frequency is lower in the afternoon and you may wait a long time for a taxi to fill.

Journey time: 2.5–3.5 hours (same route as JETT, similar stops)

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who are already near Wahadat station, have time flexibility, and don’t mind the shared arrangement.

Option 4: Rental Car (Self-Drive)

Renting a car and driving yourself gives maximum flexibility — particularly if you want to take the Kings Highway, stop at Madaba and Kerak, or visit Wadi Rum after Petra without depending on scheduled transport.

Distance: 240 km via Desert Highway; 300–330 km via Kings Highway

Journey time: 2.5–3 hours (Desert Highway); 4–5 hours with stops on Kings Highway

Daily rental cost: From approximately JOD 25–40 per day for a standard compact car as of 2026, plus fuel (approximately JOD 0.85–0.95 per litre). Compare car hire options in Jordan to secure the best rate before you travel.

Fuel cost (Amman → Petra, Desert Highway): Approximately JOD 10–15 in a typical small car.

Route notes:

• Desert Highway: straightforward, dual carriageway, no tolls, no mountain sections
• Kings Highway: single carriageway through some dramatic mountain terrain above Wadi Mujib — fine for a standard car but not suitable for very large vehicles; road narrows significantly around the Wadi Mujib canyon section
• Parking at Petra Visitor Centre: paid car park, approximately JOD 1–2

See our car hire in Jordan guide for insurance requirements, licence rules, and which rental companies operate at each location.

Best for: Travellers combining Petra with Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, or the Kings Highway route; anyone staying multiple nights in Wadi Musa and wanting full flexibility throughout their trip.

Option 5: Guided Day Tour from Amman

Several tour operators run full-day Petra trips from Amman that include return transport, a guide inside Petra, and sometimes additional stops at Madaba or the Dead Sea on the way back.

Typical all-in tour price: USD 80–160 per person depending on group size, guide quality, and what is included (Jordan Pass not included; entrance fees apply separately if you do not have a pass)

What is usually included: Hotel pickup in Amman, AC vehicle, licensed guide at Petra, return drop-off

Advantage: Maximum efficiency for time-poor travellers — no logistics, no driving, a guide who knows the site

Limitation: Less free time inside Petra; fixed pace means you can’t linger at the Monastery (Al-Deir) if the group needs to leave

For Petra tours departing Amman, check options on GetYourGuide or book directly through a local Amman-based agency. Prices vary significantly by operator — look for licensed Jordanian guides.

Cost Comparison at a Glance

Option	Cost Per Person (approx.)	Departure Flexibility	Journey Time
JETT Bus (one way)	JOD 11–13	Fixed — 6:30 am only	~3 hours
Shared taxi	JOD 8–12 + Wahadat taxi	Variable (fill-up waits)	~3 hours
Private transfer (group of 2)	JOD 28–40 pp	Full flexibility	~2.5 hours
Private transfer (group of 4)	JOD 14–20 pp	Full flexibility	~2.5 hours
Rental car (2 days)	JOD 30–50 pp (incl. fuel)	Full flexibility	~2.5 hours
Guided day tour	USD 80–160 pp	Fixed tour	~3 hours + guide

All prices as of 2026. Private transfer pp costs based on splitting a single-vehicle booking.

How Much Time to Spend at Petra

Petra is large. Most first-time visitors underestimate how much there is to see:

Minimum half day (4 hours): The Siq, Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Street of Facades, Roman Theatre — covers the highlights but nothing else. Rushed.

Full day (7–8 hours): Add the Colonnaded Street, the Great Temple, the Monastery (Al-Deir) via the strenuous 800-step climb — this is the minimum to feel you’ve seen Petra properly.

Two days: Adds the High Place of Sacrifice, the Royal Tombs from inside, Little Petra (Siq al-Barid, 10 minutes away by car) — the level of depth most serious visitors recommend.

If you are travelling from Amman, staying at least one night in Wadi Musa dramatically improves your visit. The town has dozens of affordable guesthouses and mid-range hotels, and you will arrive at the gate fresh rather than after a 3-hour drive.

Practical Notes

Jordan Pass: If you hold a Jordan Pass, your Petra entrance fee is included for 1 or 2 consecutive days (depending on the pass tier purchased). Show it on arrival at the Visitor Centre. The pass covers the entrance fee only — guides and horse/donkey transport inside the site are extra.

Timing: Arrive at the Petra Visitor Centre by 7:30–8:00 am for the clearest morning light at the Treasury and to avoid the midday heat and peak tour-group congestion. The site opens at 6:00 am.

Return transport: If taking the JETT bus back, be at the Wadi Musa bus stop by 4:45 pm. For private transfer returns, confirm your pickup time with the driver — most will wait in Wadi Musa for the day if you are pre-booked round-trip.

For getting around once you are in southern Jordan, see our getting around Jordan guide and our Wadi Rum to Petra guide for combining both sites efficiently.