10 Methods on How to travel from Amman to Petra

How to travel from Amman to Petra, traveling from Amman to Petra, both located in Jordan, can be done through various modes of transportation.

Here are the common methods

1. Bus

There are several bus companies that offer transportation from Amman to Petra. You can catch a bus from the Mujama Al Dakhili station in Amman. The journey usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the type of bus.

Traveling by bus from Amman to Petra is a common and convenient option.

Here’s a more detailed guide on how to do it:

  1. Find a Bus Station: Head to the bus station in Amman from where buses to Petra depart. The primary bus station for this route is the “Mujama Al Dakhili” station, also known as the Amman Abdali Bus Station. It’s a major transportation hub in Amman.
  2. Choose a Bus Company: There are several bus companies that operate on the Amman-Petra route. Some of the reputable ones include JETT Bus and Trust International Transport. Look for their ticket counters or kiosks at the bus station.
  3. Buy Tickets: Purchase your bus tickets either in advance or directly at the station. It’s recommended to buy tickets a bit ahead of your planned departure to secure a seat, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  4. Bus Schedule: Buses from Amman to Petra usually have several departures throughout the day. The first bus might leave early in the morning, and the last one could be in the late afternoon. The exact schedule can vary depending on the bus company and the day of the week.
  5. Travel Time: The journey from Amman to Petra by bus takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. The duration can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and stops along the way.
  6. Comfort and Facilities: Different bus companies offer varying levels of comfort. Some buses might have air conditioning, reclining seats, and even refreshments. Higher-end buses like JETT buses tend to offer more amenities.
  7. Enjoy the Scenery: The road from Amman to Petra takes you through the beautiful Jordanian landscape, so be sure to keep your camera ready for some scenic shots.
  8. Arrival in Petra: The bus will drop you off at the Petra Visitor Center, which is the main entrance to the archaeological site. From there, you can purchase your entrance ticket to Petra and start exploring the ancient city.

    How to travel from Amman to Petra
    Amman, Jordan – People search the bus on the bus terminal Tabarbour. Public bus routes are poorly mapped and have no timetable. Source: istockphoto.com
  9. Return Trip: If you plan to return to Amman by bus, you can follow the same steps in reverse. Purchase your return bus ticket in advance or at the visitor center in Petra.

2.Car Rental or Private Car

Renting a car and driving from Amman to Petra is an option. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The main route is along the Desert Highway (Route 15).

Renting a car or hiring a private car to travel from Amman to Petra can offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Here’s how to go about it:

  1. Choose a Rental Company: Research and choose a reputable car rental company in Amman. Look for companies with positive reviews, good customer service, and a variety of vehicle options.
  2. Book in Advance: It’s a good idea to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures that you’ll have the type of car you want available on your travel dates.
  3. Pick-up Location: Most car rental companies have offices at the Queen Alia International Airport and within Amman city. Choose a pick-up location that’s convenient for you.
  4. Driving License and Documents: Make sure you have a valid international driving license if required, as well as your regular driving license. You’ll also need your passport and a credit card for the rental process.
  5. Navigation: Ensure you have a reliable navigation system, whether it’s a GPS device, a navigation app on your smartphone, or a printed map. The route from Amman to Petra is well-traveled, but having navigation helps.
  6. Driving Route: The primary route from Amman to Petra is along the Desert Highway (Route 15). The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
  7. Road Conditions: The roads in Jordan are generally in decent condition, especially major highways. However, be prepared for occasional speed bumps and varying road quality in some areas.
  8. Fuel: Make sure you have enough fuel for the journey, as there might be stretches without gas stations. Fill up your tank before you leave.
  9. Refreshments: Pack some snacks and water for the journey, as there might not be many places to stop for refreshments along the way.
  10. Scenic Stops: The drive from Amman to Petra offers some stunning desert landscapes. You might want to plan a few stops to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
  11. Parking: When you reach Petra, there’s a parking area near the entrance where you can leave your rental car while you explore the archaeological site.

    How to travel from Amman to Petra
    How to travel from Amman to Petra. Source: istockphoto.com
  12. Return: If you’re returning to Amman, follow the same route in reverse. Be sure to return the rental car with a full tank of fuel and in the same condition you received it.

3. Shared Taxis

Shared taxis, also known as “service taxis,” are a common way to travel between cities in Jordan. You can find these at various taxi stands in Amman. They might be a bit faster than buses since they don’t make as many stops.

Traveling by shared taxis, also known as “service taxis,” is a common mode of transportation in Jordan and offers a middle ground between public buses and private transportation.

Here’s how you can use shared taxis to travel from Amman to Petra:

  1. Find a Taxi Stand: Look for taxi stands in Amman where shared taxis depart for Petra. These stands are usually located in central areas and transportation hubs.
  2. Destination: Communicate to the taxi stand attendant or driver that you want to go to Petra. They will help you find a shared taxi heading in that direction.
  3. Waiting: Shared taxis usually wait until they have enough passengers to fill the car before departing. This might take some time, especially if the taxi is not full.
  4. Cost: Shared taxis have fixed fares based on the distance and route. The fare from Amman to Petra will vary, and it’s a good idea to have some local currency (Jordanian Dinars) on hand to pay for your share of the fare.
  5. Comfort: Shared taxis might be a bit more cramped than private cars, as you’ll be sharing the vehicle with other passengers. However, they are still relatively comfortable for short to medium journeys.
  6. Travel Time: The travel time in a shared taxi will be similar to that of a private car, taking around 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
  7. Drop-off: The shared taxi will drop you off at a central location in Petra, usually near the entrance to the archaeological site.
  8. Return Trip: If you plan to return to Amman by shared taxi, you can inquire about the return schedule and arrangements with local drivers or at the taxi stand in Petra.
  9. Flexibility: Shared taxis offer some level of flexibility, as they depart once they have enough passengers. However, be prepared to wait for the taxi to fill up before departing.
  10. Language Consideration: While English might not be spoken by all taxi drivers, basic communication and hand gestures should generally suffice to convey your destination and intentions.

4. JETT Bus

JETT is a well-known bus company in Jordan that operates comfortable tourist buses. They offer direct transportation from Amman to Petra. It’s a bit more expensive than regular buses, but it’s a comfortable option.

Traveling by shared taxis, also known as “service taxis,” is a common mode of transportation in Jordan and offers a middle ground between public buses and private transportation.

Here’s how you can use shared taxis to travel from Amman to Petra:

  1. Find a Taxi Stand: Look for taxi stands in Amman where shared taxis depart for Petra. These stands are usually located in central areas and transportation hubs.
  2. Destination: Communicate to the taxi stand attendant or driver that you want to go to Petra. They will help you find a shared taxi heading in that direction.
  3. Waiting: Shared taxis usually wait until they have enough passengers to fill the car before departing. This might take some time, especially if the taxi is not full.
  4. Cost: Shared taxis have fixed fares based on the distance and route. The fare from Amman to Petra will vary, and it’s a good idea to have some local currency (Jordanian Dinars) on hand to pay for your share of the fare.
  5. Comfort: Shared taxis might be a bit more cramped than private cars, as you’ll be sharing the vehicle with other passengers. However, they are still relatively comfortable for short to medium journeys.
  6. Travel Time: How to travel from Amman to Petra, The travel time in a shared taxi will be similar to that of a private car, taking around 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.
  7. Drop-off: How to travel from Amman to Petra, The shared taxi will drop you off at a central location in Petra, usually near the entrance to the archaeological site.
  8. Return Trip: How to travel from Amman to Petra, If you plan to return to Amman by shared taxi, you can inquire about the return schedule and arrangements with local drivers or at the taxi stand in Petra.
  9. Flexibility: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Shared taxis offer some level of flexibility, as they depart once they have enough passengers. However, be prepared to wait for the taxi to fill up before departing.
  10. Language Consideration: How to travel from Amman to Petra, While English might not be spoken by all taxi drivers, basic communication and hand gestures should generally suffice to convey your destination and intentions.

4. Train (limited)

As of my last update, there was a limited train service in Jordan. It’s worth checking if there have been any developments in the train network that might connect Amman and Petra.

Here’s what you should consider if you’re looking into the train as an option from Amman to Petra:

  1. Check the Current Status: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Verify whether the train service between Amman and Petra is currently operational. Train services can change, and new routes might have been added or existing ones modified.

    How to travel from Amman to Petra
    Amman, Jordan Jordan – train with railway in Amman in Jordan. Source: istockphoto.com
  2. Route and Schedule: How to travel from Amman to Petra, If the train service is available, check the route and schedule for trains traveling between Amman and Petra. Confirm the departure and arrival times.
  3. Booking Tickets: How to travel from Amman to Petra, If the train is operational, find out how to book train tickets. This might be done through official train service websites, booking counters, or other authorized outlets.
  4. Travel Time: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Keep in mind that train travel might take longer than other modes of transportation due to factors like stops and speed limits on the tracks.
  5. Comfort and Facilities: How to travel from Amman to Petra,Trains generally provide a comfortable mode of travel with seating options. However, the level of comfort can vary depending on the type of train and the available facilities.
  6. Stations: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Identify the train stations in both Amman and Petra. Be sure to reach the station well before your departure time.
  7. Scenic Route: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Train journeys can offer a unique perspective of the landscape. If available, this could be an opportunity to enjoy the views between Amman and Petra.
  8. Alternatives: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Given the limited train network in Jordan, consider alternative transportation options like buses or shared taxis if train schedules or routes don’t align with your travel plans.
  9. Local Information: How to travel from Amman to Petra, For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the train service between Amman and Petra, consider contacting local tourism authorities, train operators, or reliable travel sources within Jordan.

5. Flights:

How to travel from Amman to Petra, While not a direct route, you can also consider flying from Amman to Aqaba, which is another city relatively close to Petra. From Aqaba, you can then take a taxi or bus to Petra.

Here’s how you might approach this option:

  1. Fly to Aqaba: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Aqaba is a city located closer to Petra and has a small international airport, King Hussein International Airport. If you’re considering flying, you could look for flights from Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport to Aqaba. From Aqaba, you can then take a taxi or bus to Petra. The distance between Aqaba and Petra is shorter than the distance between Amman and Petra.

    How to travel from Amman to Petra
    How to travel from Amman to Petra. Source: istockphoto.com
  2. Transportation from Aqaba to Petra: How to travel from Amman to Petra, After arriving in Aqaba, you can arrange for transportation to Petra. Taxis, shared taxis, and buses are usually available for this route.
  3. Flight Availability: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Check flight availability, schedules, and prices between Amman and Aqaba. Keep in mind that flight options and schedules can change, so it’s important to research closer to your travel date.
  4. Considerations: How to travel from Amman to Petra, While flying might save you some travel time, it’s important to factor in the time needed for airport procedures, security checks, and potential layovers. Additionally, consider the environmental impact and the convenience of ground transportation options.
  5. Travel Convenience: How to travel from Amman to Petra, Flying can be more convenient for longer distances, but it might not necessarily be the most time-efficient option for shorter distances like Amman to Petra.
  6. Explore Aqaba: How to travel from Amman to Petra, If you’re considering this option, you might also have the opportunity to explore Aqaba, a city known for its Red Sea coastline and diving opportunities.
  7. Alternative Transportation: How to travel from Amman to Petra, If you decide against flying, there are several ground transportation options, as mentioned in previous responses—buses, shared taxis, private cars, and JETT buses—that can take you from Amman to Petra.

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