How to Take a Day Trip to Petra from Jerusalem
Why Visit Petra from Jerusalem?
Petra is a remarkable ancient city and one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World.” Its breathtaking Treasury, stunning canyons, and intricate architecture make it worth every bit of the journey. Here, I’ll share my experience taking a day trip to Petra from Jerusalem and offer essential tips to make your trip as seamless as possible.
How to Take a Day Trip to Petra from Jerusalem - Table of Contents
- Why Visit Petra from Jerusalem
- Best Way to Visit Petra
- Is One Day Enough to See Petra?
- Planning a Day Trip to Petra from Jerusalem
- The Journey from Jerusalem to Petra
- Crossing the Border
- Exploring Petra – A One Day Tour
- Petra’s Key Sights
- Tips for Visiting Petra in One Day
- Returning from Petra from Jerusalem
- Petra Tours and Packages from Israel
- Related Content
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Best Way to Visit Petra
For most travelers, joining a tour is the easiest way to visit Petra. Numerous tours offer one, two, or even three-day options departing from nearby cities, including Jerusalem and Amman. This flexibility allows visitors to choose a tour that suits their time and interest level.
Is One Day Enough to See Petra?
If you’re wondering, “Can I see Petra in a day?” the answer is yes, but you’ll only scratch the surface. A single day in Petra provides just a few hours to explore its main highlights. To experience Petra more fully, consider a two- or three-day tour.
Planning a Day Trip to Petra from Jerusalem
While a day trip to Petra from Jerusalem is doable, be prepared for a long day—it takes roughly six hours each way. In my case, a day trip was my only option due to limited time, but I found the journey worth it. Here’s a breakdown of my trip to help you plan yours.
Journey from Jerusalem to Petra
I started my journey early, waking up at 3:00 am to reach the pickup point near the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem by 3:30 am. After a four-hour drive with a couple of restroom breaks, we reached the Yitzhak Rabin-Wadi Arava Border Crossing. Here, we switched from an Israeli bus to a Jordanian one, and continued for another two hours to reach Petra. Though we only had about five hours to explore, it was an unforgettable experience.
Crossing the Israel-Jordan Border at Yitzhak Rabin
The border crossing at Yitzhak Rabin is fairly straightforward. Our tour provided assistance, but the process was simple. With an E-passport, the line moved quickly, and within minutes, I had my exit card. Once we crossed into Jordan, we boarded our tour bus and continued to Petra.
Exploring Petra: A One-Day Tour
Upon arrival, our guide Kareem purchased our entrance tickets and briefed us on the tour route. Petra’s entrance fees are steep, with a one-day ticket costing around 90 Jordanian Dinars (about $127). For visitors staying overnight in Jordan, a reduced rate of 50 JD applies.
Inside Petra, we walked through the Siq, a stunning narrow gorge leading to the iconic Treasury. This ancient passage is lined with remnants of the Nabataean civilization, including carved statues and intricate water channels.
Petra’s Highlights and Key Sights
The Djinn Blocks
The Dijinn Blocks are massive blocks halfway along the main trail are thought to be tombs or monuments, possibly to guard Petra
The Treasury
The Treasury is Petra’s most famous structure and a true architectural wonder, believed to be either a royal tomb or a temple.
Street of Facades and Theater
This Street of Facades features rows of carved tombs and a Nabataean theater that once seated thousands.
Other Attractions at Petra
Throughout the walk, Kareem pointed out details, from the Nabataeans’ water storage techniques to reliefs carved into the walls, adding depth to our journey through this ancient city.
Tips for Visiting Petra in One Day
Bring Water and Sun Protection: Petra’s climate is hot and dry, so stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Consider Transport Options: Horses and golf carts are available, but these services require a large tip and aren’t included in the entry fee. Walking is often the best way to experience the site.
Animal Welfare: Be mindful of animal welfare and avoid overloading donkeys and horses. Weight limits are essential to prevent injury to these animals.
Returning from Petra to Jerusalem
Around 4:30 pm, we met back at the visitor’s center for a quick meal before beginning the return journey. The bus took about two hours to reach the Jordanian border, where we repeated the crossing process, followed by a five-hour drive back to Jerusalem. Despite the long day, this Petra tour provided incredible memories and a chance to see one of the world’s great wonders.
Petra Tours and Packages from Israel
For those interested in booking a tour, I have linked one and two day tours to Petra from Jerusalem. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.