Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and if I must say — top 2! There is nothing like it. Although Petra is vast, even a half-day visit lets you experience its iconic highlights if you’re short on time. If you’re trying to see Petra in 24 hours, whether on a quick day trip or combined with nearby spots like Wadi Rum, this guide will help you plan a smooth and memorable adventure.
Jump to Section ✨
Best Time to Visit Petra, Jordan
- March to May and September to November — ideal months with cooler weather and pleasant temperatures.
- July and August — extremely hot; best to avoid midday hours.
- January and February — cold (down to 2°C) and possibly rainy but fewer crowds.
The best times to explore Petra are early morning at opening or late afternoon when crowds thin out and the sun is less harsh. Arriving between 7 am and 4 pm gives you plenty of time to explore comfortably.
Where to Stay in Petra?
If you’re planning to stay overnight, there are plenty of great hotels near the Petra Visitor Center — from budget-friendly stays to more luxurious options. Use the interactive map below to find the perfect place to stay based on your needs:
Booking.comPetra Opening Hours
- Summer: 6 am to 7 pm
- Winter: 6 am to 5 pm
How to Get to Petra, Jordan
Private Driver
Hiring a private driver is often the easiest way to get to Petra, especially if you’re staying outside the town. Drivers can wait for you all day and help you navigate the site smoothly. Many hotels can arrange this for you.
- From Amman to Petra: About 3 hours, costing around 70 JD.
- From Aqaba to Petra: About 2 hours.
Tours (Private or Group)
You can find great day tours that combine Petra and Wadi Rum on platforms like GetYourGuide.com. A popular option is the Petra and Wadi Rum Day Trip.
Public Transport
- From Amman: Take the JETT bus from Abdali station. It leaves at 6:30 am and arrives around 10:30 am. The return trip is at 5 pm.
- From Aqaba: Buses depart regularly from the central market.
Petra Entry Fees and Jordan Pass
- One-day ticket: 50 JD per person (buy at the gate or use your Jordan Pass).
- Jordan Pass: Costs 70 JD and includes your visa (worth 40 JD), one-day Petra ticket, and access to 40 other Jordan sites like Jerash, Amman Citadel, and Wadi Rum — great value if you plan to explore more.
- Petra By Night: Experience Petra lit by candles in the evening — a magical sight available only three nights a week (Mon, Wed, Thu) for an extra 15 JD.
Hiring a Tour Guide at Petra
Getting a local tour guide enriches your visit by sharing Petra’s fascinating history and answering your questions. However, be cautious: some guides may try to upsell rides on donkeys, camels, or horses. Always clarify prices upfront to avoid surprises.
- Guide cost to Treasury area: around 30 JD.
- Animal rides: can go up to 100 JD depending on routes. Animals here suffer. I recommend avoiding taking them and instead prepare for the hike.
Washrooms at Petra
Clean, functioning washrooms are only at the entrance. There are some porta-potties along the hike marked on your map — so plan accordingly.
Watch Out for Scammers in Petra
Be wary of men offering “free” horse or mule rides; they will ask for money afterward. Young local Bedouins may be pushy, urging you to ride animals or take photos, often charging between 20-60 JD. It’s tempting to get on an animal because you may be hot and tired but consider the animals’ welfare and be firm if you decline.
Walking Distances and Hiking Times at Petra
- Entrance to Treasury: 30-40 minutes walk.
- Treasury to High Viewpoint: About 1.5 hours (1000 stairs).
- Treasury to Monastery: About 1.5 hours (800 stairs).
What to Wear at Petra (For Women)
Jordan is conservative, so modest clothing is respectful. For photos, a long flowy dress paired with a light sweater or scarf works great. Pack comfortable walking shoes and sandals to change for photos. A big light scarf is handy to cover up when needed.
Essential Items to Bring to Petra
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Scarf
- Cash
- Passport
- Water and snacks
Refer to my packing list for women: Ultimate Packing List on a Budget for Women
Must-See Stops in Petra
- The Siq: A stunning narrow rock canyon leading to Petra’s heart.
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Iconic and breathtaking — no photo does it justice!
- Viewpoint: The challenging stair climb rewards you with jaw-dropping views.
- Hidden Shortcut Back Down: If you’re dreading having to walk back down all those stairs, there is another, kinda dangerous but exciting hidden shortcut. If you’re fit and adventurous, ask a local and head down the bulky rocks and you will reach the bottom in about 30-40 minutes. It’s easier than it looks (kinda). You will feel like you can do anything once you finish.
What to Eat Near Petra
After so much hiking, walking, and food talk with your local guide, at the end of your Petra trip you will be craving a delicious Jordanian meal. My guide recommended we try a dish called Mansaf which is lamb, with a yogurt sauce over rice. We went to a restaurant 5 minutes away called Sandstone Restaurant, and it was truly one of the best meals I ate in my life.
What I Would Have Done Differently
I wish I’d stayed overnight to experience Petra by Night on one of the available evenings: Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays(these dates are subject to change). With more time, you can explore the many fascinating spots Petra offers. The hikes are tiring but worth it if you want a full experience. For a one-day visit, focusing on the main highlights is more then enough.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Petra in One Day
After spending half a day in Petra, I didn’t really feel like I needed to go back for more. I was satisfied with just seeing the Treasury, the viewpoint looking down at it, and taking the cool shortcut back down that no one seemed to know about.
Is Petra safe? Yes, it is — as long as you’re aware of scammers and know how to bargain so you don’t get ripped off. Overall, the people are kind, and you’ll feel safe walking around. It’s truly an experience of a lifetime, and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
I hope this guide helps you plan your Petra trip! Have you been? Planning to go? Drop a comment and share your thoughts or questions.
Thanks for reading! <3
