How to Get from Amman to Petra: Bus, Car or Driver

Petra and the town of Wadi Musa

Petra itself is an archaeological site, and the town that serves it is called Wadi Musa. Hotels, restaurants and the visitor centre at the entrance to the site are all in Wadi Musa, so this is the name you will see on road signs and bus timetables. The town lies in the mountains at more than 1,000 metres above sea level, and it is cooler than many visitors expect, especially on winter evenings.

Which road to choose

The Desert Highway is the fastest choice, a wide road that takes about three hours. The King's Highway is the most beautiful, winding through highland towns, canyons and castles, but it needs about five hours of driving and is best treated as a full day of sightseeing. The Dead Sea Highway follows the floor of the Rift Valley past the Dead Sea and through Wadi Araba before climbing to Petra. It takes about three and a half to four hours and offers striking desert scenery.

Public transport or private travel

Comfortable intercity buses run between Amman and Wadi Musa, and they are the most economical way to travel. Their main limitation is time: there are few departures each day, so you have little flexibility. A private driver costs more, but collects you from your hotel, stops wherever you wish and lets you combine the journey with sightseeing on the way. A rental car offers the most freedom, and the roads to Petra are generally in good condition.

Planning the journey

Whichever option you choose, try to arrive in Wadi Musa the evening before your Petra visit, so that you can enter the site early the next morning. If you are travelling by the King's Highway, set off soon after breakfast, since the many stops easily fill a whole day. Avoid driving the final mountain roads after dark if you are not used to them. Many travellers take the King's Highway south and return north on the faster Desert Highway.

The plan

Option 1

The Desert Highway

This is the quickest road from Amman to Petra. Leave the city in the direction of Queen Alia International Airport and continue south on the wide Desert Highway, then turn west into the mountains toward Wadi Musa. The journey takes about three hours. Rest stops along the way offer fuel, coffee and simple food. The scenery is mostly flat desert, but this route is ideal when you want to save time.

Amman Petra

Option 2

The King's Highway

The scenic route follows an ancient road through the highlands, passing Madaba, the deep canyon of Wadi Mujib, Kerak Castle, the village of Dana and the castle of Shobak. Driving time alone is about five hours, but with stops it fills a full day. The road is narrow and winding in places, and it rewards patient drivers with remarkable views.

Madaba and Mount Nebo Wadi Mujib Kerak Castle Dana Petra

Option 3

The Dead Sea Highway

This route descends from Amman to the Dead Sea, follows its shore south and continues through the dry, open valley of Wadi Araba before climbing steeply into the mountains to Wadi Musa. It takes about three and a half to four hours. It is a good choice if you are already staying at the Dead Sea, and it passes some of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the country.

Dead Sea Petra

Option 4

By JETT bus

JETT, the best-known intercity coach operator, runs a direct service between its station in Amman and Wadi Musa, usually with a departure in the morning and a return in the afternoon. The journey takes about four hours, including a short rest stop. Seats are comfortable and can be reserved in advance, which is wise in busy seasons. Check the current timetable before you travel, as it can change.

Amman Petra

Option 5

With a private driver

Many hotels and local tour operators can arrange a car with a driver for the journey to Petra. This is the most comfortable option, especially for families and small groups, and it allows stops in Madaba, at Kerak Castle or at the Dead Sea along the way. Agree in advance on the route, the stops and the total time, and confirm whether waiting time is included.

Amman Madaba and Mount Nebo Kerak Castle Petra

Option 6

By rental car

Renting a car gives you full control over timing and stops, and it makes later visits to Wadi Rum, Dana and the Dead Sea easy. Rental desks are found at the airport and in Amman. Drive on the right, respect speed limits, as cameras are common, and keep your passport and licence ready for routine police checkpoints. Avoid unfamiliar desert roads at night.

Amman Petra

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Amman to Petra?

By the Desert Highway, the drive takes about three hours and covers roughly 230 kilometres. The Dead Sea Highway takes about three and a half to four hours, and the King's Highway needs about five hours of driving, plus time for stops. From Queen Alia International Airport, which lies south of Amman, the journey is a little shorter.

Can I visit Petra as a day trip from Amman?

It is possible, but it makes a very long day, with about six hours on the road and only a few hours inside a vast site. If you can, stay at least one night in Wadi Musa. You will be able to enter Petra early in the morning, explore without rushing and, on selected evenings, see Petra by Night.

Is it safe to drive from Amman to Petra?

Yes. The main roads are generally in good condition and widely used by visitors. Drive carefully, follow speed limits and watch for speed bumps at the entrance to towns. Police checkpoints are routine, and officers are usually courteous. The main risks are tiredness and poor visibility at night, so plan to travel in daylight where possible.

Is the bus or a private driver better?

The bus is the most economical choice and is comfortable and reliable, but it follows a fixed timetable and route. A private driver costs more, yet offers door-to-door travel, flexible timing and the chance to stop at sites along the way. For solo travellers on a budget, the bus works well; for families, small groups and short trips, a driver often makes more sense.