Petra: Day Trips and Tours from Eilat

The resort town of Eilat, located on the sunny coast of the Red Sea, is one of southern Israel’s most popular holiday destinations — attracting thousands of beach lovers from around the world every year.

Thanks to Eilat’s proximity to the Jordanian border, Petra day trips from Eilat provide a convenient way to visit Jordan’s most famous archeological sites without straying too far from your beachside hotel in Israel.

Here's all you need to know about Petra, one of the most exciting day trips from Eilat.

How to get to Petra from Eilat?

Petra is an ancient archeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert, around 150 kilometers north of Eilat in Israel. As Petra is located in a different country, visas and border fees should be taken into consideration when visiting from Eilat.

From Eilat to Petra by car

The drive between Eilat and Petra is relatively straightforward and takes just under 2 hours, with the majority of the journey involving driving in a northerly direction on the Desert Highway.

However, you aren’t allowed to cross the Yitzhak Rabin Border in a rented vehicle, so unless you are driving a vehicle that is registered to your name you’ll need to find another way to get there.

From Eilat to Petra by taxi

While the journey may be a bit pricey, it is possible to travel from Eilat to Petra via taxi. First, you’ll need to take a taxi from Eilat to the Yitzhak Rabin Border. Once you have been through border control, you’ll need to take another taxi from the border to Petra.

The taxis waiting at the Jordanian side of the border are all operated by one taxi company and there are set prices in place. The entire journey should take just over 2 hours and should cost around US$150 excluding border fees and visa costs.

Guided tour to Petra from Eilat

Guided tours to Petra from Eilat provide an easy and convenient way to experience Jordan’s famous archeological ruins. A professional local guide will arrange everything for you so that you can relax and enjoy the best that Jordan has to offer.

Most Petra day trips are full-day excursions, lasting around 12 hours including travel time, although there are also 2-day and 3-day excursions available.

How much does the entrance ticket to Petra cost?

The entrance costs to the historical site of Petra are dependent on how many days you will spend there. If you are only in the country of Jordan for one day, there is a separate cost.

Single-day entry to Petra (on a day visit to Jordan)

• Adult day: JD90 (US$125)

Single-day entry to Petra (with overnight in Jordan)

• Adult day: JD50 (US$70)
• Children (under the age of 12): Free

Multi-day entry to Petra

• Two-day entry: JD55 (US$75)
• Three-day entry: JD60 (US$85)

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Petra day trip from Eilat is slightly different, most tour operators offer similar itineraries. Your day begins with an early morning departure, where you’ll either be picked up from your hotel or be asked to meet your guide at a central location in Eilat.

Once you have met your guide and boarded the comfortable private vehicle, you’ll make your way to Petra, driving through the breathtaking Wadi Rum desert along the way. Once in Petra, you’ll explore the protected park with your guide who will provide insight and information.

You’ll get time to admire Petra’s ancient wonders, including the Obelisk Tomb, Jabal Madbach, the Roman Theater and the Treasury. After the official guided tour is over, you’ll have time to explore on your own and take photos before you are driven back to your hotel in Eilat.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Petra?

When you are looking for a Petra day trip from Eilat, you have a few different options to choose from, including guided tours, private tours, multi-day tours and excursions that include additional locations in their itinerary.

Guided tours to Petra from Eilat

Guided Petra tours from Eilat provide an affordable and accessible way to visit one of Jordan’s most famed attractions. You’ll make your way to Petra in a comfortable vehicle with other tour participants, providing you with a unique opportunity to meet new people.

The tour is led by a professional local guide, who takes care of all your travel arrangements and will share their knowledge with the group when visiting the ruins.

Private tour to Petra from Eilat

Private Petra day trips from Eilat are perfect for those who are looking for a more personal experience. As you and your travel companions will be the tour’s only participants, you’ll have some say when it comes to the departure time and itinerary.

While usually the more expensive option, visiting Petra with a private guide provides a more in-depth experience as there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn from your guide along the way.

2-Day tour to Petra plus Wadi Rum from Eilat

If you have the time available to you, a 2-day tour provides far more insight into Petra and the surrounding desert than a singular day trip does. Embark on a comprehensive adventure that includes sightseeing, hiking and a range of desert activities.

Most 2-day Petra trips are guided group excursions, although there are also a few private multi-day excursions available.

3-Day tour to Petra plus Wadi Rum from Eilat

Make the most of your limited time in Jordan by opting for a 3-day tour that visits both Petra and the beautiful desert of Wadi Rum. Spend one night under the stars in a Bedouin camp and the other night in a comfortable hotel in Petra.

Three-day tours are typically group excursions and provide a great way to get to know other travelers from around the world.

How much does a day trip to Petra from Eilat cost?

Basic guided Petra day trips from Eilat usually cost around US$200 per person for a full-day group excursion inclusive of roundtrip transfers, bottled water and snacks.

The cost of private tours may fluctuate depending on how many people there are in your group, but you can expect to pay around US$350 per person for a full-day excursion in which you and your travel companions will be the only participants.

Two-day trips typically cost around US$300 per person, while 3-day trips cost roughly US$400 per person. These excursions are usually inclusive of accommodation and some meals.

It is important to keep in mind that most Petra day trips from Eilat are not inclusive of the border fee or visa costs. You will be responsible for these expenses.

What will you see and do?

Located in Jordan’s southeastern desert, Petra is one of the country’s most famous archeological sites. The site dates back to around 300 BC. and was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.

The Siq

To reach the ancient city of Petra, you’ll need to enter through the Siq, which is a long narrow pathway that has been carved into the rock. The steep walls are incredibly impressive and keep Petra hidden from view until you’re in the city.

The Lost City of Petra

Some of the main attractions inside the Lost City of Petra include the Treasury, the Monastery, dozens of ancient tombs, the Roman Theater, the Street of Facades, the Great Temple and the High Place of Sacrifice among many others.

Many of these have been well-preserved, giving you insight into what life may have been like in the ancient city thousands of years ago. It is thought that Petra was once home to around 30,000 people and the infrastructure reflects this approximation.

Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum offers an exceptional escape into a lunar-like desert, with sandy dunes and soaring temperatures. While most day trips simply drive through the desert on the way to Petra, multi-day trips typically spend a night here, allowing you to immerse yourself in local Bedouin culture.

What are the opening times?

The heritage site of Petra is open at the following times:

• Summer: 6 AM to 6 PM
• Winter: 6 AM to 4 PM

When is the best time to visit Petra?

The best time to visit Petra would be either the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when temperatures are moderate and pleasurable for exploring. However, this is also peak tourist seasons because of the heat of summer. Visiting during the shoulder season (late fall or early spring) might offer a good balance between comfortable weather and fewer tourists.

Are there any tours to Petra from other cities in Israel?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Israel:

• Multi-day trips to Petra from Jerusalem
• Multi-day trips to Petra from Tel Aviv

Travel tips

• Make sure to bring your passport and cash in order to cross the border into Jordan.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. The ground in Petra is uneven, and there's a lot of walking.
• Bring plenty of water and use sunscreen and reapply throughout the day to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
• Petra is vast, so prioritize the places you want to see. Don't miss the Treasury, Monastery, and the High Place of Sacrifice.