Petra: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Tel Aviv

Embark on a cross-country excursion on a multi-day trip to Petra from Tel Aviv. This ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Jordan and is a 5-hour drive from the Israeli metropolis.

Discover the history and culture of the Nabataean Kingdom on your journey to Petra while also uncovering the numerous famous sites of Jordan. Join a guided tour for ease of travel and to gain valuable insight into the region.

Here's all you need to know about Petra, one of the most thrilling multi-day trips from Tel Aviv.

How to get to Petra from Tel Aviv?

The ancient city of Petra is located over 300 kilometers from Tel Aviv. Traveling to Petra requires crossing the border from Israel into Jordan.

From Tel Aviv to Petra by car

It’s possible to rent a car in Tel Aviv and travel to Petra by car. The journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours if you leave early in the morning. Factor a stop at border control into your estimated travel time, which can take up to an hour.

You have options of traveling via numerous roads, including Route 65 or Route 15, also known as the Desert Highway. To stop at other attractions in Jordan, you can take Route 35, known as the scenic King’s Highway.

Guided tour to Petra from Tel Aviv

Given the complexity of the journey from Tel Aviv to Petra, it may ease your trip significantly if you join a guided tour. A tour will organize the necessary transportation and transfers. They will also provide assistance at the border.

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?

On a multi-day trip to Petra, you will typically meet your tour organizers at a predetermined meeting point in Tel Aviv. You will then embark on the long yet thrilling journey to Petra in a comfortable vehicle or coach.

After crossing the border from Israel into Jordan, you will have the option to visit numerous historic sites in the region.

Depending on your tour option, you may stop at the ancient city of Jerash which is home to multiple Roman ruins, or Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics,” and famous for its Madaba Map.

You can drive to the summit of Mount Nebo where Moses once looked across the Promised Land, and visit Kerak Castle which was built by the Crusaders.

The highlight and main destination is Petra. Constructed 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a breathtaking ancient city constructed from sandstone.

You may have the option of traveling down its narrow entrance, the Siq, on horseback.

Join your guide for an insightful tour into the history and culture of the city, and use your free time to hit the trails and discover monuments from Al-Khazneh to the Royal Tombs.

You can spend the night in a Bedouin camp either outside of Petra or in Wadi Rum.

This desert region outside of the ancient city offers an excursion into nature and culture. Spend time with Bedouin locals and explore the landscape on a 4x4 tour.

Return to your meeting point in Tel Aviv having experienced the best Jordan has to offer.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Petra?

Whether you’re short on time or looking for a full-scale excursion, there are options to travel to Petra from Tel Aviv in a 1-day, 2-day or 3-day tour.

Day trip to Petra from Tel Aviv

On a day tour from Tel Aviv to Petra, you have the option of either traveling by vehicle or by plane.

If traveling by vehicle, you may have an early morning start to make the most of your time in Petra, as the drive can take 5 hours on average with time spent at the border. You can travel either by bus or by car, depending on which tour you choose.

Round-trip flights significantly reduce your travel time, and tour organizers will arrange the different transfers to and from airports and relevant locations.

While you will have a decent amount of hours to spend in Petra, you also have the option of stopping by Wadi Rum before returning to Tel Aviv.

2-day trip to Petra from Tel Aviv

On a 2-day tour from Tel Aviv to Petra, you’ll not only have more time to explore the city but spend the night near its monuments.

A 2-day tour typically includes stopovers at notable locations on the way to Petra, such as Mount Nebo, Madaba, Kerak Castle and Wadi Rum.

A guide will accompany you on your journey, providing valuable insight into the attractions and experiences.

You can sleep in a Bedouin camp outside of the ancient city or in Wadi Rum, before returning to Tel Aviv.

3-day trip to Petra from Tel Aviv

For a fully comprehensive experience, embark on a 3-day trip from Tel Aviv through Jordan.

On the way to the ancient city of Petra, stop by another historical site, Jerash. Once a city of the Roman Empire, it will give you an appreciation for the different architectural styles to be discovered at Petra.

Spend hours in the Nabataean’s former kingdom before enjoying two nights in a Bedouin Camp. Conclude your trip with an excursion to Wadi Rum.

This tour option will give you more time to spend with local Bedouins, immerse yourself in the culture, and learn from your guide about the heritage of the region.

How much does a day trip to Petra from Tel Aviv cost?

A day tour to Petra from Tel Aviv has a starting cost of approximately US$300 per person if traveling by car or bus. This increases to US$390 per person if traveling by plane, and also includes some transfers.

A 2-day trip to Petra starts at approximately US$400 per person and includes travel costs.

A 3-day tour to Petra can start at approximately US$750 per person and includes travel costs.

The majority of the tours do not include the fees for border taxes going in and out of Jordan. Budget for upwards of US$100 in border taxes, or confirm the cost with your tour guide ahead of time.

You will also have to purchase a visa in order to enter Jordan. A single-entry visa costs JD40 (US$55). You may have to purchase this ahead of time, depending on your nationality or passport.

What will you see and do?

On a multi-day trip to Petra, you will have numerous opportunities to explore not just the ancient city, but other fascinating locations in Jordan. Expand your experience of Petra into the adventure of a lifetime.

Horse riding

For an unparalleled entrance into the city of Petra, ride on horseback down the Siq. The Siq is a narrow yet breathtaking gorge that spans 1.2 kilometers in length, and was once used by the Nabataeans to transport water to the desert city.

The journey between its walls on a horse ride will no doubt alter your perspective of the impressive rock formation, before opening onto the iconic Al-Khazneh, also known as the Treasury.

Hiking

For a full experience of Petra, it’s best to go on foot. Your tour guide will accompany you and introduce you to the city’s most famous monuments and delve into its history. You will also have free time to explore on your own.

Numerous trails dot the ancient city, which will take you to different significant monuments. Ranging from easy to difficult, you can opt to take the trail that best suits you.

While hiking, you’ll encounter the profound architectural and engineering capabilities of the Nabataeans, who carved their city from sandstone.

Admire the 40-meter-high Al-Khazneh, have a seat at the theater that once hosted 4,000 spectators, or discover the Royal Tombs.

Madaba

On your way to Petra, stop by Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics.”

This town is home to St. George’s Church and the Madaba Map. At this church, discover a 6th-century mosaic map of the Middle East, depicting locations including the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

It’s also believed to be the oldest map depicting Palestine.

You can find even more mosaic art at the Madaba Archeological Park, and perhaps even the oldest mosaic in Jordan.

Mount Nebo

Located just a 15-minute drive from Madaba is Mount Nebo. This 800-meter summit is said to be the place where Moses looked out across the Promised Land, and indeed provides views across Jordan to the Dead Sea.

You can easily drive to the top of Mount Nebo, and visit the Moses Memorial Church which also houses mosaics.

Kerak

The city of Kerak is known for its medieval castle that overlooks the region. Standing at approximately 900 meters high, this imposing fort has stood since the 12th century.

Kerak Castle was initially built by the Crusaders before being taken by the Mamluk Sultanate and eventually the Ottoman Empire.

Today it’s a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can scale its fortifications for views as far as the Dead Sea.

Jerash

Jerash is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Middle East. It was once a major city of the Roman Empire, and its influence on the region can be seen among the numerous monuments that remain.

From colonnaded streets to an expansive plaza, discover Roman architecture at its finest. Visit the towering Hadrian’s Arch, the ornate nymphaeum fountain, and a 3,000-seater theater that is still in use today.

Wadi Rum

One of the most notable stops on a multi-day trip to Petra is Wadi Rum. This sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site has been featured in multiple popular films, and was made particularly famous by “Lawrence of Arabia.”

This desert region remains a stronghold of Bedouin culture, and is an attractive destination for history buffs and adventure seekers.

Depending on your tour option, you may spend a night in Wadi Rum within the comfort of a Bedouin tent.

Connect with the locals through traditional music and dine with them over a meal. When the sun goes down, turn your eyes to the sky for a night of stargazing.

To encounter more of this region and its remarkable features, from fascinating rock formations to ancient inscriptions, you can embark on a 4x4 tour as a part of your trip.

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 of year to visit Petra would be either the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when temperatures are moderate and pleasurable for exploring.

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
• Day trips to Petra from Eilat

Travel tips

• Ensure you check all passport and visa requirements ahead of your journey to avoid any hassle. Remember to bring along your passport for all entrances.
• Bring along cash to tip drivers and tour guides, which is considered courteous.
• Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself while exploring Petra. Make sure you carry a bottle of water with you while hiking.
• Take a camera to capture the sites of Petra and Jordan’s incredible attractions.