Petra Day Tour

An Honest Look at the Petra Day Tour from Amman

If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring Petra without the hassle of self-driving or overnight stays, this private day trip from Amman might be just what you need. While it’s a full-day adventure that demands a good amount of walking and some planning, it offers a convenient, flexible way to see one of Jordan’s most iconic sites.

What we love about this tour is how it prioritizes your comfort and independence—think private transfers, onboard Wi-Fi, and the freedom to explore Petra at your own pace. The option to arrange guides on a pay-as-you-go basis is a plus for those keen on historical insights without feeling pressured by a fixed group. A possible downside? The price of $230 per person isn’t cheap, especially considering entrance fees aren’t included, but the convenience and flexibility could make it worthwhile. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience, value comfort, and prefer exploring independently rather than with large groups.

Key Points

• Flexible independent exploration of Petra allows you to visit at your own pace.
• Private round-trip transfers save time and eliminate the stress of navigating Jordan’s roads.
• Onboard Wi-Fi and bottled water make the journey comfortable and connected.
• Optional guided tour can be booked on-site for historical context.
• No overnight stay required—perfect for those with limited time.
• Cost does not include entrance fees, so budget accordingly.

Why This Petra Day Tour Stands Out

This tour offers an accessible way to experience Petra’s grandiosity without the need for overnight accommodation or group tours. It’s all about comfort, flexibility, and making your own discoveries. Starting from most Amman hotels, the private transfer ensures you won’t have to share the vehicle with strangers, which means your journey is tailored to your pace.

The onboard Wi-Fi isn’t just a nice touch—it’s a game changer for those who like to stay connected or share their experiences in real time. Plus, bottled water keeps you hydrated as you traverse the vast archaeological site. The driver is an English speaker, and the vehicle is air-conditioned—an important detail when traveling in Jordan’s warm climate.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Transfer

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Amman. From there, the driver whisks you off directly to Petra’s main entrance. The journey typically takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route—whether the scenic coastal road or the historic Kings Highway (the latter often favored for its views and cultural stops). As one reviewer mentioned, the scenic coast road, although 30 minutes longer, was “well worth it for the scenery,” and it’s a reminder that sometimes the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Exploring Petra at Your Own Pace

Once you arrive at Petra, you have roughly 8 hours to explore independently. You’re free to wander the site without a guide, which means you can spend more time at the spots that interest you most. The highlights include:

• Bab Al-Siq: The impressive main gate that leads into the city.
• Al-Siq Canyon: The narrow, winding gorge that’s famous for its high walls and the way sunlight filters down.
• The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Petra’s iconic façade, stunning in photos and even more breathtaking in person.
• Water Channels & Walkways: Some reviewers noted the cobblestone water channels along the route, which give you a sense of how the ancient inhabitants managed water.
• Horse or Camel Rides: Optional extras that add fun and a different perspective to your visit.
• The Monastery (Al-Deir): Climbing 800 stairs to this colossal structure is demanding but rewarding, with some reviewers describing it as a “must-see” highlight.

Flexibility and Additional Options

While the basic package doesn’t include a guide or entrance tickets, you can arrange a guide on-site if you wish. Some travelers found this advantageous for understanding Petra’s history and significance, but many appreciated the freedom to explore on their own.

One reviewer, John, highlighted the value of choosing routes that offered scenic views, noting he “chose the coast road for the scenery,” which made the long drive more enjoyable. Others appreciated the ability to break up the day with stops at interesting sites or local eateries.

Return and Drop-Off

After your day of exploration, your driver will take you back to your Amman hotel. The round-trip transfer is smooth, with no stops for other travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. The vehicle is air-conditioned, making the return comfortable, especially after a long day on your feet.

The Value of the Experience

While $230 per person might seem steep at first glance, consider what it includes: private, door-to-door transportation, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The absence of guide fees or group tours means you can tailor the day exactly how you want it, which many travelers find adds to the value.

However, keep in mind that entrance fees to Petra are not included. That means budgeting an additional amount for tickets—currently around 70-90 JD (roughly $100-$130)—depending on the type of ticket you purchase. The overall cost can add up, but for many, the convenience of private transport and independence outweighs the extra expenditure.

Insights from Reviewers

Several reviewers praised the “flexible pick-up times,” which is vital if you’re arriving in Amman and want to avoid early starts. One raved about the “comfortable car” and the stops at “interesting sites and restaurants,” which shows how this tour can be customized to enhance your experience.

On the flip side, there was a mention of a no-show incident, but that was an isolated case and was not related to the actual service provider, highlighting the importance of confirming arrangements beforehand.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This tour is ideal for travelers who seek autonomy during their exploration of Petra. If you enjoy wandering at your own pace, taking photos without feeling rushed, and want a comfortable, private transfer, this is a great choice. It’s particularly suited to those who value Wi-Fi connectivity, flexibility in scheduling, and the ability to avoid large group tours or rigid itineraries.

It’s also excellent for travelers who are short on time but still want a meaningful experience without the hassle of navigating Jordan’s roads or arranging their own transport. The option to add guides on-site makes it adaptable for those wanting some historical context without being tied to a fixed guide throughout the day.

The Sum Up

This Petra Day Tour from Amman hits a sweet spot for many travelers: it offers the convenience of private, door-to-door transportation, the flexibility to explore Petra at your own pace, and the comfort of onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and bottled water. It’s a practical solution for those who dislike large tour groups or rigid schedules but still want to see Petra’s highlights.

While the cost might seem high, the value of personalized service, flexible itinerary, and stress-free travel can justify the expense, especially when you consider how much effort it saves. If you’re a traveler who prefers independence, comfort, and efficiency, this tour could be a perfect fit.

However, it’s worth preparing for the extra cost of entrance tickets and planning your budget accordingly. Its success really lies in the freedom it offers—freedom to wander, take photos, and soak in the majesty of Petra without feeling rushed or crowded.

FAQ

Does the tour include entrance tickets to Petra?
No, the tour price does not include entrance fees. You’ll need to purchase your tickets separately, which can be arranged at the site or prior.

Can I explore Petra on my own?
Yes, the tour provides a private transfer to Petra, and you are free to explore the site independently for about 8 hours.

Is there an option for a guided tour?
While the basic package doesn’t include a guide, you can arrange a local guide on-site or pay for one as needed.

What amenities are provided during the trip?
The vehicle is air-conditioned, equipped with Wi-Fi, and bottled water is supplied for your comfort.

How long is the trip from Amman to Petra?
The drive typically takes around 3 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

What if I want to cancel the tour?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, receiving a full refund.

This Petra day tour offers a rare combo of comfort, flexibility, and independence—perfect for those who value exploring at their own speed while avoiding the logistical headaches of travel. It’s a thoughtful choice for anyone keen on experiencing Petra without the constraints of large tours or overnight stays.