Day tour to Petra from Jerusalem

Traveling from Jerusalem to Petra in just one day sounds ambitious—and it definitely is. This tour promises an experience packed with history, stunning desert landscapes, and the convenience of border assistance, all for around $299 per person. While some travelers find it an efficient way to tick Petra off their bucket list, others warn about long travel hours and organizational hiccups.

What we love about this tour is the included border crossing help, which takes a lot of the stress out of international travel; the guided walk through Petra’s most iconic sights like the Treasury; and the scenic stop in Wadi Rum that adds a picturesque desert backdrop to the day. A potential challenge is the lengthy journey—expect early mornings and some delays, which may cut into your exploration time.

This trip is best suited for those eager to see Petra without the hassle of planning transport across borders or booking multiple days. If you’re comfortable with long travel days and looking for a straightforward, guided experience, this tour could be a good fit.

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Key Points

Convenient Border Assistance: Guides help streamline crossing into Jordan, easing typical border delays.
Full-Day Itinerary: Combines Jerusalem departure, Petra exploration, and scenic stops like Wadi Rum.
Guided Experience: Includes expert guides who provide insights and highlight attractions.
Varied Review Feedback: While some praise the guides and scenery, others report organizational issues and rushed timings.
Price & Value: At $299, it offers good value considering transportation, guides, and entry tickets, but be prepared for a long day.
Travel Length & Timing: Approximately 10-12 hours round trip, with start times at 3 am.

What to Expect on the Tour

Looking for more options in Jerusalem? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Early Morning Departure and Transport

Your day begins at the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem with a 3:00 am pickup. The early start isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s necessary to maximize your time at Petra. The journey involves traveling in air-conditioned vehicles through the night, with the first major hurdle being the border crossing into Jordan.

Travelers consistently mention the border crossing as a significant part of the trip—some describe it as smooth thanks to guide assistance, while others note delays and long waits. The guides from Tourist Israel are tasked with helping facilitate border procedures, which is a huge advantage for those unfamiliar with border crossings. One reviewer emphasized that the border fee can be paid in USD or Shekels directly, and you might find helpful the fact that the tour includes this assistance, saving hassle and confusion.

Driving Through the Desert to Petra

Once across into Jordan, the drive to Petra takes approximately three hours. The scenery changes from urban landscapes to vast, arid desert vistas. Many reviews describe the landscape as stunning and worth the journey, especially with the Wadi Rum stop along the way. This stop is a favorite for many travelers, offering a quick glimpse of desert rock formations that look like scenes from a movie.

Guided Tour of Petra’s Main Highlights

Upon arrival, your guide will take you through the highlights of Petra. This typically includes the Treasury, the rock-cut temple, and other key sites. Some reviews mention guides like Kareem or Mishkal, who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience more engaging. You’ll have a couple of hours to explore independently, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

The guided portion is a significant benefit, especially for first-time visitors who want context and stories behind the monuments. However, some reviewers note that the time in Petra can feel rushed, with only around 2 hours to see the main sites—less if there are delays at the border or during transit.

Lunch and Wadi Rum Scenic Stop

After exploring Petra, the tour includes a stop in Aqaba for lunch—this is often a buffet-style meal or a quick bite, enough to recharge before the scenic drive back. The journey from Petra to Aqaba is scenic, with many travelers commenting on how impressive the desert views are.

On the return trip, a highlight is the stop at Wadi Rum. Many describe this as a brief but worthwhile detour, where you can appreciate the vastness of Jordan’s desert landscape. Some reviews highlight how this stop enhances the overall value of the trip, providing a photo-worthy moment and a sense of the region’s natural beauty.

There's plenty more to explore in Jerusalem

Border Re-entry and Return to Jerusalem

The journey back involves crossing the border into Israel, where your guides assist again. Expect some waiting time here—some reviews mention delays, which can reduce your time in Petra if not well managed. The return drive begins in the late afternoon, with most travelers arriving back in Jerusalem around midnight or later, making for a very long day.

Transportation & Logistics

The tour employs air-conditioned vehicles for the entire trip, which is crucial given the long hours involved. Pickup and drop-off are at the David Citadel Hotel, a central Jerusalem location, adding convenience. The tour is designed for groups up to 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience manageable but still lively.

Travel times are lengthy, and some reviewers found the stops at rest areas to be overly long or unnecessary—possibly a tactic to encourage spending at roadside shops. Others appreciated the breaks as a way to stretch their legs during the long ride.

Organizational Aspects

While the tour’s main selling point is border assistance, some reviews report organizational hiccups—such as delays at border crossings or confusion about bus assignments. A few travelers experienced missing or canceled pickups, which can be frustrating, especially given the early start.

It’s also worth noting that the tour requires passports valid for at least six months and that Israeli passport holders must use their Israeli passports at borders, which is an important detail for dual passport holders.

Is the Tour Worth the Cost?

At $299, this tour offers a bundle of guided transportation, border assistance, entry tickets, and scenic stops. For many travelers, especially those short on time or unfamiliar with border procedures, this package provides great value and peace of mind.

However, the long hours—often exceeding 10 hours round trip—and the potential for delays mean you need to weigh whether you’re comfortable with a tightly packed schedule. Some reviews suggest that doing this as a multi-day overnight trip might allow a more relaxed experience.

The Travel Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Guided experience with knowledgeable guides like Kareem and Mishkal
Simplified border crossing process, reducing stress
Scenic desert views and Wadi Rum stop
Entry tickets included, saving hassle
Good value for the comprehensive package

Cons:

Very long travel hours with minimal free time
Reports of organizational issues and border delays
Rushed tour in Petra, especially if late in returning
Early start time can be exhausting
Some reviews mention uncomfortable bus conditions and long waits

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for history lovers and adventurers who want to see Petra without the hassle of multiple bookings or complicated transport arrangements. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with early mornings and long travel days but still want guided insights into Petra’s highlights.

Travelers who prefer a leisurely pace or multi-day exploration might find this tour too rushed. If your main goal is to see Petra as one of the seven wonders with minimal fuss, this can be a practical solution. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience or have limited stamina for long trips, consider other options or overnight tours.

FAQs

Do I need a visa prior to the tour or is one issued at the Border?
It depends on your nationality; some require pre-arranged visas. Be sure to check with your local consulate before traveling. The tour includes border crossing assistance, which helps streamline the process.

What currencies can I use to pay the border processing fee?
The fee can be paid in USD or Shekels. Payments are made directly to the local tour operator, so having cash or card ready is sensible.

What time does the tour start and end?
Pickup begins at 3:00 am from the David Citadel Hotel, with the tour returning to Jerusalem around midnight or later.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the early start and long hours when planning with family.

Are meals included?
Not explicitly; typically, there’s a stop in Aqaba where you can buy lunch, often a buffet or quick meal.

How much time will I spend in Petra?
Expect about 2 to 3 hours exploring, which some reviewers find a bit rushed, especially with border delays.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicles are air-conditioned, but some reviews mention that buses can be cramped or old.

Can I pay the border fee with a card?
While the fee can be paid in US Dollars or Shekels, most travelers prefer carrying cash for convenience.

What should I bring?
Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and your passport. A camera is a must for capturing Petra’s stunning sights.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Petra tour from Jerusalem offers a practical way to visit one of the world’s most admired archaeological sites with minimal planning. It’s a solid option for those prioritizing guided support, border convenience, and scenic stops, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with border procedures.

While long travel hours and organizational hiccups are valid concerns, many travelers find the experience rewarding, citing guides’ knowledge and the unforgettable sights of Petra and Wadi Rum as highlights.

In essence, it’s best suited for adventure-minded travelers who are happy with a packed schedule and looking for a hassle-free way to tick Petra off their list. If you value comfort and flexibility over a relaxed pace, this tour might just be the adventure you’re seeking.