How to Get from Aqaba to Petra: 5 Easy Ways

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If swimming in the Red Sea in Aqaba and exploring the ancient city of Petra are on your Jordan itinerary – and they should be – you’ll need to know how best to travel from Aqaba to Petra. This article has you covered.

A lot of travelers to Jordan start and end their trip in Amman, often spending more time than necessary on the road, or even missing Aqaba altogether. But if you have time, there’s a better way!

Starting your Jordan itinerary in the seaside town of Aqaba, then traveling from Aqaba to Petra, can be a great way to save time when exploring. This is the route I took on my 3.5-week solo Jordan road trip, after crossing over the Israel/Jordan land border.

Time is of the essence when you’re traveling, and King Hussein International Airport allows you to get to Aqaba quickly and easily, or you could drive from Amman all the way south and continue back North.

From Aqaba, you can choose to explore Jordan’s most iconic destination, Petra, as a day trip or spend more time discovering all of the wonders this mesmerizing region has to offer by staying overnight. The choice is yours!

In this blog post, we will explore some of the different ways you can get between Aqaba and Petra so you can plan your perfect Jordanian adventure!

Aqaba to Petra Distance – 78 Miles / 125 KM

Located on the Red Sea in the south and near the borders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel, Aqaba is the perfect starting point for your trip to Jordan.

The distance between these two locations is only 78 miles (125 km), making it an ideal journey for travelers who want to spend time on the beach while in Jordan. I spent a full day scuba diving in the Red Sea before driving to Petra and it was worth it!

The route takes travelers through some of Jordan’s most stunning and breathtaking landscapes, offering spectacular views. Whether by car or public transportation, this scenic drive will leave lasting memories as you make your way toward one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Petra!

Aqaba to Petra Driving Time – 2 Hours

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of beach bliss and historical wonder, then a trip to Aqaba and Petra is the ideal way to experience the beauty, culture, and adventure that Jordan has to offer.

Just two hours apart, mostly via highway, these iconic destinations will surely leave you both relaxed and in awe.

Self-Drive to Petra from Aqaba by Car

Are you looking for a fast, convenient, and cost-effective way to get from Aqaba to Petra in Jordan? Look no further than self-driving by car!

With the freedom of your own vehicle, you can explore some of Jordan’s most stunning landscapes and off-the-beaten paths at your own pace. This is definitely the easiest way to get around Jordan.

Plus, renting a car is surprisingly affordable, costing about $20-40 USD/day. I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal. You can pick up the car at the airport or in town (which is what I did) after spending a few days enjoying the Red Sea.

The drive to Petra from Aqaba is very easy and mostly on a highway. As for parking, there is free parking at the Petra Moon Hotel near the Visitor’s Center.

So if you’re looking for an amazing and flexible way to get from Aqaba to Petra, consider renting a car and driving yourself!

Taxi from Aqaba to Petra (or Private Transfer)

If you’re looking for a convenient and stress-free way to get from Aqaba to Petra, then consider taking a taxi or private transfer.

Taxis are readily available in Aqaba and typically cost between 75 JD and 100 JD each way. Taxis can fit up to four passengers so it’s possible to share the ride with someone else if you want to save money. Make sure to negotiate the price before getting in the car!

Alternatively, you can also arrange for a private transfer with car service from Aqaba directly to Petra which costs about 115 JD one-way per vehicle.

Oftentimes your hotel will have relationships with trusted drivers and can help arrange your taxi or car service at a good price.

Although it’s a little more expensive than renting a car, taking a taxi or private transfer is an excellent option if convenience is important when traveling from Aqaba to Petra!

Public Bus from Aqaba to Petra

For budget travelers or those looking for a chance to get to know the locals, taking the public bus from Aqaba to Petra is a great option.

Local buses in Jordan are minibusses.

Getting to Petra from Aqaba using public transportation will probably take 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops it makes. It’s a good idea to plan for the trip to take longer than you think it will because buses in Jordan do not abide by a strict timetable – drivers wait until most of the seats are filled before departing.

So hop aboard and explore Jordan like a local!

JETT Bus from Aqaba to Petra

If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient way to get from Aqaba to Petra in Jordan, then consider taking the JETT bus.

This tourist bus is nicer than the public minibusses, has a route from Aqaba to Petra, and takes two hours.

Plus, tickets are only 12 JD ($17 USD) one-way or 20 JD ($30 USD) roundtrip—not bad at all!

To be on the safe side though, it’s best to book your tickets a few days in advance, especially during the busy season. The best way to book a ticket is to visit the Aqaba JETT Bus office as the website is often not up to date. Or, your hotel may be able to help.

So what are you waiting for? Hop on board and enjoy an easy ride with JETT Bus!

Petra Tours from Aqaba

Visiting Petra from Aqaba is an experience like no other, and a guided tour can make it even more memorable and stress-free.

With the help of an experienced guide, travelers can get a deeper insight into this ancient city’s culture and history.

Guided tours are also great for solo travelers who want to meet other solo travelers – this works for me almost every time!

Additionally, many tours include stops at nearby attractions such as Wadi Rum or Mount Nebo which enriches the overall experience and allows you to fully relax without worrying about how you’re going to get from place to place.

So if you’re looking to explore Jordan in-depth and have an unforgettable journey, consider taking a guided tour from Aqaba to Petra!

Where to Stay

Petra

Staying in a hotel in Wadi Musa near Petra is the perfect way to experience this historic city and its unforgettable surroundings!

With a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious resorts with breathtaking views of the mountains and canyons to cozy guesthouses that are great for couples or small groups of friends, there’s something to suit all budgets and preferences.

Not only are most of the hotels close to Petra, but they often offer free shuttle services or provide transportation for an extra fee, making it easy to get around.

Plus, Petra’s hotel zone is quite safe so you can explore this ancient city with peace of mind.

Aqaba

Aqaba is a great place to stay the night or longer when visiting Jordan if you have the time.

It’s a coastal city with plenty of activities to keep you busy, from exploring nearby historical sites, to enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.

The city has many accommodation options available, ranging from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly guesthouses. Many hotels are located within walking distance of the beach and other attractions, making it easy to get around.

Things to do in Aqaba

Aqaba is a great destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Jordan, and get a little taste of local life.

From exploring ancient historical sites and wandering through traditional souks, to relaxing on the beach or taking a boat tour, there’s something for everyone in Aqaba!

Here are some of the top things to do while visiting this vibrant city:

• Explore the Old Town and shop in a traditional souk
• Stop for tea and chat with locals
• Taste Jordanian desserts at a local pastry shop
• Visit Mamluk Castle, also known as Aqaba Fort or Aqaba Castle
• Go scuba diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea
• Relax on a public beach or hotel beach club
• Take a walk along the beach promenade, especially good at night when all the locals are out
• Enjoy an unforgettable boat tour around the city’s coastline
• Visit nearby historical sites such as Wadi Rum or Mount Nebo

Things to do in Petra

Visiting Petra is an unforgettable experience, and there are plenty of things to see and do while you’re there.

Exploring the city’s ancient ruins is a must – take a tour of the ‘Lost City’ to learn more about its history, or wander around the impressive Treasury building to admire its incredible architecture. I spent two full days hiking and exploring – it’s huge!

And if you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, there are plenty of activities nearby like horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and canyoning too. And if you haven’t already, spend a night in the magical Wadi Rum desert!

Wrap-Up: Getting from Aqaba to Petra is Easy

Visiting Aqaba and Petra is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a wealth of memories.

Whether you choose to stay in Aqaba and visit Petra just for a day, or if you decide to spend more time (which I would recommend!), there are plenty of options for getting there.

Renting a car and driving yourself allows for the most flexibility while going with a taxi or a guided tour is the least stressful.

With so much to do and see in both cities, you’re sure to have an amazing time, no matter how you go! So why wait? Start planning your next Jordan adventure today!

Happy travels!

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