Is Petra expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Petra is the most expensive part of a trip to Jordan, mainly because of the entry ticket: about JD 50 for one day for overnight visitors (JD 1 is about €1.30). A budget day is about JD 70 per person and a mid-range day about JD 135. Food and hotels in Wadi Musa are moderate, but the ticket alone makes Petra pricier than most Middle Eastern sights.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | JD20 | JD50 | JD150 |
| Food & drink | JD12 | JD25 | JD50 |
| Sights & tickets | JD28 | JD28 | JD28 |
| Local transport | JD10 | JD30 | JD80 |
| Per person, per day | JD70 | JD133 | JD308 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Petra day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Petra one-day ticket (overnight visitors) | about JD 50 |
| Petra two-day ticket | about JD 55 |
| Petra by Night | about JD 17 |
| Jordan Pass (includes visa and Petra) | from about JD 70 |
| Falafel sandwich in Wadi Musa | about JD 0.50–1.50 |
| Mansaf or buffet dinner | about JD 8–15 |
| JETT bus from Amman | about JD 10–11 each way |
| Mid-range hotel double in Wadi Musa | roughly JD 50–90 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
The Petra ticket dominates the budget, and day-trippers who do not stay overnight in Jordan pay much more (about JD 90). The Jordan Pass, which includes the tourist visa fee if you stay at least three nights plus Petra and about 40 other sites, is usually the best deal. Hotels in Wadi Musa range from simple hostels to luxury lodges, and a night in Wadi Rum's desert camps is often added. Food is reasonably priced, though restaurants near the Petra entrance charge more.
When it is cheaper
Hotel rates drop in the hot summer months (June–August) and in mid-winter (December–February). The Petra ticket price does not change by season.
How to spend less
- Buy the Jordan Pass before arrival if you stay at least three nights; it includes the visa fee and Petra entry.
- Choose a two- or three-day pass: it costs little more than one day and lets you see the back trails.
- Bring water and snacks from Wadi Musa; prices inside the site are higher.
- Walk instead of paying for horse, donkey or camel rides (and consider animal welfare).
- Take the JETT bus from Amman instead of a private driver.
- Eat at local falafel and shawarma shops in Wadi Musa town.
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Common questions
Is Petra expensive?
The ticket is: about JD 50 for one day for overnight visitors. Allow about JD 70 a day on a budget and about JD 135 mid-range.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
Usually yes. It includes the tourist visa fee if you stay at least three nights, plus Petra and about 40 other sites.
How much is Petra for day-trippers?
Visitors who do not stay overnight in Jordan, for example from Eilat, pay much more, about JD 90.