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How to get from Jerusalem to Petra
Getting from Jerusalem to Petra means crossing the Israel–Jordan border, and most travellers take an organised tour or combine buses and taxis. The quickest independent route uses the Allenby / King Hussein Bridge crossing and a taxi to Petra, roughly 5–7 h in total; the route via Eilat and the Wadi Araba (Yitzhak Rabin) crossing takes about 8–9 h but allows a Jordanian visa on arrival.
Best option: Bus. For independent travellers, the bus to Eilat plus the southern Wadi Araba crossing is the most predictable option because Jordanian visas can usually be obtained at that border.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Intercity bus from Jerusalem Central Bus Station to Eilat, taxi to the Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba crossing, then a Jordanian taxi from the border to Petra via Aqaba | about 4 h 30 bus, plus border, plus about 2 h taxi — 8–9 h in total | several buses a day; book seats ahead | about ILS 80–100 bus, plus border fees, plus about JOD 40–60 taxi | A Jordan Pass bought online usually covers the visa fee and Petra entry; check its current conditions. |
| taxi Taxi or shared ride from Jerusalem to the Allenby / King Hussein Bridge, cross, then a Jordanian taxi to Petra | about 5–7 h including the border | border opening hours are limited, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays | varies; often well over US$150 in total | Jordanian visas are generally not issued on arrival at this crossing; arrange one in advance. Check opening hours before setting off. |
| car Self-drive is not practical | Israeli rental cars are generally not allowed into Jordan. Drive to the border, cross on foot and continue by Jordanian taxi or a Jordanian rental car. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check travel advisories and border-crossing status before you go; crossings can close at short notice.
- Israeli exit fees and Jordanian entry rules change; check the official websites a few days ahead.
- Allow at least two days in Petra; tickets for two or three days cost little more than one.
- Bring your passport and enough Jordanian dinars or a card for taxis on the Jordan side.
Common questions
Can I visit Petra as a day trip from Jerusalem?
Organised day tours exist, but they involve very early starts, two border crossings and more than ten hours of travel, leaving only a few hours at Petra. Most travellers stay at least one night in Wadi Musa, the town at Petra's entrance, which allows a full day on the site.
Which border crossing should I use?
The Allenby / King Hussein Bridge is closest to Jerusalem, but Jordanian visas are generally not issued there, so you need one in advance. The Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba crossing near Eilat is further but usually allows visas on arrival or via the Jordan Pass. Check current rules and opening hours before travelling.
Can I drive my rental car from Israel to Jordan?
Generally no. Israeli rental companies do not allow their cars into Jordan. The usual approach is to reach the border by bus or taxi, cross on foot, and continue with a Jordanian taxi, a pre-booked driver or a car rented in Jordan, for example in Aqaba.
What is the cheapest way from Jerusalem to Petra?
The bus to Eilat, a short taxi to the Wadi Araba crossing and a shared or private taxi from Aqaba to Petra is usually cheapest for independent travellers. A Jordan Pass, if you qualify, covers the visa fee and Petra entry. Budget for exit and entry fees, which change, so check current amounts.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.