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How to get from Petra to Tel Aviv
There is no direct transport between Petra and Tel Aviv. The usual route is a taxi to the Wadi Araba (Yitzhak Rabin) crossing near Aqaba, then on to Eilat and a domestic flight or bus to Tel Aviv, roughly 7–10 h in total. Border crossings can close or change hours at short notice, so check before travelling.
Best option: Taxi. A taxi to the southern crossing near Aqaba is the most reliable first leg, with fast onward options from Eilat.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| taxi Taxi from Petra (Wadi Musa) to the Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin crossing near Aqaba; cross on foot, then taxi to Eilat | about 2 h to the border plus 1–2 h for the crossing | on demand | about JD 50–70 for the taxi, plus a Jordanian exit fee | Rental cars cannot be taken across the border. |
| flight Domestic flights from Eilat Ramon Airport to Tel Aviv | about 1 h in the air | several a day; check current schedules | about ₪200–500 | Ramon Airport is about 20 minutes north of Eilat. |
| bus Intercity buses from Eilat central bus station to Tel Aviv | about 5 h | several a day; none on Shabbat | about ₪70–100 | Seats should be booked in advance; buses often sell out. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check government travel advisories and whether the border crossing is open before you set off.
- Visa-exempt travellers to Israel must apply for an ETA-IL in advance; check current rules.
- Bring cash in Jordanian dinars for the exit fee and taxis on the Jordanian side.
- There is no through drive: rental cars cannot cross the border, so hire separately on each side if you want to drive.
- An alternative route goes via Amman and the Allenby / King Hussein Bridge, but it has different rules and opening hours.
Common questions
Is there a direct bus from Petra to Tel Aviv?
No. Public transport does not run across the border between Petra and Tel Aviv. You need to reach a border crossing, cross on foot and continue on the other side. Some tour companies sell packaged transfers including the crossing, which saves arranging each leg separately. Check whether crossings are open before booking.
Which border crossing is best from Petra to Israel?
The Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin crossing near Aqaba and Eilat is closest to Petra, about 2 hours by taxi. The Allenby / King Hussein Bridge near Jericho is closer to Jerusalem but involves different procedures and visa rules. Opening hours and status of all crossings can change at short notice, so confirm before you travel.
How long does it take from Petra to Tel Aviv?
Allow about 7–10 hours. The taxi to the southern border takes about 2 hours, the crossing 1–2 hours, and then either a domestic flight from Eilat Ramon Airport, about 1 hour plus transfers, or a bus of about 5 hours. Start early in the morning and avoid arriving in Israel on Friday afternoon, when Shabbat reduces services.
Do I need a visa or permit to cross from Jordan to Israel?
Requirements depend on your nationality. Many visa-exempt travellers must apply online for an Israeli ETA-IL before arrival. Jordan charges an exit fee at land borders. Check current rules on official government sites, and carry your passport with enough validity and blank pages. Rules have changed several times in recent years.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.