Getting by public bus from Aqaba to Petra is a convenient and budget-friendly option. The JETT Bus Company operates a daily service from Aqaba to Petra, which typically departs around 6:30 AM. It’s advisable to buy your tickets in advance, either online or at the JETT bus office, to secure your spot. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering a comfortable ride with air conditioning and reclining seats.
Bus from Aqaba to Petra.
Upon arrival in Wadi Musa, the town that serves as the gateway to Petra, it’s a short walk or taxi ride to the entrance of the archaeological site. Be sure to check the return bus times and plan accordingly, as services are limited.
Getting to Petra from Jordan’s border
The nearest city from Jordan’s border is located 3 km away, but no walking is allowed in this area, as they claim it’s a military road.
In my opinion, it’s only to make you take a taxi and pay – 15 JD (Jordan Dinars). The price is for a taxi, not per person (normally it’s a fare for 50 km in Jordan). Tell the taxi driver to take you to the local minibus station in Aqaba. There are lots of minibuses – also going to Wadi Rum.
Minibus to Petra.
Minibus to Petra leaves around 1 pm as long as it’s full. It’s mostly occupied by locals, and be prepared the driver smokes in the bus! Disgusting!
The road to Petra takes 2.5h. And it’s up to 1400 m above sea level. It’s important, as I was diving a lot and got very scared when the bus was going up, as you are not allowed to change altitude within the next 24h.
…or take a cab
If you don’t find a minibus in Aqaba going to Petra, you can always take a taxi for 50JD. Agree on the price first before you get into the cab. And NEVER pay in advance!
Also, NEVER take a taxi to Petra from the border! They want much more than from Aqaba. Even if you have to take a taxi alone to Aqaba and then negotiate taxi price to Petra it will be much cheaper.
I don’t like to say it but honestly the drivers were owefull! They cheated an Asian guy and did not want to give him money back. Then we paid a lot more than locals. Don’t get me wrong, Jordan people are very nice, but they will use a single occasion rip you off!
A local driver gave me a lift in Petra – which is very common and took 5JD, only because he saw me with a backpack, which means I have just arrived and have no clue about the prices. So, just to give you an idea, the distance through the whole city is 2-3 JD by taxi. So he cheated on me triple price.
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