Petra: from Eilat or from Amman?
Two routes to one of the New 7 Wonders. Which is better for your trip?
Compare routesPetra is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World — the rose-red city carved into rock by the Nabataeans 2,000+ years ago. There are two practical ways to visit: from Eilat (Israel) as a long day trip across the Wadi Araba border (~3 hours each way), or from Amman (Jordan) as part of a Jordan trip, with overnight options in Wadi Musa. The Eilat route is great if Israel is your main trip and you want to add Petra in one ambitious day. The Amman route gives you proper time at Petra (full day or two), the option to see it at sunrise/sunset/night, and the Jordan Pass which saves money. This guide breaks down the differences.
By Sebastian · Travel Writer
📍 Based in Tel Aviv, Israel · Last updated
Petra route comparison
15 dimensions compared.
| Attribute | 🇮🇱 From Eilat | 🇯🇴 From Amman |
|---|---|---|
| Total time (door to door) | 12+ hours (long day trip) | ✓ 7–8 hours (one-way) |
| Time IN Petra | 4–5 hours (limited) | ✓ 6–8 hours (full day) |
| Time on transport | 6+ hours round trip | ✓ 3 hours one-way |
| Border crossings | 2 (out + in) | ✓ 0 (already in Jordan) |
| Cost (group tour) | $120–180 | ✓ $80–150 organized |
| Visa cost | Jordan visa $56 at border | ✓ Free with Jordan Pass ($98 covers Petra entry) |
| Petra entry fee | 50 JD ($70) — separate | ✓ Included in Jordan Pass |
| Departure tax (leaving Israel) | ~$30 at border | ✓ Not applicable |
| Best for | Israel-focused trips, single Petra day | Jordan-focused, multi-day Petra |
| Combined with Wadi Rum | Possible 2-day overnight tour | ✓ Easy — common combo |
| Combined with Dead Sea (Jordan) | No | ✓ Yes |
| Sunrise/sunset at Petra | No (day trip only) | ✓ Yes (overnight in Wadi Musa) |
| Petra by Night experience | No | ✓ Yes (Mon, Wed, Thu) |
| Logistics complexity | Higher (border + visa) | ✓ Lower |
| For first-time Israel visitors | ✓ Possible add-on | Requires separate Jordan trip |
🎯 The verdict
Choose Eilat route if you…
- Are on an Israel-focused trip and want to add Petra without a separate flight
- Have only one day available for Petra
- Are already in Eilat and want a "checked" Wonder of the World
- Don't mind a long, exhausting day with limited time at Petra
- Want a simple group day tour with all logistics handled
Choose Amman route if you…
- Want to see Petra properly (1+ full days, including the Monastery)
- Want Petra by Night, sunrise, or sunset experience
- Plan to combine with Wadi Rum and other Jordan sites
- Want to use the Jordan Pass to save on visa + entry fees
- Are doing a Jordan-focused or multi-country regional trip
Our recommendation
For Israel-only trips: Day trip from Eilat. It's not ideal but it's the only practical option without flying separately to Jordan.
For regional tours: Cross at Allenby (Jerusalem) or Wadi Araba (Eilat), do Petra + Wadi Rum + Amman properly, fly home from Amman. Best of both worlds.
For Petra purists: Forget the day trip. Fly to Amman, get the Jordan Pass, give Petra 2+ days. You\'ll come back haunted (in a good way).
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