The cost of touring Petra depends on how you plan your trip. Some travelers spend less than 70 JOD ($100 USD) by visiting independently, while others choose guided multi-day tours that include transportation, accommodation, meals, and a local guide.
Besides the Petra entrance ticket, it’s important to budget for transportation, accommodation, food, optional guides, and experiences such as Petra by Night. The good news is that Petra can fit almost any travel budget, from backpackers to luxury travelers.
This guide breaks down every major expense so you can accurately estimate the total cost of visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Average Cost of Visiting Petra
Here’s a rough estimate for most international visitors.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Petra entrance ticket | 50–60 JOD |
| Accommodation | 20–250+ JOD per night |
| Meals | 5–25 JOD per meal |
| Local transportation | 3–10 JOD |
| Licensed guide (optional) | 50–80 JOD per group |
| Petra by Night (optional) | 17 JOD |
| Jordan Pass (recommended) | From 70 JOD |
For most visitors spending one or two days in Petra, the total trip cost typically falls between 90 and 250 JOD ($125–350 USD), excluding international flights.
Petra Entrance Ticket Prices
The entrance fee depends on how long you plan to stay in Jordan.
Visitors Staying at Least One Night in Jordan
- One-day ticket: 50 JOD
- Two-day ticket: 55 JOD
- Three-day ticket: 60 JOD
These are the standard prices paid by most tourists.
Visitors Not Staying Overnight
Day visitors who do not spend at least one night in Jordan pay approximately 90 JOD for entry to Petra.
Because of this significant price difference, staying overnight is almost always worthwhile.
Is the Jordan Pass Worth It?
For most international visitors, yes.
The Jordan Pass combines your tourist visa (for eligible travelers staying at least three consecutive nights in Jordan) with entry to Petra and more than 40 attractions across the country.
Depending on the pass you choose, it can save both money and time while simplifying your trip planning.
If Petra is part of your Jordan itinerary, purchasing the Jordan Pass is usually the most economical option.
How Much Does a Guided Petra Tour Cost?
Guided tours vary depending on what’s included.
Local Walking Tour
A licensed local guide inside Petra generally costs between 50 and 80 JOD for a private group.
This option is ideal for travelers who want to understand Petra’s history, architecture, and hidden details while exploring at their own pace.
Half-Day Tour
Expect to pay approximately 60 to 120 JOD depending on group size and services included.
Full-Day Private Tour
Private guided experiences often range from 120 to 250 JOD, depending on transportation, guide qualifications, and itinerary.
Multi-Day Jordan Tours
Many travelers choose multi-day packages covering:
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
- Dead Sea
- Amman
- Jerash
- Mount Nebo
These tours generally start around 250 JOD and can exceed 1,000 JOD for luxury experiences.
Accommodation Costs in Wadi Musa
Most visitors stay in Wadi Musa, the town located beside Petra.
Accommodation prices vary widely.
Budget Hotels
20–40 JOD per night
Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.
Mid-Range Hotels
50–100 JOD per night
The most popular option, offering comfortable rooms, breakfast, and convenient access to Petra.
Luxury Hotels
150–300+ JOD per night
These often include spas, swimming pools, rooftop restaurants, and spectacular mountain views.
Food Costs
Eating in Wadi Musa is surprisingly affordable.
Typical prices include:
- Local breakfast: 3–6 JOD
- Lunch: 5–10 JOD
- Dinner: 8–20 JOD
- Coffee: 2–4 JOD
- Fresh juice: 2–5 JOD
Even travelers dining in quality restaurants can usually eat well without spending excessively.
Transportation Costs
Taxi Around Wadi Musa
Most short taxi rides cost between 2 and 5 JOD.
Amman to Petra
By bus:
Approximately 10–15 JOD each way.
Private transfer:
Usually 70–120 JOD depending on the vehicle.
Aqaba to Petra
Bus services generally cost 8–15 JOD, while private transfers range between 50 and 80 JOD.
Petra by Night
Petra by Night is one of the most memorable experiences in Jordan.
The separate ticket costs:
17 JOD per person
This experience is not included with standard Petra admission or the Jordan Pass.
Should You Hire a Guide?
While Petra can certainly be explored independently, many visitors find that hiring a licensed guide significantly enhances the experience.
A knowledgeable guide can explain:
- Nabataean history
- Ancient engineering
- Religious symbolism
- Tomb architecture
- Hidden viewpoints
- Local traditions
Without a guide, it’s easy to miss many fascinating details hidden throughout the archaeological site.
Hidden Costs to Consider
When planning your budget, don’t forget these optional expenses.
- Souvenirs
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Drinks during hikes
- Camel rides
- Donkey rides
- Horse carriage rides
- Hiking snacks
- Travel insurance
These aren’t mandatory but can increase your total spending.
Can You Visit Petra on a Budget?
Absolutely.
Budget travelers can comfortably visit Petra by:
- Purchasing the Jordan Pass
- Staying in affordable guesthouses
- Eating at local restaurants
- Using public transportation
- Exploring Petra without a private guide
Many backpackers visit Petra for under 100 JOD excluding flights.
Is a Guided Tour Worth the Extra Cost?
For many visitors, yes.
A guided tour offers far more than navigation. It provides historical context, cultural insights, and access to viewpoints and stories that many independent travelers overlook.
If you’re only visiting Petra once, investing in a knowledgeable local guide often makes the experience significantly more rewarding.
Tips to Save Money When Visiting Petra
There are several easy ways to reduce your travel costs.
Purchase the Jordan Pass before arriving in Jordan.
Stay at least three consecutive nights in Jordan if you’re eligible for the visa waiver included with the pass.
Book accommodation in Wadi Musa rather than making a long day trip.
Travel during the shoulder seasons when hotel prices are lower.
Use local restaurants instead of hotel dining for most meals.
Share private guides or transportation with other travelers if possible.
Book tours through reputable local operators to avoid unnecessary markups.
Final Thoughts
The cost of touring Petra depends entirely on your travel style, but it’s easier to budget than many people expect.
Independent travelers can enjoy Petra on a relatively modest budget, while those seeking luxury experiences or private tours have plenty of premium options available. Regardless of how much you spend, Petra delivers one of the world’s most unforgettable travel experiences.
By planning ahead, choosing the right Jordan Pass, and understanding the costs involved, you can enjoy Petra without unexpected expenses and make the most of your time in Jordan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should I budget for Petra?
Most travelers should budget between 90 and 250 JOD per person for their Petra visit, excluding international flights. This typically covers admission, accommodation, meals, transportation, and a few optional experiences.
Is Petra expensive to visit?
Petra is one of Jordan’s most expensive attractions because of the entrance fee, but other travel costs such as food, accommodation, and local transportation are generally affordable compared to many international tourist destinations.
Does the Jordan Pass include Petra?
Yes. Depending on which Jordan Pass you purchase, it includes a one, two, or three-day Petra ticket along with entry to dozens of other attractions throughout Jordan.
Is Petra by Night included in the entrance ticket?
No. Petra by Night requires a separate ticket costing 17 JOD and is not included with either the standard Petra admission ticket or the Jordan Pass.
Is hiring a guide in Petra worth it?
For first-time visitors, hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended. Guides provide historical context, explain the significance of the monuments, and help visitors discover viewpoints and stories that are easy to miss when exploring independently.
