7 Ways to Get from Tel Aviv to Petra: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Jordan’s Jewel

If you’re ready to see the world-famous Al-Khazneh (Treasury), wander through the ancient Siq gorge, and marvel at Petra’s architectural wonders, here’s a fun and practical guide to the 7 ways to get from Tel Aviv to Petra. Whether you’re after convenience, budget options, or something in between, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re planning a trip to Israel, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Petra, the ancient city carved into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is on the bucket list of nearly every traveler visiting the Middle East. But getting from Tel Aviv, Israel’s vibrant, cosmopolitan hub, to Petra requires a bit of planning—and there are actually several ways to make this journey.

1. By Plane: The Quick and Easy Way to Get to Petra

The fastest, most straightforward way to get from Tel Aviv to Petra is by flying. While there isn’t a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Petra itself (since Petra doesn’t have an airport), you can fly to Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal city, which is only about two hours from Petra by car.

Most flights from Tel Aviv to Aqaba are through Eilat, Israel’s southern resort town, so you’ll need to fly from Tel Aviv to Eilat first. The flight duration is relatively short, around 50 minutes. Once in Eilat, you can catch a flight to Aqaba King Hussein International Airport, which takes about 40 minutes. From Aqaba, it’s a simple drive to Petra—just around 2 hours by car.

This method is the quickest but also the most expensive option. If you’re pressed for time and want the easiest route, flying is your best bet. There are also organized tours that can take you from Aqaba to Petra, making the whole process seamless.

2. By Private Car or Taxi: Direct and Comfortable (But Pricey)

For those who want to skip the hassle of buses or public transportation and enjoy a private, stress-free journey, hiring a private car or taxi is one of the most convenient ways to get from Tel Aviv to Petra. While this may not be the cheapest option, it offers comfort and flexibility.

The drive from Tel Aviv to Petra takes about 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing times. You’ll travel south through Israel, then cross the border at the Arava Crossing (which is relatively straightforward for travelers), and continue into Jordan.

Hiring a private car can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 USD one way, depending on the type of vehicle and whether you hire a driver or rent the car yourself. While it’s not a budget-friendly option, it offers privacy, the flexibility to stop along the way, and the comfort of door-to-door service.

If you’re short on time and want to avoid the complexities of public transport or group tours, this might be the best option for a seamless and luxurious experience.

3. By Bus: A Budget-Friendly Option

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to reach Petra directly, taking a bus is a great option. Several companies operate daily buses between Tel Aviv and the Eilat/Aqaba area. Once you’re in Eilat, you can easily catch a bus to the Jordanian border (the Arava Crossing) and then take another bus or taxi to Petra.

Here’s the breakdown of how this works:

• Step 1: Take a bus from Tel Aviv to Eilat. The trip takes about 4-5 hours and buses run several times a day. The cost is generally between $25–$40 USD.
• Step 2: Once in Eilat, you can take a bus or a shared shuttle to the Arava Border Crossing, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Step 3: After crossing into Jordan, you can either take a local bus to Aqaba, or you can catch a taxi from the border directly to Petra.

Though not the fastest route, this is one of the most budget-friendly options and gives you a chance to explore Eilat and Aqaba on your way. It’s also a great option if you’re traveling with others and want to save money while making the journey.

4. By Organized Tour: Hassle-Free and Comprehensive

For many travelers, booking an organized tour is the best way to get from Tel Aviv to Petra. This eliminates the stress of navigating public transport, renting a car, or figuring out how to cross the border. Plus, a tour usually includes an expert guide, which can make your experience at Petra more enriching.

Several travel agencies in Tel Aviv offer day trips to Petra, which generally include:

• Transportation: A comfortable bus or minibus that picks you up directly from your hotel in Tel Aviv.
• Guided tour of Petra: A professional guide will walk you through the major sites of Petra, sharing fascinating insights into its history and architecture.
• Border crossing assistance: Since border crossings between Israel and Jordan can sometimes be tricky, your tour operator will usually help with visa processing, paperwork, and transport logistics.

The entire trip usually takes 1-2 days, and it includes round-trip transportation, Petra entrance fees, and sometimes meals. Prices for such tours generally range between $150 to $250 USD per person, depending on the inclusions and length of the trip.

While an organized tour may not be the most flexible option, it’s the most stress-free way to get from Tel Aviv to Petra. If you want to make the most out of your Petra visit without dealing with the logistics, this is a great choice.

5. By Train and Bus Combination: A Scenic Adventure

For those who enjoy a mix of train and bus travel, there’s a unique way to get from Tel Aviv to Petra. The journey begins by taking a train from Tel Aviv to Eilat. This is not a direct route, but you can easily break up the journey, making for an adventurous experience.

Here’s how this works:

• Step 1: Take a train from Tel Aviv to Be’er Sheva (about 1.5 hours), and then take a bus to Eilat (about 3.5 hours).
• Step 2: From Eilat, you can then proceed as described earlier by bus or taxi to the Jordanian border and on to Petra.

This option takes a bit longer but offers a scenic journey and is great if you like to mix different types of transportation. If you’re feeling adventurous and enjoy the experience of combining train travel with buses, this could be a fun way to get from Tel Aviv to Petra.

6. By Rental Car: Flexibility and Adventure

Renting a car is another popular option for travelers who want flexibility. With a rental car, you can drive from Tel Aviv to Petra at your own pace, stopping wherever you want along the way. This is a great option if you’re looking to explore Eilat, Aqaba, or the desert landscapes at your own leisure.

The drive from Tel Aviv to Petra will take about 5-6 hours, and you’ll pass through some incredible desert landscapes. However, keep in mind that there are border crossings between Israel and Jordan, so you’ll need to be aware of customs regulations and ensure you have the proper documentation (including a visa for Jordan if required).

Once you cross the Arava Border, you can continue your drive into Jordan, and it’s a straightforward route to Petra. Renting a car offers the freedom to make detours, explore the region, and enjoy some flexibility in your travel schedule.

7. By Shared Taxi (Jofta): A Local Adventure**

For those seeking a more local, off-the-beaten-path option, the shared taxi or “jofta” is a fun way to travel from Tel Aviv to Petra. This is a budget option where you share a taxi with other travelers. You’ll find joftas at the Arava border or near Eilat, and they’ll take you across the border and onward to Petra.

While the jofta system is a bit informal and less predictable, it can be a unique and social experience. The price is usually more affordable than a private taxi, and it’s a great way to meet fellow travelers along the way.

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Final Thoughts: 7 Ways to Get from Tel Aviv to Petra

With so many options for getting from Tel Aviv to Petra, there’s no excuse not to visit this incredible wonder of the world. Whether you choose to fly, take a private car, join an organized tour, or venture off on your own with a rental car or shared taxi, you’ll have plenty of ways to make your way from Tel Aviv to Petra. The journey itself is an adventure, and once you arrive in Petra, the stunning beauty and historical significance of the site will leave you speechless.

So, pack your bags, choose one of these 7 ways to get from Tel Aviv to Petra, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites!