How to Visit Petra from Israel? My Guide to Planning a Trip by Car or Plane

If you're on vacation in Israel, why not visit a breathtaking ancient city just across the border? Jordan's most popular destination, Petra, is THE spot.

Discovering the beauty of Petra is a true adventure. This breathtaking ancient city, nestled within the rock-carved wonders of Jordan, is nothing short of awesome. I don’t have any reason in my mind why you wouldn’t pay it a visit when you are right across the border in Israel.

The journey to Petra from Israel is a captivating expedition that takes you through historical landscapes and Indiana Jones movie-worthy archeological marvels. In this article, I'll guide you step-by-step through various travel options on how to visit Petra, specifically:

• what to expect from all 3 border crossings between Israel and Jordan (updated for 2025),
• if and how to visit Petra from Israel with a rental car,
• how to get to Petra by plane,
• tips on what to see in Petra, including the best hiking trails
• current information about ticket prices and entry/exit taxes,
• and I'll share a great hotel where you can stay after your Petra visit as a bonus. 

 

So, what are we waiting for?

Read more from my Israel travel blog.

 

From the peaceful heights above the Sea of Galilee in Israel to the iconic Treasury of Petra in Jordan (see my 10-day Israel itinerary if you want to learn how to travel through Israel like a pro)

 

Quick overview: How to get from Israel to Petra (2025)

Border crossings

Map overview of how to reach Petra from Israel, including the main border crossings used by most travelers

• Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin (Eilat → Aqaba) – Easiest for Petra

  • Closest to Petra: ~2 hours by car

  • Closest Israeli city: Eilat

  • Visa on arrival: Yes, for most nationalities

  • Rental car: Cannot cross; park in Eilat and switch to Jordanian transport

  • Why choose it: Fastest route to Petra, simplest procedures

  • Tip: Same-day return = higher exit taxes. Staying 1 night lowers the Petra ticket price.

• Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River (North) – Visa on arrival, but far

  • Closest to Petra: ~4.5–5 hours

  • Closest Israeli city: Beit She’an / Tiberias

  • Visa on arrival: Yes, for most nationalities

  • Rental car: Cannot cross; switch vehicles

  • Why choose it: Useful only if you’re already in northern Israel

  • Tip: Long drive to Petra—don’t attempt as a day trip.

• Allenby / King Hussein Bridge (West Bank) – Not recommended in 2025

  • Closest to Petra: ~3.5–4 hours from Amman

  • Closest Israeli city: Jerusalem (but crossing is inside the West Bank)

  • Visa on arrival: No—must be pre-arranged at the embassy

  • Rental car: Cannot cross

  • Why avoid it: Slow, bureaucratic, and not recommended for tourists in 2025 due to security and frequent closures.

 

Travel tips for visiting Petra, Jordan

• Stay at least one night in Jordan → saves money + gives you time to enjoy Petra

• Sun protection is a must: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water

• Petra is huge: expect 20k steps minimum, even if you don’t hike

• Club cars (electric carts) are available in the Siq 

• Best viewpoints: Treasury Viewpoint and Monastery Viewpoint

• Download the AllTrails map for the main Petra loop — very easy to get lost in the canyons

• Border rules can change fast in 2025 → always double-check hours and visa status before traveling

 

 

 

Why should you visit Petra?

Rock-cut architecture in Petra

And why not visit Petra from Israel? It's literally a stone's throw away. Petra is an ancient city located in southern Jordan, and it's known for its stunning rock-cut architecture, which you will be amazed by. Just like I was when I saw how spectacular the place is. Petra is also one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

And what's more, Petra is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This Nabatean ancient city will serve you an extraordinary experience that is worthy of a day trip from Israel to Petra, don’t you think? 

 

How to get to Petra from Israel by car

Rent a car in Israel and let’s go (though maybe not across the border...)

My favorite way to get around when I travel is and always will be by rental car. Nothing beats the comfort of being in charge of your own timing (and music, and AC temp, etc.). And you don't want to be packed like sardines in a bus in the summer in Israel. If you do, you'll immediately understand what Christians mean by hell. 

Pro tip: Israel had probably the best infrastructure of all the countries I've been to. Highways are well-spread around the country, and they are in a very good state. The drive there is smoother than a baby's bottom, and you'll be in Jordan in no time.

 

Renting a car in Israel

So, first step? Rent a car. And lucky for you, renting a car in Israel is a hassle-free business, my friends. We usually go with the safe option, Sixt being our go-to car rental company. They offer free upgrades and have a user-friendly app for ease of booking, even a child could use.

As of 2025, it is highly likely you’ll need to leave your Israeli rental car on the Israeli side of the border (all crossings have parking areas) and continue with Jordanian transport: taxi, private driver, or a Jordanian rental car.

 

So, the steps for a DIY visit to Petra from Israel by car look like this:

1. Rent a car in Israel
2. Drive it to the border crossing of your choice (see details below)
3. Park it and cross the border on foot
4. Pick up a Jordanian taxi or rental car on the other side
5. Continue to Petra

That’s it. Less romantic than “driving all the way to Petra from Israel,” I know, but that’s the current rule. When I did this trip a couple of years ago, I could do it all in my rental car, and it was smooth sailing. 

Only warning I have: make sure to check the rental policy on traveling across borders. If you want to know more about the renting procedures and some extra travel tips, check out my 26 Things to Know Before Visiting Israel. This article will be your bible for travelling to Israel—and I'll be your travel God, only younger and without the hippie hairstyle.

 

Border crossings between Israel to Jordan: Which openings are open to tourists in 2025?

There are three land crossings you can use to get to Petra from Israel. Pay attention, because they are certainly not created equal—and current rules can change at any moment due to the ongoing conflict, so always double-check before you go.

 

The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (central, near Jericho): The fastest route, but…

Driving map from the King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing to Petra

Note for 2025: This crossing sits inside the West Bank near Jericho, and under normal circumstances, it’s the closest border for travelers coming from Jerusalem. Right now, due to the ongoing conflict and frequent closures, this crossing is not recommended for tourists. If you’re visiting Petra from Israel, the other borders (Wadi Araba or Sheikh Hussein) are far more reliable and significantly less stressful.

Day trip to Petra from Jerusalem: The fastest route for getting to Petra from Jerusalem by car involves crossing the border at the King Hussein Bridge, also known as the Allenby Bridge. 

The drive to the bridge typically takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic and any potential delays at the border. 

However, this is the only crossing out of three where you can't continue in the car you rented in Israel. There is a car park at the border, where you can leave the car for your time in Jordan and then continue in a Jordanian taxi. 

Also, this is the only crossing out of the three where you can’t get a Jordanian visa on arrival. You need to arrange your visa in advance at a Jordanian embassy or consulate. In that case, you must consider if the pro of being there the fastest outweighs the cons of leaving the car there and not being able to obtain a visa on the spot.

 

The King Hussein Bridge

 

Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Crossing: The easiest way to drive to Petra from Israel

Driving map from the Yitzhak Rabin Border Terminal to Petra

 

Note for 2025: Most nationalities can currently get a visa on arrival at this crossing again, and it’s generally the easiest and most reliable option for visiting Petra—especially from Eilat. 

Well, in my opinion, the most convenient way to visit Petra from Israel is to cross the Israel-Jordan border is the Wadi Araba crossing. It's a bit of a detour if your starting point is Jerusalem, but it’s the most straightforward for visiting Petra, Jordan from Israel: you cross into Aqaba, then continue by Jordanian taxi or rental car to Petra. The average waiting time at the border is usually the shortest among all three crossings.

 

 

Most nationalities can now get a visa on arrival at Wadi Araba, but rules depend on your passport and on how long you stay in Jordan (same-day in-and-out usually means higher exit taxes). You still can’t drive an Israeli rental car across, so plan to switch vehicles at the border. (When I did this crossing a couple of years ago, I did the whole Israel to Petra trip in my Israeli rental car, which was super easy, but these days the rules are much stricter with the conflict and all.)

 

Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River Crossing: The one that's too far away to visit Petra, Jordan

Map of the long drive from the Sheikh Hussein / Jordan River Border Crossing down to Petra

Note for 2025: Visas on arrival are still available for most nationalities at this northern crossing, and I’ve confirmed that procedures are straightforward. It remains fully operational, but because it’s far from Petra, it’s mainly useful for travelers starting in northern Israel and visiting Petra from there. 

Most nationalities can obtain visas on the spot at Sheikh Hussein crossing, close to the Sea of Galilee, as well, without prior permits (restricted nationalities are the exception). However, it is located all the way in the northern part of Israel, and in my opinion, it's not worth the extra effort if your only goal in Jordan is Petra in the south. 

 

Border procedures: Next step in how to visit Petra from Israel

Before you go, check the official Jordan Tourism Board website, so you have the most up-to-date information. Opening hours of the crossings and regulations are frequently changed. Better safe than sorry, waiting at the closed border crossing. On the website, you'll also find out how much the visa fees and departure tax are currently.

At the Israeli side of the border, you'll go through immigration and customs procedures to exit Israel. It's a simple and smooth process that you would expect in a modern country like Israel. You'll show your passport, any required visas, and the border officials will give you the exact instructions on what to do. It's really no biggie if you have all the documents needed. Don't forget your passport at your hotel in Israel, like I almost did. In that case—no Petra for you.

After crossing the border, you'll reach the Jordanian side, and you are almost in the final stretch of getting to Petra from Israel. And there's the same process, you don’t have to expect anything else—your passport, visa, and any off you go. Cooperate with the officials and follow their instructions throughout the process. Just be disciplined citizens, you saw the crowd of soldiers in the streets of Jerusalem—you don't want to cause any trouble here, trust me.

Note for 2025: Due to the ongoing regional conflict, border procedures can be slower than usual, and occasional closures or extra security checks are possible. Always double-check opening hours on the day of your trip and build in some buffer time.

 

Visiting Petra from Israel by plane

Ben Gurion Airport

 

If you prefer going by plane to leave a nice juicy carbon footprint or whatever reason you have, you can also fly to Jordan.

Note for 2025: Flight schedules between Israel and Jordan may be more limited or change on short notice due to the current regional situation. Always check availability close to your travel date, and leave some buffer time for border security at Ben Gurion.

In Israel, there is Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv that will do you a solid here. If you are staying in Tel Aviv, it’s probably more convenient to fly there, rather than drive if you don’t want to stay more days—it’s an ideal day trip to Petra from Tel Aviv (I have more of those for you right here).

 

 

Book a flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. Several airlines operate flights between these two airports, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding an empty seat.

But to be sure you'll get to Petra on time, check for flight availability and book your tickets in advance. The flight takes about an hour, you won't even have time for a proper nap!

After you get to the airport, it's the same procedure—I don’t even have to explain it to you, right?

 

How to get to Petra from Amman?

Getting to Petra from Amman is easy. Rent a car, get a taxi, or, if you dare, public transport.

If you decide to rent a car, you can do so right at the airport. The process of renting a car is quite similar to the one in Israel. You'll typically need a valid driving license from your home country (check if you also need an international driving permit), and a credit card (not a debit card!). Some car rental companies may also require a minimum age for renting a car (usually 21 or 25 years old). Many car rentals also have their own website, where you can make a reservation in advance, you might want to do that. Better safe than sorry!

The drive from Amman to Petra takes about 3 hours on mostly well-maintained roads. It’s simple: highway, desert, Petra. Done.

Or, you can book a guided tour instead. They will do all the driving, explaining, and taking you around Petra, returning you back to Amman in the evening. All for 100 USD. 

 

 

How to visit Petra: Quick travel tips

There is a lot to explore in Petra!

 

 

 

General information for visiting Petra as a tourist

It's time to explore the world's wonder—the ancient city of Petra! On this DIY trip to Petra from Israel, you’ll see that it's a true archeological wonderland full of breathtaking views and historical significance that'll blow your mind! Can you tell I loved Petra?

If you arrive to Petra by rental car, you’ll be able to leave it at the free parking lot. 

But first things first, your tickets. The tickets used to be available only in person at the Petra Visitor Center, but you can now also buy them online through the official Petra Pass system before you arrive. It’s straightforward and saves time at the entrance (though you still need to go to the Visitor Center and show your QR code). You can still buy tickets at the Visitor Center on the day of your visit—both options work, and prices are the same. 

Fees differ based on various factors, the length of your stay if you’re staying overnight in Petra.  Note that if you are accommodated in Jordan and will stay at least one night there, the fee goes drastically down.  

Here’s the exact breakdown of prices and conditions for visiting Petra: 

 

Petra ticket prices, visa, and exit taxes

When visiting Petra, keep in mind that ticket pricing depends on whether you stay overnight in Jordan and how you enter/exit. Also, there are exit taxes/legal fees when crossing from Israel to Petra, Jordan.

Here’s up-to-date information for 2025:

Petra ticket prices 

If you visit Petra without staying overnight (like on a day-trip from Israel):

• 1-day ticket: 90 JOD. (USD 127) 

If you stay overnight in Jordan:

• 1-day ticket: 50 JOD. (USD 70)

• 2-day: 55 JOD. (USD 77)

• 3-day: 60 JOD. (USD 85)

Visa & departure tax for Jordan

• A single-entry tourist visa (for many nationalities) costs 40 JOD. (USD 55)

• A departure tax when leaving Jordan by land: 10 JOD (USD 15) at most land crossings. 

Israel exit fee/border crossing fees

• When exiting Israel via a land border to Jordan, there is an Israeli “exit tax” of about 176 NIS (≈ USD 50) at many crossings. 

• Additional shuttle/border transfer fees may apply (varies by crossing).

 

How to see Petra (quick overview)

Once you finally enter Petra (I mean, you’ve already traveled to Petra from Israel, so it may seem like you’ve really earned it), you’ll walk through the famous Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to the Treasury. Most people visit Petraentirely on foot, but there are also club cars (electric golf carts) that can take you through the Siq if you are tired, short of time, or a little lazy. From the Treasury, you continue deeper into the site along the main path, passing tombs, temples, and viewpoints.

The two most popular viewpoints are:

• Treasury Viewpoint–reached by a short but steep hike from the Royal Tombs side.

• Monastery Viewpoint–at the top of Petra’s other major climb, offering one of the best panoramas in the whole site.

Petra is huge and easy to underestimate, which is why the best way to experience it is to follow one of the marked trails—starting right at the Visitor Center—and wander through the canyons, ruins, and lookouts at your own pace. 

Speaking of which, did you think I’d travel all the way to Petra from Israel and not hike? Here’s what I did: 

 

A wonderful hike around Petra

Map and full route details available at Alltrails.com

Hike length: 10.6 km (6.6 miles) loop
Elevation gain: 520 m (1,700 ft)
Difficulty level: Medium
Hiking time: 3.5–4 hours (+ some time for admiring the ruins)
Trailhead: Google Maps link

Petra is an epic and vast archaeological site. To avoid getting lost or walking in circles, there is a very helpful hiking trail that guides you through the monument. This place is definitely best explored on foot and alone, which is what I did on my own trip. The hike starts right next to the Petra Visitor Center. And from the first step you take, your Petra adventure begins. It's super easy to get lost as the trails are not well-marked the entire way. I recommend following the AllTrails map and to be ready to whip out your phone, so that you don't get lost for eternity in this ancient labyrinth.

Alternative: Take a guided tour so you have to do zero work yourself and don’t get lost. Sometimes it can be nice to just go with the flow, you know?

Before you go on this hike adventure, make sure to pack enough water and sunscreen with a high SPF level. I have no shade on this place concerning how great the whole experience was—but there is literally no shade.

With all the oohs and aahs along the trail, it will take you about 5 hours based on my experience. But its beauty lies in the fact that you can spend as long as you want at each viewing point, temple, fountain, or whatever will catch your eye.

 

Where to stay in Petra on an overnight trip from Israel? 

I had a great experience @ The Old Village Hotel & Resort

After this rather exhausting day visiting Petra, Jordan, from Israel, you probably won't have the energy to drive all the way back to your hotel in Jerusalem. A few minutes away from Petra, there's The Old Village Hotel & Resort. I chose to stay at this place because when I did my pre-trip research before visiting Petra from Israel, I found this hotel seriously impressive. The reviews were great, and the rooms looked very spacious. So, I decided to give it a shot—the best decision.

After I got to The Old Village Hotel & Resort, I was surprised by the fact that the rooms were even larger than I expected from the photos. And in those high temperatures, you don’t want to be squeezed into some oompa loompa's dungeon with no air conditioning. And a great addition to that is the outdoor pool and exceptional food from the on-site restaurant, which serves a continental breakfast in the morning.

This resort is the perfect value for money. It's better to finish your incredible trip to Petra from Israel with some R&R than driving for 5 hours, don’t you think? 

 

You could also be interested in reading:

• ​3 Days in Jerusalem: The Perfect Itienrary
• What to See at the Dead Sea (3-day trip plan)
• 13 Must-Try Israeli Street Foods
• Sacred Wonders: Discover 13 Unforgettable Holy Sites in Israel
• 10-Day Israel Travel Itinerary for First-timers

 

 

 

 

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