Amman to Petra Day Trip: Private Driver, WiFi & Flexible Time

Summary

Petra’s red canyons, local stories and freedom to wander your way

You’ll travel from Amman to Petra with a friendly local driver who takes care of all the details — chilled water, comfy car, WiFi if you want it. Once at Petra, explore at your own pace for four hours: wander through canyons, meet locals or guides if you like, and soak up ancient history without being rushed. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about feeling the place sink in.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that dusty pink haze as we pulled up outside Petra after the drive from Amman. Our driver, Khaled, had this easy smile and pointed out some old Bedouin tents on the way. He kept the car cool (thank God) and handed me a bottle of water before we even left the city. There’s something calming about knowing you don’t have to worry about logistics — just watch the landscape change from city blocks to rocky valleys, WiFi humming quietly if you want it. I tried not to check my phone too much but ended up googling “how old is Petra” just because it felt wild to be heading somewhere that ancient.

At the Petra Visitor Centre, Khaled helped us figure out where to get tickets (not hard, but nice having someone there). You can hire a guide right at the entrance if you want — we didn’t at first but caved when one of them started telling us about Nabatean water channels in perfect English. The Siq was cooler than I expected, literally and figuratively — narrow shade, echoing footsteps, bits of sunlight flickering on red stone. Someone’s donkey brayed in the distance and for a second it felt like time folded in on itself. The Treasury appeared suddenly, almost shy behind that last bend. I still think about that view.

You get four hours inside Petra with this day trip from Amman, which sounds like a lot until you’re actually there trying to decide between climbing up to the Monastery or wandering off toward those Royal Tombs. We did both — sort of — but stopped halfway up for tea with a local woman selling bracelets (her son showed me how he makes them; my attempt was… not great). There’s no rush from anyone; you set your own pace, which I didn’t realize would matter so much until my legs started complaining halfway through.

Khaled was waiting right where he said he’d be when we finally dragged ourselves back out. The drive back felt quieter somehow — tired legs, dust on my shoes, head full of sandstone shapes and stories I’m still piecing together. If you’re looking for something rigid or super guided this isn’t it, but honestly? That freedom is what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour from Amman to Petra

• Pick up from hotel in Amman
• Drive 3 hours to Petra
• Purchase entry ticket at Petra Visitor Centre
• Optionally hire licensed guide
• Explore Petra for 4 hours
• Drive 3 hours back to Amman
• Drop off at hotel in Amman

Top questions

How long does the drive from Amman to Petra take?

The drive takes about 3 hours each way in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included in this Petra day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman or at the airport are included.

How much time do I get inside Petra?

You have around 4 hours to explore Petra at your own pace during the tour.

Can I hire a guide once I arrive at Petra?

Yes, licensed guides are available for hire at the Petra Visitor Centre.

Is entry ticket to Petra included?

The entry ticket is included if you select that option during booking.

Is bottled water provided during the trip?

Bottled water is complimentary throughout your journey.

Will there be WiFi in the car?

Yes, free WiFi is available onboard during both drives.

Are infant seats available?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with children.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman or at the airport, an English-speaking driver who handles everything behind the wheel (plus local tips), bottled water for the road, free onboard WiFi if you need it, and air conditioning all day long. Entry tickets can be included depending on your booking choice—just let them know what works best for you before setting off.