Flights to Petra: The Complete Travel Guide
You cannot fly directly into the ancient city of Petra. Instead, you have two primary options for international arrivals: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman and King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba. Most international travelers choose Amman for the widest selection of carriers and flight frequencies. Aqaba is significantly closer to the archaeological site but serves fewer routes, primarily focusing on regional connections and European low-cost charters. From either airport, you will complete the final leg of the journey via car, bus, or private transfer to reach the town of Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra.
Which airport should you fly into?
Choosing the right airport depends on your overall Jordan itinerary and your budget. Here are the two gateways used for flights to Petra.
- Queen Alia International Airport (AMM): Located 30km south of Amman. This is the country's primary hub. It is approximately 215km (3 hours) from Petra. This airport offers the most competitive prices for long-haul travelers.
- King Hussein International Airport (AQJ): Located 10km north of Aqaba city center. This is the closest airport to Petra, situated roughly 125km (1 hour 45 minutes) away. It is a Special Economic Zone, meaning tourists arriving here may be eligible for specific visa fee waivers.
Best time to book flights to Petra
To secure the most competitive rates, you should monitor prices early. For international long-haul flights from North America or Australia, book at least 4 to 6 months in advance. For travelers flying from Europe or within the Middle East, the sweet spot for booking is typically 6 to 10 weeks before departure.
Price transparency is highest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoid booking on weekends when airline algorithms often push prices higher due to increased search volume. If you are traveling during the peak spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) seasons, add an extra four weeks to your booking lead time to avoid the "sell-out" premium.
Cheapest months to fly to Petra
The cheapest flights to Petra usually appear during the low seasons: winter (January and February) and mid-summer (July and August).
January is historically the least expensive month to fly into Amman. While the desert temperatures can drop significantly at night and rain is possible, flight costs are often 30-40% lower than in April. If you prefer heat, August offers low fares because many travelers avoid the midday desert sun. To balance weather and cost, look for "shoulder" dates in early June or late November.
Direct flights vs connecting flights
Direct flights to Jordan are primarily consolidated at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). If you are flying from major hubs like London, Paris, New York, or Dubai, you can find non-stop service. Direct flights save you roughly 4 to 6 hours of travel time and reduce the risk of luggage delays.
Connecting flights are often the key to finding the cheapest flights to Petra. Common layover hubs include Istanbul (IST), Cairo (CAI), and Jeddah (JED). Utilizing low-cost carriers like Pegasus or Wizz Air for a connecting leg through Europe or Turkey can often slash your total ticket price in half, especially if you travel with carry-on luggage only.
Best airlines flying to Petra
Several major carriers serve Jordan, offering a range of service levels and price points.
- Royal Jordanian: The national carrier offers the most frequent domestic and international connections into Amman and Aqaba.
- Turkish Airlines: Provides extensive global coverage with a single stop in Istanbul, often cited for high-quality service and reliable connections.
- Wizz Air: A budget-friendly option serving Aqaba and Amman from various European cities, ideal for finding the lowest base fares.
- Ryanair: Operates several seasonal routes from Europe to both Amman and Aqaba, catering to ultra-low-cost travelers.
- Emirates & Qatar Airways: Excellent options for travelers coming from Asia, Australia, or the US, connecting through Dubai or Doha respectively.
Getting from the airport to the city center
Once your flight lands, you need to navigate the transfer to Wadi Musa (Petra).
From Amman (AMM)
- JETT Bus: The most reliable public transport. You must take a shuttle or taxi to the 7th Circle or Abdali bus station first. A ticket to Petra costs roughly 11 JOD ($15 USD).
- Airport Taxi: Available 24/7. Fixed prices are usually posted at the arrivals hall. A direct taxi to Petra costs between 75 JOD and 90 JOD ($105–$127 USD).
- Car Rental: Most international brands operate at AMM. This is the most flexible option for the 3-hour drive via the Desert Highway or the scenic King’s Highway.
- Rideshare: Apps like Uber and Careem operate in Amman, but they are generally restricted from picking up directly at the airport curb; you may need to use an official airport taxi for the initial leg.
From Aqaba (AQJ)
- Taxi: A taxi from Aqaba airport to Petra is the standard method. Expect to pay between 35 JOD and 50 JOD ($50–$70 USD) depending on your negotiation skills and the time of day.
- JETT Bus: You will need to take a short taxi to the Aqaba city center terminal. The bus to Petra costs approximately 12 JOD ($17 USD).
Flight duration from major cities
Average flight times to Amman (AMM) vary significantly based on your departure point and whether the flight is direct.
- London: 5 hours (Direct)
- New York (JFK): 10 hours 30 minutes (Direct)
- Dubai: 3 hours (Direct)
- Istanbul: 2 hours 15 minutes (Direct)
- Los Angeles: 15–18 hours (Connecting)
- Sydney: 18–22 hours (Connecting)
Tips for finding cheap flights to Petra
1. Use "Multi-City" search Check if flying into Amman and flying out of Aqaba (or vice versa) is cheaper. This also saves you the cost and time of backtracking across the country.
2. Leverage budget carriers in Europe If you are flying from the US or Asia, it is sometimes cheaper to book a long-haul flight to a major European hub like London, Rome, or Budapest, and then book a separate ticket on a low-cost carrier like Wizz Air or Ryanair into Jordan.
3. Set price alerts for Tuesday departures Mid-week flights are consistently cheaper than Thursday or Friday departures. Use price tracking tools to alert you when mid-week fares drop below the $600 (from US) or £200 (from UK) mark.
4. Consider the Jordan Pass While not a flight discount, the Jordan Pass includes your tourist entry visa (40 JOD) and Petra entrance fees (50+ JOD). Buying this before you land cancels out a significant portion of your travel overhead, effectively lowering the "real" cost of your flight.
5. Fly into neighboring hubs Occasionally, flying into Tel Aviv (TLV) and crossing the border by land can be cheaper. However, factor in the cost of the border exit fees, transport to the Allenby or Eilat crossing, and the potential for long security delays. For most, the direct flight to Jordan is more efficient.