Is Petra expensive to visit?
In Petra, budget travelers spend $65 (JOD46) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $153 (JOD108) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $328 (JOD233) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Petra.
Petra is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
While Petra can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within the Middle East, Petra is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Jerusalem or Aqaba.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Petra Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Petra?
The average Petra trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Petra travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Petra cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Petra on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $65 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, Petra offers plenty of hostels, including Rafiki Hostel, Nomads Hostel, and Petra Cabin Hostel&Restaurant. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Petra are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $153 per person, per day.
In Petra, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Tetra Tree Hotel is a great choice for families, and Petra Moon Hotel is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Petra.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $328 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up. - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Petra
In Petra, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $59, but during peak season they jump to an average of $110. You can find budget options starting at $24 up to luxury rates at $267. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Petra for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $118 (JOD84). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $59 (JOD42) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Petra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Petra include:
- Petra Moon Hotel starting at $92
- Petra Guest House Hotel starting at $123
- Tetra Tree Hotel starting at $50
- Amra Palace International Hotel starting at $40
- La Maison Hotel Petra starting at $63
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Petra
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $23 (JOD16) per person, per day, on local transportation in Petra. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Petra is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
JOD16
In Petra, there are no cars, no bicycles and no scooters. The only way to get around is by foot - yours or those belonging to a camel, horse or donkey. Beware of the horsemen offering rides into the city. They may say the ride is free, but during your trip they will hit you with a "tipping" fee.
Walking around Petra is very nice so long as you are reasonably fit and it's not too hot. You'll find most things in the shade around 3 pm.
If you're staying in Wadi Musa, most of the town is within walking distance to the entrance of the ruins (especially hotels). Many hotels offer shuttle services either in the form of vehicles or horse-drawn carts, and taxis are common.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport for $93 details
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional for $99 details
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum for $140 details
How much does it cost to go to Petra? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Petra will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Petra
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Petra can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Petra is $66 (JOD47) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$66
JOD47
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Petra is around $66 (JOD47) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $151. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Petra are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $20 to $46
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
If you're planning to visit the ruins for the entire day (and you should), then it's best to pack your own lunch. Many hotels and hostels will offer this service for you, and a variety of other dining options are around town near the park entrance.
The city of Petra only has one restaurant. Despite their steep prices, they bring in large crowds. Perhaps it's because they have the only beer in the valley! For snacks and drinks, however, there are small stores and vendors all around.
The summer can get very hot in Petra so staying hydrated is a must. In one day you'll likely drink at least four bottles of water.
In Wadi Musa, if you're looking for a good meal, check out Al-Wadi Restaurant on the main circle in town. Cleapetra restaurant is also a bargain, located just below the circle. Many of the hotels have restaurants and bars (especially the higher priced ones).
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Petra, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra for $150 details
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. For $50 details
Typical food prices in Petra, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
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Dinner for Two
JOD8.50
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Juice
JOD1.25
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Petra
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Petra typically cost an average of $47 (JOD33) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$47
JOD33
There is one entrance to Petra, and it happens to be one of the highlights of the journey. The Siq, or canyon, is a spiritually important path leading to the city center. The 200-mile high walls are lined with stunning rock colors, formations, and minor carvings. Be sure to note the remains of terracotta pipes in the sides of the canyon. The Romans used these to carry their water. It's spectacular view and historical significance makes the Siq the perfect preparation for what lies just ahead.
One of the first things you'll see when you arrive in Petra is the Treasury. It's breathtakingly beautiful and the most iconic image of the area. Take a moment to admire the detailed carvings and architecture that have been there for centuries. Try to spot the urn on top of the Treasury. Legend has it, it contains the hidden treasure of a Pharaoh. If you look hard enough you'll see bullet marks where travelers over centuries have attempted to discover that treasure for themselves.
If you're up for a hike, and a stunning view, head up to the Monastery. One of the legendary monuments of Petra, the Monastery was built in the 3rd century BC as a Nabataean tomb. The ancient path of 800 steps can take visitors over an hour to climb, but don't take a donkey to the top. They aren't treated well and it's a depressing sight to see as you climb your way to the top.
For a unique look at one of the world's oldest cities, consider a Petra by night tour. Experience this centuries-old city under the light of the moon and stars. The only light allowed is candlelight, and you'll be immersed in Bedouin music. It may not be as impressive as seeing the majesty of the Treasury by day, but it's certainly a special experience.
When planning your trip to the area, you may want to check out this great overview of things to know before you visit Petra.
If taking in the beauty of Petra is simply not exciting enough for you, there are some hikes and climbs to take advantage of. In fact, many of these activities should absolutely be part of your 5-day Jordan itinerary.
Begin at the High Place of Sacrifice and make the one hour trek to the city center. It's a beautiful hike - at the right time of day - covered with stones, statues and altars to admire along the way.
If you simply have to tackle the toughest challenge around, you can climb the Mountain of Aaron. It's the highest peak in Petra and takes anywhere between four and eight hours to scale At the top you'll be greeted with a small church and the tomb of Aaron - the brother of Moses.
A nice way to explore destinations in Petra is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience for $240 details
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide . For $140 details
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour for $100 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Petra are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
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Entry to Petra for One
JOD50
Petra
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.