How to Get From Eilat to Petra

A common question is how to get from Eilat to Petra. Many tourists using Israel’s southern-most city as a base from which to explore Petra are doing so as it’s the easiest option of getting from Eilat to Petra. There are a few different options available to make this Jordan stop on your Israel itinerary go smoothly and safely. Depending on your budget, the time frame that’s available, and your personal travel preferences, it’s easy to travel from Eilat to Petra.

Our guide to planning the perfect private Tour to Jordan and Petra from Israel is helpful to understand the ingredients that go into a wonderful, stress-free experience. It’s possible to travel from Eilat to Petra every day of the week. Changing Jordanian border regulations do not change the schedule of our tours from Eilat to Petra, which are available every day.

Travel With a Tour

There are tours from Eilat to Petra seven days a week.

Single Day Tours

These start in Eilat at around 7 am and return from Petra at around 7 pm. These door-to door-tours, departing from three centralized locations and drop you off back at your address in Eilat. The package usually includes all transportation, guiding at Petra, lunch, and the Petra entrance fee. If you’re traveling alone, the entrance fee is approximately $130 for a one-day visit.

Our Petra tours from Eilat are a great value option once you factor in the costs involved compared to doing it yourself. More information about a one-day tour from Eilat to Petra is here. Or, stay overnight in Aqaba with this alternative 1-day tour option.

Two- and Three-Day Tours

Our two-day Petra Tour starts and ends in Eilat. It also has a guided tour of Petra on day one, and free time to explore on day two. Another popular option is a two-day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour. This provides a guided tour of Petra on the first day, an overnight in a Bedouin camp, a jeep safari at Wadi Rum, and more. If you’d like more time to explore Petra more thoroughly, our Petra and Wadi Rum 3 Day Tour from Eilat is a great option.

Custom Private Tours 

These can also be arranged from Eilat to Petra. These are particularly suitable for families or groups who would either like to travel alone, at their own pace, or wish to customize their Israel itinerary to include different sites, regions, or with a different timeframe. For more details about these, contact us.

Bus From Eilat to Petra

Unfortunately, there is no regular bus allowing you to travel from Eilat to Petra. Crossing independently at the Arava Border Crossing, there are no buses from either the border or the nearby city of Aqaba that go directly to Petra. Some tour companies allow you to buy only a seat on their bus.

Most travelers can obtain a Jordanian visa on arrival when crossing the Arava Crossing, so you usually don’t need to pre-arrange a visa, but certain nationalities may require a visa in advance. Read here for more information about the visa regulations for Jordan.

Taking a Taxi

From the Jordanian side of the Arava Border Crossing, a taxi to Petra is usually 65-75 JOD one-way (~$90-$105), though exact rates depend on negotiation and season. An alternative is to take a taxi to Aqaba first (about 5-10 JOD/~$7-$14) and then a separate taxi or shared transport onward to Petra, which can sometimes be cheaper overall. Finding a driver willing to wait for a return can increase the cost, so agree on the price before departing.

What’s the Best Way to Travel?

Even for those who aren’t usually tour-lovers, taking a tour from Eilat to Petra is usually the best way to visit this unique site. When you factor in entrance fees, travel time, and convenience, a guided tour to Petra is not only comparable in price to traveling independently but often more cost-effective. Beyond the numbers, a guided tour enhances the experience itself-something most visitors agree on by the end of the day. To break it down clearly:

Taking a one day tour from Eilat to Petra:

Tour Cost - $219
Border Crossing Fee - $70
Visa Fee - $60
Entrance Fee - included
Lunch - included

Total for the day - $349

Traveling independently from Eilat to Petra:

Taxi from Eilat to Border - $10-20
Border Crossing Fee - $70
Visa fee (must be pre-arranged) - $60
Entrance Fee - $130
Taxi from Aqaba Border to Petra - $90-130

The total range is roughly $355-$410, depending on taxi prices and entrance fee variations. Overall, opting for a guided tour is best because it combines transportation, visas, and entrance fees into one package, offering expert guidance while often being more cost-effective and stress-free than traveling independently.

Experience Petra Hassle-Free from Eilat

Choosing a guided tour from Eilat to Petra is truly the easiest, most affordable, and seamless way to experience this wonder of the world. Our Petra Package Tours cover all your transfers, border assistance, expert guides, and hotels, letting you focus entirely on exploring Petra and enjoying the journey. Compared to traveling independently, our tours save time, simplify logistics, and turn your visit into a truly unforgettable adventure.

See all Petra Package Tours