Cheap flights to Petra: Jordan's Rose-Colored Wonder
Discovering the ancient city of Petra, Jordan's most precious treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a journey that tops many travelers' bucket lists. The good news? Finding Cheap flights to this Middle Eastern marvel is more accessible than ever. Whether you're captivated by the famous Treasury carved into rose-colored stone or eager to follow the footsteps of ancient Nabataean traders, planning your adventure to Petra starts with securing affordable airfare to Jordan.
With tools like Valor Flights, which uses AI technology to help travelers find flight options, exploring this archaeological wonder becomes a more attainable dream. Let's dive into everything you need to know about visiting Petra, from finding those Cheap flights to experiencing the magic of this ancient city.
Getting to Petra: Finding Cheap flights to Jordan
The journey to Petra begins with a flight to Jordan, typically landing at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, the country's capital. While Petra doesn't have its own airport, this ancient wonder is accessible via a scenic drive from Amman.
Best Times to Find Cheap flights
Timing is everything when hunting for Cheap flights to Jordan. The shoulder seasons—March to May and September to November—often yield the best combination of reasonable airfares and pleasant weather for exploring Petra. During these periods, you'll avoid both the scorching summer heat and the peak tourist crowds while potentially saving significantly on your flight costs.
Winter months (December to February) can also offer Cheap flights to Jordan, though you might encounter cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. Summer (June to August) typically sees higher airfares coinciding with European and North American vacation seasons, despite the challenging desert heat that can make exploring Petra less comfortable.
Booking Strategy for Cheap flights
To secure the most affordable journey to Jordan's rose-colored wonder, consider these strategies:
- Book 3-4 months in advance for optimal pricing
- Be flexible with your travel dates if possible
- Consider mid-week departures, which often feature cheaper flights than weekend options
- Check for flights to Jordan using Valor Flights, which can help identify affordable options
- Look for connecting flights, which are frequently cheaper than direct routes
When searching for Cheap flights to Petra, remember that major Middle Eastern carriers like Royal Jordanian, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer regular service to Amman, often with competitive pricing. European carriers also provide numerous connecting options that can result in significant savings.
From Amman to Petra: Completing Your Journey
After landing in Amman with your cheap flight secured, you'll still need to make your way to Petra, located about 236 kilometers (147 miles) south of the capital. Here are your primary options:
Public Transportation
The JETT bus service provides daily connections between Amman and Petra (Wadi Musa town) for budget-conscious travelers. This affordable option takes approximately 3-4 hours and allows you to stretch those savings from your Cheap flights even further.
Private Taxi or Car Rental
For greater flexibility, consider hiring a private taxi or renting a car. While more expensive than the bus, this option provides the freedom to stop at attractions along the King's Highway—like Mount Nebo, Madaba, and Kerak Castle—turning your journey into part of the adventure. If you've saved on Cheap flights, you might consider allocating some of that budget to this more convenient ground transportation.
Organized Tours
Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation to Petra along with guided experiences. These packages often provide great value, especially for first-time visitors to Jordan, and can be arranged to match the arrival and departure times of your Cheap flights.
Where to Stay Near Petra
After securing Cheap flights to Jordan, your next consideration is accommodation near Petra. The town of Wadi Musa serves as the gateway to the ancient city and offers lodging options for every budget:
Budget Accommodations
For travelers who prioritized finding Cheap flights and want to maintain that budget-friendly approach, Wadi Musa offers numerous hostels and guesthouses starting from around $20-30 per night. Properties like Rocky Mountain Hotel and Valentine Inn provide basic but comfortable accommodations with the bonus of spectacular views.
Mid-Range Options
Mid-range hotels like Petra Guest House and P Quattro Relax Hotel offer additional comforts without breaking the bank, with prices typically ranging from $60-100 per night. These properties often provide convenient locations near the Petra Visitor Center, making them ideal for early morning visits to the site.
Luxury Experiences
If you've saved substantially on Cheap flights, you might consider splurging on luxury accommodations like the Mövenpick Resort Petra or the Petra Marriott Hotel. These properties offer premium amenities, exceptional service, and often stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, with prices starting around $150-200 per night.
Exploring Petra: A Traveler's Guide
Once you've arrived via your Cheap flights to Jordan and settled into your accommodation, it's time to explore the magnificence of Petra. This vast archaeological site requires proper planning to fully appreciate its wonders.
Entrance Fees and Visitor Passes
Petra's entrance fees might seem steep after finding Cheap flights, but the experience justifies the cost:
- One-day pass: 50 JOD (approximately $70 USD)
- Two-day pass: 55 JOD (approximately $77 USD)
- Three-day pass: 60 JOD (approximately $85 USD)
The multi-day passes offer exceptional value, allowing you to explore the site at a more leisurely pace and visit areas that many day-trippers miss. If you've managed to find particularly Cheap flights to Jordan, consider allocating some of those savings toward a longer Petra experience.
Must-See Attractions in Petra
Petra encompasses over 260 square kilometers of carved architecture and breathtaking natural landscapes. Key highlights include:
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): Petra's iconic facade, dramatically revealed at the end of the narrow Siq passage
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir): A massive facade requiring an 800-step climb but rewarding visitors with spectacular views
- The Royal Tombs: An impressive collection of elaborate funeral facades carved into the rose-colored cliffs
- The High Place of Sacrifice: An ancient ceremonial platform offering panoramic views of the site
- The Colonnaded Street: Once Petra's main thoroughfare, showcasing the city's sophisticated urban planning
For those who secured Cheap flights and want to maximize their experience, consider hiring a local guide who can provide historical context and navigate the extensive site efficiently. Official guides are available at the visitor center starting at around 50-70 JOD per day.
Best Times to Visit Petra
The timing of your visit affects not only your ability to find Cheap flights but also your overall experience at the site.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Petra, with comfortable temperatures averaging 15-25°C (59-77°F). These shoulder seasons often align with cheaper flights to Jordan as well.
Summer months (June-August) bring intense heat, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C (95°F), making exploration challenging, especially during midday. Winter (December-February) can be surprisingly cold with occasional rain and even snow, though the dramatic lighting and fewer crowds can create magical experiences for photographers.
Time of Day
For the most memorable experience after arriving on your Cheap flights to Jordan, consider these timing tips for Petra:
- Early morning (site opens at 6 am): Enjoy cooler temperatures and magical lighting as the sun illuminates the rose-colored stone
- Late afternoon: Experience beautiful golden hour lighting on the Treasury and fewer crowds
- Petra by Night (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday): A special candlelit experience offered three times weekly for an additional fee
Beyond Petra: Extending Your Jordan Adventure
While Petra is undoubtedly Jordan's crown jewel, the country offers numerous other attractions worth exploring after arriving on your Cheap flights.
Wadi Rum
Just a short drive from Petra lies the otherworldly desert landscape of Wadi Rum. This protected area, famous for its connection to Lawrence of Arabia and its Mars-like terrain, offers unforgettable experiences including:
- Jeep tours through dramatic rock formations
- Overnight stays in Bedouin camps under star-filled skies
- Camel treks across the red sand dunes
- Rock climbing and hot air balloon adventures
Many visitors combine Petra and Wadi Rum into a 3-4 day itinerary, making the most of their Cheap flights to Jordan by experiencing both world-class attractions.
The Dead Sea
No visit to Jordan is complete without experiencing the unique sensation of floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, located about 3 hours from Petra. This natural wonder, situated at the lowest point on Earth, offers:
- The famous floating experience due to extreme salinity
- Therapeutic mud treatments
- Luxury resort experiences with stunning views
Adding the Dead Sea to your itinerary creates a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation after finding those Cheap flights to Jordan.
Cultural Tips for Visiting Petra and Jordan
To make the most of your journey after securing Cheap flights to Petra, consider these cultural insights:
Respectful Dress
Jordan is a relatively progressive Middle Eastern country, but modest dress is still appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites. For exploring Petra:
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
- Choose comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good traction
Interacting with Locals
Jordanians are renowned for their hospitality. After arriving on your Cheap flights, you'll likely encounter:
- Bedouin vendors throughout Petra offering souvenirs and camel rides
- Invitations for tea, a significant cultural gesture
- Friendly greetings and questions about your country of origin
A few Arabic phrases like "Shukran" (thank you) and "Marhaba" (hello) go a long way in fostering positive cultural exchanges.
Practical Tips for Your Petra Adventure
After booking Cheap flights to Jordan, consider these practical suggestions for a smooth experience:
Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass combines your tourist visa fee with entrance tickets to Petra and over 40 other attractions throughout the country. Available online before arrival, it offers substantial savings for most travelers and simplifies the entry process—a perfect complement to finding Cheap flights.
Health and Safety
Jordan is generally a safe destination for travelers, but exploring Petra requires physical preparation:
- Bring ample water (at least 2 liters per person per day)
- Pack snacks and electrolyte supplements
- Consider a walking stick for steep sections
- Apply sunscreen repeatedly throughout the day
Medical facilities in Wadi Musa can handle minor issues, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, especially when traveling on Cheap flights that might have limited flexibility for changes.
Conclusion: Making Your Petra Dream a Reality
The ancient city of Petra stands as one of humanity's most remarkable achievements—a city literally carved from rose-colored stone that has withstood the test of time. With today's availability of Cheap flights to Jordan, this once-remote wonder is more accessible than ever to travelers from around the world.
By strategically timing your visit, utilizing tools like Valor Flights to find affordable airfare, and planning your itinerary thoughtfully, you can transform this bucket-list dream into an achievable reality. The memories of walking through the narrow Siq pathway and witnessing the Treasury's facade illuminated by morning light will far outlast the satisfaction of finding Cheap flights—though that certainly helps make the journey possible!
From the moment you step off your flight to the instant you stand before Petra's magnificent structures, you'll understand why this destination captivates travelers from across the globe. The rose-colored wonder awaits—start searching for those Cheap flights today and prepare for an unforgettable Jordanian adventure.