Cheap flights to Petra: Jordan's Rose-Red City Awaits
The ancient city of Petra, carved into rose-colored stone and hidden within Jordan's mountainous desert, has captivated travelers for centuries. Once accessible only to the most determined explorers, today this UNESCO World Heritage site welcomes visitors from around the world. Finding Cheap flights to Petra (via nearby airports) has never been easier, making this bucket-list destination increasingly accessible to budget-conscious travelers.
Petra's magnificent facades and elaborate tomb chambers tell stories of the ancient Nabataean civilization, revealing architectural mastery that continues to astound modern visitors. With Cheap flights becoming more readily available to Jordan, experiencing this archaeological wonder firsthand is now within reach for many adventurous travelers.
Getting to Petra: Finding Affordable Flights
The journey to Petra begins with finding the right flight to Jordan. Queen Alia International Airport in Amman serves as the main gateway to the country, situated about 236 kilometers (147 miles) north of Petra. When searching for Cheap flights to Jordan, timing can significantly impact your travel budget.
Valor Flights can help you navigate the options, using AI technology to identify potential flight deals to Jordan. The platform shows various route combinations that might not be immediately obvious when planning your journey to Petra.
Best Time to Find Cheap flights to Jordan
Securing Cheap flights to Petra's nearest airports often depends on when you choose to travel. Jordan experiences distinct high and low tourist seasons that directly affect flight prices:
Shoulder Seasons (March-May and September-November): These months often offer the best combination of pleasant weather and more affordable flights. Temperatures are moderate, making exploration of Petra's vast archaeological site more comfortable, and Cheap flights are generally easier to find.
Low Season (June-August): Summer brings scorching temperatures to Jordan, sometimes exceeding 40°C (104°F) in Petra. While the heat deters many travelers, this period can yield some of the cheapest flights to Jordan, with significant savings for those willing to brave the desert heat.
High Season (December-February): Winter brings milder daytime temperatures ideal for exploring, but evening temperatures can drop considerably. Finding Cheap flights during this popular period requires booking well in advance, particularly around holiday periods.
Airports Near Petra
When searching for Cheap flights to visit Petra, you have several airport options to consider:
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM): Located near Amman, this is Jordan's main international gateway and receives flights from major carriers worldwide. While it's about 3-4 hours from Petra by car, the wider selection of flights often means more opportunities for finding cheap fares.
King Hussein International Airport (AQJ): Located in Aqaba near the Red Sea, this smaller airport is actually closer to Petra (about 2 hours by car) than the Amman airport. Though it receives fewer international flights, budget carriers sometimes offer surprisingly Cheap flights to this destination, especially from European cities.
When searching for Cheap flights, consider both airports as your arrival point, as the potential savings might offset any additional ground transportation costs.
Planning Your Visit to Petra
Best Time to Visit
While finding Cheap flights is important, timing your visit for the best experience at Petra deserves equal consideration. The archaeological site is open year-round, but the seasonal conditions dramatically affect your experience:
Spring (March-May): Perhaps the most ideal time to visit Petra, with comfortable temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F) and wildflowers blooming throughout the region. While Cheap flights might be slightly harder to find than during low season, the premium for visiting during these beautiful months is often worthwhile.
Autumn (September-November): Similar to spring, autumn offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than the winter high season. The landscape takes on golden hues, creating a photogenic backdrop for Petra's rose-colored monuments. This period often strikes an excellent balance between affordable flights and ideal visiting conditions.
Winter (December-February): Daytime temperatures remain comfortable for exploring (around 15-20°C/59-68°F), but nights can get quite cold. December brings the possibility of rain, which occasionally causes flash floods in the narrow Siq entrance. Despite being high season, determined travelers can still find relatively Cheap flights by booking well in advance.
Summer (June-August): The scorching heat (often exceeding 35°C/95°F) makes extensive exploration challenging, though this is when you'll likely find the cheapest flights to Jordan. If summer is your only option, plan to visit Petra very early in the morning and late afternoon, resting during the midday heat.
How Many Days to Spend in Petra
After investing in those Cheap flights to Jordan, you'll want to ensure you have adequate time to explore Petra properly. While some visitors attempt to see the highlights in a single day, most travelers find this rushes the experience.
Recommended stay: 2-3 full days allows for a more comprehensive exploration of Petra's vast archaeological park. This timeframe enables you to:
- Visit the iconic Treasury and main trail on day one
- Explore the Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice on day two
- Discover lesser-known trails and viewpoints on day three
A multi-day visit maximizes the value of your Cheap flights to Jordan by allowing you to fully appreciate Petra's scale and details at a comfortable pace.
Making the Most of Your Petra Experience
Essential Sights Within Petra
After finding those Cheap flights to Jordan, you'll want to ensure you see the best of what Petra has to offer. While the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) adorns most postcards, the archaeological park encompasses over 60 square kilometers filled with remarkable structures.
The Siq: This dramatic, narrow gorge serves as the main entrance to Petra. The 1.2km path, flanked by 80-meter high cliffs, builds anticipation with glimpses of ancient carvings and water channels before dramatically revealing the Treasury.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): This iconic 40-meter-high façade is Petra's most photographed monument. Carved directly into the sandstone cliff, it's actually a tomb for a Nabataean king, though its name comes from a later legend that it contained hidden treasure.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir): Larger than the Treasury but less ornately decorated, reaching this monument requires climbing about 800 steps. The effort is rewarded with both the impressive structure and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Royal Tombs: This collection of elaborate facades includes the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb. Each displays unique architectural features that showcase the Nabataean mastery of stonework.
The Colonnaded Street: Once Petra's main thoroughfare, this ancient street was lined with shops and market stalls. Today, its remaining columns stand as testament to the city's urban sophistication.
High Place of Sacrifice: This religious site sits atop Jebel Madbah, offering spectacular views and insight into Nabataean religious practices. The hike up takes about 45 minutes but reveals a different perspective of Petra.
Practical Tips for Visiting Petra
After securing Cheap flights to Jordan, make your visit to Petra as smooth and enjoyable as possible with these practical insights:
Entrance Fees: Petra's entrance fee is relatively high (about 50-90 JOD/70-127 USD, depending on your length of stay), making those Cheap flights all the more valuable for your overall budget. Consider purchasing the Jordan Pass before arrival, which includes your tourist visa fee and entrance to Petra and other attractions.
Guided Tours: While not necessary, local guides offer valuable historical and cultural context. Official guides can be hired at the visitor center for around 50-100 JOD per day. For budget travelers who scored Cheap flights, consider joining a group tour to share the guide cost.
Petra by Night: This special event (held three times weekly) illuminates the Siq and Treasury with thousands of candles. The experience costs an additional 17 JOD but creates unforgettable memories that complement your Cheap flights investment.
Accommodations: The town of Wadi Musa adjacent to Petra offers lodging options ranging from budget hostels (20-30 JOD) to luxury resorts (200+ JOD). Budget travelers who prioritized Cheap flights to Jordan might prefer the more affordable options in town, while those seeking convenience might choose hotels closer to the Petra entrance.
Physical Preparation: Petra requires significant walking on uneven terrain, often under the sun. After finding Cheap flights, ensure you're physically prepared for 5-15km of daily walking, depending on how much you wish to explore.
Beyond Petra: Extending Your Jordan Adventure
After investing in Cheap flights to visit Petra, consider expanding your itinerary to experience more of Jordan's diverse attractions. The country packs remarkable variety into a relatively small area, making it ideal for explorers.
Nearby Destinations
Wadi Rum: Often called the Valley of the Moon, this desert landscape of red sand and dramatic rock formations lies just an hour south of Petra. Many visitors combine both destinations, maximizing the value of their Cheap flights to Jordan. Overnight stays in Bedouin camps offer stargazing and cultural experiences that complement Petra's historical wonders.
The Dead Sea: Floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of Earth's lowest point is a unique experience worth the 3-hour drive from Petra. The therapeutic mud and water make for a relaxing contrast to Petra's extensive walking requirements. With Cheap flights bringing you to Jordan, extending your trip to include this natural wonder makes financial sense.
Aqaba: Jordan's only coastal city offers Red Sea snorkeling and diving opportunities. If your search for Cheap flights brings you to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, you're already there – making it a convenient addition to your itinerary.
Dana Biosphere Reserve: This nature reserve showcases Jordan's diverse ecosystems and offers excellent hiking opportunities. Located just an hour north of Petra, it makes for an easy addition after you've explored the ancient city.
Crafting a Jordan Itinerary
The optimal Jordan itinerary depends on how much time you have after finding those Cheap flights. Here's a suggested framework:
5-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Amman, overnight in the city
- Days 2-3: Petra exploration
- Day 4: Wadi Rum desert experience
- Day 5: Return to Amman via the Kings Highway
7-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Amman, explore the city
- Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun day trip
- Days 3-4: Petra exploration
- Day 5: Wadi Rum desert experience
- Day 6: Dead Sea relaxation
- Day 7: Return to Amman
10-Day Itinerary:
- Days 1-2: Amman and northern sites (Jerash, Ajloun, Umm Qais)
- Day 3: Desert Castles and Dead Sea
- Days 4-6: Petra in-depth exploration
- Day 7: Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Days 8-9: Wadi Rum and Aqaba
- Day 10: Return to Amman
Having found Cheap flights to Jordan, extending your stay maximizes your travel investment, allowing you to experience the country's remarkable diversity.
Cultural Insights for Visitors
Understanding local customs enhances your Jordan experience after finding those Cheap flights. Jordanians are known for their hospitality, and respectful visitors will find warm welcomes throughout the country.
Etiquette and Customs
Dress Code: Jordan is a relatively progressive Middle Eastern country, but modest dress is appreciated, especially outside tourist areas. For women, covering shoulders and knees is recommended; for men, shorts are acceptable in tourist sites but long pants are better in cities and villages.
Ramadan Considerations: If your Cheap flights bring you to Jordan during Ramadan, be aware that eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is discouraged. Many restaurants close during the day but operate in the evening. Tourist sites like Petra remain open, though possibly with adjusted hours.
Photography: Always ask permission before photographing local people, particularly women. Military installations and airports should never be photographed.
Tipping: Service charges are often included in tourist-oriented restaurants, but additional tips of 5-10% are appreciated. Tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff also expect modest tips. Budget some of the savings from your Cheap flights for appropriate gratuities.
Interacting with Bedouin Communities
The Bedouin people have deep historical connections to Petra and surrounding regions. When your Cheap flights bring you to their traditional lands, respectful interaction enriches your experience:
Accepting Hospitality: If invited for tea, accepting is considered polite. The Bedouin tradition of hospitality is centuries old and deeply valued.
Supporting Local Economies: Consider purchasing handicrafts directly from Bedouin artisans rather than from larger souvenir shops. This provides direct economic benefit to communities.
Ethical Tourism: Some Bedouin in Petra offer donkey or camel rides. If you choose to ride, ensure the animals appear well-treated and healthy, and pay fair prices rather than bargaining excessively.
Practical Information for Your Journey
Visa Requirements
After booking Cheap flights to Jordan, most visitors need to arrange a visa. Fortunately, Jordan's visa process is straightforward for many nationalities:
Visa on Arrival: Many Western countries (including the US, Canada, EU, Australia, and the UK) can obtain visas upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport or other entry points. Single-entry tourist visas cost approximately 40 JOD (56 USD).
Jordan Pass: This pre-purchased package includes your tourist visa fee (waiving the 40 JOD) and entrance to many attractions including Petra. For most visitors staying more than 3 days, the Jordan Pass (70-80 JOD depending on Petra options) offers excellent value that complements your savings from Cheap flights.
Visa Extensions: Tourist visas can be extended at police stations in major cities if you wish to stay longer after finding particularly Cheap flights to Jordan.
Money Matters
Currency: The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is a relatively strong currency, with 1 JOD equaling approximately 1.41 USD. After finding Cheap flights, prepare for higher-than-expected costs for accommodations and attractions.
ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist areas, including Wadi Musa (Petra), providing a convenient way to access local currency.
Credit Cards: Accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in tourist areas, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases and in rural areas.
Bargaining: Expected in markets and with taxis, but not in established stores or restaurants. Save your bargaining skills for souvenirs after you've already saved on those Cheap flights.
Health and Safety
Water: Stick to bottled water, readily available throughout the country. The tap water, while treated, may cause stomach upset for visitors.
Sun Protection: Jordan's desert climate necessitates sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, particularly when exploring Petra where shade is limited.
Safety: Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with low crime rates and stable political conditions. Normal travel precautions are sufficient for most visitors.
Medical Facilities: Major cities have good hospitals, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended despite finding Cheap flights.
Conclusion: Your Petra Adventure Awaits
Petra stands as one of the world's most remarkable archaeological treasures, a testament to human ingenuity and artistic vision carved into the living rock. With Cheap flights making this destination more accessible than ever, the rose-red city calls to travelers seeking connection with our ancient past.
Whether marveling at the Treasury's intricate façade, climbing to the Monastery's lofty heights, or wandering the quieter paths less traveled by tourists, Petra offers transformative experiences that justify the journey. From your initial search for Cheap flights to your final glimpses of Petra's remarkable monuments, the journey promises rich rewards.
As you plan your voyage to this UNESCO World Heritage site, remember that Petra is not merely a destination but a passage through time. The same narrow Siq that now welcomes international visitors once allowed caravans laden with spices, silks, and incense to enter this crossroads of civilization. With affordable travel options expanding, your opportunity to walk these ancient paths awaits. Start your search for Cheap flights today, and prepare for an adventure in Jordan's timeless wonder.