Amman to Petra: Private Driver, JETT Bus or Self-Drive?

Petra sits about 235 km south of Amman, and how you cover that distance shapes your whole day. There are three sensible ways to do it: hire a private driver, take the JETT public bus, or rent a car and drive yourself. Each suits a different kind of traveler, and each has a genuine downside worth knowing before you book.

There are also two roads. The Desert Highway is the fast, straight route — roughly 3 hours — and it is what buses use. The King's Highway is the scenic alternative at around 4.5 hours, winding past Kerak castle, the Dana viewpoint and small towns. Only a private car or driver can take the scenic road; the bus sticks to the highway.

Here is how the three options really compare, so you can pick the one that fits your trip.

How long does it take to get from Amman to Petra?

The fastest route takes about 3 hours by the Desert Highway, covering roughly 235 km with almost no stops. The scenic King's Highway takes around 4.5 hours before any sightseeing, because it climbs and descends through valleys and passes Kerak and Dana along the way.

So your real travel time depends on the route, not just the distance. If you only want to reach Petra, budget 3 hours. If the drive is part of the experience and you want to stop at a Crusader castle and a canyon viewpoint, budget the best part of a day on the King's Highway.

Is the JETT bus a good way to reach Petra?

The JETT bus is the cheapest option and works well for budget travelers on a fixed schedule. A one-way seat from Amman to Petra costs roughly 12 JD, the coach is air-conditioned, and it uses the fast Desert Highway, so the ride is about 3 to 4 hours door to door.

The trade-offs are rigid timing and no stops. JETT typically runs one morning departure to Petra, so you are tied to its clock and cannot detour to Kerak, Dana or a viewpoint. You also start and finish at bus stations rather than your hotel door, which adds taxi rides at each end. For independent travelers with time to spare, it is fine value; for anyone on a short or scenic trip, it is limiting.

Should you rent a car and drive to Petra yourself?

Self-driving suits confident drivers who want total freedom over their route and timing. A rental gives you the choice of either road, lets you stop wherever you like on the King's Highway, and can work out economical if you are already renting for a longer trip. Roads to Petra are paved and generally in good condition.

The downsides are real, though. You will navigate unfamiliar signage, drive a long day, pay for fuel and parking in Wadi Musa, and arrive at Petra having spent your energy on the road instead of saving it for the roughly 800 steps to the Monastery. Rental plus fuel typically lands well above the bus fare, and you get no local context on the way. It is the right call for road-trippers, less so for a single day-trip to the site.

Is a private driver worth it from Amman to Petra?

A private driver is the most flexible and comfortable option, and on a day-trip it is often the best value once you factor in the taxis, stress and lost time of the alternatives. You are collected from your hotel door, you choose the fast Desert Highway or the scenic King's Highway, and you can stop at Kerak or Dana on the way without renegotiating anything.

It costs more per person than the bus, but the difference buys door-to-door service, no driving fatigue, and a knowledgeable local at the wheel who can answer questions and adjust the plan. Best Memories offers a private Amman to Petra transfer, and if you want, the same driver can double as your licensed guide inside Petra and take you onward to Wadi Rum, only 110 km and about 1.5 hours further south. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates for a fixed quote.

Which option should you choose?

Choose the JETT bus if you are on a tight budget and happy to work around one daily departure with no stops. Choose self-drive if you are a confident driver planning a longer road trip and want full independence. Choose a private driver if you value comfort, want the scenic route as an option, or are short on time and want to arrive fresh.

For most visitors doing Petra as part of a wider Jordan trip, a private transfer wins on time and simplicity — especially if you are continuing south to Wadi Rum rather than returning the same day. Match the choice to your priorities and the drive becomes part of the trip rather than a chore.