How to Get from Egypt to Petra (Jordan): Routes, Borders, and Logistics

Overview: No Direct Connection

Petra (Jordan) and Egypt share no land border. Travel requires crossing **two international borders** (Egypt→Israel, Israel→Jordan) or flying via a hub. The classic overland route is a multi-step journey.

Route 1: Overland via Taba–Eilat–Aqaba (Most Common for Overlanders)

1. Cairo → Taba (Egypt):
   • Bus: East Delta / Super Jet / Go Bus from Cairo Gateway/Turgoman → Taba (6–8 hr, ~$15–25).
   • Flight: Cairo (CAI) → Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) 1 hr, then taxi/bus to Taba (2.5 hr).
2. Taba → Eilat (Israel) — Land Border:
   • Taba Border Terminal (Egypt side) → walk 500 m → Yitzhak Rabin Terminal (Israel side).
   • Open 24/7 (except Yom Kippur, Eid al-Adha).
   • Exit fee Egypt: **LE 600** (~$12) — often included in bus ticket.
   • Exit fee Israel: **₪113** (~$30) — paid at terminal.
   • Visa: Many nationalities get free 90-day visa on arrival at Eilat (check MFA list).
3. Eilat → Aqaba (Jordan) — Land Border:
   • Taxi/bus 10 km to Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Crossing (same terminal complex).
   • Jordan entry: Visa on arrival for most (JOD 40 / $56) or free with Jordan Pass.
   • Exit Israel fee: **₪113** (if not paid at Taba).
4. Aqaba → Petra:
   • JETT Bus: Daily 08:00/15:00, 3 hr, JOD 10–12.
   • Minibus (shared): When full, ~2.5 hr, JOD 8–10.
   • Taxi: Private, ~2.5 hr, JOD 60–80.
   • Rental car: Available in Aqaba.

Total overland time: 12–18 hours (Cairo to Petra).

Route 2: Fly Cairo → Amman → Drive to Petra (Fastest, Most Reliable)

• Flights: EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Nile Air — 1h 20m, 2–3 daily. $150–300 round-trip.
• Amman (AMM) → Petra:
  • JETT Bus: 06:30/14:00, 3 hr, JOD 10–12.
  • Private transfer: 2.5–3 hr, JOD 70–100.
  • Rental car: Desert Highway (Route 15) or Kings Highway (scenic, slower).

Total time: 5–7 hours door-to-door.

Route 3: Fly Cairo → Aqaba (Seasonal/Charter) → Petra

• Direct charters exist in high season (winter); otherwise connect via Amman.
• Aqaba (AQJ) → Petra: 2 hr by taxi/bus.

Route 4: Sinai Ferry (Nuweiba → Aqaba) — Avoids Israel

• Ferry: AB Maritime / Sindbad — Nuweiba (Egypt) → Aqaba (Jordan).
• Schedule: Erratic; often 1–2×/week; 2–3 hr crossing.
• Nuweiba access: Bus from Cairo (6–7 hr) or Sharm (2 hr).
• Pros: No Israeli stamps/visas.
• Cons: Unreliable, rough seas, limited luggage, cash only.

Critical Documents & Prep

• Passport: 6+ months validity.
• Visas: Jordan Pass (buy online pre-trip: $99–129 includes visa, Petra entry, 40+ sites). Egypt visa on arrival ($25) or e-visa. Israel: visa-free for many (check).
• Israeli stamp concern: If you need to avoid it (for travel to Lebanon, Iran, etc.), use Route 4 (ferry) or fly Cairo→Amman.
• Cash: JOD, EGP, USD small bills for border fees.
• COVID/Health: Check current entry requirements (vaccination, tests).

Petra Entry

• Visitor Centre (Wadi Musa): Buy ticket (JOD 50/55/60 for 1/2/3 days — included in Jordan Pass).
• Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM (summer), 6 AM – 4 PM (winter).
• Guide: Highly recommended (JOD 50–100 for 2–3 hr).

Summary Recommendation