About this drive
The long way there
The drive from Amman to Petra follows the ancient King's Highway through Jordan's biblical landscapes. Pass Crusader castles, the stunning Wadi Mujib canyon, and arrive at the rose-red city of Petra—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World carved into sandstone cliffs.
Stops along the way
Where to pull over
1
Madaba
30 km inByzantine mosaics including famous map
2
Mount Nebo
40 km inWhere Moses viewed the Promised Land
3
Wadi Mujib
90 km inJordan's Grand Canyon with canyoning
4
Kerak Castle
140 km inImposing Crusader fortress
5
The Treasury
230 km inPetra's iconic carved facade
Field notes
Driving tips
- 1
The King's Highway is scenic; Desert Highway is faster
- 2
Book 2 days minimum for Petra—it's massive
- 3
Visit Petra early morning or late afternoon for best light
- 4
Petra by Night (candles in the Siq) is magical but crowded
- 5
Wadi Rum desert can be added for an extended trip
Alternate routes
Other ways through
King's Highway scenic
Desert Highway direct