Decide how many days to spend in Petra, then compare passes using your nationality, residency eligibility and visa costs. For families, the extra accommodation cost and the value of rest matter more than the second day’s admission charge alone. The Monastery climb comes after a long approach, so reserve time and energy for the return.
Visiting Petra with three children: why extra time matters
When planning Petra, start with two decisions: how far you would like to walk, and how much flexibility the people with you will need. Visiting the Treasury and returning requires different preparation from continuing through the inner ruins and adding an uphill route.
From the Maddori operator’s visit notes: I took all three children along an uphill route. Allowing plenty of time and taking good breaks made it manageable for our family. You need not assume a visit with children is impossible, but our experience does not mean another family will manage the same pace.
This article adds official admission and trail information to that experience. It separates a Treasury-focused visit, the main route through the ancient city and the longer walk to Ad Deir, the Monastery. The Monastery section is independently researched guidance, not a record of the exact route our family took.
Even on a short visit, you can let go of the idea that you must go further to get your money’s worth. Continue another stretch while the family is comfortable, and turn back when the remaining walk feels like too much. A good ending makes the next trip easier to look forward to.
Choose your Jordan Pass by the number of days you will visit Petra
The three Jordan Pass packages differ in the number of Petra visit days they include. The prices below are per person in JOD, from the official price table checked on 20 October 2026. Visits on a 2-day or 3-day package must be on consecutive days.
Choose according to the days you will actually use. A 1-day package makes sense for one visit; consider 2 days if you want to spread things out. The 3-day package is useful when you genuinely plan to return on the third day.
An extra day costs 5 JOD more on the pass price table, but that is not the full cost of extending a trip. You may need another hotel night, more meals and additional transport. If you already plan to spend two days in Petra, however, the relatively small admission difference gives you more room to take your time.
| Pass | Price per person | Petra visits | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wanderer | 70 JOD | 1 day | You have a clear goal and return time for one day |
| Explorer | 75 JOD | 2 consecutive days | You want to separate sightseeing and longer walking |
| Expert | 80 JOD | 3 consecutive days | You have planned a third visit day |
Sources: Jordan Pass · Official prices
Before paying: check your stay, nationality and entry documents
The main official price page and terms currently describe a visa-fee waiver for passes bought before arrival and a stay of at least 2 nights and 3 days in Jordan. Some official pages still state 3 nights and 4 days. If your trip is exactly 2 nights, confirm which conditions apply to your itinerary before buying.
The purchase page describes automatic e-visa issuance and delivery by email, while the FAQ still gives a different explanation. The pass and e-visa also have distinct validity provisions, so check the names and dates on each document you receive. Buying admission does not automatically settle the entry requirements for every passport and border crossing.
Reading this article in Arabic is different from holding the nationality of an Arab country. The pass FAQ excludes Arab nationality holders from eligibility. Residents of Jordan should also establish their applicable admission rate before calculating with the standard overseas visitor prices.
Petra’s official fee table lists separate rates of 30 JOD for Arab nationality holders, 10 JOD for qualifying residents and 1 JOD for Jordanians. Check the resident documentation requirements, including a valid residency card issued for at least one year. Simply living in Jordan is not enough to establish your rate.
A practical starting point is to put your passport nationality, residency document, Jordan arrival and departure dates, and Petra visit dates together and compare them with the purchase conditions. Consult the Ministry of Interior guidance if your nationality requires prior approval. For a long trip or uncertain departure date, settle the dates and check validity rather than buying early on an assumption.
Sources: Jordan Pass · Terms and conditions · Jordan Pass · Stay requirement on the alternative price page · Jordan Pass · Current purchase information · Jordan Pass · FAQ · Visit Petra · Fees and residency documentation · Jordan Ministry of Interior · Nationalities requiring prior approval
Work out whether the pass actually saves you money
The comparison below assumes an adult who would otherwise pay the ordinary 40 JOD single-entry visa fee, qualifies for the pass’s waiver, and pays Petra’s standard foreign-visitor rate for travelers staying overnight in Jordan. These examples exclude card or payment charges, accommodation, transport and meals.
Under those conditions, each package costs 20 JOD less than buying separately. If your visa is already free, or its cost cannot be saved, the result changes. The pass costs 20 JOD more than the equivalent Petra ticket, so add up the other included attractions you will actually visit and check whether their admissions exceed that difference. Do not assume an already-paid visa fee will be refunded.
For a family, separate the ages first. The following is a hypothetical calculation, not our family’s actual spending. If 2 adults and 3 children under 12, accompanied by their parents, visit on two consecutive days, two adult Explorer passes cost 150 JOD and the children’s daytime Petra admission is free. Compared with 190 JOD for the adults’ separate visa and admission purchases under the assumptions above, that is a 40 JOD difference in adult costs.
The 150 JOD figure is not the whole family’s travel budget. Check the children’s entry documents and visa charges separately, then add accommodation, meals and transport. Without a visa saving for the adults, two adult 2-day Petra tickets cost 110 JOD; before visiting other included attractions, the two passes therefore cost 40 JOD more.
Also distinguish seeing Petra for one day from spending no nights at all in Jordan. The latter, non-accommodated visitor category is listed at 90 JOD. Do not decide your admission category solely from a tour being advertised as a day trip.
| Petra visit | Petra ticket | With a 40 JOD visa | Pass | Difference if eligible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 50 JOD | 90 JOD | 70 JOD | Save 20 JOD |
| 2 consecutive days | 55 JOD | 95 JOD | 75 JOD | Save 20 JOD |
| 3 consecutive days | 60 JOD | 100 JOD | 80 JOD | Save 20 JOD |
Sources: Jordan Tourism Board · Attraction entrance fees · Jordan Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities · Visa information · Jordan Pass · Conditions for accompanying children
Calculate your whole trip budgetSolo travelers, families and groups need different preparations
A larger party still needs to establish each person’s admission eligibility and cost; a pass is not shared between travelers. A group may be able to split common expenses such as a vehicle or guide, but numbers alone do not establish a pass discount or visa exemption.
For example, 6 adults who meet the waiver conditions above would pay 6×75=450 JOD for Explorer passes. The 120 JOD difference from separate visa and admission purchases at 6×95=570 JOD is the sum of individual 20 JOD savings, not a special group discount.
If you book through an operator, check the quotation for admission, visa arrangements, guides, transport and meals first. Buying passes on top of admission already included in a package is an avoidable duplicate expense. A self-organized trip with friends and an organized tour with advance entry arrangements may also have different conditions.
| Travel party | Prepare before leaving | Decisions while walking | Other costs to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Share your route and expected return with someone you trust; prepare maps and charging | Do not postpone your turnaround for a photograph or destination | Accommodation and transport paid alone; whether a guide is needed |
| Family | Confirm children’s ages and hotel occupancy; organize snacks, layers and caring roles | Follow the slowest child’s pace; reassess before the ascent | Children’s entry costs, actual bed arrangements and extra nights |
| Friends or group | Share a main contact, starting entrance, meeting point and bus time | If some climb and others do not, agree on supervision and reunion arrangements | Included items, guide language and party size, separate transport and meal charges |
Sources: Jordan Pass · Transferability and included services
Beyond the Treasury: think of the visit in three stages
Al Khazneh, the Treasury, appears after the Siq gorge and provides Petra’s best-known scene, but it need not be your only destination. Decide whether to continue using the time and energy you have at that point, rather than the enthusiasm you had at the entrance.
Petra developed as a Nabataean city at a crossroads of trade. Rock-cut and freestanding buildings survive together, while channels, cisterns and dams reveal how a city could function in an arid setting. After admiring the Treasury’s façade, look for traces of water systems and streets. Your attention shifts from one magnificent building to a city where people lived.
The official Main Trail distance of 3.9 km is one way from the Visitor Center to Qasr al-Bint. It is not the return distance to the Treasury. The official non-stop walking time also excludes sightseeing, meals and children’s breaks, so do not transfer it directly into a family schedule.
Reaching Ad Deir, the Monastery, adds an ascent of around 800 steps after the main approach. The official page lists this additional one-way section as 2 km at the top and approximately 1.6 km in the body. Recognizing that a visit from the main entrance and back is a long walk helps prevent an overly optimistic reading of the numbers.
The Back Trail from Little Petra is not a stair-free shortcut either. When comparing tours, ask separately about vehicle transfers, the sections you actually walk, ascents and descents, and where you finish. A different starting point should not be treated as the same itinerary as entering through the main gate.
| Goal | Character of the route | Decide before setting out |
|---|---|---|
| Siq and Treasury | See the famous gorge and façade, then return | A satisfying goal even if you go no further |
| Ancient city’s main route | Continue past the Theatre and Colonnaded Street towards Qasr al-Bint | Time for the return walk, food and breaks |
| All the way to the Monastery | Add a long stair ascent and return to the main approach | Reassess at the steps; set a turnaround time and energy reserve |
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage · Petra · Visit Petra · Main Trail · Visit Petra · Al Dayr Trail · Visit Petra · Back Trail
A suggested family stay: 1 night, 2 days and room to slow down
If you have the time, consider focusing on the Siq and Treasury on the first day to discover your family’s actual pace, then choosing a route further inside on the next day. This is Maddori’s itinerary suggestion, not the exact trip our family followed.
If you arrive late on the first day, using an admission ticket is no reason to begin a long route. Compare that option with leaving your bags at the hotel and preparing for the following morning. If you can start sightseeing in the morning, note how long photographs and breaks actually take and use that experience to plan the next day’s departure and turnaround.
Returning on a second day does not remove the approach you walked on the first. A 2-day ticket gives you scheduling choices rather than automatically reducing walking. If you are still tired, lower the second day’s target instead of filling both days with long routes.
Before starting the steps, ask the adults caring for the children the same questions as the children themselves. Do you still have the energy to descend and return? Is there time to rest and eat? Can you turn back together if someone wants to stop? If a child falls behind, think about changing the plan rather than requiring them to keep up.
Do not plan to solve a stair route with a stroller alone. Check the surfaces and available assistance along your intended route. Before using a local cart or similar service, ask about its route, children’s charges, whether the price covers a return journey and how to arrange that return. Available transport does not remove every climb or all fatigue.
The requirement for 2 nights and 3 days in Jordan is separate from spending 1 night in Petra. Do not assume this itinerary alone meets the visa-fee waiver conditions; check it against your complete stay in Jordan.
Sources: U.S. National Park Service · Hike planning and turnaround decisions · Visit Petra · Local transport services
Consider autumn temperatures alongside winter opening hours
From the operator’s seasonal notes: The cooler weather lately has felt lovely for walking. Personally, I like this period before the deeper cold of December. That impression is not a forecast for a specific visit date or a guarantee of pleasant weather on every autumn day.
Petra’s official guidance also describes spring and autumn as mild visiting seasons. Autumn evenings can be cool, and winter cold and rain can affect your route. Heavy rain can close the Siq, so if rain is forecast, check opening notices before focusing on what to wear.
The current official winter schedule lists 06:30–17:00 from 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027. Do not read 17:00 as a last-admission time. You may be a long way from the entrance, so start your return early enough to follow the operating and exit instructions given on site.
A simple routine is to check temperature, rain, wind and park notices the evening before, then check opening conditions again in the morning. Even on a cool day, take the water and sun protection you need for a long walk.
Sources: Visit Petra · Seasonal guidance · Jordan Tourism Board · When to visit Petra · Visit Petra · Dated opening hours
Footwear: a familiar fit matters more than the brand
From the operator’s footwear notes: I wore an ankle-height model from Altra’s higher-end range and found it comfortable. For a long uphill route, shoes are something I would make time to check properly before leaving.
The same brand or a higher price does not necessarily mean a comfortable fit for you. Walk uphill and downhill in the shoes beforehand. Check whether your feet slide inside, whether your toes hit the front, and whether anything feels uncomfortable with the socks you intend to wear.
Do not make Petra the first outing for a new pair. Check that you can adjust the laces and that the soles are in good condition, and pack spare socks and small blister pads. An ankle-height design alone does not guarantee protection against injury.
The official visiting tips also recommend sturdy hiking footwear. Use the reference photograph of the steps below to think about shoes and preparation, not as a report of today’s trail surface.
Sources: Visit Petra · Visiting tips
Beyond water: organize a small bag you can actually use
If you hike regularly, you will know that where things go can matter as much as the checklist. Keep frequently used water, snacks and layers away from the bottom of the bag. In a family, avoid putting every essential in just one adult’s pack.
The suggestions below adapt general hiking preparation to a daytime Petra visit. Choose your water supply for the weather, distance and individual needs rather than applying one fixed amount to everyone, and check the day’s map for possible refill or supply points. Easy-to-eat snacks that children already know make food choices and breaks simpler.
| Category | What to pack | A practical detail |
|---|---|---|
| Food and breaks | Water, ready-to-eat snacks and a small meal | Check children’s food ingredients and allergies; divide supplies between bags |
| Sun and temperature | Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light layer and rainwear suited to the forecast | Keep the layer you will wear at stops easy to reach |
| Feet and personal needs | Spare socks, blister pads, personal medication and a small first-aid kit | Choose items you already know how to use |
| Navigation and contact | Offline map, power bank, contacts and a simple route copy | Do not rely solely on a signal or one phone |
| Admission and purchases | Passport, pass and admission documents, small-denomination JOD | Save documents offline and bring printed copies |
| Hygiene and delays | Tissues, hand sanitizer, rubbish bag and a small torch | A torch is a backup for delays, not a plan to remain overnight |
BLK outside Petra: a coffee stop to remember before or after walking
From the operator’s visit notes: BLK coffee outside Petra was very useful to me. Planning can easily revolve around what to see inside the site, but knowing one place to stop before or after admission can make the day easier too.
Qahwa BLK’s official Petra branch page places it in front of the main gate. If you intend to enter early, first check whether the café will be open at that time. Prepare the water and food you need in advance rather than relying on this one place for breakfast or coffee without checking its hours.
For a group, sharing a café’s name is different from agreeing to meet there. Set a time and establish whom you are waiting for, so a coffee break does not turn into another round of waiting. Treat it as a possible stop and adapt to the seating and operating arrangements you find.
Sources: Qahwa BLK · Official Petra branch
Find the BLK Petra branchPetra Icon Hotel: a positive memory and questions to ask before booking
From the operator’s accommodation notes: I stayed at Petra Icon Hotel. I liked the clean facilities, which felt like those of a newly built hotel at the time. This article has not established its opening year or the current condition of every room, so take this as my personal impression from that stay.
For a family room, ask about the actual arrangements rather than relying on the room category’s name. Provide the full party size and ages, including all children, then confirm the number of beds and any extra-bed charge. A room called a family room does not automatically accommodate your entire family.
If you want an early start, ask when breakfast begins, whether there is an alternative for early departures and whether bags can be stored after checkout. If driving, check parking and how to reach the entrance. These are questions to help choose a hotel, not claims that this hotel provides every service listed.
When considering another night, compare the following day’s travel time as well as the room rate. If you have a long onward journey, a shorter visit before departure may feel more relaxed than a long morning ascent. A room that looks good in photographs and one that suits your itinerary are separate things to assess.
You can choose souvenirs after the descent
From the operator’s shopping notes: Souvenirs at the stalls along the way felt fairly expensive to me. Even if something catches your eye, I would suggest remembering the price and comparing your options instead of feeling that you must buy immediately.
My personal tip is to mention at Petra View Shop that you came on the recommendation of John Kim from Korea, and ask whether a discount is available. This is not a verified fixed discount or an ongoing offer. Ask whether it applies and what the final price is before deciding.
Confirm the exact location before seeking out Petra View Shop. Do not interpret this personal recommendation as meaning it is beside Petra’s main gate or inside the archaeological site and add it to your walking route on that assumption. Check the location before traveling so you do not confuse similarly named shops.
Wherever you buy, confirm whether the price is for one item or a bundle, which currency applies and whether the final card-payment amount is correct. With children, you could agree on a souvenir budget and number of items in advance. Remember that anything large or heavy bought during an ascent must be carried for the rest of the walk.
The final check: plan the whole day, not just the ticket
Once booked, cross-check admission eligibility and pass dates, your hotel’s actual guest arrangements, opening conditions and your return time. The FAQ says pass categories cannot be changed after purchase, so decide whether you might want another day before rushing to pay. Transport, guiding and Petra by Night also need separate budget checks.
The meal after your visit does not need to become another ambitious plan. If you are unsure what to eat, learning the names and ingredients of unfamiliar dishes beforehand may be enough. After a long walk in Petra, keep the evening simple and decide the following day’s goals according to how tired you actually feel.
What our family took away was the value of time and rest. Some visitors will find their best memory in front of the Treasury; others will make it further along the paths. Preparing to return at a pace that suits your companions is a good way to enjoy Petra more fully.
Sources: Jordan Pass · Changes and inclusions FAQ · Jordan Pass · Scope of included services and guiding
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