You and Indiana Jones and...Petra? How to Get There Without Getting Lost (Probably)
So, you've been bitten by the travel bug, and it's got its sights set on Petra, the ancient rose-red city carved into the Jordanian cliffs. Here's the thing, mate, Petra isn't exactly down the road from your local chippy. But fear not, intrepid adventurer (or culture vulture, no judgement here), this guide will have you weaving through those canyons like Indiana Jones (minus the snakes...hopefully).
Flights: Your Chariot to Jordan
There are no direct flights from London to Petra, but fret not, we've all seen enough movies to know that the most interesting journeys involve layovers and maybe a grumpy camel or two. Your most likely bet is to fly into Amman, Jordan's capital. Think of it as your base camp before your Petra expedition. Several airlines offer this route, so you can shop around for the best price and the one that doesn't make you feel like you're crammed into a sardine tin.
From City to Sandstone Wonder: Bus or Private Driver?
Now, you've got two main options to get from Amman to Petra:
The Bus: Affordable Adventure (with a Dose of "Fun")
This is the budget-friendly option, perfect if you're on a shoestring or just fancy an authentic Jordanian experience (complete with the potential for some "interesting" local music). Just be prepared for a few potential switch-offs and some fellow travelers who might be practicing their opera skills.The Private Driver: Comfort at a Cost
For those who prefer a more, ahem, relaxing journey, a private driver is the way to go. Kick back, enjoy the scenery, and pretend you're royalty on your way to survey your new desert kingdom (Petra, that is). This option is pricier, but it can be a great way to travel if you're with a group or want to make a stop at some of the other cool sights along the way, like Wadi Rum (think Martian landscapes, but with way less Matt Damon).
Here's the Important Bit: Don't Forget Your...
- Passport (the obvious, but crucial one) - Because you wouldn't want to get all the way to Jordan and then be refused entry for rocking an expired passport, would you?
- Jordan Pass (your ticket to Petra and other goodies) - This nifty little pass gets you into Petra and a bunch of other Jordanian sights, so it's a money saver in the long run.
- Comfortable Shoes (because Petra is BIG) - Those ancient Nabataeans sure knew how to pick a sprawling location. You'll be doing a lot of walking, so ditch the stilettos and embrace the sensible footwear.
- Sense of Adventure (because that's half the fun) - Petra is a place steeped in history and mystery. Embrace the unknown, channel your inner explorer, and get ready to be amazed!
Bonus Tip: While English is fairly common in tourist areas, brushing up on a few basic Arabic phrases will go a long way with the locals (and maybe score you some bonus baklava).
How-To FAQs:
- How to Get a Jordan Pass? You can buy one online before your trip or at the airport upon arrival in Jordan.
- How Much Does it Cost to Get to Petra? Prices vary depending on flights, transportation options, and the time of year, but you can expect to spend anywhere from £500 to £1500 for the whole trip (flights, accommodation, and Petra entrance included).
- How Long Does it Take to Get to Petra from London? The flight to Amman is around 5 hours, and then the bus ride to Petra is roughly 3 hours. With layovers and transfers, you're looking at a travel day of anywhere from 10 to 15 hours.
- How Safe is Jordan? Jordan is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, as always, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions.
- How Long Should I Spend in Petra? You can see the main sights of Petra in a day, but if you want to explore further and soak up the atmosphere, plan on 2-3 days.
