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The Jordan Pass is one of the best-value travel deals in the Middle East — or it isn't, depending entirely on how you use it. The mistake most visitors make is buying it without doing the maths first. This guide does the maths for you.
What Is the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo) bundles two things: your Jordanian tourist visa fee (normally ~$56 USD) and free entry to 40+ attractions across Jordan, including Petra. There are three tiers based on how many days you want at Petra:
Jordan Pass Tiers (2025 prices)
- Jordan Wanderer — $70 USD: Visa + 1 day at Petra + 40+ attractions
- Jordan Explorer — $75 USD: Visa + 2 days at Petra + 40+ attractions
- Jordan Expert — $80 USD: Visa + 3 days at Petra + 40+ attractions
The pass is valid for 2 weeks from first use and requires a minimum 3-night stay in Jordan to use the visa waiver. Purchase at jordanpass.jo before arrival — you receive a QR code by email.
The Maths: Is It Worth It?
Without the pass, the costs add up quickly:
The verdict: if you're visiting Petra for even one day, the Jordan Pass saves you money over the standalone visa + entry ticket. The savings increase if you visit multiple included sites (Jerash, Wadi Rum, Ajloun Castle, Kerak Castle, Aqaba, and more). The only scenario where the pass doesn't make sense is if you're visiting Jordan for under 3 nights (the minimum required for the visa waiver) or arriving overland from Israel via the Allenby Bridge (different visa rules apply).
Petra: What You Actually Need to Know
Petra is one of the world's great sights — the UNESCO-listed Nabataean capital carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs in southern Jordan. It receives approximately 1 million visitors per year, which means timing and approach matter enormously.
Arrive early: Gates open at 6am. If you arrive by 6:30am you'll walk the Siq (the 1.2km canyon approach) in near silence. By 10am it becomes congested. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) in early morning light, before the tour groups arrive, is a genuinely moving experience.
Wear serious shoes: Petra involves 8–12km of walking with significant elevation change. Sandals will not serve you. The High Place of Sacrifice trail (the best hike in Petra) involves climbing 800 rock-cut steps. Worth every step for the panoramic views, but not in flip flops.
Water: Bring at least 2 litres. There are vendors inside but prices are high. Start the day with more water than you think you need — Petra is exposed and often hot.
On horse/donkey rides: The horses at the entrance are included in your ticket for a short ride to the Siq entrance (not through the Siq itself). You'll be offered upgrades and additional rides — these require separate payment and negotiation. It's fine to decline.
What to See: A Prioritised List
- The Siq: The 1.2km entrance canyon. Non-negotiable — this is how Petra was designed to be approached.
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): The iconic facade. See it in the morning; return in the afternoon when the light changes.
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir): A 45-minute hike from the city centre. Larger than the Treasury and with far fewer visitors. The best-kept secret in Petra.
- The Royal Tombs: Five monumental facades carved into the cliff face, best seen in afternoon light.
- High Place of Sacrifice: The best hike — up through the mountain to a Nabataean altar with panoramic views. Allow 2 hours return.
- Petra by Night: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday — candles light the Siq and Treasury. Atmospheric rather than informative. Worth it for photographers.
Jordan by the Numbers
Beyond Petra — What the Pass Covers
Top Included Sites
- Jerash: The best-preserved Roman city outside Italy. Two hours from Amman. The colonnaded street, two theatres, and temples are extraordinary. Allow half a day.
- Wadi Rum: The red desert landscape used as a filming location for The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia, and Dune. Jeep tours and overnight camps. Surreal and unforgettable.
- Dead Sea: The lowest point on earth. Floating in the hyper-saline water is a genuine physical experience. Public beaches are available; resort day passes (~$50–80) give you full facilities.
- Ajloun Castle: A 12th-century Islamic castle built by Saladin's nephew to defend against the Crusaders. Commanding views over the Jordan Valley.
- Kerak Castle: A massive Crusader fortress on the King's Highway — one of the largest in the region. The drive along the King's Highway between Petra and Amman via Kerak is one of the great road trips of the Middle East.
Practical Tips
Renting a car: Jordan is best explored by car, especially for the King's Highway route and Wadi Rum. Roads are excellent. An international driving permit is technically required alongside your home licence. Petrol is cheap by Western standards.
Halal food: Jordan is a Muslim-majority country — all restaurants serve halal food by default. Jordanian cuisine is extraordinary: mansaf (lamb in fermented yoghurt sauce — the national dish), maqluba (upside-down rice and meat), and the breakfast spread of hummus, ful, and fresh bread are all worth seeking out.
Money: Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 JOD = approximately $1.41 USD — one of the world's most stable currencies. Jordan is not a cheap destination by regional standards but represents excellent value compared to Gulf countries. Credit cards accepted in most hotels and restaurants in Amman; carry cash for Petra and Wadi Rum.
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