How to get from Petra (Wadi Rum) Jordan to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem?

Posted by Mari (Columbus) on 04/07/19 07:21 PM

We've really appreciated everyone's advice and suggestions! Our final question (I think) is how to get from Petra (Wadi Rum) in Jordan to Tel Aviv/Jerusalem. Frankly, it seems pretty daunting. We don't know when and where we're to get our visas. We don't know what transportation to take (it seems extremely limited). I've done what seems like a lot of research and would greatly appreciate advice and suggestions. We did try to get a local guide, but I've sent out several email inquiries that promised 24-hour replies, but it's been several days (not including Friday night to Sunday), with no reply. So, we just need to figure out how to get from Petra (Wadi Rum) to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem - will take either one. Again, any advice is much appreciated!

Thank you!

Posted by marcia

USA

04/08/19 02:48 PM

381 posts

There is a border crossing between Jordan and Israel fairly near Petra. On the Israel side, it is located 20 kms or so north of Eilat. I believe it is named after Yitzhak Rabin.

We did the border crossing in the reverse direction. We had a rented car in Israel, drove to the border, parked and walked across, obtaining a visa for Jordan right at the border, then took a taxi to Aqaba and Petra. There were plenty of taxis on the Jordanian side, and the drivers spoke English.

According to this link, it's easy to take a taxi from the border crossing to Eilat:
https://www.touristjordan.com/get-aqaba-eilat/

Note that taxis will never go over the border for you. You always need to take another taxi on the other side of the border... but they are there waiting for you!

From Eilat, you can easily take buses, planes or car rental to anywhere you want in Israel.

Posted by Arnold

Denver, CO, USA

04/09/19 03:00 AM

1556 posts

Did something like this 10 years ago.

Take a taxi from Petra to the Eilat border crossing. Walk across. Get a taxi from the border into town. Take a bus to Jerusalem.

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

04/10/19 01:38 PM

15576 posts

It's about a 2 hour drive from Petra to Aqaba. I would expect a taxi to be expensive, there must be buses, try asking on the Jordan forum of tripadvisor.com.

From Aqaba, it's a short taxi ride to the border crossing. After exiting Jordan you walk a few hundred meters to the Israeli side, where you get your tourist visa and go through security. There are taxis that will take you to the airport if you are flying to Tel Aviv (Sde Dov airport on Arkia or Israir airlines) or the bus station in town for a bus to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. The border closes at 8 pm. Don't be late. It's about 4-5 hours on the bus to either T-A or J'lem. Flying is definitely more convenient for Tel Aviv since the T-A airport is a short taxi ride from most hotels. You need to book seats on the bus in advance. There are often large groups crossing the border and it can take an hour or more. If you want to rent a car, you need to go into Eilat.

**you need to go into Eilat (taxi, don't know if there's bus service) to get the bus to J'lem. *

Posted by Mari OP

Columbus

04/12/19 12:34 PM

98 posts

This information is so helpful, and it finally makes sense! I found that Budget rents cars from Amman and then let's you drop them off in Aqaba. It's very helpful to know that after we drop the car off in Aqaba we can just then take a taxi to the border near Eilat, and cross the border then pick up a bus to Jerusalem. I really appreciate the advice.

Thank you,
Mari