Arriving in Amman at 3:45pm on 9/7. Should I hire a driver to bring us to Petra that day or wait until next morning? I have no arrangements made as I just booked the flights today but I have to leave Amman for Cairo on the 10th. That brings to mind another question. Should I return to Amman airport on evening of the 9th for a next morning 10:35 am flight to Cairo? Don't know if we can get a driver early in Petra on the 10th to make it to airport on time.
I shall soon be 80 and feel unsure of my capabilities to plan the best way. I am thinking to wait till the 8th to travel to Petra and return the evening of the 9th to Amman which should give us almost 2 days in Petra.

Am looking on Tripadvisor for hotels and drivers so any recommendations and advice are greatly appreciated.

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I haven't been to the area, and so can't offer any advice except for two observations:

• I always plan on being near my departure airport the night before a flight unless in a country with truly excellent public transportation, like Japan or Switzerland. What would you do if anything goes wrong and you aren't in Amman on time?
• For me, I like to reach my destination before resting after a flight. I don't know your starting point, but even short flights wear me out. I don't like getting somewhere, checking in, unpacking, having a bad night's sleep (as I do after a flight) only to get up the next day to repeat the sequence. And I don't mind one night stays! Even after a long, exhausting flight, I'd rather get where I'm going and be able to settle in. YMMV.

Thanks for the info on the triangle, I would have had no idea. I thought the post wouldn't be noticed unless it was country specific and I figured out how to post on Jordan's site after it posted on The Africa site. I am so not technologically inclined, I cannot even figure out my cellphone, seriously. Just learned how to text to my grandkids, lol.

I appreciate your feedback and thought I'd do what you posted. Thank you.

Karen

I haven't done the drive, but it looks like it's almost a three hour drive from Amman to Petra. If you've flown a distance to Amman, I would likely want to relax there and head to Petra in the morning. I also wouldn't want to drive that distance the morning of your flight. Your idea of returning to Amman the night before makes good sense.

If you can splurge, the Movenpick Resort in Petra is really nice. It is right by the entrance to Petra and we loved our stay there.

Do you really want to visit Petra only?
There are tons of stunning sites around Amman, like Madaba, Djerash..........

Be aware that Amman airport is in the middle of nothing.
If you don't want to proceed to Petra (Wadi Moussa) the same day, I would sleep rather at Madaba than at Amman (same distance).

I agree with staying at the Movenpick Resort in Petra . We stayed there and you just cross the street to get to Petra. The resort itself is wonderful.

KTtravel, looking at hotels I liked Seven Wonders Luxury Tented Camp, it reminded me of African lodges I've enjoyed. And can book transport from airport and back to Amman through them. Not close to entrance but they will arrange shuttle.

neckervd, I booked flights before realizing how many days I should spend in Jordan so my sons and I are arriving on the 7th and have to leave the 10th to join an OAT tour. Therefore I decided to go to Petra on arrival day, get back to Amman on the 9th (looking at Salvatore Dali Apts with free shuttle to airport) and go on tour to Jerash. that's all we have time for.

schmerl, many recs for the Movenpick but it didn't grab me as special, rooms are the usual hotel rooms, the tent camp just looks like more fun.

Arrangements made through Booking.com so can make changes.

Any recs for quick trip to Jerash as we most likely won't be back to Amman till around noon I am guessing. I sent email to camp asking if they can arrange to go the Jeras then to Amman accommodations.

It's extremely easy to move from Jerash to Amman: shared taxis and buses run very frequently and individual taxis are very affordable. Count about 1 hr.
BTW: a direct taxi ride from Petra to Jerash would take about 4 hrs (more if you visit the fortress of Kerak along the way)..

Hi there,

Given your arrival time in Amman (3:45 PM on the 7th), I’d recommend waiting until the morning of the 8th to travel to Petra. The drive is about 3–4 hours, and doing it after a long flight and in the evening can be tiring—especially if it’s your first time in Jordan. Traveling in daylight also lets you enjoy the scenic route and arrive refreshed.

Your plan to head back to Amman on the evening of the 9th for your flight to Cairo on the 10th is sensible. That way, you won’t have to worry about arranging a very early driver from Petra and risking delays. It also gives you nearly two full days in Petra—enough time to explore the main sites and, if your dates align, experience Petra By Night

kristopherarkwri0200,

Thanks for your input. I have made these arrangements:

7th Transportation from airport to Seven Wonders Tent Camp on arrival.
8th Petra
9th Maybe am visit to Petra again then transportation to Jerash then to Salvadore Dali Apts near airport
10th 10:45 flight to Cairo

If I had known that you will proceed to Cairo, I would have recommended:
7th: taxi from airport to Jerash and sleep there.
8th:Visit Jerash, proceed by taxi to Petra in late afternoon
9th: whole day at Petra
10th: taxi to Aqaba airport (100 miles) and direct flight Aqaba dp 12.20 - Cairo ar 13.30