Petra Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh by Plane

Flying from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra offers a practical way to explore one of the Middle East’s most renowned archaeological sites, all within a single day. Your journey includes a short flight over the Red Sea, entry into Jordan, and a memorable visit to Petra, that ancient Nabataean city carved into the distinctive rose-red rock, a place now celebrated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Your day kicks off with a convenient pickup directly from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, followed by a transfer to the airport. After a smooth check-in, you’ll take off for Aqaba, Jordan’s main coastal city on the Gulf of Aqaba. This flight is brief and quite comfortable, providing a quicker way to reach Jordan compared to alternative travel options.

Once you arrive in Aqaba and complete the border formalities, you’ll be greeted by your local guide, who will be with you throughout your visit. From there, a comfortable bus transfer will take you to Wadi Musa, the small town nestled right next to Petra. This scenic drive winds through the region’s characteristic desert landscape and typically takes around two hours.

Your exploration of Petra truly begins with a walk along the Siq, a magnificent natural canyon. This impressive pathway stretches for about a kilometer, flanked by towering rock walls that can reach over 80 meters high, ultimately leading you directly into the very heart of the ancient Nabataean city.

As you emerge from the Siq, the breathtaking sight of Petra’s most celebrated monument, The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), unfolds before you. This imposing temple, expertly carved straight into the rock face, stands as an iconic symbol of the site and remains one of Jordan’s most frequently photographed locations.

Throughout your tour, you’ll also get to explore other significant monuments, including the impressive Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs, various ancient temples, obelisks, and numerous other Nabataean structures carved directly into the rock. You’ll also have the opportunity to stroll along the Colonnaded Street, a path dating back to Roman and Byzantine eras, widely considered one of the archaeological complex’s most evocative areas.

Should you wish, there’s an option for a brief horseback ride, covering about 800 meters and lasting approximately 25 minutes. Following local tradition, it’s customary to offer a tip to the Bedouins providing this service.

You’ll also have some free time built into the schedule, perfect for exploring Petra at your own pace, capturing more photographs, or perhaps ascending Mount Al-Habis. From its summit, you can discover the remains of a Crusader fortress and enjoy truly panoramic views across the entire site.

After your comprehensive visit, a delicious lunch awaits you at a local restaurant, providing an ideal opportunity to relax and recharge your energy.

In the afternoon, you’ll head back to Aqaba to catch your flight returning to Sharm El Sheikh. Upon your arrival, a transfer will be ready to take you directly back to your hotel.

This Petra excursion by air from Sharm El Sheikh truly stands as an efficient and convenient solution, allowing you to easily weave a visit to Petra into your Red Sea holiday plans. It’s designed to ensure you enjoy a significant and thoroughly well-organized experience.