Petra by Night Jordan: Tickets, Schedule, Route and Planning Guide
Last updated: May 2026
Reviewed by: WowJordan editorial team
Petra by Night is an evening walking experience through the Siq to the Treasury in Petra, Jordan. Visitors follow a candle-lit route through the narrow canyon before reaching the Treasury area, where the atmosphere is quieter and visually different from a daytime Petra visit.
Petra by Night is a separate experience from normal daytime sightseeing. It does not replace a full Petra visit, and it is not automatically included with a daytime ticket or the Jordan Pass. It works best as an evening addition when your itinerary already includes Petra and you have enough energy for another walk after dark.
For daytime route planning, start with the Visit Petra Guide. For the wider country itinerary, use the Jordan Travel Guide and Jordan Trip Planning.
Petra by Night in 60 seconds
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| What is Petra by Night? | An evening walk through the Siq to the Treasury area with candle-lit surroundings and a quieter atmosphere than the daytime route. |
| When is it scheduled? | Official Petra guidance currently lists Sunday to Thursday from 20:30 to 22:30. Confirm the operating status shortly before your visit because schedules can change. |
| How much is the ticket? | Official guidance currently lists 30 JOD per person. Children under 10 enter free. Confirm the current price before travel. |
| Is it included in the Jordan Pass? | No. Petra by Night requires a separate ticket. |
| Do you need a daytime Petra ticket? | Yes. Official Petra guidance states that visitors must have a valid daytime Petra ticket or Jordan Pass before purchasing a Petra by Night ticket. |
| Does it replace a daytime Petra visit? | No. The evening experience focuses on the walk to the Treasury area. A daytime visit is still needed for Petra’s wider trails, tombs, viewpoints, and the Monastery. |
Who this guide is for
This guide is for travelers deciding whether Petra by Night belongs in their itinerary, including couples, families with older children, photographers, first-time Petra visitors, independent travelers, and tour guests staying overnight in Wadi Musa.
It is especially useful if you are comparing a one-night Petra stay with a two-night stay. Petra by Night is easier to enjoy when you are not arriving after a long transfer or trying to complete an exhausting daytime route immediately before the evening walk.
Before finalizing your plan, confirm the current schedule, ticket rules, weather, accessibility requirements, accommodation location, and transport arrangements directly with official channels or your provider.
Is Petra by Night worth it?
Petra by Night can be worth adding when you want a slower, atmospheric evening experience and understand that it is different from a daytime Petra visit. It is not a substitute for seeing Petra during daylight. The route, lighting, and focus are intentionally limited.
It may suit you if:
- You are already staying overnight in Wadi Musa
- You want a second perspective on the Siq and Treasury area
- You are comfortable walking after dark
- You have not overloaded your daytime Petra schedule
- You enjoy atmosphere more than extensive sightseeing
It may not suit you if:
- You expect access to Petra’s full daytime route
- You are arriving late after a long drive
- You have limited mobility and have not confirmed support arrangements
- You are traveling with young children who may struggle with a late evening walk
- Your schedule leaves no room for operational changes
Current Petra by Night schedule
The official Petra by Night information page currently lists the standard experience from Sunday to Thursday, starting at 20:30 and ending at 22:30.
The official Petra by Night operator website also displays a direct-confirmation notice for operational updates. This matters because pauses or schedule changes can occur. Do not build your entire Petra itinerary around the evening experience without checking shortly before travel and again on the day.
| Planning point | Current guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Standard operating days | Sunday to Thursday | Confirm your exact date directly before finalizing the evening plan |
| Standard operating time | 20:30 to 22:30 | Arrive early and avoid scheduling a tight dinner or transfer immediately beforehand |
| Arrival time | Official guidance asks visitors to arrive 10 minutes early | Reach the Visitor Centre with enough time to confirm your ticket and entry instructions |
| Operational changes | Changes or pauses can occur | Check official channels and your provider shortly before the visit |
Petra by Night tickets and Jordan Pass rules
Petra by Night requires a separate ticket. It is not included in the Jordan Pass and is not covered by the daytime Petra ticket.
The official Petra fees page currently states that visitors must already have a valid daytime Petra ticket or Jordan Pass before buying the Petra by Night ticket.
| Ticket question | Current answer |
|---|---|
| Petra by Night ticket price | 30 JOD per person according to current official guidance |
| Children under 10 | Free according to current official guidance |
| Included in Jordan Pass | No |
| Included with daytime Petra entry | No |
| Daytime Petra ticket or Jordan Pass required first | Yes |
| Ticket validity | Official guidance states that the ticket is issued for the same day and is not for resale |
Confirm the current purchase process directly before travel. Official guidance can change, and ticket handling may differ for independent visitors and arranged tours.
What happens during Petra by Night?
The standard Petra by Night experience begins at the Petra Visitor Centre. Visitors walk through the Siq after dark toward the Treasury area. The route is designed around atmosphere, shadows, and candle-lit surroundings rather than extensive sightseeing.
At the Treasury area, follow the instructions provided by the on-site team. The return follows the route back toward the Visitor Centre.
This is not a guided daytime archaeology tour. If you want the historical context, major monuments, viewpoints, trails, and the Monastery, use the Visit Petra Guide to plan your daytime visit separately.
Walking conditions and accessibility
Official guidance states that the route includes uneven terrain. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and move carefully in low light.
The official Petra fees page states that club cars are available during Petra by Night for elderly visitors and people with disabilities. Capacity, access, operating conditions, and pickup arrangements should be confirmed directly before travel. Do not assume transport support will be available without advance confirmation.
Before booking, ask:
- How much walking is required for your planned experience?
- Can mobility support be arranged for your date?
- Where is the pickup and drop-off point?
- Is advance notice required?
- What happens if weather or operational changes affect the experience?
Photography rules and respectful behavior
Petra by Night is designed as a low-light experience. Official guidance states that flash photography and drones are not allowed. Visitors should avoid flashlights unless necessary and keep phones silent.
Follow the on-site instructions, respect other visitors, and do not block the route. Avoid smoking, littering, and open flames. The candle-lit setting is part of the experience and should not be disturbed.
What to wear and bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Warm layer for cooler evenings
- Water
- Phone with enough battery for practical use
- Daytime Petra ticket or Jordan Pass information
- Petra by Night ticket or confirmed purchase instructions
Use a flashlight only when needed for safety and in line with the official instructions. Avoid bright lights that affect the atmosphere or other visitors.
How Petra by Night fits into your itinerary
Petra by Night works best when your schedule leaves enough energy for an evening walk. Staying in Wadi Musa is usually more practical than attempting a late return to Amman.
| Petra plan | Petra by Night fit | Planning advice |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive in Wadi Musa in the afternoon | Good fit when the experience is operating | Check in, eat early, confirm status, and reach the Visitor Centre before entry |
| Complete a full Petra day with long trails | Possible but tiring | Keep the daytime route realistic and leave time to rest before the evening walk |
| Drive from Amman and return late | Less practical | Consider staying in Wadi Musa rather than adding a late-night road journey |
| Continue to Wadi Rum after the show | Needs careful consideration | Avoid creating a late and rushed transfer unless the provider confirms the full plan |
If you are still building the country route, use Jordan Trip Planning. For transport between Amman and Petra, read the Amman to Petra Transport Guide.
Where to stay for Petra by Night
Staying in Wadi Musa makes Petra by Night easier to plan. Look for accommodation with practical access to the Petra Visitor Centre, then confirm walking distance, transport options, breakfast timing, parking, and cancellation rules directly with the property.
Browse Hotels and compare your options before finalizing the itinerary.
Independent visit or arranged tour?
Independent travelers can plan Petra by Night as part of an overnight stay in Wadi Musa. Travelers using an arranged itinerary should confirm whether the evening ticket, transport, hotel timing, and guide support are included.
For guided route planning, browse Travel Agencies and compare the Jordan Petra Tours Guide.
Common planning mistakes
- Assuming Petra by Night operates every evening
- Assuming the ticket is included with the Jordan Pass
- Skipping the required daytime Petra ticket or Jordan Pass
- Planning a late drive back to Amman without considering fatigue
- Expecting access to Petra’s full daytime route
- Wearing unsuitable shoes on uneven terrain
- Using flash photography or bright lights
- Failing to confirm accessibility support in advance
- Overloading the daytime Petra itinerary before the evening walk
For tourism businesses in Petra and Wadi Musa
Travelers planning Petra by Night may need hotels, transfers, guides, restaurants, car rental, and tour support. Tourism businesses can add their details through Add Listing so visitors can discover them while planning their stay.
Final word
Petra by Night is an atmospheric evening addition, not a replacement for seeing Petra during daylight. The standard experience is currently listed from Sunday to Thursday between 20:30 and 22:30, with a separate 30 JOD ticket. Operational changes can occur, so confirm the status directly before your visit.
Plan the evening around a stay in Wadi Musa, wear comfortable walking shoes, respect the low-light setting, and keep the daytime itinerary realistic. Use the Visit Petra Guide for the full daylight route, Jordan Trip Planning for the wider itinerary, and Hotels to compare accommodation.
FAQs
Does Petra by Night operate every evening?
No. Official Petra guidance currently lists the standard experience from Sunday to Thursday. Operational changes can occur, so confirm the status shortly before your visit and again on the day.
Is Petra by Night included in the Jordan Pass?
No. Petra by Night requires a separate ticket. The Jordan Pass can support daytime Petra entry under its terms, but it does not include the evening experience.
Can I buy only a Petra by Night ticket without visiting Petra during the day?
Official Petra guidance states that visitors need a valid daytime Petra ticket or Jordan Pass before purchasing the Petra by Night ticket. Confirm the current process before travel.
How much does Petra by Night cost?
Official guidance currently lists the ticket price as 30 JOD per person. Children under 10 enter free. Prices and rules can change, so check official sources before your visit.
What time does Petra by Night start and finish?
The standard schedule is currently listed from 20:30 to 22:30. Official guidance asks visitors to arrive 10 minutes early.
Is Petra by Night worth doing after a full day in Petra?
It can be worth adding when you want an atmospheric second view of the Siq and Treasury area. Keep the daytime route realistic because the evening walk can feel tiring after long trails or the Monastery climb.
Is Petra by Night a guided history tour?
Petra by Night is primarily an evening atmosphere experience. It does not replace a daytime guided tour for Petra’s archaeology, monuments, trails, viewpoints, and wider historical context.
Can children attend Petra by Night?
Children can attend, and official guidance currently states that children under 10 enter free. Parents should consider the late timing, walking conditions, uneven terrain, and whether the child can complete the route comfortably.
Is Petra by Night accessible for elderly visitors or travelers with disabilities?
The official Petra fees page states that club cars are available during Petra by Night for elderly visitors and people with disabilities. Confirm capacity, access rules, and arrangements directly before travel.
Can I use flash photography during Petra by Night?
No. Official guidance states that flash photography is not allowed. Drones are also prohibited. Avoid bright lights unless needed for safety.
Should I stay overnight in Wadi Musa for Petra by Night?
Staying in Wadi Musa is usually more practical because the experience ends late. It also reduces the pressure of a late road journey and gives you more flexibility for daytime Petra sightseeing.
Can I travel to Wadi Rum immediately after Petra by Night?
It may be possible with arranged transport, but the late timing can make the transfer tiring. Confirm the route, driver, arrival time, camp access, and safety considerations before committing to the plan.
What should I wear for Petra by Night?
Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip and clothing suitable for the evening weather. Bring a warm layer during cooler periods and use a flashlight only when needed for safety.
What is the biggest mistake travelers make with Petra by Night?
The biggest mistake is assuming the experience runs automatically on the planned date. Confirm the operating status directly before your visit, then keep the wider itinerary flexible.