Getting There & Around
From 800 meters above sea level to 430 meters below — the dramatic descent to the lowest point on Earth.
How to Reach the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea sits at -430 meters below sea level in the Judean Desert, on the border between Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. The main tourist area is Ein Bokek, a resort zone along the southern basin with free public beaches, spa hotels, and restaurants. Getting there is straightforward from Jerusalem (about 1 hour by car) or Tel Aviv (about 2 hours), but there are important details to know about each option.
The drive itself is part of the experience. From Jerusalem, you descend over 1,200 vertical meters in under an hour — from the cool, green hills of the Judean Mountains (800m elevation) through the stark Judean Desert to the earth's lowest point. The landscape transforms dramatically with every kilometer.
From Jerusalem
Closest — 90 km, 1-1.5 hrsBy Car (Recommended)
Take Route 1 east from Jerusalem through the Judean Desert, then turn south onto Route 90 along the Dead Sea shore. The drive is about 90 km and takes 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. The descent is dramatic — you'll drop from 800m above sea level to -430m below, passing through increasingly barren and beautiful desert landscape. Ein Bokek is about 45 minutes south along Route 90 from the junction. Stop at the sea-level sign for a photo on the way down.
By Bus
Egged bus 486 runs from Jerusalem Central Bus Station to Ein Bokek. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around 38 NIS. Service is limited — buses run a few times per day, mostly in the morning and afternoon. Check the Egged website or Moovit app for current schedules. This is a budget option, but the limited schedule makes it difficult to explore beyond Ein Bokek.
Organized Tours
The most popular and convenient option for visitors without a car. Multiple operators offer day trips with hotel pickup from Jerusalem, typically including Masada sunrise, Dead Sea floating, and sometimes Ein Gedi or Qumran. Prices start around $45-69 per person. Operators include Abraham Tours, Tourist Israel, and Bein Harim.
From Tel Aviv
170 km, ~2 hrsBy Car — Route via Jerusalem
The standard route: take Route 1 east to Jerusalem (45 min), then continue on Route 1 through the Judean Desert and south on Route 90 to Ein Bokek. Total: about 170 km, 2 hours. This route passes near Jerusalem but bypasses the city center.
By Car — Route via Arad (Route 6)
An alternative: take the Route 6 toll road south, then Route 31 east through Arad to the Dead Sea. This avoids Jerusalem traffic entirely and can be faster depending on the time of day. The toll on Route 6 is approximately 20-30 NIS. Total: about 180 km, 2 hours.
By Bus
There is no direct bus from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea. You'll need to take a bus to Jerusalem first (bus 405 or 480, about 1 hour, ~16 NIS), then transfer to Egged bus 486 to Ein Bokek. The total journey is 3+ hours with transfers — not recommended unless budget is the only priority.
Organized Tours
Day trips from Tel Aviv are widely available with hotel pickup. The drive is longer (2+ hours each way), so most tours combine the Dead Sea with Masada to make the long day worthwhile. Expect to leave around 5-6 AM for the Masada sunrise option and return by 4-5 PM. Same operators as Jerusalem tours: Abraham Tours, Tourist Israel, Bein Harim.
From Eilat
200 km, ~2.5 hrsBy Car
Take Route 90 north along the Arava Valley. This is a beautiful, scenic desert drive through the rift valley with the Negev mountains on the left and the Jordanian border on the right. The road is well-maintained and mostly flat. Ein Bokek is about 200 km and 2.5 hours north. Stop at Yotvata for fresh dairy products — the kibbutz is famous across Israel for its chocolate milk.
By Bus
Egged buses run from Eilat northbound on Route 90 but schedules are infrequent. Check Moovit or Egged for current timetables. A rental car is strongly recommended for this route.
Getting Around the Dead Sea Area
A Car Is Essential
There is no public transport between Dead Sea sites. Masada, Ein Gedi, Ein Bokek, and Qumran are spread along Route 90 over a 60 km stretch. Without a car, you're limited to your hotel area or an organized tour.
Ein Bokek Is Walkable
The Ein Bokek resort strip itself is compact and walkable. Hotels, the public beach, restaurants, and mini-markets are all within a 15-minute walk along the main road. You don't need a car if you're staying in Ein Bokek and only want to float and relax.
Key Distances from Ein Bokek
Masada is 30 minutes south. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is 15 minutes north. Qumran is about 45 minutes north. The Ahava factory visitor center is 20 minutes north near Mitzpe Shalem.
Fuel & Services
There are gas stations at Ein Bokek and near Masada. A small supermarket (AM:PM / similar) is available in the Ein Bokek hotel zone. For anything substantial, the nearest city is Arad (30 minutes west) or Jerusalem (1 hour).
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay
Day Trip
- * Possible from: Jerusalem (easy) or Tel Aviv (long day)
- * Typical schedule: Leave 5-6 AM for Masada sunrise, float at Dead Sea until early afternoon, return by 4-5 PM
- * Pros: No hotel cost, covers the highlights
- * Cons: Rushed, tiring drive both ways, miss the sunset and evening calm
- * Best for: Tight schedules, organized tour groups
1-2 Nights
- * Day 1: Arrive, float at Ein Bokek, spa treatments, sunset by the water
- * Day 2: Masada sunrise, Ein Gedi hike, Qumran, another float
- * Pros: Relaxed pace, enjoy the Dead Sea at different times of day, spa access
- * Cons: Hotel costs (Ein Bokek hotels from $150-350/night)
- * Best for: Getting the full experience, wellness focus, couples
Rental Car Tips
- * Where to rent: Pick up at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem. Major agencies: Eldan, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt. Book in advance for best rates.
- * Budget: Expect 150-220 NIS per day (approximately $40-60 USD) for a compact car. Insurance is strongly recommended for the desert roads.
- * Extreme heat: Dead Sea area temperatures reach 45C+ in summer. Park in shade when possible. Check tire pressure before driving — extreme heat increases blowout risk. Keep water in the car at all times.
- * GPS / Navigation: Google Maps and Waze work well in Israel. Download offline maps as a backup — cell coverage can be patchy near the Dead Sea.
- * Road conditions: Route 90 along the Dead Sea is a good, paved two-lane road. Drive carefully — the road can be monotonous in the desert heat, and there are occasional camels or ibex near the road.
- * Parking: Free parking at Ein Bokek beach, Masada (with entrance ticket), and Ein Gedi. No meters or paid parking at Dead Sea attractions.
Book a Tour with Transport
The easiest option — hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, expert guide, and all logistics handled.
Masada Sunrise & Dead Sea Tour
Pre-dawn hotel pickup from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, Snake Path hike for sunrise at Masada, then float and relax at the Dead Sea. Includes transport, guide, and entrance fees.
Dead Sea Relaxation Day Trip
Full day at Ein Bokek with round-trip transport from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Float in the mineral waters, enjoy mud treatments, and relax at the free public beach.
Jerusalem, Masada & Dead Sea 2-Day Tour
Comprehensive 2-day tour covering Jerusalem Old City highlights on day one, then Masada sunrise and Dead Sea floating on day two. Hotel pickup and overnight included.
Recommended Tour Operators
Abraham Tours
Israel's most popular backpacker and mid-range tour company. Daily departures from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Excellent guides, good value. Masada + Dead Sea combo is their flagship tour.
Best for: Budget-friendly, daily departures
Tourist Israel
Large-scale tour operator with daily departures and multiple itinerary options. Offers Masada sunrise, Dead Sea relaxation, and combo tours including Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Best for: Wide selection, multiple languages
Bein Harim
Premium tour operator with smaller groups and experienced guides. Offers both day trips and multi-day tours including Dead Sea, Masada, and the Negev Desert.
Best for: Smaller groups, premium experience
Ready to Visit?
Explore everything the Dead Sea has to offer — from Masada sunrise to floating at sunset.