How to get to the Dead Sea (and Masada)
The Ein Bokek hotel area is about 1.5 hours from Jerusalem and 2 hours from Tel Aviv or Ben Gurion. There is no train; buses need a change and stop on Shabbat. A private car costs $440 from Jerusalem and $565 from Ben Gurion per sedan; Masada is 15 minutes north of Ein Bokek. Prices checked .
Where to go: Ein Bokek, Ein Gedi or the north
Ein Bokek, on the southern basin, is where most Dead Sea hotels are, with free public beaches between them. Ein Gedi, further north, has a nature reserve and a kibbutz hotel. The northern beaches (Kalia, Biankini) are closest to Jerusalem — about 40 minutes. Tell us which one; we price from the closest route.
Masada in the same trip
Masada National Park is about 15 minutes north of Ein Bokek. Go up by cable car or on the Snake Path early in the day, then swim. Our Masada and Dead Sea day trips include the driver waiting; on a one-way transfer stops up to 30 minutes are free and a longer visit is added as waiting.
Safety in the water
Do not put your head under water and do not swim on your stomach — the water burns the eyes and is dangerous if swallowed. Rinse in fresh water after bathing, drink plenty, and avoid the midday heat in summer. Follow lifeguard flags at the public beaches.
Getting there
From Jerusalem: Route 1 down to the Dead Sea and Route 90 south (about 1.5 h). From Tel Aviv or Ben Gurion: via Jerusalem, or via Route 6 and Arad (about 2 h). From Eilat: Route 90 north through the Arava (about 2 h 45 min).
Questions
Can I visit the Dead Sea as a day trip from Tel Aviv?
Yes — about 2 hours each way. Our Masada and Dead Sea day trip from Tel Aviv costs $840 per car (sedan) for the whole day with the driver waiting.
Which is better, Ein Bokek or Ein Gedi?
Ein Bokek for hotels and easy beach access; Ein Gedi for the nature reserve and quieter surroundings. Both are on Route 90 and we drive to either.