How to Plan Your Day Trip to Masada and the Dead Sea

Getting to Masada and the Dead Sea

Israel is a small country, not much bigger than New Jersey. The roads are in excellent condition, so getting around is fast, safe, and convenient.

We drove to the Dead Sea from Eilat, which is located at the southern tip of Israel. This is a drive that takes a little over two hours, if you take the direct route. Tim and I took the scenic route through the Negev Desert, so our journey lasted over four hours. Even so, we had enough time to visit Masada and float in the Dead Sea, but we had to be quick about it. Our day ended with a two hour drive to the Ben Gurion Airport since we had an early flight the next morning.

From Jerusalem, it only takes an hour and a half drive to Masada and the Dead Sea. To get there, you have the option of renting a car, hiring a taxi, or taking the bus. There are many tour options that take travelers to Masada and the Dead Sea from Jerusalem. For more details on how to take the bus to Masada, visit the Tourist Israel website. 

From Tel Aviv, it takes 2 to 2½ hours to get to Masada and the Dead Sea. For the best experience, either rent a car or join a tour. 

Here are several highly rated tours from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Visiting Masada

Masada is a fortress constructed on top of a rock plateau. Two thousand years ago, King Herod built a palace here. Roughly one hundred years later, a group of Jews took refuge at Masada, fleeing from the Romans. For seven years the Jews lived here, safe on the top of Masada from the Romans. During this time, the Romans were building a ramp to the top of Masada. Once the ramp was constructed, it was inevitable that the Romans would take the Jews prisoner. Rather than fall into the hands of the Romans, the Jews committed mass suicide, about 960 people in total.

Now, Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist sites in Israel.

There is a Visitor Center at the base of Masada. This is where entrance tickets are purchased. Entrance tickets cost NIS 31 for adults and NIS 17 for children. Get updated pricing and hours here.

The quickest and easiest way to the top is by cable car. Or for the crazy ones, like us, you can walk up to Masada via the Snake path for free. At the top, if you decide that you do not want to walk back down, you can take the cable car.

Hiking to the top of Masada

While the cable car whisks visitors to the top in just a matter of minutes, expect the climb to take a half an hour or more. During the hot summer months, this will be quite the accomplishment in the middle of the day. We were here in April and started the climb at 2 pm and temperatures were above 90°F (33°C).

Note: The Snake Path closes at 9 am on hot days. On days of extreme heat it closes at 8 am. As to the exact temperatures that constitute a hot vs. a very hot day, I don’t have any exact numbers, and this is not listed on the official website. Unless things have changed, 33°C must not fall into the “hot” category. 

The Snake Path is a combination of gravel trails and stone steps. It is a constant climb to the top. It is strenuous, especially in the heat of midday, but to watch the views over the Dead Sea unfold as you steadily climb higher is the reward. Sure, you’d get to see this in the cable car, but there is something special about completing the climb to the top of Masada.

Once on top of Masada (and after a quick break in the shade, if you can find any) you can begin your tour of the ruins of the fortress. View the ancient storehouses and homes. And marvel at the views over the Dead Sea and the Judaean Desert. Off to the east you will be able to see Jordan.

Second option to climb Masada: You can walk up the Roman Ramp, a much easier option, but it is not accessible from the Dead Sea highway. To get here, you will have to take a 40 minute detour to the western side of Masada.

Masada at Sunrise

Climbing Masada just before sunrise is another popular thing to do while in Israel. There are tours available from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, getting climbers to the base of Masada before sunrise. If you get your timing right, you will arrive at the top of Masada in time to watch the sunrise over the Dead Sea.

Masada Price List

Here are the prices to visit Masada and ride the cable car:

• Entrance Fee: Adult NIS 31; youth NIS 17
• Cable Car Round Trip: Adult NIS 46; youth NIS 28
• Cable Car One Way: Adult NIS 28; youth NIS 14

You can also get updated hours and pricing on the official website. 

Visiting the Dead Sea

From Masada, it is a 20 to 30 minute drive south to the Ein-Bokek free beach. There are changing rooms and showers here, all free of charge. For those just wanting to take a quick dip in the Dead Sea, this is the easiest (and cheapest) place to go.

For those with more time, consider going to Ein Gedi, a natural oasis on the banks of the Dead Sea. Another option is Mineral Beach, one of the best places to coat yourself with Dead Sea mud and then soak in the water.

Sign next to the Dead Sea Highway

Floating in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, sitting 1,400 feet below sea level. The water is almost ten times saltier than the ocean. This saltiness is what makes it so easy to float in the Dead Sea. The water has an oily appearance and coats your skin with an oily, salty film. Any nicks or cuts you may have will burn when they come into contact with the water.

Tim and I were surprised at how easy it was to float in this water. Just lower yourself in the water and pop! your feet come right to the surface. It’s like floating on a raft, only there is no raft!

Advice for Visiting the Dead Sea

Don’t shave for two days before swimming in the Dead Sea. Any nicks or cuts will sting from the salty water.

Do not get the water in your eyes. It burns!

Do not drink the water. It is very harmful to your health and tastes terrible (so I’ve heard).

Wear an old swimsuit. The salty water can discolor the fabric.

Have you been to the Dead Sea or Masada? Do you have any other advice for our readers? Comment below!

More Information for Your Trip to Israel

JERUSALEM: For information about Jerusalem, read our article Best Things to Do in Jerusalem. We also have a guide on how to visit Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock.

ISRAEL & JORDAN ITINERARY: In our 10 Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary, learn how to visit the highlights of both countries, with travel tips and essential planning information.

JORDAN: Learn about the best things to do in Petra and what it is like to visit Wadi Rum.

TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more travel ideas, here are 10 unique destinations to put on your travel wish list.

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