The Dead Sea and Masada
All the Dead Sea stops sit on the same line along Route 90: Kalia, Einot Tzukim, Nahal David, Masada and Ein Bokek with its hotel strip.
This is the most impressive trip you can make by public transport in Israel. Leave in the morning from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, and in one day see the sea, the desert, a canyon and an ancient fortress. If you want more, continue to Ein Bokek and stay a night in a hotel on the water.
Your options
Line 486 (Egged) from Jerusalem
Jerusalem to Ein Bokek (the hotels)
- Stops at Kalia, Einot Tzukim, Ein Gedi, Masada and Ein Bokek
- No reservation, just board
- Does not run on Shabbat
Line 444 (Egged)
Jerusalem to the Dead Sea to Eilat
- A comfortable line with roomier seats
- Stops at the Ein Gedi reserve, Masada and the Dead Sea hotels
- Reservation required before the trip
Line 421 (Egged) from Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea hotels and Masada
- Runs via Arad
- Reservation required
Alternative from Tel Aviv
Train to Jerusalem plus line 486
- Most comfortable if you start in Tel Aviv and prefer the train
- There is no Dead Sea service on Shabbat
The stops along the Dead Sea, south to north
Every stop here is a destination of its own. Pick what suits you, and you can easily spread it over two days rather than doing everything in one go.
Ein Bokek and the hotels
The hotel strip and the organised beaches of the Dead Sea: a public beach with showers, restaurants and spa hotels, and a good base for a sunrise trip to Masada.
Masada
Go up by cable car or on the Snake Path, and take in one of the most impressive views in the country.
Nahal David, Ein Gedi reserve
An easy trail with waterfalls, water all year round and ibex moving between the cliffs.
Einot Tzukim (Ein Fashkha)
Freshwater pools, plants and wildlife in the middle of the desert, plus a new visitor center.
Kalia Beach
An organised beach with the famous salty float, mineral mud, showers and a restaurant.
The bus stops on the side of Route 90, so signal the driver before your stop and get off only at the marked stations. Check the time of the last bus back before you set off on a trail.
How to build your day
- Coming from Jerusalem? The most efficient way is to start at the southernmost attraction, Ein Bokek or Masada, and then work your way back north towards Jerusalem.
- On the way back, stop wherever you feel like: Nahal David in Ein Gedi, Einot Tzukim or Kalia beach.
- Want a night on the water? Take a hotel room in Ein Bokek and spread the stops over two days.
Check the time of the last bus back before you set off. There is no Dead Sea service on Shabbat.
Fares
- From Jerusalem: about 14.5 ILS to Kalia and about 19 ILS to Ein Gedi, Masada and Ein Bokek.
- From Tel Aviv: about 32.5 ILS for a single ride.
- A daily pass is 37.5 ILS from Jerusalem and 60.5 ILS from Tel Aviv, and pays off if you get off at several stops.
Another beautiful place few people know: the Wadi Qelt reserve
Wadi Qelt (Nahal Prat) is one of the most beautiful reserves in the country: a desert canyon with springs, a waterfall and an ancient monastery carved into the rock. There is no regular bus service there, so it is reached by transfer or by car. Want it folded into a Dead Sea day? Talk to me and I will build it for you.
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If you would like a guided tour, a pickup from where you are staying, or just help building the route and the timing, I am here. We can plan it together before you set off.
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