Shuttles to the Dead Sea and Masada - What to Know
The Dead Sea and Masada are among the most popular day-trip destinations - for groups of friends, families, company outings and tourists. The drive from central Israel takes about two hours or more, depending on where you start, and in a single day every decision about timing and stops affects how much you can actually see.
Departure time and the heat
Summer heat in the Judean Desert is intense, so trips in the hot season usually leave early in the morning and keep the strenuous activities, like climbing Masada, for the more comfortable hours. Arrange an early departure and make sure the vehicle has working air conditioning and the group brings enough water.
Planning the day
In one day you can combine Masada, a float in the Dead Sea and a stop at Ein Gedi or another site in the area. Decide in advance on the order of the stops and the time for each, including time to change, shower and take a meal break - these usually take longer than people expect.
The driver and waiting time
The vehicle and driver stay with the group all day, so it's important to define the return time in advance. Long waiting at one place is sometimes priced separately, so ask how it is calculated before you book.
What to settle in advance
- An exact number of passengers and the right vehicle size
- Departure time, the order of the stops and the return time
- A vehicle with working air conditioning - in the desert that is not a luxury
- Gear for the group: comfortable shoes, towels, a change of clothes and water
- How the vehicle's waiting time is calculated over the day
A day at the Dead Sea and Masada starts well when the journey is already comfortable - the whole group travelling together, with no parking hunt and no driver who has to save energy for the way back.
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