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Getting Around

Getting Around

Israel And The Palestinian Territories

Public Transportation

Public buses are the most common way to get around the Dead Sea area if you do not have a rental car. Egged is the most common and reliable form of public transport. It provides intercity travel and connections to major sites. Buses run regularly along Route 90, serving locations like Ein Bokek, Ein Gedi, Masada, and towns like Arad and Dimona, which connect to Beersheba and Jerusalem.

Sheruts (shared taxis) operate on fixed routes. They depart when full and can be slightly faster than buses. Sheruts also operate on Shabbat, when buses do not. They are less common directly along the Dead Sea resorts but are prevalent for routes like Jerusalem to Jericho or Jerusalem to Beersheba.

Public Transport Info

  • Buses (Egged): Main intercity transport along Route 90.
  • Sheruts: Shared taxis on fixed routes, operate on Shabbat.
  • Hubs: Jerusalem Central Bus Station and Beersheba Central Bus Station.
  • Ticketing: Rav-Kav Card for cheapest fares; cash or credit card sometimes possible.

Operating Hours

Buses run early morning to late evening. No public buses on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).

Route Planning

Use the official Egged website or the Moovit app for up-to-date routes and schedules.

Accessibility

Modern Egged buses are generally accessible, featuring ramps or lifts.

Public Transport Tips

Efficiency
  • Download the Moovit app for real-time schedules and planning.
  • Purchase a Rav-Kav card upon arrival for extensive use.
  • Factor in Shabbat restrictions for weekend travel; public transport alters significantly.
Planning Ahead
  • Check return schedules, especially from sites like Masada, as evening buses can be infrequent.
  • For specific accessible routes, check with Egged directly in advance.
  • Consider sharing taxis for convenience during Shabbat or for direct routes.

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

White with a yellow roof sign. Required to use meters.

Hailing

Hail on street, find at stands, or call by phone.

Payment

Cash (ILS) preferred, some accept credit cards. Confirm upfront.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Gett and Yango are widely used. Uber partners with licensed taxis.

Rental Options

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the Dead Sea region. Understand the requirements and local driving laws.

Car Rental Basics

  • Companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Eldan, Shlomo Sixt.
  • Requirements: Valid national driver's license (1+ year), International Driving Permit (IDP), credit card for deposit.
  • Minimum Age: Typically 21-25, with potential surcharge for under 25.
  • Insurance: Third-party liability is mandatory. CDW and TP are highly recommended.

Driving & Parking

  • Road Conditions: Generally excellent, especially major highways like Route 90.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits enforced. Headlights during day on intercity roads.
  • Navigation: Waze and Google Maps are effective.
  • Parking: Free at resorts/national parks. Paid street parking (blue/white) in towns.

Motorcycle, Scooter, & Bicycle Rentals

  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals are less common for tourists and not ideal for long distances.
  • Bicycle sharing programs operate mainly in cities like Tel Aviv, not the Dead Sea region.
  • Some hotels may offer bicycles for local use.
  • Limited specific bicycle infrastructure exists; cycling mostly occurs on roads.
  • Extreme heat in summer makes cycling dangerous during peak hours.
  • No unique local vehicle options exist for tourists in the Dead Sea area.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-Friendly

Ein Bokek has a promenade. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve has designated walking and hiking trails.

Walking Tours

Guided tours are available for Masada and Ein Gedi, offering historical and natural insights.

Safety Notes

Stick to marked trails in nature reserves. Do not venture off-path in desert areas due to heat or uneven terrain.

Specialized Transportation

Some unique transport options serve specific attractions or tour preferences.

Tour Buses & Services

  • Organized Day Tours: Many from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv include Dead Sea, Masada, and Ein Gedi.
  • Convenient for those who prefer not to self-drive or navigate public transport.
  • Check tour itineraries for inclusion of specific sites and activities.
  • Pre-booking tours is often advisable, especially during peak season.

Water Transport & Funiculars

  • Boat Taxis/Water Transportation: Not applicable to the Dead Sea due to its landlocked and hypersaline nature.
  • Masada Cable Car: This access point is convenient for reaching the Masada fortress summit.
  • Accessibility: Masada cable car is accessible. Some Dead Sea beaches have ramps or special chairs.
  • Contact specific hotels or attractions in advance to confirm accessibility features.

Arrival Considerations

Air Travel

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the main international arrival point.

Allows for direct flights from many global hubs.

Land Crossings

Border crossings from Jordan, like Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, serve as entry points.

Requires attention to visa and departure tax rules.

No Sea Arrivals

The Dead Sea's landlocked nature and high salinity preclude sea or river transportation.

Focus on air and land travel for access.

Departure Checklist

Airport Departure
  • Arrive 3 hours before international flights at TLV.
  • Departure tax is typically included in air ticket prices.
  • Utilize TLV's full range of international airport facilities.
Land Border Departure
  • Allow 2-4 hours for land border crossings, especially Allenby/King Hussein Bridge.
  • Departure tax applies for land crossings (approx. ₪108, subject to change).
  • An additional Jordanian departure tax applies when leaving Jordan.

Important Reminders

  • Security checks at airports are thorough.
  • Check official border operating hours for variations.
  • Have cash ready for land border departure taxes.
  • Confirm vehicle requirements for rental cars before arrival.
  • Plan for Shabbat if using public transport during weekends.
  • Always prioritize safety on roads and trails.

Local Movement Summary

Navigating the Dead Sea region is diverse, with options for all preferences.

Public Transit Advantages

  • Cost-effective for intercity and site access.
  • Extensive Egged bus network along Route 90.
  • Rav-Kav card simplifies ticketing.
  • Moovit app for real-time tracking.

Taxis and Ride-Shares

  • Convenient for direct routes and when buses are limited.
  • Gett and Yango apps for easy booking.
  • Licensed taxis use meters for transparency.
  • Good alternative during Shabbat.

Car Rentals

Offers maximum flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace.

Walking & Cycling

Suitable for specific areas like Ein Bokek promenade or Ein Gedi trails.

Tour Services

Organized day tours simplify logistics for multi-site visits.

Final Travel Tips

Smart Planning
  • Always confirm current operating hours for public transport and attractions.
  • Be mindful of local traffic laws and road conditions.
  • For safety, stick to designated paths in nature reserves.
Stay Prepared
  • Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
  • Use sun protection diligently throughout your visit.
  • Keep emergency contacts readily available.

Your Travel Navigation

Whether by public bus, taxi, rental car, or on foot, the Dead Sea region offers diverse ways to explore its wonders.

Choose the option that best suits your travel style and itinerary for a memorable experience.