The most convenient way to visit the Dead Sea and Masada is of course to book a private tour, the guide will pick you up and you have no worries.
If you want to drive yourself you can do so by renting a car (note: rental car offoces are closed on on Shabbat!).
From Tel Aviv you have two options to get to the Dead Sea, you either follow Highway 1, which passes Jerusalem, and continue south on route 90 or you take the southern, more scenic route, via Highway 6 (a toll way), route 31 and then route 90 to the north.
Swimming / floating in The Dead Sea.
North of the Dead Sea, Kalia beach. These private beaches are the closest to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. They all ask for an entrance fee of about NIS 60 to NIS 90. Which is reasonable if you stay the whole day, if your goal is a 20 minutes float you can try to get something of the price by calling them: Neve Midbar, Biankini or Kalia.
The most famous public Dead Sea beach used to be Ein Gedi. The place is closed to the public now because of the many sinkholes in the area that appear because the water level of the Dead Sea gets lower and lower.
If you want to visit a public beach you have to go all the way to the southern part of the Dead Sea, to Ein Bokek. Some parking is free, most parking is paid (NIS 20). You can follow the sign “Public Beach” or go to any of the hotels. Their beraches are open to the public and you can use the showers, toilets and changing rooms on the beach. The hotels will charge you for using their facilities inside the hotel and a chair or bed on the beach. A good beach is in front of the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel.
Masada
This is the most visited paid site in Israel, so if you are here, why not visit as well.
You have 3 options te get up to the 2000 year old fortress from the time of King herod.
From the west side you can walk up the ramp in about 15 minutes and from the east side you either take the snake path for a 45 minute walk or take the cable car.
Getting up Masada to see the sunrise is a popular activity. You have to get up very early or book a night in the Hostel at the foot of the mountains.
Masad is a National park and charges an entrance fee, more info on: parks.org.il.
Public transportation
Check the website of the public bus company Egged for bus numbers and departure times.
Organised bus tours
Day tours with Bein Harim,including pick up from your hotel in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Netanya or Herzliya
Let me know if you any questions or so any information that is not correct so I can edit this page.
Hi there and congratulations with your decision to visit Israel.
I will be happy to share my time, knowledge and experiences with you if your goal is to have an interesting , pleasant and amusing stay in Israel.
This is a truly unique destination because of its history, geography, biodiversity and political impact on the world we live in. To use a tour guide during your visit is another good decision and will make your stay more fascinating, thought-provoking, stimulating and your memories
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