How to Get to Masada from Jerusalem

Traveling from Jerusalem to Masada is quite an experience; in fact, it is one of the best things to do in the city. It is located about an hour away and holds the secrets of the ancient Palace of Herod. A tour is a good way to get there, but there are other alternatives such as traveling by car, bus, taxi, or bicycle. At this destination, you can enjoy the Roman baths, climb the Tower of the Tanners, and take in the views from the mountain.

To access this archaeological site, you need to buy a ticket, which costs around €8. In addition, the most comfortable way to reach the top of this monument is by cable car, whose cabins offer breathtaking views. You can also walk up a trail, but keep in mind that it is very steep. If you prefer, you can combine this experience with stops at the Dead Sea and the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.

Get ready to leave Jerusalem for a fascinating historical destination. I recommend bringing water, comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Transportation is usually provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you don't have to worry about a thing. In addition, these types of excursions are led by an expert guide who will give you insight into the history of the area.

Keep your eyes peeled, as the car journey takes you through the Judean Desert. You may even pass by the biblical location where the parable of the Good Samaritan is believed to have taken place.

This getaway is available from $94 and usually lasts approximately 9 hours. You will generally be able to:

• See the ruins of King Herod's palaces. They are located at the Masada archaeological site, on a mountain 450 meters above sea level. Here you can learn more about its fascinating history.
• Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the mountain. You can walk up, although the best excursions from Jerusalem usually include cable car rides.
• Enjoy a healing mud bath in the Dead Sea, near the ancient route to Jericho. What's more, thanks to the high salt content of this river paradise, your body will float effortlessly.

Useful information

• Price: from $94.
• Duration of the trip: around 9 hours.
• Advantages: this is a very comprehensive tour, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views from the top of Masada and relaxing in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.
• Disadvantages: bathing in the Dead Sea is not recommended for people with sensitive skin.

If you want to enjoy an adventure that combines sea, desert, and mountains, you should consider this option. It is one of the best excursions from Jerusalem, ideal for small groups. The trip is usually made in a comfortable minibus. All you have to worry about is relaxing, having fun, and learning.

These types of experiences start very early, so you will have to get up early. This way, you can spend nine hours visiting three iconic Israeli locations. You will usually arrive at Masada and take a cable car up to explore the ruins. Meanwhile, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Dead Sea, and afterwards, you will probably visit the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, where you will find a paradise oasis surrounded by hiking trails.

It is very close to the Botanical Garden and the Qumran Caves, which are worth a visit if you have more time. If you want to return home completely relaxed, there is nothing better than taking a mud bath in the Dead Sea. These types of excursions usually start at $74, and I recommend checking in advance if admission to the reserves is included.

Useful information

• Price: from $74.
• Duration of the trip: approximately 9 hours.
• Advantages: you can make the most of your trip by visiting Ein Gedi.
• Disadvantages: not recommended for short itineraries.

Public transportation is a good option for exploring Jerusalem and its surroundings on your own. The journey takes at least two hours and is usually operated by the Egged bus company. You can book your tickets in advance or even buy them at the last minute. This means of transportation is the best option in terms of value for money.

Fares are fixed and range from €5 to €7, so it's very difficult to get ripped off. You won't have to haggle for the best price or get up early, as there are multiple departures every two hours. The only downside to this option is that there are very few buses during the Sabbath, i.e. from Friday afternoon to Saturday night.

To pay for buses, I recommend booking online or purchasing the Rav-Kav transport card, which is a system that allows you to buy train, bus, and subway tickets in different Israeli cities. When you board, you just have to tap your card on a reader on the bus to pay for your trip. You can also choose a weekly pass so you don't have to worry about it. They are usually sold at subway and bus stations. Alternatively, with your debit or credit card, you can also sign up for transport apps such as HopOn and the RavKavOnline electronic card app. These are available from the Apple Store and Play Store. On the bus, you just need to scan the QR code.

Useful information

• Price: from €5.
• Journey time: around two hours.
• Advantages: there are departures every two hours.
• Disadvantages: does not run as well on the Sabbath.

The main advantage of visiting Masada on your own is that you'll have the freedom to stay as long as you need. You can also organize a personalized itinerary with unusual stops. It will take you about an hour to reach your destination via Route 1 and Al Bahr Al Mayet. On the way, you'll pass through the desert, and you even have the option of stopping at Ein Gedi.

Keep in mind that these are desert roads, so you will only encounter border crossings every few miles. At a certain point, you will begin to enjoy magical landscapes, so it is well worth the trip. I suggest leaving early so that you have enough time in Masada. There are different companies where you can rent cars in Jerusalem, such as Europcar or Goldcar. Driving rules in the country are very different from what you are used to in other places.

To make the most of this trip, you can visit the fortress or venture out for new experiences, such as the Roman baths next to the Water Gate. You can also climb the Tanner's Tower, where the fabrics for Herod's costumes were woven. There is even a small part of the palace that has been preserved over time.

Useful information

• Price: from $24 per day.
• Duration of the trip: around one hour.
• Advantages: you'll enjoy greater freedom, you can return when you want, and you can organize the itinerary to suit you.
• Disadvantages: driving rules are very different.

Traveling from Jerusalem to Masada by bike is quite an experience. It is a challenging seven-hour journey, during which it is recommended to make stops. Although not recommended for everyone, adventurous people love this type of experience. In addition, the mountains of Masada are also ideal for biking or combining it with hiking.

Some companies allow you to travel with your own bike, although you can also rent them at your hotel or from companies such as Sovoo Bike Rental. Another alternative is to take advantage of the best tours in Jerusalem and go on a guided sports tour with locals who know the area.

Useful information

• Price: from $20. Keep in mind that mountain bikes start at $30.
• Duration of the trip: around 7 hours.
• Advantages: it's ideal for challenging your body and enjoying the adrenaline rush.
• Disadvantages: you will be very tired when you arrive at Masada, and it is a strenuous trip. You probably won't even want to take a look at the monuments. Of course, it all depends on your physical condition; this activity is only recommended for professional cyclists.

The most expensive option is to travel by taxi, which costs almost €1 per kilometer. In addition, you will be charged around €20 per hour when the driver has to wait. This means that the trip will cost at least €50, just for the one-way fare. In general, I recommend making sure that the meter is turned on to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Keep in mind that prices go up on the Sabbath and this is often the only option available to take advantage of the best things to do in Jerusalem.

Taxis are easy to spot as they are white with a blue sign. Another important thing to note is that touring Masada as it deserves takes at least 9 hours, and that is how long your taxi driver will have to wait for you. You can also pay and find another taxi for the return trip, although it is more difficult to find service in the area. You can try to negotiate a taxi from your hotel with a pick-up time, or ask them to pick you up at a certain time.

If you are adventurous and like to learn about other cultures, you may want to try the sherut. It is a means of transportation that combines the best of a taxi and a bus, has about 10 seats, and is a shared service. Just flag one down on the street and hop on if there are seats available. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive yellow color. You can save a lot of money, as they are as cheap as buses but with fewer people on board. The only downside is that they are more common in Tel Aviv.

Useful information

• Price: from $50 for a one-way taxi, each kilometer in Israel costs $1.
• Journey time: around one hour.
• Advantages: you can take advantage of your taxi driver's suggestions, and it is the only way to get around on the Sabbath.
• Disadvantages: it is very expensive and prices are more unstable; it is generally recommended that the meter be turned on at the start of the journey.

• To bathe in the Dead Sea and enjoy the experience to the fullest, avoid putting your head in the water. Also, do not drink the water or bathe if you have wounds, sensitive skin, or have shaved in the last few days. Do not stay in the sea longer than necessary, and after getting out of the water, shower with fresh water to avoid burning.
• From the bus stations, you can take the routes that connect both destinations, usually line 444 and line 486.
• If you plan to stay overnight, there are comfortable hotels in the surrounding area.
• Keep in mind that the Masada fortress has three entrances. The east entrance is via the Snake Path, which is quite steep. You can also go up via the western entrance, known as the Roman Ramp. Of course, some people prefer to take the cable car, which is more comfortable and faster.
• If you plan to spend more than 3 days in Jerusalem, you should consider this getaway. But if you are traveling on the weekend, keep in mind that the Sabbath paralyzes certain Jewish areas and delays internal and external transportation systems, including those going to Masada.
• To travel to Israel, you need medical insurance, especially considering that Masada is located on a mountain with extreme outdoor activities.
• If this is your first time in Israel, opt for a professional guide who can make your visit more enjoyable.
• Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers, bring water or hydration, breathable clothing, and sunscreen, especially if you are visiting in the summer.
• From March to October, there is a light and sound show at the fortress, which I recommend taking advantage of to enjoy the local traditions.
• The fortress is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.