Day Trips 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 Herod's ancient palace. An excursion is a good way to get there, however there are other alternatives such as traveling by car, bus, cab or bicycle. In this destination you can enjoy the Roman baths, climb the Torre del Curtidor and delight yourself with the views offered by the mountain.

To access this archaeological site is necessary to buy the entrance fee, which is around 8 euros. Additionally, the most comfortable way to climb to the top of this monument is in a cable car, whose cabins offer breathtaking views. You can also walk up a path, 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 and historic destination. I recommend you bring water, comfortable sneakers, a hat and sunscreen to make the most of the experience. Transfer is usually provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you don't have to worry about anything. In addition, this type of excursion is conducted with an expert guide, who will introduce you to the history of the area.

Keep your eyes peeled, as the driving tour 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 can be found from 94 euros, and usually last approximately 9 hours. Generally, you will be able to:

• Get to know the ruins of King Herod's palaces. They are located in the archaeological site of Masada, on a mountain 450 meters above sea level. Here you can delve into its history, which is very interesting.
• Get amazing views from the top of the mountain. You can walk up, although the best excursions from Jerusalem usually include cable car rides.
• You can enjoy a healing mud bath in the Dead Sea, near the ancient Jericho road. Also, because of the amount of salt in this river paradise, your body will float effortlessly.

Useful information

• Price: from 94 euros.
• Duration of the trip: about 9 hours.
• Advantages: it is a very complete sightseeing tour, ideal to appreciate the panoramic views from the top of Masada and relax 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 fuses sea, desert and mountains, you have to consider this option. It is one of the best excursions from Jerusalem, ideal for small groups. Generally, the trip is done in a minibus with all the comforts. You will only have to worry about resting, having fun and learning.

This type of experience starts very early in the morning, so you will have to get up early. This way, you will be able to spend 9 hours at three iconic Israeli locations. Generally, you will arrive at Masada and take the cable car up to explore the ruins. In the meantime, you will enjoy the panoramic views that showcase the beauty of the Dead Sea, and then you will probably go to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, where you will find a paradisiacal oasis surrounded by trekking areas.

It is very close to the Botanical Gardens and the Qumran Caves, which are worth a look if you have more time. If you want to return home completely relaxed, nothing better than taking a mud bath in the Dead Sea. Generally, these types of excursions start at 74 euros, I recommend you check in advance if the entrance fees to the reserves are included.

Useful information

• Price: from 74 euros.
• Duration of the trip: approximately 9 hours.
• Advantages: you will be able to make the most of it, visiting Ein Gedi.
• Disadvantages: not recommended for short itineraries.

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

Fares are fixed and range from 5 to 7 euros, so it is very difficult to get ripped off. You will not have to bargain for the best price, nor get up early because there are multiple schedules every two hours. The only thing about this option is that there are very few buses during the Sabbath, that is, from Friday afternoon to Saturday night.

To pay for the buses I recommend you to book online or purchase the Rav-Kav transportation card, which is a system that allows you to buy train, bus and subway rides in different Israeli cities. When you get on the bus, you only have to bring the card to a reader on the bus to pay for your trip comfortably. You can also choose a weekly pass so you don't have to worry about it. They are usually sold at metro and bus stations. On the other hand, with your debit or credit card, you can also join transportation apps such as HopOn and the RavKavOnline electronic card app. They are available on Apple Store and Play Store, on the bus you just need to scan the QR code.

Useful information

• Price: from 5 euros.
• Travel time: about two hours.
• Advantages: there are departure times every two hours.
• Disadvantages: does not run as well during the Sabbath.

The main advantage of visiting Masada on your own is that you will be free to stay as long as you need. In addition, you will be able to organize a personalized itinerary with out-of-the-ordinary stops. It will take you about an hour to reach your destination, via Road 1 and Al Bahr Al Mayet. On the way you will pass through the desert, and you even have the option to stop at Ein Gedi.

Please note that these are desert roads, so you will only encounter border passes every few kilometers. From a certain point you will start to enjoy magical landscapes, so it is worth it. I suggest you leave early so that you have enough time in Masada. There are different companies with which you can rent a car in Jerusalem, such as Europcar or Goldcar. The driving rules in the country are very different from what is customary in other places.

To make the most of this trip you can visit the fortress or venture into new experiences, such as the Roman baths by 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, which has been preserved over time.

Useful information

• Price: from 24 euros per day.
• Travel time: about one hour.
• Advantages: you will enjoy more freedom, you can return whenever you want and organize the itinerary as you wish.
• Disadvantages: driving rules are very different.

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

Some companies allow you to travel with your own bicycle, 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, to take a sports tour guided by locals who know the area.

Useful information

• Price: from 20 euros. Note that the price of mountain bikes starts at 30 euros.
• Duration of the trip: about 7 hours.
• Advantages: it is ideal to challenge your body and enjoy the adrenaline to the fullest.
• Disadvantages: when you get to Masada you will be very tired, plus it is a forced 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 cab, the price per kilometer is almost 1 euro. In addition, they charge around 20 euros per hour, when the driver has to wait. It means that the trip starts from 50 euros, only considering the one way cost. In general, I recommend you to make sure that the taximeter is turned on, to save yourself a hard time. Keep in mind that during the Sabbath the prices go up and it is usually the only option available to take advantage of the best things to do in Jerusalem.

Taxis are easily distinguishable, as they are white with a blue sign. Another important fact is that touring Masada as it deserves it, takes at least 9 hours and that is how long your cab driver will have to wait for you. You can also pay and look for another cab back, although in the area it is more complicated to find the service. You can try to negotiate a cab from the hotel with a pick-up time, or ask to be picked up at a certain time.

If you are adventurous and like to learn about other cultures, perhaps you can use the sherut. It is a means of transportation that merges the best of a cab with a bus, has about 10 seats and is a shared service. You just have to stop it in the streets and get on if there are seats available. It is distinguished by its peculiar yellow color. You will be able to save considerably, as it is as cheap as a bus, but with fewer people on board. The only drawback is that it tends to be more common in Tel Aviv.

Useful information

• Price: from 50 euros one way cab, one kilometer in Israel costs 1 euro.
• Travel time: about one hour.
• Advantages: you can take advantage of your cab driver's suggestions, plus it is the only way to get around on the Sabbath.
• Disadvantages: it is very expensive and the prices are more unstable, in general it is recommended that the taximeter is turned on at the beginning of the trip.

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