Getting from Amman to the Dead Sea is not too complicated, as there really are limited options on how to do it. Whether you are planning on going to the Dead Sea from Amman as a day trip or as part of a one way itienrary through Jordan, it is relatively easy to visit. The distance from Amman to the Dead Sea distance is only about 45 minutes by car, but there are no reliable and frequent public transit options, which really limits your options when you are planning your trip.
So why is the Dead Sea so popular? It offers more than ticking off a bucketlist and taking a salty dip as a curious tourist. The air has a higher oxygen concentration in this area and its mineral-rich properties bring people from all over the world who are suffering from various types of skin diseases and rheumatism. There are several places to take a dip into the salty water, from hotel beaches, to private beach clubs, to public beach access.
How to Get from Amman to the Dead Sea
Amman to Dead Sea by Rental Car
My suggested method for visiting the Dead Sea from Amman is to rent a car and drive yourself there. A rental car in Jordan is about 25-30JD per day (depending on the car size etc) and once you are out of downtown Amman, it is highway driving from the 7th Circle in Amman to the Dead Sea. There are various checkpoints on the way, and as a visitor, I have never had more than a quick glance at my Canadian passport (and my kids in the back) and been waved through to continue. I personally suggest that if you have time, to actually spend a night at one of the many Dead Sea Hotels so you can enjoy a dip, then enjoy the amenities of the resort as well before returning to Amman or continuing on your Jordan self drive itinerary!
But if you only have time for an Amman to Dead Sea day trip, it is only about 45 minutes by car and you can easily visit for a few hours and then drive back to Amman the same day! It is also the perfect way to start or end an entire itinerary in Jordan.
Get more info on renting a car in Jordan.
Amman to Dead Sea Taxi
It is possible to hire a taxi to take you for an Amman to Dead Sea day trip. You can also take a one way fare, but it would probably be easier to negotiate to hire the driver for the day and then you have a ride back to Amman after you have finished visiting the Dead Sea. They might even be able to stop at a few souvenir shops outside of the hotel strip where you can purchase Dead Sea mud, as well as a lot of other souvenirs from Jordan.
It is very difficult to get a taxi out of the Dead Sea area unless arranged in advance, so I highly suggest you negotiate a round trip fare if you choose this route. Prices can vary but expect about JD75 for a day rate.
Private Driver
Similar to a taxi, you can hire a driver for the day to take you to the Dead Sea. I have been stopped on the street and offered cards from drivers, but your hotel can help you find something suitable most likely. Similar to taxi’s expect about JD75 for a day rate.
Here is an example of a private driver you can book online.
Amman to Dead Sea Day Tours
If you are not comfortable renting a car to drive to the Dead Sea, this would be the second option I would suggest. You can prebook a day tour from Amman to the Dead Sea and you will probably get more bang for your buck if you do a Madaba, Mount Nebo, Dead Sea tour.
Check out Tour Options:
Madaba, Nebo and Dead Sea Private Tour: This tour gives you entrance to Dead Sea Beach, as well as a visit to Mount Nebo and Madaba in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Amman and Dead Sea Tour: This tour offers a driving tour through Amman including a visit to the Amman Citadel and the markets. The tour then makes its way to the Dead Sea. It does not include entrance fees however so expect to pay entrance fees to the Amman Citadel and a private beach at the Dead Sea.
Madaba and Dead Sea Tour: This one includes a visit to Madaba and Saint George’s Church, as well as Mount Nebo, the baptism site and the Dead Sea. It does not include any entrance fees.
Visiting the Dead Sea as a stop on an Organized Tour
I love tours. I am not afraid to say it. All I have to do is choose a destination and let someone figure out all of the logistics for me! If you are like me and like this kind of travel, then a visit to the Dead Sea is likely on your itinerary! You will not have to worry about the logistics of getting there as your tour will likely include a day pass in one of the resorts where you can enjoy the amenities of the resort (like the pools etc) after you have experienced the Dead Sea!
Read more about Jordan tours
Overwhelmed with Planning a trip to Jordan?
Want to skip all of the planning and access my detailed Jordan Itinerary and Guide? I have been to Jordan several times and after being asked again and again for suggestions, not only did I build this website but I created an interactive PDF guide to help you plan the best trip to Jordan! It includes an interactive map, multiple itineraries for up to 10 days and as little as three days and plenty of practical information about renting a car and driving in Jordan. Get the guide by clicking the button below.
Amman to Dead Sea Bus
It is often hard to rememeber than Jordan is still an emerging market for tourism. While it seems like a no brainer that there would be busses around the country, moving tourists by bus has not developed much. Recently JETT has made mention of a dailly bus from Amman to the Dead Sea. However I have not seen recent options to book this online. You can inquire at JETT when you are in Jordan.
There is Amman to Dead Sea local mini-bus service for those wanting a local option or are on a backpacker budget. While I personally find this a bit of a hassle, you can take a bus from Mujaharin Station in downtown Amman to Rame and then taxi to wherever you wish to go at the Dead Sea. It is best to know a few words of Arabic if you plan on using local transportation in Jordan as each time I have hopped on one, the driver has not spoken any English! This is your cheapest option for a bus from Amman to the Dead Sea.
Where to Stay at the Dead Sea
Each of these hotels are located on the Dead Sea and have frontage at the beach. Many other hotels offer shuttles to the beach. If you want to be able to walk from your hotel room to float at the Dead Sea, choose one of these hotels! Many also offer day rates to use the pools and the beach. It is impossible to book online but you can call the hotels in advance to ask about the day rate. If you want my suggestion, spend a night at the Dead Sea Spa. By the time you pay for beach access for the day, you could book a room for the night for just a few extra dollars.
Dead Sea Spa is the most economical choice for a nice hotel on the beach. The pools are nice, the staff is friendly and the rooms are good. They have a small waterpark for kids and a larger waterslide, perfect if you are traveling with a family. The Dead Sea Spa has a good chunk of beach access with mud for guests. There are showers right by the Dead Sea to shower off or get water or mud out of your eyes (trust me it stings) and there are a few pools for swimming and lounging. They have evening entertainment on the outside deck and guests can opt for a breakfast only room, or breakfast and dinner options.
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea offer luxurious infinity pools and modern rooms. It boasts 20 acres of gardens and a massive spa. It has 9 restaurants and bars and features wifi inside and outside. It offers beach access to float at the Dead Sea as well as a kids club. It offers packages with breakfast and breakfast and dinner.
Marriott Dead Sea is one of the most expensive places to stay, but the property is stunning. It offers high end luxuries and a beautifully manicured property. It is located on the Dead Sea with beach access for floating.
Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa is popular for loyal Hilton members. It offers luxurious, modern rooms, multiple bars, two swimming pools, private beach access and a fitness centre. Rooms can be booked with breakfast only or breakfast and dinner. If you choose the Hilton, you will not regret the upscale atmosphere. There is also a kids club for those traveling with kids. This gives mom and dad a break or time to float at the Dead Sea, as few kids enjoy the experience.
Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Resort and Spa often offers rates that are close to that of Dead Sea Spa but you get that little bit of extra 5* service. It offers a luxurious feel and modern rooms. It also caters to families.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is also one of the most beautiful properties on the Dead Sea. Its pools offer ultimate relaxation and views of the Dead Sea below. It is exceptionally clean and staff are friendly. It offers beach access for guests to float.
Ramada Resort Dead Sea is an economical option at the Dead Sea, but it is not located on the beach. It is a nice hotel, rated as a 4 star. It has two pools, one of which is heated in the winter. There is a shuttle that will take you to a private beach that runs all day. You can also walk if you do not mind. If you are visiting on a budget, this is probably your best option, but compare it to the other 4 star properties.
Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea is one of the most economical options to stay at the Dead Sea. The one downside to this hotel is that it is located across the street from the Dead Sea so it does not have direct beach access. For the price, I personally think you are better off with the Dead Sea Spa.
Read more details on each of these hotels and more on my post about the Best Dead Sea Hotels
More Jordan Resources
You will want to read these Dead Sea tips before your trip so you are fully prepared for your experience.
5 Things to Bring with You to Jordan
I have always been a guide book person and physically having that book in your hand as you plan your day, in addition to blogs like this one, can help immensely. Pick up a Lonely Planet Guide to Jordan (or the kindle version) before your trip to Jordan.
Whether you want to keep the sun off your head or want to show a little modesty, a scarf goes a long way in Jordan any time of the year. You can bring one with you or pick up one when you arrive, but don’t leave your hotel in the morning without it! It can serve as a hat to keep the sun off your head and neck in the summer and can add some warmth in winder and can offer modesty to cover shoulders for women.
A Grayl Water Bottle is something I recommend for every traveller, not just those going to the Middle East. Some people say the water is safe to drink from the tap, others say it is not; it is not something I am going to chance. And Jordan has a HUGE garbage problem. The streets, the forests and even the desert are littered with plastic bottles.
If you consider drinking at least 1-2 big water bottles a day while you are there, think of how much plastic that creates when every visitor and the population’s 9 million people do the same. With a Grayl, you can filter any tap water (or actually any water source) and have clean drinking water in seconds. Since most people travel with water bottles already, consider one like this with a filter so that you are not just pouring from big water bottles to small. It might sound expensive, but when you compare it to spending a few dollars per day on water while you travel (and do not forget how expensive the water is inside airports), you will pay for this very quickly.
An inexpensive Universal Travel Adapter is another must for Jordan. You will find an assortment of 220V plugs, from European 2 pin, another style of 2 pin and UK Plugs. While European 2 pin is most common, it is best to carry one of these adapters with you. With a handy USB input, you do not need to bring your plugs from home.
Kleenex or Wipes are another thing to put on your list. Jordan’s public washrooms (and even restraint or hotel lobby washrooms can often be unstocked. Unless you are good with a bidet sprayer, bring yourself some kleenex or wipes just in case! You will find that most washrooms in tourist sites and rest stops have an attendant that will give you toilet paper and paper towel for a small tip. Usually half a dinar is fine.
In Jordan, the plumbing is not set up to handle toilet paper. Every bathroom (even hotels) you should use the garbage can beside the toilet for your toilet paper and any sanitary products.
Motion Sickness Pills might be needed if you are prone to motion sickness and plan on traveling by bus or in the back of the car. There are many windy, hilly and bumpy roads in Jordan. Sea Bands might work for you if you are prone to motion sickness.
