Thanks to ever-increasing international flights into Aqaba’s international airport in the south of Jordan, there is more and more demand for information about getting around in Jordan for those who arrive into Aqaba. Getting from Aqaba to the Dead Sea is not too complicated, as there really are limited options on how to do it.
If you are reading this post, you are probably wondering how to get from Aqaba from the Dead Sea, he lowest point on Earth. It is north of Aqaba, and is located on Jordan’s Western border with Israel.
The Dead Sea offers more Jordan beach options and offers more than a salty dip attraction for curious tourists. 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.
How to Get from Aqaba to the Dead Sea
Bus from Aqaba to the Dead Sea
JETT Bus does not offer direct service to the Dead Sea. It actually only offers really limited options to the Dead Sea at all, and that is only from Amman. If you want to go to the Dead Sea on a coach bus, you will need to go from Aqaba to Amman (there are several busses daily) and then take a daily tour which goes Amman – Dead Sea – Amman.
You can also take the JETT bus to Amman and then take a local bus from Mujaharin station as far as it goes towards the Dead Sea and then taxi the rest of the way.
Aqaba to Dead Sea Day Tour
An Aqaba Dead Sea day tour is another way to get to the Dead Sea from Aqaba where someone else does all the planning and you can sit back and relax and enjoy your day. Day tours from Aqaba to the Dead Sea are done by a few different operators.
Here are two options
Get Your Guide: One Day from Aqaba to Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib
This tour will take you to Wadi Mujib and then to the Dead Sea. It includes a buffet lunch as well as access to a 5* hotel pools and their private beach.
Viator: One Day PRIVATE TOUR from Aqaba to Dead Sea for Cruise Ship Passengers
This private tour is popular for cruise ship passengers and the pickup and drop off are right at the port. You will visit the Dead Sea in an air-conditioned vehicle and return to the port before the ship departs.
If you are based in Aqaba and want to check out the best day trips from Aqaba.
Aqaba to Dead Sea Taxi
There are a couple of ways to take a taxi from Aqaba to the Dead Sea. This depends on whether you are looking for a one-way fare or if you want to return to Aqaba at the end of the day. A taxi from Aqaba to the Dead Sea one way will be about USD100, which if you are in a group, can be an economical option.
Rental Car from Aqaba to Dead Sea
It is quite easy to rent a car in Aqaba and drive to the Dead Sea for the day. It takes just over 3 hours along the Kings Highway to reach the Dead Sea resorts and day-use areas. Most of the private beaches are in hotels that offer day passes. There are also private beach clubs. You do NOT have to pay to visit the Dead Sea, but the public beach does nto offer any changing or showering facilities, just a parking lot. Most visitors opt for a daypass at a beach club or hotel.
CLICK HERE TO GET A QUOTE ON A RENTAL CAR
Consider getting a local Jordan Sim Card so you have GPS and can stay connected, especially if you are planning on driving around Jordan.
Best Way to Get from Aqaba to the Dead Sea
The best way to get from Aqaba to the Dead Sea depends on your travel style, and your itinerary. If you are on a shoestring budget and have plenty of time, the bus will be your best bet. Sharing a taxi or a rental car is also an option.
If you are a couple or a family then a rental car or taxi is going to be your best bet. If you are driving yourself, you can leave Aqaba when you like and overnight in the Dead Sea. If you are not comfortable driving, then a one way or round trip taxi or one of the tours listed above are an option.
Where to Stay at the Dead Sea
I always suggest the Dead Sea Spa as a first choice. It is affordable, clean, has beach access and decent swimming pools. For those with a bigger budget the Marriott, Movenpick and Kempinski are right beside it.
For lower-end budgets, your hotel will not be on the beach and you will have to take a shuttle. That is why I always suggest trying to fit the Dead Sea Spa Hotel into your budget.
I have a post all about the best Dead Sea Hotels. I highly suggest you check it out for your stay on the Dead Sea.
More Jordan Resources
You will want to read these Dead Sea tips before your trip so you are fully prepared for your experience. Need to visit from Amman? Check out my post on getting to the Dead Sea from Amman. If you are looking for more day trip ideas from Aqaba check out day trips from Aqaba. If you are looking for more information on getting around in Jordan, check out how to get from Aqaba to Amman.
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.
Travel Insurance for Jordan
There are a few other things to think about when it comes to travel. The first thing is travel insurance. Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday.
I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.
You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.
