Amman to Dead Sea: 5 Ways to Get There

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There are 5 ways to get from Amman to Wadi Rum: rent a car and drive yourself, hire a driver or taxi, book a guided tour, or take the bus.

As someone who has spent the better part of a month road-tripping around Jordan solo, I know firsthand how confusing it can be to get around. So, I’ll clear things up for you!

The Dead Sea is high on your must-visit list (as it absolutely should be), and many travelers head straight there from Amman. It’s great to visit on its own or with other nearby sites, like my favorite, the Siq Trail at Wadi Mujib.

This iconic body of water isn’t just famous for its salt concentration that keeps you buoyant; it’s also renowned for its mineral-rich properties that are believed to offer healing benefits. 

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or considering an overnight stay, I have curated five easy ways for you to get from Amman to the Dead Sea.

How to Get from Amman to the Dead Sea

Amman to Dead Sea Distance: 37 miles / 60 km

Amman to Dead Sea Driving Time: 1 hour

Mode of Transportation	Duration (One-way)	Approximate Cost in USD	Best For
Self-Drive	1 hour	$20-40/day	Adventurous travelers who value freedom and flexibility
Taxi / Private Driver	1 hour	$35 one-way	Couples and groups
Guided Tour from Amman	Half Day – 2 Days	$99+	Solo travelers, travelers short on time, don’t want to plan
Private Bus	1.5 hours	$15 one-way	Backpackers, solo travelers, adventurous couples
Public Bus	2-3 hours	$6.50 one-way	Budget backpackers

👉 I love how easy it is to compare the major car rental companies to find the best price with this tool.

Dead Sea Beaches in Jordan

The best places to experience the Dead Sea in Jordan range from free options without any amenities to more high-end options with perks such as changing rooms, showers to wash the salt off, and fresh buckets of Dead Sea mud to use as a mask on your face and body.

Amman Beach is the closest point to visit the Dead Sea from Amman. An entrance fee of 25 JD ($35 USD) includes access to amenities like a restaurant, lounge chairs, basketball courts, a changing room, and towels for rent.

Keep driving, and you’ll find lots of beach options. 

There are many Dead Sea Resorts where you can enjoy all sorts of luxury amenities while enjoying stunning views of this natural wonder. The cost for this would vary depending on the resort you choose. However, many resorts also offer day passes so you can come and enjoy the amenities just for the day without the same price tag as an overnight stay.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these options for how to get from Amman to the Dead Sea.

1. Self-drive to the Dead Sea in a Rental Car

• Pros: Freedom to create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace; relatively affordable
• Cons: Amman traffic and aggressive drivers

The Amman to Dead Sea driving time via the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65) is about 1 hour without any stops. 

Renting a car and driving from Amman to the Dead Sea is a great option. I opted for this option during my 3.5 weeks of solo traveling around Jordan, and I recommend it!

Driving in Jordan is generally easy and safe, but Amman is more challenging than other parts of the country, so be careful getting out of town. I found the traffic to be quite stressful, but I managed.

Prices for rental cars usually range from $20-40 USD per day – I use Discover Cars to compare rental car costs to ensure you’re getting a great deal.

Renting a car gives you the most flexibility when traveling around Jordan, and you can get to some places that the bus doesn’t go to and travel on your own timeline.

With a car, you can make as many stops as you like on your way from Amman to the Dead Sea. Take it slow and enjoy everything that this beautiful country has to offer!

2. Amman to Dead Sea Taxi / Private Driver

• Pros: Convenient door-to-door service, local driver familiar with the route, comfortable, efficient
• Cons: Expensive, potential language barrier, may need to negotiate a fair price

Taxis in Jordan can accommodate up to four people, so if you want to save money, you can find other travelers who share with you.

I recommend booking a top-rated car service online. Or, arrange a taxi through your hotel, as they can help you negotiate a fair price and may already have drivers in mind whom they are familiar with. 

It’s important to agree upon pick-up and drop-off points in advance and the price before getting in the taxi.

The cost of a taxi from Queen Alia International Airport to the Dead Sea is usually around 20-25 JD ($35 USD) for a one-way trip. 

It can be tricky to find a taxi to take you back to Amman if you’re headed back the same day, so you may want to arrange round-trip transportation to avoid getting stuck or overcharged.

If you are looking for something more luxurious or want to be sure someone will be available when you need it, a private transfer service can be arranged for approximately 150-200 JD for a round-trip.

Uber and Careem are popular ridesharing apps in Amman, so you may get to the Dead Sea from Amman that way – just be mindful that you won’t be able to call an Uber to pick you up at the Dead Sea.

👉 My Top Picks for Accommodations in Amman: Carob Hostel (budget), Nu Fifty Two (mid-range), or Amman International Hotel (luxury)

3. Guided Tours of the Dead Sea from Amman

• Pros: Convenient door-to-door service, knowledgeable guide, opportunity to meet fellow travelers, well-planned itinerary
• Cons: Limited flexibility, more expensive, less independence, tight schedule

Visiting the Dead Sea from Amman with a guided private or group tour – is an incredible opportunity to get your floating on without any stress. 

This is the perfect option for travelers who are short on time or could be more confident getting around new places. 

I love taking tours while solo traveling because it’s an easy way to make friends, and I know I’ll be safe. Plus, you’ll have someone to take your picture while you’re floating!

Here are some highly-rated Dead Sea tours from Amman that I recommend:

• 2-day Small Group Tour – Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea
• 3-day Private Tour – Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Dana, and the Dead Sea
• Private Half-Day Tour to the Dead Sea from Amman 
• From Amman: Dead Sea and Madaba Tour with Hotel Pickup

4. Amman to Dead Sea Private Bus

• Pros: Cost-effective, environmentally friendly
• Cons: Limited flexibility, less comfortable

Unless you’re on an extremely tight budget and have extra time, I recommend this private JTT bus from Amman to the Dead Sea. It costs $15 USD each way.

Schedule: Catch it at 8:30 am from Abdali Jett or 9:00 am from the 7th Circle Jett Office (same bus, making two stops in Amman). The bus arrives at Movenpick Dead Sea around 10 am. The return bus leaves from Movenpick Dead Sea at 5 pm and arrives in Amman around 7 pm. Book at least a few days in advance, especially during peak season.

5. Public Bus to the Dead Sea from Amman

Taking a public mini-bus is your best option if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly way (besides hitchhiking) to get from Amman to the Dead Sea. 

However, the good price comes at a cost, and it will take 2-3 hours to get to the Dead Sea using this method.

Public buses in Amman typically depart from the Muhajireen bus station. 

These mini-buses will take you as far as the town of Rame; at this point, you’ll need to hail a taxi to reach your desired Dead Sea beach destination.

The bus journey should cost around 1JD ($1.50 USD), and the taxi ride is usually around 4JD ($6 USD) – be sure to negotiate a price before getting in the taxi!

Where to Stay by the Dead Sea

There aren’t any budget hostels on the Dead Sea, but plenty of mid-range and luxury options exist.

Here are some of the best places to stay near the Dead Sea:

• Safi Kitchen Farm Stay – this is the nearest budget option and an enjoyable farm stay in a small village where most tourists would never venture (I stayed here for one night and had a truly local experience with the owner’s family!). It’s about 45 minutes to an hour from the Dead Sea, depending on which part you want to go to.

• Dead Sea Spa Hotel – a mid-range hotel right on the Dead Sea, a great option if you want to stay on the Dead Sea, but don’t want to pay top prices.

• Mujib Chalets – great low-end luxury option if you also plan to visit Wadi Mujib.

• Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea – treat yourself to this luxury stay, one of the best in Jordan.

• Tell Madaba Hotel – I loved this mid-range stay in Madaba. It’s a family-run boutique hotel and a good launching point for other activities in the region.

Other Things to Do Near the Dead Sea

There’s more to do in Jordan than just relaxing at the Dead Sea – here are some of the best nearby places to visit:

• Madaba: This ancient city is renowned for its stunning mosaics and breathtaking views from Mount Nebo. It’s a great spot to explore the local culture, cuisine, and history and is a short drive from the Dead Sea.

• Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve: Wadi Mujib is a fantastic canyon in the south of Jordan near the Dead Sea that offers a unique and thrilling adventure. Take a dip in the refreshing water pools, explore the narrow passageways, and climb up rocky cliffs for some of the best views in Jordan.

• Ma’in Hot Springs: If you want to relax after an adventurous day out, head to Ma’in Hot Springs for some therapeutic healing waters. Here, you can soak in the natural mineral-rich pools, relax in a traditional Turkish Hammam, or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants.

• Mount Nebo: Mt. Nebo is considered the burial site of Moses and offers stunning views of Jerusalem and Jericho. This is an amazing spot to take some amazing sunset photos or just take in the breathtaking views of Jordan.

• Wadi Rum: Wadi Rum is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Jordan, and it’s a must-see for anyone wanting to explore this beautiful country. Here, you can experience stunning desert landscapes, ride camels, and even camp out under the stars for an unforgettable experience. I recommend you spend the night rather than doing it as a day trip!

🐴 I loved this horseback riding tour of the High Place of Sacrifice in Petra – it was a fun way to spend my second morning in Petra.

What to Bring to the Dead Sea

The climate is hot and dry, and the sun is powerful. Here are some essentials to bring for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

• Swimsuit: The Dead Sea is an excellent spot for floating, so make sure you bring along your swimsuit.

• Towel: You’ll need a towel to dry off after taking a dip in the salty waters. Most beaches will have towels available for rent if you don’t have one.

• Sandals or Water Shoes: The salt from the sea can be sharp on your feet, so it’s best to bring sandals or water shoes for extra protection. You won’t want to go in barefoot!

• Sunscreen: The sun is powerful in this area, so lather up with sunscreen and protect your skin from burning.

• Water: Ensure you stay hydrated by keeping a bottle of water on hand and drinking plenty throughout the day. (I use this filtered water bottle, which lets me have clean water anywhere I go)

• Snacks: Bring snacks so you don’t have to buy overpriced ones from the beach vendors.

• Newspaper: Want to take a funny photo? Grab a newspaper and float in the Dead Sea while pretending to read it!

Other Tips for Visiting The Dead Sea

Here are some helpful tips for your visit to the Dead Sea:

• Don’t get salt in your eyes or mouth – it tastes terrible and can be painful!
• Don’t shave on the same day, as the salt will sting.
• Don’t go in with any cuts or open wounds for the same reason.

FAQs: How to Get from Amman to the Dead Sea 

🇯🇴 Check out this 5-star-rated, 7-night Jordan tour. It includes all the highlights: Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. Enjoy a perfectly curated experience that lets you soak in Jordan’s beauty without the stress. 🐫

Wrap-Up: Best Way to Get to Dead Sea from Amman

The Dead Sea is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling in Jordan. You have several Amman to Dead Sea transportation options. 

One of the most flexible and scenic options is renting a car, allowing you to drive at your own pace and detour whenever something catches your eye. If you’d rather sit back, relax, and take in all Jordan offers, hiring a taxi or taking a private bus could be your choice. For those who want an all-inclusive experience with rich cultural insights, embarking on a guided tour might just be the ticket.

Whatever mode of transport you choose, one thing’s for certain – this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories etched into your heart. 

Don’t forget – Jordan is not just about its destinations but also the journey! 

Now it’s time for you to plan out your ultimate Jordan itinerary! Whether it’s soaking in therapeutic mud baths at the Dead Sea or enjoying an overnight stay under twinkling stars in Wadi Rum – let this guide serve as your compass toward an unforgettable Middle Eastern escapade. 

Safe travels!