Day Trips to Masada from Jerusalem

Travelling from Jerusalem to Masada is quite an experience, in fact it's 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 travelling by car, bus, taxi or bicycle. At this destination you can enjoy the Roman baths, climb the Torre del Curtidor and enjoy the views from the mountain.

To access this archaeological site it is necessary to buy an entrance ticket, which costs around 8 euros. In addition, the most comfortable way to get to the top of this monument is by cable car, whose cabins offer breathtaking views. You can also walk up a path, but bear 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 shoes, 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 tour is conducted with an expert guide, who will introduce you to the history of the area.

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

This tour can be found from 94 euros, and usually lasts approximately 9 hours. Generally, you will be able to:

• See the ruins of King Herod's palaces. They are located in the archaeological site of Masada, on a mountain 450 metres 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 hike up, although the best excursions from Jerusalem usually include cable car rides.
• Enjoy a healing mud bath in the Dead Sea, near the ancient Jericho road. And 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: around 9 hours.
• Advantages: it is a very comprehensive sightseeing tour, ideal for appreciating 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're looking for an adventure that fuses sea, desert and mountains, this is one to consider. It's one of the best excursions from Jerusalem, ideal for small groups. The trip is usually in a minibus with all the comforts of home. All you have to worry about is resting, having fun and learning.

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

It's 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, there's nothing better than a mud bath in the Dead Sea. These tours usually start at 74 euros, so check in advance to see if entrance fees to the reserves are included.

Useful information

• Price: from 74 euros.
• Travel time: approximately 9 hours.
• Advantages: You will get the most out of it, visiting Ein Gedi.
• Disadvantages: Not recommended for short itineraries.

Public transport is a good way to explore Jerusalem and the surrounding area 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 transport is the best value for money.

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

To pay for the buses, I recommend you book online or purchase the Rav-Kav transportation card, which is a system that allows you to buy train, bus and metro rides in different Israeli cities. When you get on the bus, just hold the card up to a reader on the bus, and you can pay for your trip in comfort. 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. Alternatively, with your debit or credit card, you can also sign up for transport apps such as HopOn and the RavKavOnline electronic card app. They are available in the Apple Store and Play Store, and on the bus you just need to scan the QR code.

Useful information

• Price: from 5 euros.
• Journeytime: about two hours.
• Advantages: departure times are every two hours.
• Disadvantages: Does not run as well on the Sabbath.

The main advantage of visiting Masada on your own is that you're free to stay as long as you need to. In addition, you'll be able to organise a customised 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. Along the way you will pass through the desert, and you even have the option of stopping at Ein Gedi.

Note that these are desert roads, so you will only come across border passes every few kilometres. From a certain point you'll start to enjoy some magical scenery, so it's well worth it. I suggest leaving early so that you have plenty of time in Masada. There are several car rental companies in Jerusalem, such as Europcar and 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.
• Journeytime: about one hour.
• Advantages: You will enjoy more freedom, you can return whenever you want and you can organise the itinerary as you wish.
• Disadvantages: The driving rules are very different.

Travelling from Jerusalem to Masada by bicycle is quite an experience. It's a challenging seven-hour ride, and stops are recommended. While not recommended for everyone, adventurous people love this kind of experience. The Masada Mountains also lend themselves to biking, or combining it with hiking.

Some companies allow you to travel with your own bike, but you can also rent them from 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 mountain bikes start at 30 euros.
• Journeytime: about 7 hours.
• Advantages: ideal for challenging your body and enjoying the adrenaline rush.
• Disadvantages: You'll be very tired when you get to Masada, plus it's a forced journey. You probably won't even want to 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, the price per kilometre is almost 1 Euro. In addition, they charge around 20 euros per hour, when the driver has to wait. This means that the trip starts at 50 euros, only considering the one-way cost. In general, I recommend you to make sure that the taximeter is on, to save yourself a hard time. Keep in mind that during the Sabbath, prices go up and this is often 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 it takes at least 9 hours to get around Masada as it is worthwhile, and that is how long your taxi driver will have to wait for you. You can also pay and get another taxi back, although it is more difficult to find a taxi service in the area. You can try to negotiate a taxi from your hotel with a pick-up time, or ask to be picked up at a certain time.

If you're adventurous and like to experience other cultures, you might want to use the sherut. It's a form of transport that fuses the best of a taxi with a bus, has about 10 seats and is a shared service. Just stop it on the streets and hop on if there are seats available. It is distinguished by its distinctive yellow colour. You can save considerably, as it is as cheap as a bus, but with fewer people on board. The only drawback is that it is more common in Tel Aviv.

Useful information

• Price: from 50 euros one way, one kilometre in Israel costs 1 euro.
• Journeytime: about an hour.
• Advantages: You can take advantage of your taxi driver's suggestions, plus it's the only way to get around on the Sabbath.
• Disadvantages: It is very expensive and prices are more unstable, and it is generally recommended that the meter is 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, don't drink water, or bathe if you have wounds, sensitive skin or have waxed in the last few days. Don't overstay your welcome in the sea, and after you get out of the water, take a shower with fresh water to avoid burning.
• From the bus stations you can take routes connecting the two destinations, usually the 444 and 486.
• If you plan to stay overnight, there are comfortable hotels nearby.
• Note that the Masada Fortress has three entrances. The eastern entrance is taken via the Serpent's Path which is quite steep. You can also go up the western entrance, known as the Roman Ramp. Of course, some people prefer to choose the cable car ride up, 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 travelling over the weekend, be aware that the Sabbath paralyses certain Jewish areas and slows down internal and external transportation systems, including those going to Masada.
• Travel to Israel requires medical insurance, especially considering that Masada is located on a mountain with extreme outdoor activities.
• If it's your first time in Israel, opt for a professional guide who can make your visit more enjoyable.
• Be sure to bring comfortable sneakers, water or hydration, breathable fabric clothing and sunscreen, especially if you're going in summer.
• From March to October there is a sound and light show at the fortress, so take the opportunity to enjoy the local traditions.
• The fortress is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.