Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan is one a bucket list item for many visitors! There is something to be said about visiting the lowest point on earth and experiencing the surprising buoyancy of the Dead Sea. Unfortunately, there are NOT a lot of ways to get from Amman to Dead Sea. The Amman to Dead Sea distance is only about 45 minutes by car, but there is no reliable and frequent public transit options, which really limits your options if you are planning just a day trip from Amman to the Dead Sea.
However, having visited many times, I have put together everything you need to know about busses from Amman to the Dead Sea, private transportation, taxis and rental cars so you can weigh all of your Amman to Dead Sea options and ultimately choose whichever one is right for you!
How to Get from Amman to the Dead Sea
Amman to Dead Sea Options
There are a few options when visiting the Dead Sea from Amman. I have listed them below and go into more detail on each one
- Rental Car * Suggested option
- Taxi
- Private Driver
- Day Tour
- Stop on an organized tour
- Local bus
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. (Read more about Jordan Safety). 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 a Dead Sea day trip from Amman, it is only about 45 minutes and you can easily visit for a few hours and then drive back to Amman the same day!
Amman to Dead Sea Taxi
It is possibly to hire a taxi to take you for an Amman to Dead Sea daytrip. 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 Jordan Souvenirs.
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.
Day Tours from Amman to Dead Sea
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 here
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!
Amman to Dead Sea Bus
Unfortunately, the tour bus transportation in Jordan does not have a bus from Amman to the Dead Sea. But there is local mini-bus service. 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! But if you want to travel around Jordan on the cheap, and do not mind being packed into a mini bus, then a local bus is an experience in itself!
With a driving time of only 45 minutes from Amman to the Dead Sea, it is a worthwhile day trip or overnighter for anyone who is in Amman. It is one of my favourite places to spend some time, whether it is floating, covering ourselves with mud or even people watching! After a swim, I always enjoy a day at the resort, I let the kids play in the pool while I can have a day relaxing. Most of the resort also have evening entertainment as well as food. If you do have your own car, there is a mall close by that has quite a few restaurants. I went to the one that served wings and they were delicious! (and so were the drinks!).
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.
Any Questions about day trips from Amman to the Dead Sea? Let me know!
Further Reading:
What to know before visiting the Dead Sea: Do’s and Dont’s at the Dead Sea
Amman Ideas: Things to do in Amman
Visiting Amman with Kids: Guide to Amman with Kids and insider tips on things you will not find in a guide book
Independent travel in Jordan: How to get around in Jordan, Amman to Petra Bus Options
Packing List: What to Pack for Jordan in any season
Coming to Jordan from Egypt, read this guide on travel from Cairo to Amman.
Photo Credits: Dead Sea Floating by Jasmine Halki
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.