How to Get from Amman to the Dead Sea: A Complete Guide

Everyone plans a different trip to Jordan – and that’s what makes it such a special destination. What you enjoy doing and where you visit will be different from everyone else. Some travelers will choose to base themselves in Amman, rather than doing a loop itinerary to other destinations.

In that case, you might wonder how to reach those destinations – like Petra, Wadi Rum, or the Dead Sea – from Amman. In this post, I’ll cover how to get from Amman to the Dead Sea specifically.

I first visited Jordan in 2016 on a tour and am planning my next trip in early 2022. I fell in love with the country and love encouraging others to explore it however they feel most comfortable.

In my guide for getting to the Dead Sea from Amman, you’ll see the options – tours, buses, taxis, private drivers – and I provide a suggestion for what I think is the best way to get from Amman to the Dead Sea. After reading, you’ll know all of your options and can choose which one works best for your timeline and budget.

Amman to Dead Sea Tours 

Tours are a great way to get to know any place in the world. Someone has already figured out the logistics, and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy learning about your surroundings. The Dead Sea is no exception to the tour rule. As such a popular destination, there is a generous tour offer for travelers looking to get from Amman to the Dead Sea. 

Time-wise, getting from Amman to the Dead Sea is easy as it only takes a one or two-hour drive. So how long a tour takes to actually get to the Dead Sea depends on the stops and activities included. On average, full-day tours last five to ten hours. The shorter ones go directly from your hotel to the Dead Sea, where you can spend the day relaxing on one of the beaches and enjoying the health benefits of the mud. 

Longer tours usually include stops at other Jordan highlights, like Jerash, Madaba, and Mount Nebo. But there are long tours that focus on the Dead Sea experience only, offering plenty of time to swim the salty waters and relax in the five-star resorts. 

Regarding prices, most tours range from $100-$220 per person. Be aware some tours don’t include entrance fees for beaches and other sites, which would be an extra cost for travelers.  Here are some tours to inspire you, all available on GetYourGuide:

Buses from Amman to the Dead Sea 

Jordan’s public transportation is not exactly the best. However, travelers have two options to get to the Dead Sea from Amman. 

JETT has recently started offering bus service to get from Amman to the Dead Sea, with one bus leaving Abdali station, from the 3rd circle at 8:30 am, and another one from the 7th circle at 9:00 am. Both buses return at 4:00 pm, and the round-trip costs 12JD ($17). Be sure to check availability on their website. 

If you want to interact with locals and get a glimpse of their life, there is an Amman to Dead Sea local mini-bus service. These mini-buses leave from Mujaharin Station in downtown Amman, but they only get to Rame. From there, travelers need to take a taxi to the Dead Sea or any other destination. The bus journey will cost around 1JD ($1.50), and the taxi ride is usually around 4JD ($6).

To get by like a local, you’ll benefit if you have a few Arabic words under your sleeve. Most drivers don’t speak English, so there’s a high chance your communication won’t flow easily. Also, Jordan’s busy stations don’t always have fixed timetables, which you should consider if choosing this option. 

Amman to Dead Sea Taxi Options 

Amman to Dead Sea taxis is another option to get to the lowest point on earth. Taking a taxi is more convenient for travelers on a budget as they are cheaper than private drivers. The only downside is that they are less flexible if you want to stop for pictures or souvenir shopping. 

The first thing to know, there are two types of taxis in Amman: service and regular taxis. Service taxis are white and drive a specific route with a set price, whereas regular taxis are yellow and work with a meter. 

Regular taxis can be booked for a day and carry up to four passengers, but travelers need to address a few things before choosing this option. 

Unless you want to spend the night at one of the Dead Sea resorts, it’s highly advisable to hire a driver for the whole day and not just a one-way fare. Getting a taxi out of the Dead Sea is extremely hard, and asking nearby hotels to arrange one can be costly, so make sure the same cab driver will get you back to the city. Also, negotiate the fare you’re willing to pay in advance to avoid any hassle. On average, a one-way trip would cost you around 20-25 JD ($35). 

Private Driver from Amman to the Dead Sea

Booking a private transfer is a convenient option for travelers who want to get to the Dead Sea from Amman. To book one, either you can ask the staff at your hotel to book a private transfer for you or suggest a few options; many companies have websites where you can check their options and book in advance, too. You’ll see many drivers are close to hotels and approach travelers to offer their services. If you go with this option, ensure drivers are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. 

One of the benefits of booking private tours is that you can get a more local view of the city and get in touch with the culture. Drivers are Jordanians and are open to giving local tips and recommendations. Another perk is that private drivers are more flexible in terms of stops and detours, which you can negotiate at the moment. 

Hiring a private driver from Amman to the Dead Sea would cost approximately 75JD, which can be booked from Amman’s Queen Alia International airport to the Dead Sea. You also have very accessible group options that lower the price if you have more people (starting at 105 USD for three passengers). 

(You might wonder if you can rent a car and drive – the answer is yes, but be sure to read my tips for driving in Jordan first!)

The Best Way from Amman to the Dead Sea 

The best option to get from Amman to the Dead Sea is private drivers, especially if it’s your first time in the country. 

The first reason is that, for a low price, private drivers can customize itineraries based on the likes, interests, or needs of travelers. Most people don’t have a lot of time to spend in just one city, so with private drivers, they can squeeze in many beautiful places (which Jordan definitely has) in a day and spend as much time as you want, unlike tours where the spots and time to visit are already fixed. 

Another perk is that private drivers know the city inside out so they can suggest the best options in terms of places for visiting, eating, or shopping. Best of all, they can get you there right away! Also, if travelers have particular needs, like a baby on board, drivers can adapt their vehicle or itinerary to that situation.

Do you have questions about how to get to the Dead Sea from Amman? Let me know in the comments!