How to Get from Aqaba 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 Aqaba, 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 Aqaba. In this post, I’ll cover how to get from Aqaba to the Dead Sea specifically.

In my guide for getting to the Dead Sea from Aqaba, 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 Aqaba 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.

How Far is it from Aqaba to the Dead Sea?

Aqaba sits in the southernmost of the country, and its closeness to many of Jordan’s attractions has made Aqaba an excellent base for travelers. 

However, it’s not that close to the Dead Sea. The distance between Aqaba and the Dead Sea is approximately 170 miles (270km), which takes about three hours to cover by car along Route 65. This is as estimated as how long it will take to cover the distance may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

Aqaba to the Dead Sea Bus Options

Taking a bus from Aqaba to the Dead Sea is a popular alternative among travelers. I want to clarify in advance that in this section I’ll cover the JETT buses, not public buses. 

Jordan’s public transportation isn’t exactly the best and can pose many difficulties for travelers. 

JETT buses are a sort of public transport company geared toward travelers. So they’re much more comfortable. The company runs daily trips across the country’s most popular locations and is quite accessible. Unfortunately, they don’t offer direct services between Aqaba and the Dead Sea. Travelers will have to travel to Amman first and then take a taxi to the Dead Sea.

The journey takes around five hours and costs around 8-10 JOD (11-14 USD) per person, plus a cost of the taxi.

Aqaba to the Dead Sea Taxi Options 

Another option is to take a taxi from Aqaba to the Dead Sea. It is a more expensive option, – a one-way taxi ride will cost around 100 JD ($142 USD). But taxis can take up to four passengers. So, if you’re traveling in a group, it becomes more affordable.

Taxis can be found throughout Aqaba, or you can ask your hotel to book one. However, please, make sure you can negotiate the price with the driver beforehand. This way you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises when you get to your destination. 

Private Driver from Aqaba to the Dead Sea

Not all of us are cut out to handle the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers. When that happens, hiring a private driver might be a good option. 

There are many companies offering private transportation services in Jordan. You can search online or ask your hotel to suggest a few operators for a safer bet.  The cost of hiring a private driver will depend on the company and the type of vehicle you choose but expect to pay around 70-100 JOD ($98-$140 USD) for a one-way trip. 

The best of hiring a private driver is that all you just have to do is relax and enjoy the ride. Also, all drivers speak English, which is a huge advantage when you need to communicate your needs.

Car Rental for Visiting the Dead Sea from Aqaba

If you’re feeling adventurous, driving is one of the best ways to get from Aqaba to the Dead Sea. This alternative offers the most freedom and flexibility.  I always use Kayak to browse car rental options. The cost of renting a car will depend on the type of vehicle you choose and the length of your rental but expect to pay around 25-30 JOD ($35-$40 USD) per day. You’ll manage your time and how many stops you make, but, on average, the journey from Aqaba to the Dead Sea is around three hours.

You can check out my guide on driving in Jordan for travelers. You’ll see it’s not as daunting as it seems!

The Best Way from Aqaba to the Dead Sea

So, which option is the best? Well, it depends on your priorities. (Yes, I know “it depends” is the worst answer ever…)

If you’re on a tight budget, taking a bus is the most economical choice. However, you’ll waste a lot of time traveling. If comfort and flexibility are at top of your priorities, hiring a private driver might be the best option. And if you want the most freedom and independence, renting a car is the way to go.

Have any other questions about how to travel from Aqaba to the Dead Sea? Let me know in the comments below so I can help you plan your Jordan trip!