Masada: Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

If you’re itching to explore ancient ruins while in Jerusalem, look no further than Masada National Park.

This UNESCO-listed site is located in the middle of the desert and offers an insight into civilization over 2,000 years ago. Masada was constructed at the command of Herod the Great and visitors can still explore the remains of its palace complex.

With outstanding views reaching across the Judean desert and a rich history spanning over 2 millennia, a day trip to Masada from Jerusalem is a must for anyone staying in the Holy City.

Here's all you need to know about Masada, one of the most epic destinations for day trips from Jerusalem.

How to get to Masada from Jerusalem?

Masada National Park is located in the Judean Desert, along the banks of the Dead Sea. It is approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Jerusalem.

From Jerusalem to Masada by car

The journey to Masada by car is stress-free and takes around 1.5 hours.

You’ll simply join Route 1 east out of Jerusalem and follow it all the way to the Dead Sea where it turns into Route 90. Continue along the picturesque banks of the lake all the way to Masada.

From Jerusalem to Masada by public transport

You can catch a direct bus from Jerusalem to make the jaunt to Masada. You’ll depart from the city’s central bus station and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the national park.

Guided tour to Masada from Jerusalem

Alternatively, join a guided day trip to Masada and connect with like-minded individuals. You’ll meet your guide at an easy-to-reach location in central Jerusalem as early as 2 AM, depending on the type of excursion you choose.

Alternatively, some tours provide a convenient hotel pickup service at no extra charge. The majority of these trips last between 8 and 10 hours, returning you to Jerusalem in the afternoon.

How much does the entrance ticket to Masada cost?

• Adults: ILS31 (US$9)
• Children: ILS17 (US$5)
• Students: ILS26 (US$7)

If you’re traveling as part of a group, you can purchase your tickets together in order to save money. The prices for these passes are as follows:

• Adults in a group: ILS26 (US$7)
• Children in a group: ILS14 (US4)

What is the typical itinerary?

Masada day tour itineraries vary significantly, based on the individual excursion. Some begin long before dawn and travel straight to the national park in order to complete Masada’s difficult hike in the mild night air.

Alternatively, some opt to visit the park once the sun has risen and ascend to the ancient ruins via a convenient cable car.

Either way, you’ll be guided around the remains of Herod the Great’s fortress once you reach the top, and learn about its construction in the 1st century B.C.

From here, many Masada day trips continue to Ein Gedi National Reserve, just 20 kilometers away. Here, you’ll find a multitude of bird species, as well as waterfalls and scenic hikes.

Moving on, the majority of tours make their final stop at the Dead Sea, where you’ll have free time to relax on its shores or take a dip in its healing waters.

Alternatively, you may opt for a multi-day excursion, where you’ll travel to numerous locations within Israel to see its many attractions, both on and off the beaten path. These last anywhere between 2 and 5 days, and there are several different itineraries to choose from.

Some explore Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Masada, while others travel further afield to the Sea of Galilee, and Nazareth before exploring the national park.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Masada?

There are an abundance of Masada day tours to choose from. You can opt to trek up to the ancient ruins at sunrise, participate in your excursion privately or book an unforgettable multi-day adventure across Israel.

Whatever your interests are, you’ll find a day trip to match them.

Day tour to Masada plus Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea from Jerusalem

The most popular Masada day tour begins during the pitch black of the night as you make your way out of Jerusalem toward the national park. Once you arrive, you’ll ascend the 700 steps that form the Snake Path up the rock formation.

As you hike up the challenging terrain, you’ll witness an awe-inspiring Israeli sunrise that washes the Judean Desert in watercolors. Reaching the rock’s plateau, you’ll explore the fortress built by Herod the Great in the 1st century B.C.

Learn about the Siege of Masada as you tour its Roman baths and palace ruins alongside your guide. Continuing on, you’ll wander through the waterfalls and springs of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve — a haven for birds of prey.

End your day with a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea before returning to Jerusalem.

Private tour to Masada from Jerusalem

Private day tours to Masada begin after the sun has risen and travel in a comfortable vehicle to Masada National Park.

You’ll skip the strenuous hike in favor of a panoramic cable car ride up to the ancient ruins atop Masada’s rock formation. Here, you’ll wander the ancient ruins, conversing with your personal guide about the 1,900-year history behind them.

Take a trip to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, as well as Qumran Caves. It was here that the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin tribe in the 20th century. Lastly, visit the Dead Sea and slip into its mineral-rich waters.

While these excursions do follow a timetable, you can adapt the itinerary to suit your own interests.

2-Day trip to Masada plus Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Dead Sea from Jerusalem

Step back in time on this 2-day trip from Jerusalem to Masada that journeys to the holy cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. On the first day, you’ll begin in the Old City of Jerusalem, where you’ll visit its most celebrated monuments.

These include Mount Scopus, which offers unparalleled views over the city and the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus supposedly prayed on the night of his betrayal. Other must-see destinations on this tour include the Western Wall, Jewish Quarter and Via Dolorosa.

Moving on to Bethlehem, you’ll step into the Church of the Nativity to witness the sacred spot where Mother Mary is thought to have given birth.

On the second day of your Masada excursion, you’ll drive alongside the Dead Sea to Masada National Park, via the Good Samaritan Museum.

After discovering the remains of Herod the Great’s grand palace, you’ll journey on to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and the Dead Sea.

5-Day tour to Masada plus Nazareth and the Dead Sea from Jerusalem

On this 5-day adventure through Israel, you’ll spend extra time exploring the numerous ancient landmarks and their importance in the Christian faith.

On the first day of your tour, you’ll voyage to the Sea of Galilee, stopping to explore ancient villages, religious monuments and Syrian bunkers.

On the second day, you’ll visit Nazareth and have the opportunity to see where the Bible reports Mother Mary was told she would bear the Son of God. Look over the vast deserts and hills of Israel at the Mount of Beatitudes, and discover Jesus’ “own city” — Capernaum.

Over the following days, you’ll explore lesser-known regions including Caesarea, Acre and Rosh Hanikra.  You’ll also tour the well-known holy city of Jerusalem.

Spend time admiring the architecture of the 1st century B.C. by wandering the remains of Masada’s fortress. Discover the neighboring Ein Gedi National Reserve, as well as the natural phenomenon, known as the Dead Sea.

How much does a day trip to Masada from Jerusalem cost?

A day tour of Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea costs between US$70 and US$100 per person. This includes round-trip transportation and a guide. Entry fees are at your own expense.

If you wish to book a private tour, you’ll pay approximately US$380 per person.

A 2-day trip to Masada, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Dead Sea begins at US$350 per person, depending on your accommodation preferences.

Alternatively, opt for a 5-day tour to Masada and key destinations around Israel. You’ll pay between US$980 and US$1,330 per person, depending on whether you travel in a couple or alone.

What will you see and do?

The Masada fortress was built over 6 years in the last half of the 1st century B.C.

It was commissioned by Herod the Great — who features in the Bible as the man behind the Massacre of the Innocents. This fortress is just one of the construction projects Herod undertook in his lifetime.

Others include the Temple of Jerusalem and the Winter Palace of Jericho. This lavish building sat atop a rock plateau in the Judean Desert and featured Roman baths, watchtowers, and storerooms, the remains of which can be seen today.

The site is listed by UNESCO for its Outstanding Universal Value and attracts over 750,000 tourists every year. Its major historic event happened in the 1st century, after the first Jewish-Roman war.

The Sicarii tribe gained a stronghold of the fortress after invading and killing the Roman troops that resided there. Several years later, the Romans took their revenge and sieged Masada. The Sicarii would stop at nothing to avoid capture and it is reported that the entire tribe of over 950 members committed mass suicide as the Romans closed in.

Between the 6th and 19th centuries, the fortress was abandoned, mostly because of its remote location. Because of this, no reconstructions have occurred and the site has weathered, and ruined as expected in the harsh conditions of the desert.

On a day trip to Masada, you’ll be able to look out over the Judean Desert, the captivating Dead Sea and as far as the city of Jordan.

What are the opening times?

Summer season

• Sunday- Thursday: 8 AM- 5 PM
• Friday: 8 AM- 4 PM
• Saturday: 8 AM- 5 PM
• Holiday eves: 8 AM- 5 PM

Winter season

• Sunday- Thursday: 8 AM- 4 PM
• Friday: 8 AM- 3 PM
• Saturday: 8 AM- 4 PM
• Holiday eves: 8 AM- 3 PM

It’s worth noting that the ticket office in Masada National Park closes an hour before the rest of the park. Bear this in mind if you intend to visit during the late afternoon.

When is the best time to visit Masada?

The best time to plan a day trip to Masada is outside of the tourist season, which peaks in July and August. If you head to the national park during the spring or fall months, you’ll benefit from fewer crowds and a milder, and more comfortable climate.

Participate in your hike through Masada National Park to its plateau as early as possible, before the heat of the day strikes.

Are there any tours to Masada from other cities in Israel?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Israel:

• Day Trips to Masada from Tel Aviv

Travel tips

• Make sure to carry cash with you to pay the entrance fee for Masada National Park.
• Masada’s Snake Pass can close as early as 9 AM in intense heat. Opt for a tour that enables you to follow this route before sunrise for a more enjoyable hike.
• Remember your swimsuit and towel if your Masada day tour journeys to the Dead Sea.
• Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots on your excursion as the hike up to Masada’s ancient ruins can be taxing.