Dead Sea from Both Sides: Israel and Jordan Combined Visitor Guide
The Dead Sea occupies a rift valley between Israel to the west and Jordan to the east. Visitors standing on either shore can see the opposite side: the Moab Mountains from Israel, the Judean Desert from Jordan. Despite sharing the same body of water at the same elevation (approximately 430 meters below sea level) with the same 34.2% mineral content, the two sides offer materially different visitor experiences in terms of infrastructure, access, cost, and surrounding attractions.
The Dead Sea stretches approximately 50 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide between Israel and Jordan, with both shores sitting at approximately 430 meters below sea level and sharing the same 34.2% salinity and mineral composition.
Israel Side: Ein Bokek and Beyond
Israel’s primary Dead Sea hub is Ein Bokek, a resort strip on the southwestern shore. The public beach here is free, well maintained, has showers and changing facilities, and sits directly in front of the major hotel properties. The water is accessible, the infrastructure is reliable, and the entire strip is walkable.
Surrounding attractions on the Israeli side include Masada (15 minutes north, Herod’s mountaintop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ein Gedi Nature Reserve (30 minutes north, spring fed reserve with waterfalls and ibex), the Qumran Caves (45 minutes north, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947), and the Ein Gedi Botanical Garden. Day trips from Jerusalem take approximately 90 minutes each way.
Accommodation ranges from mid range hotels to larger resort properties. Most offer direct beach access, pools, and spa facilities. The resort atmosphere is straightforward and efficient, oriented toward visitors who want to float, hike, and move through the region at their own pace.
Jordan Side: Resorts and Regional Connections
Jordan’s Dead Sea shoreline is anchored by a cluster of international resort hotels, including the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Marriott Resort and Spa, Hilton Dead Sea Resort, and Holiday Inn Resort. These properties offer private beach access, extensive spa facilities, and manicured grounds. Entry typically requires a guest reservation or day pass purchase.
The Jordanian side connects to a wider travel circuit. Amman sits approximately 60 km northeast (roughly one hour by car). Petra, the Nabataean rock carved city, is approximately 3 hours south. Wadi Rum, the desert landscape used as a filming location for Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian, sits approximately 4 hours south. Many visitors combine a Dead Sea stay with a broader Jordan itinerary that includes all three sites.
The nearby Baptism Site (Al Maghtas), located at the traditional site of Jesus’s baptism on the Jordan River, sits approximately 10 km north of the Dead Sea resort area and holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
Israel's Ein Bokek offers free public Dead Sea beach access with Masada and Ein Gedi within 30 minutes, while Jordan's Dead Sea resort coast connects to Amman (60 km), Petra (3 hours), and Wadi Rum (4 hours) for broader regional exploration.
Crossing Between Sides
The King Hussein Bridge (also called the Allenby Bridge) is the primary crossing point between Israel and Jordan near the Dead Sea, located approximately 75 to 90 minutes north of Ein Bokek and approximately 57 km from Amman. Standard operating hours are Sunday through Thursday 08:00 to 21:00, Friday and Saturday 08:00 to 12:00. These hours are subject to change during Israeli and Jordanian holidays or due to security conditions; always verify before travel.
Important logistical points: visa requirements differ by nationality. The Allenby Bridge crossing does not issue Jordan visas on arrival for most nationalities. Travelers must arrange a Jordan visa in advance through a Jordanian embassy or consulate. Note that the Jordan Pass cannot be used as a visa substitute at the King Hussein Bridge specifically, even though it covers entry fees at Petra and other sites. Israeli exit fees apply (approximately 190 to 230 NIS as of 2025; verify current rates). Private vehicles cannot cross; travelers must change transport at the border.
Travelers should budget half a day for the crossing, including transport to the bridge, border procedures, and onward travel. Private transfer services operate on both sides. A JETT bus runs daily from Amman’s Abdali station to the Jordanian side for approximately 11 JOD.
Suggested Combined Itinerary: 5 Days
- Day 1: Arrive Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Transfer to Ein Bokek (90 minutes from Jerusalem). Float in the Dead Sea. Evening at hotel.
- Day 2: Sunrise at Masada (cable car or Snake Path). Return to Ein Bokek for Dead Sea bathing. Afternoon at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
- Day 3: Morning float and mud application. Transfer to King Hussein Bridge. Cross to Jordan (allow 2 to 3 hours). Transfer to Dead Sea resort. Evening spa.
- Day 4: Morning Dead Sea float on the Jordanian side. Afternoon visit Baptism Site (Al Maghtas). Optional: drive to Amman for dinner.
- Day 5: Day trip to Petra (3 hours each way) or Wadi Rum. Return to Amman for departure.
Quick Comparison: Israel vs Jordan Dead Sea
| Factor | Israel Side | Jordan Side |
|---|---|---|
| Public Beach Access | Free at Ein Bokek | Mostly resort only; Amman Beach (fee) |
| Nearby Attractions | Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran | Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Baptism Site |
| From Major City | 90 min from Jerusalem | 60 min from Amman |
| Hotel Style | Mid range to upscale resorts | International brand resorts |
| Day Trip Feasible | Yes, from Jerusalem/Tel Aviv | Yes, from Amman |
FAQ Section
Can you visit both sides of the Dead Sea in one trip?
Yes, by crossing at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. Budget half a day for the crossing. A combined visit requires a minimum of 3 to 4 days, ideally 5 or more if including Masada, Ein Gedi, Petra, and other regional attractions.
Is the water different on the Israel and Jordan sides?
No. The Dead Sea is a single body of water. Both shores share the same 34.2% mineral content, the same approximately 430 meters below sea level elevation, and the same buoyancy. The difference is in surrounding infrastructure, not water composition.
Do I need a visa for both Israel and Jordan?
Requirements vary by nationality. Most Western passport holders enter Israel visa free. Jordan visas are often available on arrival at airports and at most land border crossings, but the Allenby Bridge crossing does not issue visas on arrival. Travelers must arrange a Jordan visa through an embassy or consulate before crossing at this specific border. The Jordan Pass covers site entry fees but does not function as a visa at the Allenby Bridge.
Which side is cheaper?
Israel offers free public beach access at Ein Bokek. Jordan’s Dead Sea access typically requires resort bookings or day pass fees. Accommodation costs are comparable for similar quality, though Jordan’s broader travel costs (Petra, Wadi Rum) add to total trip expense.
Can I drive across the border at the King Hussein Bridge?
No. Private vehicles and tour buses cannot cross at the Allenby Bridge. Travelers must change transport at the border. Private transfer services operate on both the Israeli and Jordanian sides.
