The approximate distance from Amman to the Dead Sea is 37 miles (60 km). The best mode of transportation is a car—whether in a rental or taxi, the drive is easy and can be done as a quick hop from the city or a longer drive with scenic stops.
From Amman, you'll head southwest until you reach Route 65, also known as the Dead Sea Highway. This ride takes roughly an hour, varying a bit depending on your final destination. Amman Beach is the closest point, and there is an entrance fee, but there are plenty of other places to choose from. Seaside resorts with private beaches can be found all along the coast and are very popular with tourists.
While in the area, you can also explore Wadi Mujib and its many outdoor activities. This nature reserve lies east of the Dead Sea and is known for its beautiful trails and canyons. Make sure to stop at the Visitor Center before heading out for a hike.
A public minibus is a cheap but time-consuming way of getting there. The route isn't direct, and they can be crowded and unreliable. For a little more, you can take a shuttle or tourist bus. Some of the hotel chains in Amman operate buses to their resort locations.
By Private Transfer or Taxi
Duration: 1-2 hours, more with stops
Booking a private transfer is the most convenient option. It's an hour to reach Amman Beach, so many people opt to stop there first but if you have your own driver (or rental car) you're free to explore and continue on wherever you'd like. The Jordanian side of the Dead Sea has about 31 miles (50 km) of coastline, and there's much to see—including the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex, which offers spectacular views and information about the geology, ecology, and history of the area.
Rather than take a direct route to the Dead Sea, try a detour to Madaba, where you can check out the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land, dating back to the 6th century BC. A few minutes away is Mount Nebo, where on a clear day you can see all the way to Israel. Other detours include a soak at Ma’in Hot Springs and stretching your legs on the trails of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve.
Alternatively, you won't have any problem finding a taxi in Amman—yellow cabs are easy to find and generally mean a licensed driver with a meter. Hotels will often book them for you if you want to make an advanced reservation. If you're traveling solo, it may be worth sharing a cab with other travelers to get a better rate. Ridesharing apps are gaining popularity in Amman—Uber especially—so that's another option to keep in mind before you leave Amman.
By Bus
Duration: 2-3 hours
Taking public transportation is the cheapest but least preferred option. Minibusses leave at various times from the Muhajireen station in Amman but they only go as far as Rame. From there, you'll have to take a taxi to your desired location. JETT tourist buses are another alternative. They are air-conditioned and comfortable but they don't run daily and only stop at Amman Beach. They leave in the morning from the 7th Circle bus station but check their website ahead of time as schedules have been known to change.
If you know which resort you'll be heading to, it's worth checking to see if a bus runs from their Amman location. Often, the major chains will provide shuttle service for a fee.
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