The Dead Sea, at Ein Bokek and Kalia Beach, lies about 170 km south-east of Tel Aviv and sits roughly 430 metres below sea level, the lowest land elevation on Earth. Egged intercity buses from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station toward Ein Bokek or Eilat take about 2 hours 15 minutes and cost around 50-70 ILS each way; line numbers should be checked on egged.co.il or Moovit. Organised tours cost about 300-450 ILS and a rental car is also practical. No public buses run on Shabbat.
Ein Bokek is the main resort strip on the southern basin, with a free public beach, showers and a row of hotels and spas. The water has about ten times the salinity of the ocean, allowing visitors to float effortlessly, and the mineral-rich black mud is traditionally applied to the skin and rinsed off. Kalia Beach lies on the northern shore, near the mouth of the Jordan Valley, and is quieter, with a landscape of salt formations and a small beach facility. Visitors should not swim with open cuts, avoid getting water in the eyes, and limit each soak to 15-20 minutes.
A good day plan combines the trip with Masada: climb at sunrise, then reach Ein Bokek by late morning. The beach offers floating, mud application and showers, and spa day passes at the hotels cost about 100-300 ILS for sulphur pools and treatments. Lunch is available at the hotel restaurants and snack kiosks along the promenade, while sunset on the water provides a calm end to the day before the evening bus or drive back to Tel Aviv.
The best months are October to April, when the daytime temperatures are manageable. Summer heat is intense and midday visits are uncomfortable. The public beach is free, and shade and drinking water are worth carrying or buying on arrival. Sunscreen is advisable even in winter, since the low elevation filters some, but not all, ultraviolet light.
| Distance | 170 km south-east |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2 hours 15 minutes by bus |
| Getting there | Egged intercity bus from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station toward Ein Bokek or Eilat (about 2.25 hours, 50-70 ILS (approx $16-23) each way; check line numbers on egged.co.il or Moovit); no service on Shabbat |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Ein Bokek Public Beach, Dead Sea, Israel |
How to get there
- Mode
- Egged bus
- Cost
- 50-70 ILS (approx $16-23)
- Frequency
- A few departures a day; none on Shabbat
- Mode
- Organised tour
- Cost
- About 300-450 ILS (approx $98-148)
- Frequency
- Daily departures
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- 200-350 ILS (approx $66-115) per day plus fuel
- Frequency
- On demand
Location
Ein Bokek Public Beach, Dead Sea, Israel
31.2008, 35.3636 View on map
Highlights
- Floating on the hypersaline Dead Sea
- Mineral mud application at the public beach
- Ein Bokek hotel spa day passes
- Quieter Kalia Beach on the northern shore
Tips for visiting
- Limit each soak to 15-20 minutes and rinse at the showers afterwards.
- Do not shave or swim with open cuts beforehand.
- Keep water out of the eyes and do not dunk the head.
- Bring water shoes; the shore is salty and rocky.
- Combine with Masada or Ein Gedi, and check bus times since service is limited.
When to visit
October-April is the most comfortable. Visit in the morning or late afternoon in warm months to avoid extreme heat.
Accessibility
The Ein Bokek promenade is flat and the public beach has access routes, with hotels offering ramps and adapted facilities. Entering the water over salt crust can be uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv?
The bus to Ein Bokek takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. A rental car takes a similar time on Route 90.
Is the Ein Bokek public beach free?
Yes, the public beach is free and has showers. Hotel spa day passes cost about 100-300 ILS.
How long should visitors stay in the water?
Soaks are best kept to 15-20 minutes. The high salinity can irritate skin and eyes and cause dehydration.