Masada: Day Trips and Tours from Tel Aviv

Awaken your inner historian with a day trip to Masada from Tel Aviv. Just a few hours away from the lively city, you’ll find the historic ruins of Masada, nestled among the rock formations and dunes of the Judean Desert.

Built almost 2,000 years ago, this national park offers an insight into ancient history.

At this staggering archaeological site, you can learn about Herod the Great, participate in invigorating hikes and journey back in time to Israel in the 1st century B.C.

Here's all you need to know about Masada, one of the most exciting day trips from Tel Aviv.

How to get to Masada from Tel Aviv?

Masada National Park is located on the eastern side of the Judean Desert in the east of Israel. It is approximately 160 kilometers from the capital city of Tel Aviv.

From Tel Aviv to Masada by car

It takes roughly 2 hours to make the journey to Masada from Tel Aviv by car. Travel south out of the city on Route 1.

When you reach a fork in the road just before the Dead Sea, you’ll turn right to follow Route 90 along the waterfront, all the way to the national park.

From Tel Aviv to Masada by public transport

You can also make the jaunt to Masada by public transport. Take a direct bus from the Tel Aviv-Savidor train station, which travels all the way to the national park.

The journey takes just under 3 hours and buses depart at least once an hour throughout the day.

Guided tour to Masada from Tel Aviv

Alternatively, book a day trip to Masada, and allow all of the details to be taken care of for you. You’ll be collected from your hotel before 7 AM and these tours usually last between 10, and 12 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to Masada cost?

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

You can also purchase a group ticket, which will enable you to secure a discount on your Masada National Park passes.

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

What is the typical itinerary?

All Masada day trips vary significantly depending on the other destinations they visit. However, most leave Tel Aviv in the morning and head directly to the national park.

When you arrive, you may participate in a challenging 2-kilometer hike up the main rock formation to the ancient ruins that sit on a plateau 350 meters above the ground.

Alternatively, you may skip the trek altogether in favor of an easy and quick cable car ride. Reaching the top, you'll be escorted through these historic ruins by a knowledgeable guide who will fill you in on the history of the fortress over the centuries.

After enjoying ambling through the fascinating wreckage, you’ll continue on to your other destinations. These often include Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Qumran Caves and the Dead Sea.

Once you’ve relaxed at this world-famous spot, you’ll return to Tel Aviv where your Masada day tour ends.

Alternatively, you may head into the desert for an exhilarating off-road experience that ends with a camel ride or traditional meal.

If you want to dive deeper into the intriguing history of Israel, you can choose a 2-day tour to Masada, which spends the first day exploring the holy cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Masada?

There are a range of day tours to Masada available to choose from. Whether you wish to spot elusive leopards, discover significant Bible destinations or bathe in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, you’ll find a Masada excursion to cater to your wishes.

Sunrise tour to Masada plus Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

Setting off early from your accommodation in Tel Aviv, you’ll travel through the vast deserts of Israel to reach Masada in the dark.

Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy the strenuous yet rewarding hike up the rocky terrain to the ancient ruins on top without the beating sun on your back.

As you trek up this colossal rock formation, you’ll witness a spectacular Israeli sunrise, washing the landscape in dusky pinks and subtle oranges.

Explore the ruins of the fortress of Herod the Great, built in the 1st century B.C. as you catch your breath and admire the panoramic view from the plateau’s vantage point.

Next, head to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, which is home to over 200 species of birds during annual migrations.

Alongside these feathered friends, the reserve is also home to Nubian ibexes, hyenas and leopards, all of which you may see on your excursion.

The last stop on this Masada day tour is at the Dead Sea. This land-locked lake has a salt content of over 34%, enabling visitors to float on its surface effortlessly.

Private tour to Masada and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

On a private Masada day trip, you’ll benefit from the one-on-one attention of your own personal guide.

Once you reach the national park, you’ll save yourself the grueling hike by zipping up to the fortress of Herod the Great via a cable car. Wander the ruins together with your guide, hearing stories of its expansive history that stretches almost 2,000 years.

Moving on, you’ll stop by the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve to spot some of the Middle East’s most celebrated predators before journeying to Qumran Caves.

It was here that the Dead Sea scrolls were found by a Bedouin boy in the 20th century. Lastly, allow yourself to relax in the warm, healing waters of the Dead Sea.

Day tour to Masada plus Israeli Desert from Tel Aviv

This day tour to Masada allows you to personalize your experience, You’ll travel to the national park through the sweeping Middle Eastern deserts.

When you arrive, you’ll participate in a guided tour of the ancient ruins before continuing on to dip your toes in the Dead Sea.

See the magnificent creatures that roam Ein Gedi Nature Reserve on your way to Qumran Caves, where the Hebrew and Aramaic Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

From here, you can enjoy the knuckle-biting thrill of an off-road adventure through the dunes of the desert.

Hop onto a camel’s back on a camel riding and enjoy the open landscape the local Israeli way. Alternatively, tuck into a Bedouin feast at a traditional camp in the middle of the sands.

2-Day trip to Masada plus Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv

On the first day of your 48-hour adventure, you’ll head to the holy city of Jerusalem. Here, you’ll admire the town from above from the viewpoint of Mount Scopus.

You’ll explore several sites associated with the Bible, including the Gardens of Gethsemane, where it is reported that Jesus prayed on the night he was betrayed by Judas.

Discover the thriving Jewish and Christian Quarters, lined with limestone streets, and ancient religious monuments.

Visit the Western Wall — the most renowned attraction in the city — as well as the Church of Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus is said to have been resurrected.

Travel to Bethlehem where your Biblical education will continue with a visit to the Church of the Nativity — Christ’s supposed birthplace. Discover the Church of St. Catherine before spending the night in Jerusalem.

The following day, you’ll journey to Masada, via the Good Samaritan Museum. Be awed by the ancient history that lies atop its rock formation before driving through the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.

End your 2-day trip to Masada at the Dead Sea, where you can reminisce on your adventure as you float lazily through the lake.

How much does a day trip to Masada from Tel Aviv cost?

Masada day trips that include Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea cost between US$70, and US$80 per person. This price includes round-trip transportation and a tour guide. However, you will be responsible for all entrance fees throughout the day.

Multi-day tours to Masada plus Jerusalem and Bethlehem start at US$350 per person, and vary according to the type of accommodation you prefer.

If you wish to participate in a private day tour to Masada, you can expect to pay approximately US$480 per person.

Masada day trips that include the Israeli desert start at US$600 each. If you wish to participate in a camel ride or a Bedouin feast, you’ll pay US$700 instead.

What will you see and do?

The ancient fortification of Masada was built on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert over a 6-year period between 37 and 31 B.C. It was commissioned by Herod the Great, who was known for building remarkable, opulent structures across Israel.

The plateau that the palace sits on is an unusual natural phenomenon and measures approximately 550 meters across, atop a giant rock formation.

While this was once only accessible to those willing to climb 700 steps to reach the archaeological monument, there is now a cable car available to transport those who find the trek too demanding.

From the vantage point atop the rock formation, visitors are granted striking views across the Judean Desert and out to the Dead Sea.

One of the most popular things to do on a day tour to Masada is to complete the steep ascent in the dark to enjoy these views as they are lit by the warm beams of sunrise.

The most notable historical event that happened at Masada was its siege by Romans in the 1st century.

This happened after the first of the three Jewish-Roman wars scattered throughout history, when the rebellious Sicarii tribe overtook the fortress and killed the Romans that resided there.

After 7 years of atop the mount, the Sicarii reign came to an end when it was blockaded by the Romans, leading to the mass suicide of almost 1,000 tribe members to avoid capture.

Today, you’ll find the remains of Roman bathhouses, watch towers, store rooms and the opulent palace as you walk around Masada. Use your imagination to picture Herod’s initial creation at its prime as you walk through its stone ruins.

You’ll also find artifacts from Masada’s original construction, which include pottery and lamps.

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

The entrance booth for Masada National Park closes one hour before the rest of the park.

When is the best time to visit Masada?

The best time to plan a day trip to Masada is during the spring or fall months — from March to May or October to November.  During this time, the weather is pleasant with temperatures that range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

These months are also outside of the peak tourist season, enabling you to enjoy the architectural ruins without hordes of other visitors.

Head to Masada as early as possible, as some routes within the national park close as early as 9 AM if the weather becomes too hot.

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 Jerusalem

Travel tips

• Wear modest clothing on your day trip to Masada. Ensure your knees and shoulders are covered, and women should travel with a headscarf in case it is needed.
• Remember to bring a swimsuit and towel if your excursion visits the Dead Sea.
• Wear comfortable and sturdy sneakers or hiking boots if you’ll be ascending the rock formation in Masada National Park on foot.