Exploring the Dead Sea by Rental Car with Must-See Spots and Routes

Exploring the Dead Sea by Rental Car with Must-See Spots and Routes

The Dead Sea is one of the world’s most unique natural wonders. Known for being nearly ten times saltier than seawater, visiting it is a must in Jordan. One of the best ways to experience it is by renting a car in Jordan. With your own wheels, you can explore at your own pace and reach panoramic viewpoints, desert springs, and cultural sites.

Keep reading to discover the Dead Sea’s magic on a memorable drive.

Reasons to Rent a Car to Explore the Dead Sea

Choosing a car rental in Jordan allows you to explore the Dead Sea region conveniently. You set your schedule and arrive early for peaceful morning floats or stay late to catch a golden sunset.

Unlike tours, a rental lets you include scenic overlooks, desert trails, and lesser-known spots like the Dead Sea Panorama Complex that public transport doesn’t reach. It also opens the door to other must-see destinations.

From the Dead Sea, you can drive to Petra in around four hours or continue to Wadi Rum or back to Amman. One day you’re floating in salty waters, the next, you’re hiking Petra’s ruins or camping in the desert. Jordan’s highways are well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Best Routes to the Dead Sea by Car

There are two popular routes to drive to the Dead Sea. Whether you prefer a quick direct drive or a more scenic cultural route, both fit into any Dead Sea itinerary.

Route 1: Amman to the Dead Sea via the Coastal Highway (Route 65)

The fastest and most direct way to the Dead Sea from Amman is via Highway 65, known as the Dead Sea Highway or Jordan Valley Highway.

From Amman city, you’ll head southwest and descend into the Jordan Rift Valley, reaching the Dead Sea in about one hour. Depending on your start point, the distance is 60 to 65 km (around 37 to 40 miles). This smooth, well-paved highway drops dramatically in elevation. Be ready for your ears to pop as you go from about 900 meters in Amman down to below sea level.

Highlights along Route 65

The Dead Sea Highway hugs the coastline in many sections. It offers stunning views of the blue water on one side and stark desert cliffs on the other. As you drive, you can see the water glimmering in the distance almost the entire way.

You can pull over to appreciate the scenery or snap photos from several official viewpoints. One highlight is passing by Amman Beach, the first major public beach you’ll encounter. Further south, the highway skirts the base of canyonlands like Wadi Mujib, where you’ll notice a high bridge and a visitor center.

If you continue, Route 65 could take you down the Dead Sea and beyond. The highway runs north-south through the valley and ends in Aqaba by the Red Sea. But for a Dead Sea day trip, you’ll likely turn off or return north after enjoying the main Dead Sea sites.

This route is ideal if you want to get from Amman to the Dead Sea quickly and maximize time relaxing at the sea. It’s also a good option for those continuing south toward Petra later since Route 65 connects to roads leading up to the mountains. The drive is relatively easy. Expect some winding sections during the descent and near canyon areas. The traffic is light, and road signs point toward Dead Sea destinations.

Route 2: Madaba Scenic Route (Via Mount Nebo and Panorama Road)

Consider driving to the Dead Sea via Madaba and Mount Nebo for a more scenic and culture-filled journey. This route is slightly longer in distance but offers many attractions. From Amman, you first drive about 30 km south to the historic town of Madaba (known for its Byzantine mosaics).

From Madaba, it’s a short 15-minute drive to Mount Nebo, a hilltop site. After visiting Nebo, you’ll descend towards the Dead Sea on the winding road, sometimes called the “Panorama Route,” which leads down from the highlands to the sea.

Driving from Amman to Madaba takes around 45 minutes. Madaba to Mount Nebo is about 10 km. From Mount Nebo down to the Dead Sea shoreline is roughly 20 to 25 km of steep winding road. In total, you can reach the Dead Sea in around 1.5 hours via this route. The roads are paved but narrower and steeper than Route 65. So plan for a slower pace and use low gear on descents.

Highlights along Route 2

The main highlight is Mount Nebo. On a clear day, you can see breathtaking views over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even as far as Jerusalem in the distance. After Nebo, continue along the scenic road toward the Dead Sea. Partway down, you can stop at the Dead Sea Panorama Complex, an excellent viewpoint and museum perched on a cliff between Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea basin. This detour is well worth it for the vista and a quick lesson on Dead Sea ecology.

As you approach the Dead Sea on this route, you’ll join Route 65 near the northern hotel zone. From there, you can turn left (south) to drive along the Dead Sea coast to spots like Wadi Mujib or the hot springs. It’s a slightly longer journey, but exploring Jordan by car on this route is incredibly rewarding for the views alone.

Must-See Stops Along the Way

Whichever route you choose, take advantage of having a car by stopping at these must-see spots. Here are the top stops along a Dead Sea road trip and tips for each:

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is a historic peak and an essential stop if you’re coming via the Madaba route. Today, Mount Nebo is a pilgrimage site marked by the Memorial Church of Moses, which houses stunning Byzantine mosaics. You can see the Dead Sea shimmering below and, on a clear day, views extend across the Jordan River valley to Jericho, and even the hills of Jerusalem far in the west.

Dead Sea Panorama Complex

Stop at the Dead Sea Panorama Complex for one of the Dead Sea road trip highlights. It offers breathtaking vistas over the Dead Sea basin and the Jordan Rift Valley. The sunset over the terrace is magical as the sun sinks over the hills beyond the lake. The complex also contains the Dead Sea Museum, a small but informative exhibition about the region’s geology, ecology, and history.

Wadi Mujib

Wadi Mujib is a dramatic canyon that cuts through towering sandstone cliffs. It empties into the Dead Sea and is part of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve. Most visitors come here for the Mujib Siq Trail, a famed wet hiking experience. This guided trek takes you upstream through a slot canyon with flowing water, pools, and waterfalls. The trail typically ends at a waterfall deep in the canyon. The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail is seasonal. It generally operates from April 1 to October 31 (dry season) and is closed in winter due to flood risk.

Ma’in Hot Springs

Tucked in the mountains a short drive east of the Dead Sea, Ma’in Hot Springs is a series of hot mineral springs and falls enjoyed since ancient times. The main waterfall crashes into a steaming pool where visitors can bathe. The water is rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium. This stunning desert oasis sits about 264 meters below sea level, in a cliff-lined valley that feels like a hidden paradise. It’s a great way to relax your muscles after hiking at Wadi Mujib or floating in the salty sea.

Driving and Parking Tips Around the Dead Sea

Driving in the Dead Sea region is generally stress-free. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth trip:

• Road Conditions: Most roads to and around the Dead Sea are paved and in good condition. The Dead Sea Highway (Route 65) is a well-maintained asphalt road. The secondary roads are paved but can be steep or narrow. Drive slowly on sharp bends and be prepared for occasional rough patches or potholes, especially after heavy rain. In rural areas, you might encounter speed bumps even on highways near small villages.
• Navigation: Signage for major destinations in Jordan is usually bilingual (Arabic and English), so you’ll see signs pointing to the Dead Sea, Amman, Madaba, etc. However, smaller attraction signs can be easy to miss. Using a navigation app can help on highways and known sites.
• Parking: Parking is readily available at all the major Dead Sea attractions. Hotels and public beaches have parking lots. Mount Nebo has a designated parking area for visitors. In general, parking is not a problem in the Dead Sea area.
• Local Driving Etiquette: Keep right except to pass, as locals driving faster will expect to overtake on the left. Always carry your driver’s license, rental papers, and passport when driving, in case you’re asked. Avoid driving off-road into unknown desert areas or salt flats. It can be dangerous and lead to tire blowouts, getting stuck, or unknowingly entering military zones.
• Safety: Safety while driving in Jordan should be your priority. At night, the roads around the Dead Sea are very dark, and some sections have sharp curves. If you must drive after sunset, do so cautiously and at a moderate speed. Mobile reception can drop in the lowest areas. The Dead Sea climate is hot most of the year, so ensure your car’s cooling system is in good shape.

Fuel Stops and Navigation

Proper planning for fuel and navigation will keep your Dead Sea journey running smoothly:

• Fuel Up in Advance: Gas stations are sparse in the Dead Sea area. The best practice is to start your trip with a full tank from Amman or Madaba. If you’re coming from Amman, petrol stations are on the outskirts. Once at the Dead Sea, the nearest refuel options are back in those towns or further south near Karak turnoffs. Fuel in Jordan is sold by the liter. Credit cards are accepted at many stations, but keep some cash just in case.
• Checkpoints and Documents: As you navigate, you might pass through police checkpoints, especially when transitioning from one region to another. Keep your passport and driving license accessible. Obey the speed limits, usually up to 120 km/h on the Dead Sea Highway, to avoid tickets.

Best Time of Year to Explore by Car

Timing your Dead Sea drive can make a big difference in comfort. Here’s what to consider regarding seasons and weather:

• Ideal Months (Spring and Fall): The best times for a Dead Sea road trip are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, temperatures are warm but not extreme. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities. You can hike around Wadi Mujib or sightsee at Mount Nebo without the brutal heat. Spring brings wildflowers in the highlands near Nebo and a pleasant climate by the water.
• Summer (June to August): Summer at the Dead Sea is extremely hot. The heat is dry but can be oppressive, and the sun is intense. If you visit in summer, plan to do any hiking or touring early in the morning or towards sunset. Midday is best spent relaxing in the shade or the water. One advantage is that water levels in Wadi Mujib are lower, and the Siq Trail is open (peak season for canyoning). Just avoid strenuous activity at noon and drink plenty of water.
• Winter (December to February): Winter is the cooler season. The Dead Sea area stays relatively mild in winter. This is a nice time to float without feeling cold, and hiking Mount Nebo or visiting sites is comfortable. However, winter is the rainy season in Jordan. While the Dead Sea itself doesn’t get much rain, the surrounding mountains do, and that can lead to occasional flash floods in canyons. Roads like the one to Ma’in or parts of Route 65 have temporary closures if heavy rain causes flooding or landslides.

How to Rent the Right Car for Your Trip

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the Dead Sea and nearby areas. With a user-friendly platform and affordable rates, Finalrentals allows you to compare prices and book online before arriving in Jordan.

Economy cars are ideal for highway drives to the Dead Sea, while larger SUVs suit families or travelers heading farther south. Finalrentals offers a variety of vehicles to suit every need, from compact sedans to SUVs. You can pick up your rental at Queen Alia International Airport, Jabbal Downtown, Park Plaza, or Abdali Boulevard in Amman.

Takeaway

Exploring the Dead Sea by rental car is truly the ultimate way to experience this remarkable region. You can drive from Amman to the Dead Sea in about an hour and stop at ancient sites, and natural wonders. By renting a car with Finalrentals, you can travel at your own pace, choose your stops, and enjoy flexibility.