From Jerusalem to Masada

You need bus service #486 from Jerusalem Central Bus station 08:00, 09:00 10:30 etc. or bus service #482 at 09:45, the fare is 42 NIS one way and the journey is about two hours to Masada. To return, use bus service # 486 at 15:01, 15:55, 16:46, and bus service # 444 at 17:05, (there are later buses).
Do not plan this journey for travel on a Friday or Saturday; and consider booking the tickets in advance. There is a great cafeteria and museum at the base of Masada’s cable car, or you can walk up and down the Snake Path. There is ample free drinking water on the plateau. Check out the Egged Bus Company’s site.
Return timetable: [http://mslworld.egged.co.il/eggedtimetable/WebForms/wfrmLuz.aspx?SugTransfer=0&company=1&language=en&RovaDest=1783&DateTokef=09/09/2012&title=09/09/2012%20-%20Sun&RovaSrc=2183&DayOrder=2&FromYeshuv=Masada&FromRova=Masada%20Center&ToYeshuv=Jerusalem&ToRova=Jerusalem%20Central%20Bus%20Station&hour=&width=1024]
Out timetable: [http://mslworld.egged.co.il/eggedtimetable/WebForms/wfrmLuz.aspx?SugTransfer=0&company=1&language=en&RovaDest=2183&DateTokef=09/09/2012&title=09/09/2012%20-%20Sun&RovaSrc=1783&DayOrder=2&FromYeshuv=Jerusalem&FromRova=Jerusalem%20Central%20Bus%20Station&ToYeshuv=Masada&ToRova=Masada%20Center&hour=&width=1024]

I have seen this "tour" recommended many times (it provides transportation only):
http://www.abraham-hostel-jerusalem.com/ABOUT/Article/tabid/158/ArticleId/43/language/en-US/Masada-Ein-Gedi-and-Dead-Sea.aspx
The advantage is that, in addition to Massada, you also visit the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and take a dip in the Dead Sea all in one day, something that is impossible to do by public transport.

Re # 2.

I took this tour and found it to be very good value. No hassles, just relax and enjoy. True, it is a self-guided tour, but the driver was quite helpful and provided an interesting commentary. In my view, for most travellers, the museum at Masada and the brocure offered every visitor gives enough information to make sense of Masada. The resort cost for swimming in the Dead Sea is included in the fee. However, as I recall, entry to En Gedi is not. But overall, very good value, and a pleasant way to see these sights on a day trip.

When are you planning on going?

You may not be aware that Sunday September 16 will be like a Friday as far as buses are concerned (the eve of Rosh Hashana), and there will be no buses at all on September 17 and 18.

There are more religious holidays - and no buses - on several days in the next few weeks. Send a sign if you need more details on this.

I am going to stay in Jerusalem on 24/12 (3 days). I am not sure whether I can book the tour during X' mas.

Thanks

#5 (milasoer)

In case you aren't aware of it, Xmas - and New Year's Day - are both regular working days in Israel. So I see no reason why the tour cannot be booked for then.