Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the Baptism Site of Jesus: Hours, Price and Visit (2026)
The Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas, "Bethany Beyond the Jordan") is open from 8 am to 4 pm from 1 November according to the official website, last entry at 4 pm. Entry costs 12 JD for non-Arab foreigners and is free for children under 12, shuttle and local guide included. The visit is guided from the entrance and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Hours and fees from the official website, checked in October 2026; the summer hours are not stated on the page, so phone to confirm. The site is UNESCO-listed and combines well with the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo.
Highlights
The churches and the pool
The route passes Byzantine churches, wells and a baptismal pool on the east bank of the Jordan; a modern church is visible from the path.
The path to the river
A shaded walkway leads to the Jordan; the water is a small narrow stream and the opposite bank is only a few metres away.
Practical info
Tips
- The foreigner fee is 12 JD according to the official website (1 JD for Jordanians, 3 JD for Arab League nationals, free for children under 12). Shuttle and local guide are included. With the Jordan Pass the ticket is discounted (8 JD according to the pass website): add Bethany to the basket when you buy.
- There is almost no shade on the route: hat, water and sunscreen, especially from April to October. Tour listings show a higher entry fee (about 17 USD): it depends on the operator, not the official fee.
- Visitors board the shuttle and follow a guided visit from the entrance; the programme is not à la carte. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours on site.
- A half-day trip (4 hours) with a driver from Amman starts at 107 USD; cheaper in a combined tour with Madaba and Mount Nebo (from 18 to 49 USD per person in a group, 68 to 75 USD private). See Madaba and Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea in one day.
- Modest dress is advised: it is a pilgrimage site.
How to get there
The site is about 1 hour from Amman by car, near the Dead Sea. Day tours from Amman or Madaba often include it; by car, see car rental. Also from Amman. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for the day.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
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