Israel is a small country, with one major international airport, Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are common in Israel for urban and interurban travel and can be flagged in the street or booked via phone or designated international apps, such as Gett Taxi.

The main forms of public transportation are buses and the national train service (https://www.rail.co.il/) both offering a convenient, reasonably priced means of travel to nearly every destination in the country. Apps like Moovit and Google Maps are coordinated with the public transportation system.

Travelling on buses, trains, and on Haifa’s Carmelit can be conducted using the Moovit app. Once on the bus, you indicate through the App that you’d like to pay for a new ride and then scan the bus’ bar-code symbol that will be posted behind the driver. Please note that using Moovit in transit will require that your phone has cellular service. Another option (which does not require the use of a cellphone) is to purchase a pre-paid transit card, called a RAV-KAV that can be scanned on any bus or train. See https://ravkavonline.co.il/en/public-transport-in-israel. 

Transportation to and from the airport to Haifa:

Option 1: Taxi from the airport to the Hotel one-way trip. About €150.

Option 2: Train and Taxi. About €30:

1. Train (one direction) – there are several stations in Haifa. About €15;

2. Taxi to hotel from the train station. About €15.

Option 3: Train and Cable car to the university. About €20:

1. Train (one direction) – station in Haifa called “LEV-ha-MIFRATS” (Heart of the Port). €18

2. Cable car – final stop at the University of Haifa. €2.

Payment methods may differ and taxis often require payment in cash (NIS).

Train Information Services: https://www.rail.co.il Telephone: 08-6831222 or *5770

Busses Information Services: https://www.bus.co.il/ Telephone: 1-900-72-1111

Renting a Car

Most international car rental companies and local companies have offices in the large cities and at Ben Gurion Airport. It is recommended to reserve a car well in advance.

Drivers must be over 24 years of age, hold a valid international driver’s license, and pay with an international credit card.

Israel has an extensive road system and clear signage in most places (in Hebrew, English, and Arabic).

Driving in Israel

The minimum driving age in Israel is 17 and the driving side of the road is the right. Speed limits are 30 to 50km/h in cities, 80-90 on freeways, 130 on highways and Route no.6. Safety belts are obligatory. There is a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, so find a designated driver and enjoy safely.

Highway 6

Highway 6 is an electronic toll road with no barriers at entrances or exits and no traffic lights and an 120 km/hour speed limit. Advanced computerized information systems installed along the highway include electronic tollgates that identify vehicles, categorize types of fees (subscription or unregistered), and calculate the distance each vehicle travels. Every trip is automatically tabulated and invoiced. Tourists renting a car will be charged for use of Highway 6 via their credit card. Please inquire with the rental company the conditions and tariffs.

Most car rental companies do not offer insurance for driving in areas in the West Bank under the control of the Palestinian Authority, known as “Area A” (which includes Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Jericho). Tourists wishing to drive with rented cars into Area A in the West Bank are therefore recommended to secure appropriate insurance with the car rental company. Driving into the West Bank will require car passage through a border checkpoint and your return to Israel will require your visa-stamped passport. Taxis cannot take you from Israel to cities in “Area A” (ie Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho). However, there are tourist shuttles and tours that go daily to these cities from Jerusalem. 

Information for Passengers with Special Needs                     

The border terminals were planned to be accessible to passengers with Special Needs, taking into consideration and providing solutions for the unique needs of assisted travellers, so as to enable them to receive services in person and independently.

As part of the service, passengers may apply to the terminal’s personnel for assistance and help in advance.  Passage through the terminal, both on departure and on arrival, is uncomplicated, accessible to the disabled and unimpeded in all directions.  Special parking places have been marked for the disabled in the parking lots. These are near the terminal building and easily accessible.

Wheelchairs may be obtained free of charge in the terminal. The wheelchairs remain at the disposal of those who need them until they leave the terminal.  Public toilets in the terminal are accessible and adapted to wheelchairs.  

Within the framework of improving services to all those passing through the terminals, the Airports Authority has completed a process of checking the accessibility to persons with disabilities at the border terminals. The check was carried out by a professional company specializing in the field of accessibility. Terminal personnel will be happy to help and assist in solving any problem that may arise.