Asia > 🇮🇱 Israel
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Israel can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Israel; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).
🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Israel?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options.
If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Israel?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Israel
CITY IATA Score
Jerusalem TLVj
Ovda VDA
Tel Aviv TLV
Car or No Car: Israel
Israel is a compact yet incredibly diverse country — a land where ancient history, cutting-edge innovation, and stunning landscapes coexist. From the beaches of Tel Aviv to the Old City of Jerusalem, from the Dead Sea to the Golan Heights, it offers more variety per kilometre than almost anywhere else. So, should you rent a car in Israel? For many visitors, the answer is yes — but only if you’re planning to travel beyond the cities.
🚗 Driving in Israel
Driving in Israel is modern, well signposted, and relatively straightforward. Roads are excellent, signage is bilingual (Hebrew and English), and navigation apps like Waze were invented here — so they work brilliantly. However, Israeli drivers can be assertive, and traffic in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is often heavy, especially during rush hours or religious holidays.
Car rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Sixt are widely available at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) and in major cities. Petrol prices are high, but distances are short — the country can be crossed north to south in less than six hours.
🚆🚍 Public Transport Alternatives
Israel’s rail network has expanded rapidly, connecting Tel Aviv with Jerusalem via a high-speed line that takes just 30 minutes. Trains also reach Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and the airport, making them ideal for intercity travel. Within cities, buses and shared taxis (sheruts) fill in gaps efficiently, though they generally stop running from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening for Shabbat.
If you’re travelling only between major cities, you won’t need a car — but once you go beyond the train lines, for example to Masada, the Dead Sea, or Galilee, driving becomes much more practical.
🏜️ Regional Considerations
Some areas have additional restrictions or sensitivities:
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Jerusalem: Traffic and parking can be difficult — walk or use the light rail.
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West Bank: Travel is possible, but visitors should avoid certain areas and check current security advisories.
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Desert routes (Negev and Judean): Beautiful and safe, but fuel stations are sparse — plan ahead.
🚧 Crossing into Jordan
Many travellers visiting Israel also consider a side trip to Jordan — especially to see Petra or Wadi Rum. However, it’s important to know that Israeli rental cars cannot cross the border into Jordan under normal circumstances.
You can cross at one of three official border points:
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Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba Crossing (near Eilat and Aqaba) – the easiest for tourists.
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Allenby / King Hussein Bridge (between Jerusalem and Amman) – open to foreigners but requires pre-arranged Jordanian visas.
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Sheikh Hussein Crossing (near the Sea of Galilee) – open daily and also handles rental car drop-offs on the Israeli side.
The usual approach is to drop off your Israeli rental car at the border, cross on foot or by shuttle, and then rent a separate car on the Jordanian side. The process can take time, but it’s straightforward if you plan ahead.
🌍 Crossing into Egypt
If your journey continues south, you can also cross from Israel into Egypt via the Taba Border Crossing, located just south of Eilat. This is the only open land border between the two countries for tourists, and it provides access to Sinai resorts such as Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab, and Sharm El Sheikh.
As with Jordan, Israeli rental cars are not permitted to cross the border. You’ll need to return your vehicle in Eilat, cross on foot, and then rent a separate car or arrange transport on the Egyptian side. Travellers heading deeper into Egypt (for example to Cairo or Luxor) usually fly from Sharm El Sheikh or take long-distance buses through the Sinai.
Security is stable in resort areas, but it’s always wise to check current travel advisories before crossing, as conditions in the Sinai can change.
🧭 Conclusion
So, should you rent a car in Israel? Yes — if your trip includes natural sites, rural areas, or multiple regions beyond the main cities. But if your focus is urban exploration or historical walking tours, Israel’s expanding public transport system can easily handle it.
Car or No Car Rating: 🚗💡 Mostly Yes – efficient for exploring the country, but not essential for city stays.
