Asia > Israel > Ramon (ETM)
The Car or no Car advice for Ramon can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Ramon ; 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 Ramon ?
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 Ramon?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Visiting Ramon without a car 🚌
It is possible to reach Mitzpe Ramon without a car. Long-distance buses connect the town with Be’er Sheva, Eilat, and occasionally Tel Aviv, though services are relatively infrequent. Once in town, Mitzpe Ramon itself is compact and walkable, with viewpoints, cafés, small museums, and accommodation clustered near the crater rim.
For travellers who plan to stay put, enjoy the scenery, join organised tours, or focus on stargazing and desert walks, going car-free is entirely viable 🌌.
Why a car makes a big difference 🚗
Where Ramon really opens up is beyond the town limits. The Ramon Crater is enormous, and many of its most striking viewpoints, hiking trails, and geological features are spread out and difficult to reach without your own transport. Public transport within the crater area is minimal, and taxis are expensive and unreliable.
A car allows you to explore scenic desert roads, remote lookouts, abandoned quarries, wildlife areas, and sunrise or sunset spots that organised tours don’t always cover. It also gives flexibility with timing — crucial in a place where light, heat, and weather shape the experience 🌄.
Driving in and around Ramon 🛣️
Driving in the Ramon area is generally straightforward. Roads are quiet, well maintained, and traffic is minimal. That said, distances are long, fuel stops are sparse, and mobile signal can be patchy in places. A normal car is sufficient for most routes, but off-road tracks should only be attempted with appropriate vehicles and experience.
Conclusion – Should you rent a car in Ramon?
Should you rent a car in Ramon?
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No, if you’re staying in town, relying on buses, and joining guided desert tours
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Yes, if you want full access to the Ramon Crater, freedom to explore at your own pace, and the flexibility to experience the desert properly 🚗🏜️
Ramon is one of those destinations where a car isn’t essential — but it transforms the trip from a viewpoint visit into a true desert journey.
