How to Get to Haifa. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Air travel is the main way for international visitors to reach Israel. Haifa itself has a smaller airport, but TLV serves as the main entry point.

Airport Details

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV): Main international gateway, 100 km south of Haifa.
Haifa Airport (HFA): Smaller, domestic airport. Not typically for international tourists.
Major global airlines fly to TLV. For flight deals: Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices to TLV are generally highest during the summer months (June-August) due to popular demand. Prices also peak around major Jewish holidays (e.g., Passover in spring, Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot in autumn). Book flights well in advance.

Price Trends

Peak Season (Summer): Highest prices.
Jewish Holidays: Higher prices due to increased domestic tourism.
Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall): Often better value.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi at TLV. Purchase local SIM cards or activate eSIM plans at kiosks.

Shopping & Dining

TLV has extensive duty-free shops and a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.

Transfer Options to Haifa

Train, shared taxi (sherut), or private taxi from TLV to Haifa.

TLV to Haifa Transport Options

Train Service

Israel Railways: Direct trains from TLV airport station.
Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to Haifa.
Cost: Comfortable and affordable.
Shabbat: Train service stops Friday afternoon until Saturday evening.

Taxi & Rental Car

Sherut (Shared Taxi): Nesher Sherut offers 24/7 door-to-door service.
Private Taxi: Direct and faster, but most expensive.
Rental Car: Agencies at TLV. Provides flexibility for northern Israel exploration. (DiscoverCars.com)
Confirm fare with private taxi driver beforehand.

Airport Facilities TLV

Currency Exchange

Exchange offices and ATMs are available for currency conversion.

Car Rental

Major international car rental agencies have counters at the airport.

SIM Card Purchase

Purchase local SIM cards or activate eSIM plans at kiosks within the terminal.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Haifa is a central point in Israel's modern train network. Major stations include HaShmona (Downtown), Hof HaCarmel (South Haifa), and Bat Galim (near the hospital).

Train Network

Connects Haifa directly to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ben Gurion Airport, Akko, and Nahariya.
Modern, air-conditioned trains.
Service stops on Shabbat.

Bus Services

Egged, Israel's largest bus company, operates an extensive network of intercity bus routes. Buses connect Haifa's Hof HaCarmel Central Bus Station and other terminals to major cities and towns.

Bus Network

Air-conditioned and reliable.
Wide coverage across Israel.
Intercity bus services largely stop for Shabbat.

Self-Driving

A valid national driving license is necessary. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly suggested with your national license. Rental companies typically need drivers to be at least 21 or 24 years old.

Driving Information

Israeli roads are generally well-maintained.
Road signs are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
Waze or Google Maps provide real-time traffic and routing.

Driving Safety

Driving habits can be aggressive. Traffic in major cities, including Haifa, can be heavy during rush hours. Driving in Haifa can be challenging due to steep, winding roads and limited parking.

Driving Facts

Speed limits are enforced.
Seat belts are mandatory; headlights on year-round on intercity roads.
A major credit card is for a deposit.

Border Crossings

Borders with Lebanon and Syria are generally closed to tourists.
Crossings to Egypt (Taba, Nitzana) and Jordan (Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River, Yitzhak Rabin/Arava) are operational.
Border procedures can be time-consuming. Research specific visa needs and operating hours.

Haifa Port is Israel's largest commercial port and a popular cruise port.
No regular international passenger ferry services to Haifa.
Cruise passengers undergo passport control, receive a paper entry permit.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

For flights departing from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), any required exit taxes are usually included in your airfare. You typically do not pay an additional fee at the airport.

Land Border Departures

If departing via land borders (e.g., to Jordan or Egypt), specific exit fees may apply.
Pay these fees at the border crossing point, in local currency or USD.
Check the exact amount for your chosen border crossing.

Departure Procedures TLV

Ben Gurion Airport is renowned for its stringent security checks. This process can be thorough and includes interviews with security personnel. Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours before their international flight's scheduled departure time.

Airport Process

Allow ample time for security questioning, baggage check-in, and passport control.
At passport control, surrender your paper entry permit.
Airport facilities include duty-free shops, dining options, and lounges.

Duty-Free Shopping

Extensive duty-free area with electronics, cosmetics, liquor, and souvenirs.

Dining Options

Numerous restaurants, cafes, and snack bars for various dining needs.

Currency Services

Exchange services and ATMs are available for converting remaining Shekels or withdrawing cash.

Departure Reminder

Allow ample time for security and departure procedures at TLV. This leads to an efficient exit from Israel.

How to Get to Haifa