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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Israel

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv is Israel's main international gateway. Ramon Airport (ETM) near Eilat serves domestic and some international charter flights.

Information

  • Most international travelers arrive at TLV.
  • El Al, Israir, Arkia are national carriers. Many major international airlines serve TLV.
  • Direct flights connect TLV to major global hubs in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight prices vary significantly by season. Booking well in advance is recommended for better rates.

Details

  • Prices are highest during peak tourist season (June-August) and major Jewish holidays (Passover, Sukkot).
  • Lowest prices occur during winter off-season (November-March), excluding holidays.
  • TLV offers duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, car rental desks, and free Wi-Fi.

Train to Caesarea

Take the train from TLV to Binyamina station (40-50 min). From Binyamina, take a local bus (70, 80, 76, 79) or taxi (15-20 min) to Caesarea. An efficient option. Skyscanner for flights.

Taxi to Caesarea

Private taxis are readily available from official stands at TLV. Direct and convenient transfer. Cost is approximately ₪350-500, depending on traffic. Confirm fare or meter use.

Rental Car

Car rental desks are at TLV. An international driving permit is recommended if your home license is not in English. DiscoverCars.com for options.

Air Travel Tips

Booking Insights

  • Book international flights well in advance for better rates.
  • Consider using flight deal services like Dollar Flight Club.
  • Explore multiple airlines for competitive pricing.
  • Use flight comparison websites for broad search.

Airport Experience

  • Utilize free Wi-Fi upon arrival at TLV for immediate connectivity.
  • Public transportation connections are integrated at TLV.
  • Consider luggage services if you have many bags.
  • Familiarize yourself with customs procedures before landing.

Border Crossings

Land Borders

Israel shares land borders with Egypt and Jordan, plus crossings with the Palestinian Authority. Procedures, opening hours, and entry restrictions apply.

Relevance to Caesarea

These crossings are not directly relevant to reaching Caesarea, unless planning an extended trip to neighboring countries. Always research specific requirements.

Sea/River Arrivals

Major cruise ports exist in Haifa and Ashdod, serving international cruise lines. Caesarea's ancient port is not used for modern ferry services or cruise ship arrivals.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Israel Railways operates a national train network connecting major cities.

Connections

  • The closest train station to Caesarea is Binyamina.
  • Binyamina connects directly to Tel Aviv (30-45 min) and Haifa (20-30 min).
  • The train presents a comfortable and efficient way to travel between urban centers.

Long-Distance Buses

Egged and Kavim are Israel's largest bus companies, operating extensive networks.

Travel Notes

  • Direct bus services to Caesarea are limited.
  • More common to take a long-distance bus to Hadera or Or Akiva, then local transport.
  • Buses connect virtually all major cities and towns, a cost-effective option.

Self-Driving

Considerations and requirements for renting a car in Israel.

Driving Info

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Valid international driving permit (IDP) recommended; carry home license.
  • Road conditions are excellent; signs are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

Road Conditions & Safety

Highways are modern and well-maintained. Be aware of local driving habits.

Safety Notes

  • Traffic can be heavy around urban centers during rush hours.
  • Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h intercity, 110-120 km/h highways.
  • Handheld mobile phone use while driving is illegal; use hands-free.

Departure Information

  • No general departure tax from Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) for international flights.
  • Arrive at TLV at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure.
  • Security procedures include luggage screening and a personal interview. Answer questions calmly.
  • TLV facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and airline lounges.
  • Remember to present your B2 entry permit slip upon departure.
  • Check flight status and gate information in advance.

Driving & Parking

Car Rental

Procedures, requirements, and major companies.

Aspects

  • Minimum age 21-24 (varies by company/car).
  • Valid driver's license (IDP recommended) & major credit card.
  • International companies: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar. Local: Eldan, Shlomo Sixt.

Parking Information

Parking Zones

  • Caesarea National Park: Extensive paid parking at entrance.
  • Blue & white curbs: Paid parking (Pango, Cellopark apps or ticket machines).
  • Red & white curbs: No parking. Grey curbs usually mean free parking (confirm signs).

Walking Friendly Areas

Caesarea National Park is pedestrian-friendly. Designated pathways lead through the ruins. The coastal promenade along the Roman aqueduct is excellent for walking.

Cycling

Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited near Caesarea. Cycling is possible on roads, with caution due to traffic. The coastal path north of the National Park offers a scenic cycling route.

No-Go Areas

Avoid walking or cycling along major highways for safety. Respect restricted archaeological areas within the national park; remain on designated paths.

Specialized Transport

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common in Israel, especially for tourists.

Availability

  • Typically restricted to certain areas or specific tours.
  • Consider this option only with prior experience and relevant licensing.
  • Not a common mode of transport for general sightseeing.

Bicycle Sharing & Rentals

No official bicycle sharing programs operate directly within Caesarea.

Local Options

  • Bicycle rentals might be found in nearby towns or major cities for recreational use.
  • Not mainly for local transport within Caesarea itself.
  • Coastal path suitable for cycling.

Other Transport

Tour Buses

Many operators offer organized day trips to Caesarea from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, including round-trip bus transportation and often a guided component.

Hop-on-Hop-off

No hop-on-hop-off bus services operate within Caesarea itself, due to the compact nature of the main archaeological site.

Water/Cable Cars

Caesarea does not feature boat taxis, cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transportation systems.

Accessibility Note

Caesarea National Park has made efforts to create accessible pathways, notably around the Visitor Center and parts of the Roman Theater. However, much of the ancient site involves uneven terrain, ancient stones, and steps.