Eilat is, at you might have guessed already, the southernmost point in Israel. Which means it’s a fair good distance from the major cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There are various ways you can get down to Eilat, but whichever way you choose it will take a chunk of your day. Here’s our quick guide to bridging that distance…
But exactly how far is Eilat from Tel Aviv (and HOW do I get there)?
Eilat is a 350km drive from Tel Aviv, if you go via Road 6 (the toll road – if you want to avoid tolls, take Road 40, it won’t add too much time) to Beersheba, and then continue on Road 90, the main desert road down to Eilat. That drive should probably take you around 4 hours, but there are plenty of great places to stop for some desert views, which will, of course, add to your travel time.
The quickest way to get from Tel Aviv to Eilat is by flying – it’s just a one hour flight! You can fly (there are two main services, run by Arkia (English/Hebrew) and Israir (only in Hebrew) – expect to pay $100-$130 for a return ticket) from Ben Gurion airport to the new Eilat Ramon airport. From there, you’ll still need to get to the main part of Eilat, here’s how you do it.
You have a few bus options and routes, but the 390 bus is your best option if you want a direct bus down to Eilat from Tel Aviv. It will take just around 4.5 hours, make many stops along the way, and will cost you around 70 shekels for a one-way ticket.
There are no trains to Eilat from Tel Aviv. Walking or hiking to Eilat will cut some of the distance down, to around 330km, but expect a good 3 days on the road, at the very least! If you’re feeling brave enough to take on the roads on your bike, it will take the best part of a day, riding non-stop – so let’s make that two days.
Check out the map below for your options in getting from Tel Aviv to Eilat.
And how far is Eilat from Jerusalem (and HOW do I get there)?
Eilat is a 314km drive from Jerusalem, if you go via Road 90, the main desert road down to Eilat. That drive should probably take you around 4 hours, without taking into consideration any pitstops to take in the amazing Negev scenery, or even stunning, hidden lakes!
You have a few bus options and routes, but the 444 bus is your best option if you want a direct bus down to Eilat. It will take just over 4 hours, make many stops along the way, and as per Tel Aviv, will cost you around 70 shekels for a one-way ticket.
There are no trains to Eilat from Jerusalem, and unfortunately, no flights. As per Tel Aviv to Eilat (see above) walking or hiking to Eilat will cut some of the distance down, to around 300km, but expect a good 3 days on the road! On your bike, it will take the best part of a day, riding non-stop – so let’s make that two days.
Check out the map below for your options in getting from Jerusalem to Eilat.