Transportation

1. Air

Israel is a relatively small country, and as such it is only worthwhile to consider the option of flying between Eilat and Tel Aviv or Haifa. A number of companies operate flights from Eilat to Haifa, Ben Gurion Airport, or Sde Dov in north Tel Aviv. Airfares are considered to be comparatively economical, but are still much higher than bus fares.

Ben Gurion International Airport or Ben Gurion Airport, once commonly known as Lod Airport, is located 15 km southeast of Tel Aviv, and is the largest international airport in the whole of Israel.

You can also charter out private flights from companies that operate special flights from anywhere in the country upon request.

Domestic Airports:

? Be'er Sheva

? Eilat

? Haifa

? Herzliya

? Atarot (Jerusalem)

? Kfar Sirkin

? Megiddo

? Qiryat Shemona

? Ben Ya'aqov (Rosh Pina)

? Sde Dov (Tel Aviv)

2. Bus

The bus route system in Israel is extremely developed as a result of which it proves to be the country's main form of public transportation. The Egged Bus Cooperative, Israel's largest bus company (and the second largest in the world), operates a large number of transport routes throughout the country. Major cities and regions also have a number of local bus companies that operate within the city itself, the largest being the Dan Bus Company, which operates routes in Gush Dan.

Bus stations in Israel, are of two types namely terminals (masof, pl. mesofim) and central terminals (tahana merkazit). Each terminal caters to a number of routes, usually over a dozen, while a central terminal may cater to over a hundred bus routes. Egged, the largest public transporter in Israel also provides a number of local, intercity public bus services throughout the country. Passengers requiring information on the various bus lines can visit the Egged website. They can also phone the computerized customer service and information center for information relating to the bus services. Information booths and electronic boards displaying the departure times and destinations are present at almost all terminals.

3. Car

A host of international car rental companies and local transport corporations have offices present in the large cities and at Ben Gurion Airport. You are advised to make car reservations in advance before visiting the country. In Israel the driver must be over 21 years of age in order to hire a car, and must also hold a valid international driver's license and an international credit card.

Vehicles in Israel are operated on the right-hand side of the road. The road system and network in Israel is extensive and clear signage is available in most places (in Hebrew, English, and Arabic).

4. Ship

Shipping is a significant factor that boosts the economy as well helps in enhancing communication with other countries. Ever since the land frontiers have been closed following the Arab blockade of Israel, ocean and air shipping has played a major role in the transportation of supplies. Three modern deepwater ports, Haifa and Ashdod on the Mediterranean and Elat on the Red Sea help in facilitating this transport and are maintained and developed by the Israel Ports Authority.

5. Taxi

Taxis are a convenient mode of transportation in Israel. Local and intercity taxi services can be generally availed from any point in the country. Fares within the city are charged in accordance to the meter readings, which are set by the Ministry of Transportation. Before entering a taxi it is advisable that you agree on a price before hand in order to avoid any complications later.

Taxis can be ordered by calling up a local taxi station. They can also be flagged down by waving your hand on the street. Drivers by law are required to operate the meter for trips within the city. In case you are not familiar with the rates, do not let the driver convince you on any fare determined before hand.