Discover Tel Aviv by Hire Car
In Israel’s second largest city, Tel Aviv, things are turbulent at all hours of the day and night.
There’s an Israeli proverb that says, “In Jerusalem we pray, in Haifa we work, and in Tel Aviv we party.
According to this motto, the 3.2 million inhabitants of this metropolis also seem to be happy to comply, as the city directly on the Mediterranean has the densest club and party scene in the country.
In recent weeks, the Gaza conflict has weighed on the city’s party mood. But after an indefinite ceasefire was announced on August 26, 2014, residents are sure to return to the turbulent daily routine soon.
It’s not just Tel Aviv that’s worth a visit, the surrounding countryside is too. With a little care, it’s easy to explore by hire car. For rental and travel we have compiled a few tips.
Safety instructions
Even though the Gaza conflict appears to be settled for the time being, the Foreign Office warns against travel to the Gaza Strip, travel to the border area with Syria and Lebanon and to the Israeli-Egyptian border. It is essential to find out about the current security situation on the Federal Foreign Office website before travelling. In addition, the Foreign Office recommends registering on the crisis precaution list before travelling.
Receiving the hire car
Most rental agencies at Tel Aviv airport are located between the departures and arrivals halls. Just follow the signs. There they will explain how to get to the shuttle that will take you to your car. Before booking, you should make sure that your rental company also has its station in the airport. If it is only located near the airport, you may have to wait a long time for a shuttle. This will cost you valuable travel time.
Choosing the right car
Since it is often quite turbulent, especially in the cities, you should rather rent a smaller vehicle. This way you can get through narrow streets and find a parking space more easily.
Hire car prices
Hire car prices in Tel Aviv are in the medium range. You can usually get the best deal if you book well in advance of your trip and use our handy price comparison tool.
hire car price comparison Tel Aviv
Be aware of airport tax
Please be aware that most rental companies in Tel Aviv charge an additional airport fee on top of the rental price.
Insurance
In Israel, some of the driving is sporty. A small accident can happen quickly. In order to be well insured in case of damage, you should take out comprehensive insurance without excess. And with the liability you should pay attention to the sum insured. It should be at least one million euros in order to be sufficiently protected in the event of an accident involving personal injury or several vehicles.
age limit
You must be at least 21 years old to hire car from most rental companies in Tel Aviv. And drivers under 25 are often charged an additional fee. Drivers over the age of 75 are often not allowed to hire car either. Make sure to ask about the conditions before booking.
Tank control
Only book with rental companies where you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. This way you avoid arguments about the level of the car and avoid additional costs.
Accessories
If you need accessories such as a navigation device, you should reserve it when you book your hire car. This way you can make sure that it will be available on the day of the rental.
Language barrier
You don’t have to worry about communication difficulties in Israel. With English, you can get by everywhere just fine.
Free kilometers
Even though Israel is a manageable country, it quickly adds up to a lot of miles with all the sights. Better hire car with free kilometers right away.
Customer Review Hire Car
Most of the customers are satisfied with the hire car in Tel Aviv. However, some complain about the exterior condition of the vehicles. Always get written confirmation of all scratches and dents when you pick up the vehicle. Then you can prove when you return the vehicle that you did not cause any defects.
Safety Hire Car
Most rental vehicles in Israel are perfectly safe to drive. Nevertheless, it is advisable to test the lights and brakes before your first trip.
Bail
Make sure to rent from a rental company that only blocks the deposit on your credit card. If the amount is debited, it can sometimes take a long time after returning the car until the money is back in your account.
Sights in Tel Aviv
White City: Experience the Bauhaus Style
Your stroll could begin in the White City. There you will find the largest collection of Bauhaus buildings in the world. Since 2003, the White City has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Erez Israel Museum: journey into the past
The next stop on your tour is the Erez Israel Museum. An impressive collection will introduce you to the rich history of the region. The museum is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. On Thursday you can even visit it until 20:00. On Friday it closes at 14:00 and on Saturday at 15:00. The entrance fee is 48 shekels.
Museum of the Jewish People: Experiencing Jewish History
Last destination of a first stroll could be the Museum of the Jewish People. There, the lives of the Jewish people over many millennia are vividly portrayed. The museum is open Sunday through Tuesday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. On Wednesday and Thursday you can visit it until 19:00. On Friday the gates open already at 09:00, but it closes at 13:00. On Saturday and on Israeli holidays it is closed. Admission costs 42 shekels.
Suggestion of a round trip
Jerusalem: Discover the capital
A round trip by hire car could start in Jerusalem. In a good hour you will be there. In Jersualem, you can discover an important site for the Jews with the Wailing Wall, enjoy the view of the city from the Mount of Olives and admire the Upper Room on Mount Zion. But that’s just a tiny fraction of the sights Jerusalem has to offer. Be sure to get a comprehensive guidebook before visiting so you don’t miss anything.
Samaria: The former capital
Continue your journey to Samaria. In less than three hours you will be in the former capital of the Kingdom of Israel. There are numerous ruins to discover in Samaria that tell of its glorious past.
Haifa: well-kept city with magnificent mausoleum
Before you steer the hire car back to Tel Aviv, you should take a break in Haifa. The drive takes two and a half hours. In Haifa, you can discover the impressive Baha'i Shrine, the mausoleum of the herald of the Baha'i religious community, which is almost unknown to us, and enjoy the wide view of the sea in the Karmel district. However, the well-kept Haifa offers numerous other sights, so you may consider spending the night there. In that case, we recommend the Don Panorama Haifia, with well-kept rooms, great service and fantastic views over the city.
conclusion
Despite limited travel options, Tel Aviv is a worthwhile place for a hire car trip. Many interesting destinations in the area are easy to reach on the well-maintained roads. And with our price comparison, you can easily find a cheap deal too.
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