Getting from Tel Aviv to Eilat

Getting from Tel Aviv to Eilat is surprisingly simple, with buses, flights, shuttles, and private transfers all easily available. By road, the journey takes between 3.5 and 5.5 hours depending on the means of transport. There are regular shuttles and buses (5-6 hours), private tour buses, and private transfers (3.5-4 hours). There are also flights throughout the day, which take around 1 hour between the two cities.

Many who travel this route do so in order to meet a tour to Petra, or Egypt. Many of these tours have options to begin in Tel Aviv, which can be cheaper than taking other transportation options. Here are the best options for making the journey.

Shuttle Bus From Tel Aviv to Eilat

Taking a shuttle bus is the most convenient option. Available 7 days a week, including Fridays and Saturdays when other forms of public transport and flights are not available, the shuttle bus departs once a day and offers reliable and convenient options. The shuttle leaves Tel Aviv every morning and returns back from Eilat every evening.

Bus from Tel Aviv to Eilat

The public bus departs from the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station and takes between 5-6 hours to reach the southern city of Eilat. There are up to 10 daily departures on the route, which are spread between Sunday to Thursday. On Fridays, the buses run until around 4 pm, and on Saturdays, they begin around 2 pm (note that these buses do run slightly during Shabbat). This bus is unique as it is the only route in Israel that should be pre-booked.

Private Transfer from Tel Aviv to Eilat

For the quickest journey, or a family or larger group, the transfer can be made by private car or taxi. The journey time here would be 3.5-4 hours in most cases, and of course, pickup and dropoff will be from your private address.

The journey could also be arranged to stop off on the way, for example, at Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev Desert or the Timna Park in the Arava Region, in order to break the journey and have some more travel experiences.

Flights from Tel Aviv to Eilat

Two Israeli airlines (Arkia and Israir) fly domestic flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport to Eilat, and most recently, airHaifa, from the northern Israeli city of Haifa. Flights take around 1 hour, and passengers should be at the airport at least one hour before departure.

Once You’re in Eilat, See the Sights!

Eilat is not only a stunning coastal city, but it also serves as an excellent base for day trips to the surrounding regions. Whether you’re visiting for just 24 hours or a week, Eilat offers a variety of experiences. From the iconic Timna Valley, rich in natural beauty, to the stunning Ramon Crater, where you can explore the vast desert landscape: go hiking or stargazing in both sites.