DiscoverCars 4.6 (70,000)
Compare All Car Rental Companies
Search every major rental company in Israel at once and book the best price, with free cancellation on most cars.
Renting a Car in Israel: Complete 2026 Guide
By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated
Compare car rental deals in Israel
DiscoverCars 
Rentalcars 4.5 (30,000)
Ben Gurion Airport Car Hire
Pick up at Ben Gurion Airport and drop off in the city — wide choice and flexible terms.
Israel is small and the trains are excellent between the main cities — so you do not always need a car. But for the spread-out north and the desert south, a rental transforms the trip. Here is when to rent, what to know, and where to book.
When a car is (and isn’t) worth it
Skip the car for the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem–Haifa corridor — trains and buses are faster and cheaper once you factor in city parking.
Rent a car for the Galilee, Golan Heights and Negev, where sights like wineries, viewpoints and the Makhtesh Ramon crater are scattered and transit is sparse. A common strategy: do the cities by train, then rent for two or three days in the north or south.
Costs & booking
Rates vary by season and demand; booking ahead and comparing companies saves the most. Use the comparison tools above to see every supplier at Ben Gurion Airport and city depots at once. Watch for the usual extras — insurance excess, young-driver fees, and one-way drop-off charges.
Driving in Israel — the essentials
- Drive on the right. Roads and motorways are modern; signage is in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
- Licence & age — bring an International Driving Permit with your home licence; minimum age is typically 21–24.
- Shabbat — a car keeps you mobile when transit stops, but rental offices often close Friday afternoon to Saturday night, so plan pickup/return around that. See the Shabbat guide.
- Borders & the West Bank — most contracts bar taking the car to Jordan and void insurance in some areas; for Petra take a tour. See border crossings.
- Parking — city parking is tight and colour-coded at the kerb; use car parks in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Plan the rest
Sort your eSIM for navigation data and travel insurance before you go, and if you would rather not drive from the airport, see Ben Gurion airport transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to rent a car in Israel? +
Not for the main cities — fast trains and buses link Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and the coast. A car is worth it for the Galilee, Golan Heights and Negev, where attractions are spread out and public transport is limited. Many travellers rent for just those days.
Can I drive a rental car in Israel on Shabbat? +
Yes — a rental car is one of the best ways to stay mobile on Shabbat, when trains and most buses stop. Note that many rental offices close from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening, so collect and return the car around those hours.
Can I take a rental car to the West Bank or across the border to Jordan? +
Most Israeli rental contracts do not permit taking the car into Jordan or, often, parts of the West Bank — and insurance may be void there. Always check the terms, and for Petra use an organised tour rather than your rental.
What do I need to rent a car in Israel? +
A valid driving licence (an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence is recommended), a credit card in the main driver name, and usually a minimum age of 21 to 24. Drive on the right; roads and signage are good and largely in English too.
By The Visit Israel Editorial Team · Last updated