The answer to the question "How to go " rests in one's dreams. Most of the visitors arrive by air. It is the quickest way to pass long distances in short time.
Coming by the sea has the fleur of adventures and enjoyment of a slow arrival, though with a lot of emotions, to the Holy Land.
Entering by land will necessarily be a continuation of an experience in the orient.
Here are some helpful facts for making a decision:
By Sea
Several shipping lines offer scheduled sailings from Europe to Haifa Port.
Another option for arrival by sea is to join a Mediterranean cruise which
includes Israel in its itinerary. Passengers can board in Cyprus, Greece,
Turkey or Egypt.
Private boats may enter Israel through the ports of Haifa, Ashdod or Eilat. After border and customs clearance procedures, they can continue to any of Israel’s marinas. Marinas catering to the public are located in the main ports(above), Tel Aviv/Jaffa, Acre, Herzliya and Ashkelon.
Reservations several weeks in advance, for a berth in the marina of choice, is advised.
By Air
Most of the international airlines operate flights to Israel. El Al, Israel air lines, operates many direct flights from the United States, Europe, the Far East,and Africa.
Other Israeli airlines Arkia and Israir operate flights from central locations in Europe.
Most international airlines have regular daily flights to Israel.
There are no direct flights to Israel from Australia, South America or from countries which do not have diplomatic relations with Israel.
Flight distances:
- From Paris - about 4 ½ hours
- From London – about 5 hours
- From Los Angeles - about 17 hours
- From New York - about 11 hours
- From Singapore - about 11 hours
Most international flights land at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located near the town of Lod - approximately 30 minutes drive from Tel Aviv.
Ben Gurion airport has recently opened a new, modern terminal with a large variety of duty-free shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses. Some flights from Europe also land at Sde Dov in north Tel Aviv or at Ovda Airport near Eilat.
By Land
Land entry into Israel is possible from Egypt and Jordan countries with which Israel has peaceful relations. Border crossings are under the jurisdiction of the Israel Airports Authority.
Important: Walking is the only way to cross the border when entering or leaving Israel. Therefore no private vehicle of any kind will be aloud to cross the border. Public transportation (taxi\bus) is the favorable commuting way to/from the terminals.
Here is a list of land terminals of Israel.
Jordan:
Rabin Terminal – About 10 km north of the city of Eilat
Allenbi Terminal – About 15 km north of jericho ( via bypass Jericho junction)
Jordan River Terminal – Near Beit Shean-on route 71 (east) via kibutz Maoz Haim
Egypt
Taba Terminal – About 8 km south of Eilat on route 90
