Quick Answer: Traveling to Eilat by bus from Tel Aviv costs 74 ₪ one way for an adult and takes about 4.5 hours, with advance booking on Egged (as of October 2026, according to the Ministry of Transport's travel price order). Other ways: flight to Ramon Airport — the fastest, with prices varying by season; private car — about 350 km and 4–4.5 hours of driving; or hitchhiking. Cheapest for a single traveler: bus. Most flexible: car. Decided how to get there? See villas in Eilat or vacation rentals in Eilat.
Updated: 7 באוקטובר 2026 · Bus price checked against the Bus Travel Price Control Order, and departure stations against Egged's booking system
Livo — an Israeli vacation rental platform. This guide is part of the content our team writes to help Eilat guests plan a complete vacation — not just accommodation. At the end of the guide, there are links to purchase discount vouchers for attractions in Eilat, tickets for shows in 2026, and vacation rentals through Livo.
Eilat is far: about 350 km by road from Tel Aviv, a 4-5 hour drive. But there are 4 different ways to get there — and the differences in price, time, and flexibility are significant. Here's a full analysis to help you choose.
Comparison Table - How to Get to Eilat 2026
Table: Travel to Eilat — Bus, Flight, Car, and Hitchhiking (Bus price according to Ministry of Transport's travel price order, October 2026; distance according to Tel Aviv–Eilat route)
| Option | One-way Price | Time | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight to Ramon | Varies by season and booking time | Shortest (plus travel to airport and check-in) | Fast, convenient | Expensive in high season |
| Egged Bus | 74 ₪ from Tel Aviv (October 2026) | About 4.5 hours | Cheap for single traveler, reserved seat | Advance booking, long |
| Private Car | About 26 liters of fuel one way (at 7.5 L/100 km) | 4-4.5 hours | Flexible, luggage | Fatigue, traffic jams |
| Hitchhiking | — | 4-5 hours | Cheap, social | Depends on driver |
1. Flight to Eilat ✈️
Airlines on the Eilat Route in 2026
According to the Israel Airports Authority, the Israeli airlines operating at Ramon Airport are Arkia and Israir. Flight prices vary greatly by season, day of the week, and booking time — compare prices directly on the airlines' websites.
Where is the airport?
Ramon Airport (ETM) is located about 18 km north of Eilat. The old airport within the city closed in 2019.
How to get from the airport to the city?
- Bus to the city
- Taxi
- Rental car — in peak season, it's advisable to book in advance
When is it worth flying?
- ✅ For a short weekend - saves 8 hours total
- ✅ For a couple - similar price to a car, but faster
- ✅ In low season (winter, mid-week) - when flight prices are lower
- ❌ Not worth it - for a large family with luggage
Set your flight dates? Send us your arrival dates and number of people on WhatsApp — and we'll help you find accommodation in Eilat for your dates, or call 050-780-1370.
2. Travel to Eilat by Bus — Price, Stations, and Time 🚌
The Short Answer: Traveling to Eilat by bus from Tel Aviv costs 74 ₪ one way for an adult (148 ₪ round trip), as of October 2026 — this is the fare for a journey of more than 225 km according to the Ministry of Transport's Bus Travel Price Control Order. The journey takes about 4.5 hours (according to Egged data published in Walla in July 2025), departing from Tel Aviv Savidor Central Station or the New Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv to Eilat's Central Bus Station, with advance booking.
How much does a bus to Eilat cost?
74 ₪ one way from Tel Aviv, as of October 2026. In the Bus Travel Price Control Order, a journey of more than 225 km is priced at 74 ₪, excluding VAT. In June 2026, the Ministry of Transport announced that the price increase planned for July was postponed, so the fare has not changed. Youth and senior citizens are eligible for a discount according to their personal profile on Rav-Kav, and the final price appears on Egged's booking screen. For a single traveler, this is usually the cheapest way to get to Eilat. Want to save on accommodation too? See cheap vacation in Eilat — affordable accommodation.
Where does the bus to Eilat depart from?
Table: Departure Stations for Eilat with Reserved Seating (according to Egged's booking system; price according to travel price order, October 2026)
| From | Departure Station | One-way Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tel Aviv | Tel Aviv Savidor Central Station | 74 ₪ |
| Tel Aviv | New Central Bus Station, 6th Floor | 74 ₪ |
| Jerusalem | Jerusalem Central Bus Station | Appears on booking screen |
All these journeys arrive at Eilat's Central Bus Station. Eilat also has reserved seating lines from other cities — the full list appears in Egged's booking system on their website.
How to book a seat on the bus to Eilat
- Journeys to Eilat operate on Egged's booking system — book your seat in advance on the Egged website or app.
- On weekends and holidays, seats sell out quickly — book early and arrive at the station with ample time.
Buses on Eilat routes
According to Egged (Walla, July 2025), some routes to Eilat use extended buses with only 45 seats, which can recline for sleeping, and a USB socket for phone charging.
3. Private Car 🚗
Real Cost Calculation
Table: Fuel for travel from Tel Aviv to Eilat by private car (calculation based on approx. 350 km by road and a car consuming 7.5 liters per 100 km)
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Distance one way | Approx. 350 km |
| Fuel one way | Approx. 26 liters |
| Fuel round trip | Approx. 52 liters |
Multiply by the price per liter at the station on the day of travel. For comparison: 4 passengers on a bus pay 296 ₪ one way (74 ₪ per passenger, October 2026).
Who is it worth it for?
- ✅ Family of 4+ - fuel cost is split among everyone. Arriving by car with children? See vacation properties for families in Eilat
- ✅ Trips around Eilat - Petra, Ein Yahav, Mitzpe Ramon
- ✅ Lots of luggage - clothes, snorkels, bicycles
- ❌ Couple for a weekend - not worth it compared to flying
Roads to Eilat
- Route 90 - The classic route. Via the Dead Sea, Arava Valley. Most recommended.
- Via Beer Sheva (Route 40) - 15 minutes shorter but less scenic.
Traffic Jams and Traps
- Thursday 15:00-19:00 - Departure from Tel Aviv to Eilat. Up to an hour extra.
- Sunday 8:00-13:00 - Return from Eilat. Up to two hours extra.
- Holidays and special occasions - Plan to depart before 6:00 AM.
Tip: In the promenade and marina area, it's hard to find parking in peak season, so it's advisable to look for a vacation rental with private parking.
Are several families or friends arriving in multiple cars? On the villa for rent in Eilat page, Livo only displays properties that hosts have marked as a villa — check each villa's page for parking availability for all cars before booking. Want your own pool too? Properties marked on Livo with a private pool are grouped on the villa in Eilat with a pool page.
4. Hitchhiking and Carpool
- Facebook groups for hitchhiking to Eilat
- WhatsApp groups for students
When it's worth it: Students, young people, spontaneous weekend. Not recommended for older couples or families.
Recommendation by Situation
Table: Which way to get to Eilat is right for you
| Your Situation | The Right Option |
|---|---|
| Couple for a 2-night weekend | Flight |
| Family of 4+ for a long vacation | Private car |
| Minimal budget | Egged bus (74 ₪ from Tel Aviv) |
| Want maximum flexibility | Car |
| Last minute (less than a week) | Bus or car |
Booked your transportation and just need to choose where to sleep? Send us your dates, number of people, and how you're getting to Eilat on WhatsApp — and we'll help you find suitable accommodation, or call 050-780-1370.
Last Tips
- Compare flight prices directly on airline websites
- Check multiple dates — flight prices vary by season, day of the week, and booking time
- For cars - check the property page for private parking
- For buses - book your seat in advance on Egged's booking system
Plan Your Vacation in One Place
After you've decided how to get there, there are 3 things left to plan: where to sleep, what to do, and where to save.
- 🏠 Vacation rental or villa in Eilat through Livo — an Israeli vacation rental platform. Enter dates in the search on the website to see only available properties.
- 🎢 Discount vouchers for attractions in Eilat — buy online in advance, receive a QR code, redeem directly at the business.
- 🎫 Tickets for shows and events in 2026 — concerts, festivals, selected performances through our partners.
- 🍽️ Restaurant vouchers in Eilat — chef restaurants, Mehadrin kosher, street food.
- 💆 Spa vouchers in Eilat — body treatments, couple's spa.
Related Articles:
FAQ
How much does a bus to Eilat cost?
Traveling to Eilat by bus from Tel Aviv costs 74 ₪ one way for an adult (148 ₪ round trip), as of October 2026. This is the fare for a journey of more than 225 km according to the Ministry of Transport's Bus Travel Price Control Order, and the Ministry of Transport postponed the price increase planned for July in June 2026. Youth and senior citizens are eligible for a discount according to their personal profile on Rav-Kav — the final price appears on Egged's booking screen.
What is the cheapest way to get to Eilat?
For a single traveler — usually by bus: 74 ₪ one way from Tel Aviv on an Egged bus with reserved seating (as of October 2026). For a group of 4 or more, a private car might be more cost-effective, and flight prices vary greatly by season and booking time.
Where does the bus to Eilat depart from in Tel Aviv?
In Egged's booking system, there are two departure stations in Tel Aviv for Eilat's Central Bus Station: Tel Aviv Savidor Central Station and the New Central Bus Station (6th floor). The journey takes about 4.5 hours, and seats are booked in advance on the Egged website or app.
Do I need to book a seat on the bus to Eilat?
Yes. Journeys to Eilat from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem operate on Egged's booking system, and seats are booked in advance on the Egged website or app. On weekends and holidays, it's advisable to book early.
How do I get from Ramon to Eilat?
Ramon Airport is located about 18 km north of Eilat. From the airport to the city, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a rental car. In peak season, it's advisable to book a rental car in advance.
Is it worth taking a private car to Eilat?
It depends on the number of people. The journey from Tel Aviv is about 350 km each way, meaning about 26 liters of fuel one way for a car consuming 7.5 liters per 100 km — a cost that is split among all passengers. In contrast, 4 bus tickets cost 296 ₪ one way (74 ₪ per passenger, October 2026). Advantages of a car: flexibility, trips around the city, and luggage. Disadvantages: driving hours, traffic jams, and parking in Eilat.
Which airport do you fly to Eilat from?
To Ramon Airport (ETM), about 18 km north of Eilat. According to the Israel Airports Authority, Arkia and Israir are the Israeli airlines operating at Ramon. The old airport within Eilat closed in 2019.
Can I consult with someone before booking accommodation in Eilat?
Yes. Write to us on WhatsApp or call 050-780-1370 with your dates, number of people, and how you're getting to Eilat, and we'll help you choose suitable accommodation.
Is there a train to Eilat?
No — there is no passenger train to Eilat. The planned 'Eilat Railway' line is in the planning stages and is not expected to operate before 2030. As of 2026, the only options are flying, bus, or car.
How long is the drive from Tel Aviv to Eilat?
The standard time: 4-4.5 hours (about 350 km by road). On Thursday afternoons and weekends - up to 5.5 hours with traffic jams. It is recommended to leave before 14:00 or after 20:00 on Thursday. Returning from Eilat: before 8:30 on Sunday or after 15:00.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 7, 2026