Quick Answer: Car rental in Eilat 2026: From 150 ₪/day (depends on season and type). A car is essential if you plan to visit Timna Park/Dead Sea. No car = possible if staying in the hotel district + North Beach.
Updated: June 2026 · Price comparison from 5 active rental companies in Eilat
Do You Even Need a Car in Eilat?
Before we dive into prices — the fundamental question. Most visitors to Eilat don't need a car.
You don't need a car if:
- ✅ You're staying in the hotel district (everything is walkable)
- ✅ You're staying at North Beach or Princess Beach
- ✅ Your main activities are beach + restaurants + sea
- ✅ You don't plan any out-of-town trips
- ✅ You're on a short trip / couples / short stay (2-3 days)
Savings: From 600 ₪ for a 3-5 day vacation (rental + fuel).
You need a car if:
- ❌ You're booking a villa in Shachamon (far)
- ❌ You want to visit Timna Park (approx. 25-minute drive)
- ❌ You're going to the Dead Sea / Masada (full day trip)
- ❌ You're visiting the Southern Beaches (Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Dolphin Reef)
- ❌ You're a large group (4+ people) — taxis get expensive
- ❌ You have small children — buses are inconvenient, taxis require a separate car seat setup
Rental Prices — Verified June 2026
Mid-Season (February-March, May, November)
| Car Type | Day | 3 Days | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (i10/Picanto, automatic) | ₪150-200 | ₪400-540 | ₪780-1,100 |
| Class B (Accent/Solaris, automatic) | ₪220-300 | ₪590-810 | ₪1,200-1,750 |
| Class C (Corolla/Elantra, automatic) | ₪280-380 | ₪750-1,030 | ₪1,500-2,200 |
| SUV (Tucson/Sportage) | ₪350-490 | ₪945-1,320 | ₪1,900-2,800 |
| 7-seater (Sienna/Carnival) | ₪450-650 | ₪1,215-1,755 | ₪2,500-3,800 |
| Tesla Model 3 / BYD Atto 3 | ₪320-450 | ₪860-1,215 | ₪1,750-2,650 |
Peak Season (Passover, Sukkot, July-August, High Holidays)
Add 40-60% to mid-season prices.
Golden Tip: Book your car 6-10 weeks in advance — save 15-25% compared to booking in the last week.
Rental Companies — Detailed Comparison
Sixt (Highly Recommended)
- Price: Medium-high (5-10% above average)
- Service: Best of all — professional staff, quick return
- Vehicles: New (1-2 years old), luxury models available
- Airport: Yes
- Insurance: Transparent, clear options
- Recommended for: Those who want no surprises, long trips
Eldan Rent
- Price: Medium (market average)
- Service: Good
- Vehicles: Wide range (Class A to 7-seaters)
- Airport: Yes
- Insurance: Good, "full coverage with no deductible" option is worthwhile
- Recommended for: Balance of price/quality
Avis / Budget / Hertz
- Price: Medium-high
- Service: International standard
- Recommended for: Tourists from abroad who have a company credit card
Insurance — What to Take and What to Skip
Mandatory (Always Included)
- Compulsory insurance (PL — Personal Liability)
- Third-party insurance
Highly Recommended (Add-on)
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — Comprehensive car insurance
- Price: From 60 ₪/day
- Covers: All damage to the vehicle up to its value limit
- Without it: Every small scratch = from 3,000 ₪ from your deposit
- Recommendation: Take the "Zero Excess" / "Premium" version — covers full damage with no deductible
Not Mandatory but Worth Considering
- PAI (Personal Accident Insurance) — From 25 ₪/day
- Suitable if you don't have private medical insurance
- Covers injury to driver and passengers
- If you have good medical insurance — not needed
Do Not Take (Duplication)
- Roadside Assistance Premium — Check if roadside assistance and towing are already included in the rental agreement (compulsory insurance only covers bodily injury)
- Personal Effects Coverage — Often duplicated by home / travel insurance
- Glass + Tire Insurance — Only worthwhile if driving on Southern Road 90 (dust and tires)
Where to Pick Up — Airport vs. City
Ramon Airport (18 km north of Eilat)
Pros:
- All major companies are here
Cons:
- Approx. 20-minute drive to Eilat (18 km)
- Fuel for the journey (~from 30 ₪)
- If your flight arrives late — do not pick up at night (risk of delays in key collection)
Suitable for:
- Anyone flying to Eilat
- If you booked a northern villa (closer to the airport)
City Offices (Hotel District + City Center)
Pros:
- Convenient pickup location (within 5-10 minutes of your villa)
- Personal service in Hebrew
- Option to pick up + return at the same location
Cons:
- Higher price
- More limited hours
- Completely closed on Saturdays
Suitable for:
- Those arriving in Eilat by private car and wanting a second car for trips
- Those not flying
Professional Tips for Saving Money
1. ✅ Early Booking = Huge Savings
6-10 weeks in advance = 15-25% savings. One week before = full price + risk of no model availability.
2. ✅ Compare Prices on at Least 3 Platforms
- Company website directly
- Skyscanner (comparisons)
- Livo price comparison (if booking a villa + car = combined discount)
3. ✅ Credit Cards = Insurance Savings
Some credit cards (Premium, World, Plat') automatically cover CDW. If you have one — waive CDW at the office = savings from 60 ₪/day. Check beforehand — not all cards cover car rental.
4. ✅ Coupons + Codes
- Check Honey / Capital One Shopping for updated codes
5. ✅ Return Time — Important!
- Always return with a full tank (companies charge an extra fee from 50 ₪ if fuel is missing)
- Always photograph the car from all angles before returning
- If returning after business hours — ensure there's a "Drop Box" + clear process
Routes That Require a Car
1 Day — Timna Park (approx. 25 minutes north)
- Entrance: From 49 ₪/adult
- Highlights: Solomon's Pillars, The Mushroom, The Arches
- Return: 16:00-17:00
1.5 Days — Petra (Jordan, approx. 2 hours drive from Rabin Border Crossing)
- Requires a visa (from 220 ₪/person). Rental cars are not allowed to cross into Jordan — leave it in the parking lot on the Israeli side of the Rabin Border Crossing
- Option: Car rental in Eilat only + organized tour to Petra (from 1,400 ₪/person)
Full Day — Dead Sea (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive)
- Route 90 North — stunning views
- Masada + Dead Sea + Ein Bokek
- Return via Ein Gedi + 90 South (challenging after sunset)
Half Day — Coral Beach Nature Reserve + Dolphin Reef (10 minutes from the city)
- Also possible without a car (bus line 15) — but more convenient with a car
🎯 In Summary — What to Do Now
Need a car for a long trip?
Sixt Eilat or Eldan Rent — Book 6-10 weeks in advance, choose Premium insurance.
Don't need a car — but need a great place to stay?
View villas in Eilat on Livo → — Villas in the hotel district + North Beach (no car = possible)
Vacation apartments in Eilat →
On Livo:
- ✅ Filter by "walking distance from the beach" / "frequent bus"
- ✅ Indicated on each villa: distance from X (hotel district, beach, Coral Beach Nature Reserve)
- ✅ Transportation recommendations tailored to the villa
- ✅ Reviews regarding "whether a car is needed"
Related Articles:
FAQ
How much does car rental in Eilat cost in 2026?
A small car (Class A — Hyundai i10): From 150 ₪/day in mid-season, from 220 ₪/day in peak season. A medium car (Class B — Hyundai Accent): From 220 ₪/day in mid-season, from 300 ₪/day in peak season. SUV/7-seater: From 350 ₪/day. Rental surcharge for Friday-Saturday + 25%.
Do you need a car in Eilat?
Depends on your plans: If you're staying mostly in the hotel district + North Beach — not essential (bus + taxi). If you want to visit Timna Park, the Dead Sea, or the Southern Beaches — essential. **A vacation apartment in Shachamon without a car = difficult (no frequent bus service)**.
What are the alternatives to car rental in Eilat?
1) **Buses** — Lines 15/16 (Central Bus Station ↔ Hotel District ↔ Coral Beach and Taba Border Crossing), city ride approx. 5 ₪. 2) **Taxis** — Price from 25 ₪ within the city. 3) **Shared electric scooters**. 4) **Booking a taxi via app** (Gett) — convenient for 1-3 people. If you booked a remote villa — book for the days you leave the villa.
Is it cheaper to pick up a car at the airport or in the city?
**Ramon Airport:** Travel time to the city (approx. 20-minute drive, 18 km) + fuel cost. **City office (hotel district):** Higher price, but you can pick up after arrival and return within 2 minutes of your villa. **For those flying:** Ramon. **For those arriving by private car + wanting an additional car for trips:** The city.
Which car rental companies operate in Eilat?
**International**: Sixt (operated in Israel by Shlomo Group — "Shlomo Sixt"), Avis, Hertz, Budget. **Israeli**: Eldan. **Recommendation**: Sixt (high service quality, medium price), Eldan (good price, medium quality).
What insurance should you take for car rental in Eilat?
1) **Mandatory (cannot be waived):** Compulsory car insurance — included in the price. 2) **Highly recommended:** CDW (Collision Damage Waiver, comprehensive insurance) — from 60 ₪/day. Without it, any scratch = from 3,000 ₪. 3) **Not mandatory but consider:** PAI (passenger insurance) — from 25 ₪/day, only if you don't have private medical insurance. 4) **Usually not needed:** Roadside Assistance Premium — check if roadside assistance and towing are already included in the rental agreement (compulsory insurance only covers bodily injury).
What are the operating hours of car rental companies in Eilat?
Operating hours vary by company and branch (in the city and at Ramon Airport) — check with the company before booking, especially for Fridays and Saturdays.
Is an electric car worthwhile in Eilat?
Yes! 1) **70-80% savings in energy costs** (Eilat = sun 320 days a year, most hotels + villas have charging points). 2) **Long trips** (trip to Masada / Dead Sea — they have enough range). Disadvantage: charging takes time (8-12 hours for a full charge with regular AC). **Recommendation: Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Tesla Model 3 / BYD Atto 3**.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 1, 2026