Car Rental in Israel (2026) - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Israel is highly recommended for exploring beyond major cities, offering unmatched flexibility for visiting historical sites, the Dead Sea, Galilee region, and the Negev Desert. Israel drives on the **right side of the road**, and road quality is generally excellent on highways and main routes, though some rural areas may have narrower roads. **Best for:** Road trips between cities, accessing remote archaeological sites, exploring the countryside, and traveling with family or groups where public transport schedules would be limiting. **Skip the rental in:** Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where traffic congestion is significant, parking is expensive and scarce, and public transport or taxis are more practical for city exploration. **Driving considerations:** Israeli drivers can be assertive, and traffic in urban areas is often heavy. Highway signage is typically in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Be aware that driving into Palestinian territories may have rental agreement restrictions. International visitors need an International Driving Permit alongside their home license. Navigation apps work well, but verify current security situations for certain routes. Overall, driving is manageable for tourists comfortable with confident highway driving, but unnecessary stress in major cities.

Rent from Ben Gurion Airport for convenience, where major international agencies operate alongside local companies - compare rates but verify insurance coverage carefully as requirements differ from other countries.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos and confirm you have the required insurance, as Israel mandates specific coverage levels that may exceed your credit card protection.

Use GPS navigation apps like Waze (widely used in Israel) or Google Maps with offline maps downloaded, as road signs appear in Hebrew, Arabic, and English but can be confusing in unfamiliar areas.

Fuel stations are readily available but note that some close early on Fridays and remain closed on Saturdays in observant areas - fill up before Shabbat and expect parking to be challenging and often paid in city centers.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time for the return process at the airport, as security checks and vehicle inspection can take longer than in other countries.

Security checkpoints are common throughout Israel, near borders and in certain areas - always carry your passport/ID, be prepared to stop, and follow instructions from security personnel calmly and respectfully.

Israeli drivers are generally assertive and traffic can be intense, in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during rush hours (typically 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) - maintain defensive driving practices and expect less personal space on the roads than in many Western countries.

Road conditions vary significantly from modern highways to narrow historic streets in old city centers - be cautious in Jerusalem's Old City area and when driving in the Negev desert where roads may be less maintained and wildlife crossings occur.

On Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), many areas, in religious neighborhoods, have restricted traffic or road closures - plan routes accordingly and be aware that some GPS directions may not account for these temporary restrictions.