How to find a cheap car rental deal in Israel
Pick up a cheap rental car in Israel and be on your way from just 26 € a day. From solo getaways to family escapes, we'll help you find a rental that suits your trip.
For longer getaways, 182 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Check out the car rentals in Israel and trim your transport costs. It's the cheapest place in Israel to book a ride.
Jerusalem is the most popular city to rent a car.
When comparing companies, browse what's on offer from Budget. It's a trusted name in Israel.
You won't need to travel far after landing to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Ben Gurion Intl Airport and Ramon International Airport.
Tel Aviv, Haifa, Eilat, Jerusalem and Ashdod are a few of the most convenient cities to pick up a set of wheels.
A one-way rental might work out in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Israel, select 'Return car to a different location' to unlock those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It could be cheaper to book a full month, so test a few date combinations to find out what works best.
Book a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' to avoid additional fuel charges. It arrives with a full tank and goes back the same way, so your fuel spend stays predictable.
Select 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and let the map decide where your journey ends. Travel wherever the road takes you without added mileage charges.
Best time to book a car rental in Israel
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a car rental in Israel. Try booking around three weeks before your departure date.
September is the most affordable month to rent a car. You can expect average daily rates of 43 € then.
If you want to steer clear of the most expensive time of year, avoid booking during November.
Compare car rental types in Israel
Economy: Staying true to its name, this option puts savings first. It pairs some of the cheapest rates around with excellent fuel efficiency to help keep the total spend down. If stretching your budget is the goal, this is an easy choice.
Small: This category covers mini and economy cars designed to get you from A to B. Compact dimensions, fuel-efficient engines and easy manoeuvrability make it a reliable choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Israel.
Medium: Medium rentals are a comfortable middle ground. Bridging the gap between small and large, they give you a little more comfort and space without sacrificing practicality. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: Big adventures call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with the whole crew or planning a long drive, these full-size cars deliver the space you need. Look forward to generous seating, ample luggage capacity and comfort that goes the distance.
SUV: From motorways to scenic detours, SUVs are ready for it all. With a higher driving position, flexible seating layouts, and stable performance across a range of terrain, they're ideal for road trips throughout Israel.
Van: For relocations or large group transport, this category of car for rent in Israel has the extra carrying power you need. These commercial vans and trucks have plenty of load space and seating that can be adjusted to suit your cargo.
Luxury: Ready to take things to the next level? From a standout design to advanced tech and powerful performance, luxury vehicles shift the entire driving experience into high gear. This is what you book when you expect nothing less than exceptional.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Israel by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Driving in Israel: What you need to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in Israel.
If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your car rental reservation in Israel. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and another form of photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in Israel can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
In Israel, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you think you'll be drinking, pass the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Where to road trip in Israel?
Israel is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, plus airport pickup points like Ben Gurion International Airport and Ramon Airport in Eilat. If you're planning car rental in Israel, these routes show how different pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types can shape your journey.
History and Culture: Jerusalem to the Dead Sea Region
Pick up your car in Jerusalem and drive east through one of the world's most historically layered corridors toward the desert lowlands. It's a strong choice if you want a history-rich drive without covering long distances each day.
Recommended car: Compact sedan.
Suggested pickup point: Jerusalem city centre.
Good for: History enthusiasts, couples and first-time visitors.
Road conditions: Well-paved urban roads, winding descents, smooth desert highways.
Best time to go: March to May or October to November for mild temperatures.
Trip length: Three to four days.
Key stops: Masada, Ein Gedi.
Nature and Adventure: The Galilee and Golan Heights
Pick up your car in Haifa and head north into the hilly interior, where volcanic landscapes, river gorges and nature reserves make for varied driving. This route suits active travellers who want full days outdoors and are comfortable on winding highland roads.
Recommended car: Mid-size SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Haifa city centre.
Good for: Hikers, nature lovers and adventure travellers.
Road conditions: Paved highland roads, some unpaved tracks, winding rural stretches.
Best time to go: April to June or September to October for cooler conditions.
Trip length: Four to five days.
Key stops: Tiberias, Katzrin.
Coastal: Tel Aviv to Caesarea and Akko
Pick up your car in Tel Aviv and follow the Mediterranean coastline north through ancient harbour towns and stretches of open shoreline. It's a relaxed drive that suits travellers who want history and sea air without committing to long daily distances.
Recommended car: Compact sedan.
Suggested pickup point: Ben Gurion International Airport.
Good for: Couples, culture seekers and casual road trippers.
Road conditions: Smooth coastal highway, easy urban roads, well-maintained access routes.
Best time to go: May to June or September to October for warm, uncrowded conditions.
Trip length: Two to three days.
Key stops: Caesarea, Akko.
Weather and driving conditions in Israel
Weather
Israel runs on two main seasons: a dry, sunny summer from May through October and a mild, wet winter from November through April. The southern Negev stays dry year-round, even when the north sees most of its rainfall.
Driving in Israel means the weather you face can shift significantly depending on where you're headed. Heat builds quickly in desert areas like the Negev and the Jordan Valley, so make sure your car's cooling system is in good shape. Rain falls mainly in the cooler months and can make roads slippery, especially after dry spells, so slow down and increase your following distance. Higher ground around Jerusalem and the Golan Heights can see snow, so check road conditions before heading into the hills.
Driving conditions
Israel's main highways are well-maintained and clearly signed, making intercity driving straightforward for a road trip in Israel. Away from the main routes, roads in the Negev and Galilee regions are generally paved but can narrow quickly, so a standard car handles most destinations comfortably.
City driving in Israel moves at a fast, assertive pace. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem both have congested urban centres, limited street parking, and complex one-way systems that can catch visiting drivers off guard during peak hours. {NS} Outside the cities, roads in Israel vary from well-signed multi-lane highways to narrow two-lane routes through the Negev and Galilee. Gas stations thin out considerably in remote desert areas, so it pays to fill up before heading into open terrain.
Wild boar cross rural roads in the Galilee, particularly at dawn and dusk, while in the Negev you may encounter camels and livestock on unfenced stretches of road.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
Whether you're going far or keeping it local, a comfortable place to stay can make the whole trip better at the end of a long drive. Once you've booked your car rental in Israel, browse the range of hotels in Tel Aviv if you're passing by this major stop. You can also search Haifa accommodation options or check out more places to stay in Eilat as you plan the rest of your route.
