Rent a Car in Israel
Car Rental From The Airport.
Most of the Major car rental companies have representitives at the airport. The car rental companies are located on the first floor of the East Gallery in Tel Aviv Airport’s Arrival Hall and are open 24/7. The pick-up and return of the car is at the car rental companies’ parking lot on the ground floor of the East Building, which is opposite Terminal 3.
Rental Car Collection: After organizing the paperwork, head to the parking lot via the connecting corridor between the terminal and parking lot. Descend to level G and follow signs. If you know in advance you will be picking a car up at the airport, it is advisable to provide your flight number in case of flight delays.
Rental Car Return: Cars should be returned to the parking lot opposite Terminal 2 (internal flights terminal). Rental car companies provide transportation to Terminal 3.
Car Rental From/In Jerusalem
To rent a car, you need to be over 21 years of age, have a clean international driver’s license and an international credit card.
Cars hired within Israel are not usually insured for use in the Palestinian Authority territories, such as Bethlehem, and are not allowed into Jordan and Egypt.
Car rental tips
When picking up your car, note that in some cases cars will only be held by the leasing company for up to two hours from the designated time. If you are running late, it is good to contact the leasing company and if you know you’ll be picking a car up at the airport, offer your flight number in the event of flight delays. Always check on the car rental company’s opening hours, which are not necessarily 24 hours. Bring a credit card in your name.
Remember to note any defects prior to rental and to check what gas the car takes. Note that some rental companies deliver or collect cars for an additional expense.
Should you be involved in a car accident, it is recommended to report details to the car hire company during the time of rental as soon as possible, who may charge for damages as per the rental agreement. One should pay all traffic fines and parking tickets immediately to avoid interest. When returning the car, remember to fill the gas tank up and to get written approval from a car rental company representative that all is in order.
Car hire company details
Visiting Jerusalem attractions with a rented car
When you’ve rented a car, the entire city of Jerusalem is yours to tour. Ancient wonders and impressive modern landmarks in Israel’s capital are just a few minutes’ drive away. Drive underneath the recently completed Jerusalem Chords Bridge, which carries the light rail system and also includes a glass sided pedestrian bridge. Its many support cables symbolize King David’s harp.
Israel’s most lavish hotel, the King David Hotel, is also located in Jerusalem. Built in 1931, the hotel became a military headquarters for the heads of the British mandate, and the southern wing of the hotel was even bombed by the Etzel underground movement in 1946. The “Biblical” style of the lobbies and halls in the hotel, which include motifs from the Assyrian, Hittite and Phoenician cultures, as well as Islamic art, make touring the hotel an impressive experience.
Old City of Jerusalem with a car
Continuing through the city, crossing from the newer parts of the city back in time, you will suddenly see the tall walls of the Old City in front of you. One needs a permit to enter the Old City by car so instead make use of the parking lots either by Mamilla Mall or by Zion Gate. Then walk through the stone paved alleys to the Western Wall, the Arab shuk or the Christian Quarter. Later, drive down to the City of David for a fascinating tour of this oldest of cities, both wet tours through King Hezekiah’s tunnel and even an exciting light and sound presentation.
Now that you’re hungry, drive toward the Malcha shopping mall or toward Emek Refaim, where you will find a large selection of both gourmet and fast-food eateries.
Jerusalem museums tour
After lunch, there is a selection of interesting museums you can visit, including the Science Museum at Givat Ram, the Israel Museum – the largest museum in Israel and home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Bible Lands Museum. For a more somber afternoon experience, visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis in World War II.
You can also visit the home of Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset building. The Knesset is open to the public for tours and even to watch as the parliament members convene and discuss the current agenda. Make sure to take a picture next to the seven branched Menorah statue, a famous symbol of the country, engraved with images depicting the history of the Jewish nation, located opposite the entrance to the rose garden.
End your tour with an authentic Israeli dinner at any of the great restaurants on centrally located Jaffa Street. A rental car can take you anywhere, through thousands of years of Jerusalem’s rich history.
This article is brought to you by Eldan Car Rental in Israel.