Shuttles for Trips to Northern Israel - What to Know
The north is one of the most popular destinations for group and family trips, and the distance from central Israel is exactly why it is worth doing by organized shuttle rather than in several private cars. Here is what to plan before booking a shuttle for a trip north.
Popular destinations for trips north
- The Sea of Galilee and Tiberias
- Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights
- The Upper Galilee and Mount Gilboa
- Metula and the northern border area
- Haifa and the Krayot
Travel time and departure
The drive from central Israel to the north usually takes two hours or more, depending on the destination and where you start. To make the most of the day, leave early in the morning and plan a return time that lets everyone get home at a reasonable hour.
Stops during the day
A trip in the north usually includes several stops: a site, a beach, a meal or a viewpoint. Decide in advance on the order of the stops and the time for each, and leave a margin for delays, so the day doesn't turn into a dash from point to point.
Busy seasons and weather
During school breaks and holidays the north is busy, and in summer the heat is high. In winter there may be rain and snow, and sometimes road closures on Mount Hermon. Book well in advance and be flexible if the weather changes.
Which vehicle fits
A minibus usually suits a small to medium group, and a bus suits a large one. Find out the exact number of passengers in advance and ask the driver for a recommendation, including about the mountain roads in the area.
What to settle in advance
- An exact number of passengers and the right vehicle size
- The list of stops, the departure time and the return time
- How the vehicle's waiting time at sites is calculated
- What happens if the road closes or the weather changes
- A contact person the driver can reach on the day of the trip
The clearer the route is in advance, the simpler the coordination with the driver and the fewer the surprises on the day of the trip.
Planning a trip north?