Cheap Car Rental in Jerusalem

Car Rental in Jerusalem: the City famous for its Miracles

One of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is a holy city to three of the world’s major religions. It is best known for its walled Old City, which comprised the entirety of the city until the 1860s, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. While driving in Jerusalem can be a challenge, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the rest of Israel as well, so make the most of your visit by booking your car today and planning some excursions to the coast.

Higher in elevation than the coast, Jerusalem is more or less comfortable to visit year round, though you will find winters cool and summers hot with comfortable breezes.

Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages of Israel. English is widely spoken and most Israelis learn English in school. Many other European and Asian languages are also widely spoken due to the large immigrant and foreign working populations of Israel. Highways signs are typically tri-lingual, in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

The currency in Jerusalem is the Israeli shekel. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments and ATMs are widely available, though you’ll want some cash on hand for smaller vendors. Particularly in the Old City, you are expected to haggle.

Jerusalem is in the Israel Time Zone, UTC+3.

Automobile hire is available in four locations throughout Jerusalem, downtown Jerusalem, Givat Shaul, King David, and Romema.

Visa Regulations

Citizens from most countries in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, as well as a number of African and East Asian countries can enter Israel visa-free and stay for up to three months. If you’re planning on travelling on to a country with large Arab populations, be wary of receiving an Israeli border stamp directly in your passport. Citizens of other countries will have to apply for a visa before they arrive, so be sure to double-check visa regulations for your nationality before you depart.

Driving in Jerusalem

Driving in central Jerusalem can be a challenge, with narrow, busy streets, many of which are reserved for buses, but driving throughout the outer city is more comfortable. Renting a car is particularly recommended if you’re interested in exploring western Israel, particularly along the Mediterranean coast. Make the most of your visit by renting a car in order to see more than just the city during your visit.

Right-Hand Driving

• Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road in Jerusalem, as throughout the rest of the Arabian Peninsula.

Speed Limits

• In the city: 50 km/h
• On undivided intercity highways: 80 km/h
• On divided intercity highways: 90 km/h
• Major freeways: 90 to 110 km/h

Other Regulations

1. Parking can be a challenge throughout Jerusalem, so take what you can find when you find it, and be sure to abide by the color-coded parking system; grey-marked streets are free, while you’ll have to pay to park at blue and white curbs. While driving to the Old City is not recommended, you can park at the Karta garage in Mamilla near the Jaffa Gate.
2. Driving in the Old City is restricted to residents only.
3. An international driver’s permit is recommended in addition to your valid driver’s license for renting and driving a car in Israel.
4. Highway 6, the Carmel Tunnels, the fast lane from Ben-Gurion Airport to Tel-Aviv are the toll roads of Israel. Have cash on hand to pay tolls at tollbooths, with the exception of Highway 6, which is tolled electronically. You can expect those tolls to be added to your rental car fees.
5. The minimum driving age in Israel is 17, though you will likely have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car and will face young-driver surcharges to the age of 25.

Other Tips

• Rental insurance may not cover your car or journey if you cross the border into the Gaza Strip or West Bank.

Cheap Car Rental in Jerusalem

Automobile hire in Jerusalem typically starts at around $16 a day. Here are some of the best deals in Jerusalem:

• Suzuki Alto or similar (mini class) – $16/day
• Nissan Micra or similar (economy class) – $19/day
• Chevrolet Sonic or similar (compact class) – $27/day
• Hyundai I25 or similar (intermediate class) – $28/day
• Mazda 3 or similar (standard class) – $29/day

Note that prices vary depending on the availability of each specific car and the season in which you rent. For the most accurate offers, use the search bar above.

Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in Jerusalem

There appears to be little seasonal variation in price for rental cars in Jerusalem. For the most availability, plan to book your car in the month or two before your arrival. Each of Jerusalem’s four locations can offer competitive prices, so it’s worth checking the price for your dates thoroughly in order to make the best deal. Cal Auto and Budget are two of the most inexpensive rental brands in the city.

You can also often save up to $4 a day if you extend your rental period to over a week.