Car Rental in Jerusalem - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Jerusalem requires careful consideration of your itinerary. While Israel's roads are generally well-maintained and driving is on the right side, Jerusalem itself presents significant challenges for tourists. The Old City and central areas feature narrow streets, limited parking, and heavy congestion that make driving stressful and often impractical. Additionally, Jerusalem's light rail and bus network provides reliable coverage of major tourist sites. However, a rental car becomes valuable for exploring beyond the city—visiting the Dead Sea, Masada, Tel Aviv, or the Galilee region offers flexibility that public transport cannot match. Road trips through the Judean Desert or to smaller towns are best experienced with your own vehicle. Consider your comfort with assertive driving styles, as Israeli traffic can be intense. Navigation apps work well, but be aware of areas requiring special permits or where tourists should exercise caution. For Jerusalem-only visits, skip the rental and use public transport or taxis. For broader Israeli exploration combining Jerusalem with countryside destinations, a car rental makes practical sense. Check current rental rates and requirements through booking platforms, as prices vary significantly by season and demand.

International Driving Permit

Generally required for foreign visitors driving in Israel. Obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association before traveling to Jerusalem.

Valid Driver's License

Your home country driver's license must be valid and typically needs to be presented alongside an IDP when renting a vehicle.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply for those under 25.

Credit Card

A valid credit card in the driver's name is required for security deposits. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included in rentals, but comprehensive coverage (CDW/LDW) is strongly recommended. Verify what your personal auto or credit card insurance covers internationally.

Passport

A valid passport is required for identification when renting a vehicle in Jerusalem and should be carried while driving.

Rent from Ben Gurion Airport for convenience, where major international agencies operate, but compare rates with Jerusalem city locations as local agencies may offer competitive pricing - book through comparison widgets for current deals.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify you have the correct insurance coverage for driving in the West Bank if needed, and confirm the fuel policy (full-to-full is standard).

Download offline maps for GPS navigation as cellular data can be unreliable in certain areas, and familiarize yourself with Hebrew and Arabic street signs - many roads have names in multiple languages.

Fuel stations are readily available in Jerusalem, but note that some close early on Fridays and during Shabbat - fill up before the weekend and be aware that parking in the Old City is extremely limited with most areas requiring paid permits.

Allow extra time for returns during busy periods and check if your rental location has different hours on Shabbat and holidays - verify return procedures and fuel requirements to avoid additional charges.

Jerusalem's Old City has extremely narrow streets and many pedestrian-only zones where driving is prohibited - familiarize yourself with restricted areas before attempting to navigate the historic center.

Traffic congestion is typically heavy during morning (7-9 AM) and evening (4-7 PM) rush hours, with additional delays on Friday afternoons before Shabbat and Sunday mornings when the work week begins.

Security checkpoints are common throughout Jerusalem and surrounding areas - always carry your driver's license, rental agreement, and passport, and expect possible vehicle inspections.

Parking enforcement is strict with high fines for violations - pay careful attention to colored curb markings (red and white means no parking, blue and white requires payment) and avoid parking in bus lanes or near religious sites during services.