Car Hire Jerusalem

Guide

Jerusalem, referred to by many as the capital of Israel is regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world. Holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike, Jerusalem is arguably the world’s most holy city, attracting pilgrims, Crusaders, tourists, zealots and politicians over the centuries. Prebook cheap car hire in Jerusalem with us today and tour this arid, sparse region from the cool, air-conditioned safety of your rental vehicle.

Explore Jerusalem

The Temple Mount, also known as the Haram al Sharif, rises above the city and forms its centerpiece. It’s perhaps the world’s most historically controversial piece of land, and Mohammed ascended to heaven from here. The extraordinary Dome of the Rock is a stunning Mosque which dominates the city center. Visit the Islamic Museum and Al-Aqsa Mosque if you are a fan of historical architecture and works, the buildings are beautiful and not to be missed!

The Western Wall, at the Mount’s base, is also known as the wailing wall, attracting head-nodding ultra-orthodox praying Jews. Christians make their pilgrimage to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is located in the Christian Quarter of the city, and is the supposed site of Jesus’s crucification and resurrection, located at the end of the Via Dolorosa down which Jesus had to drag his cross.

The Old City walls only date from the 16th century but offer a good view of the city.

Another good view is had from the Mount of Olives, a scared site east of the city from where Jesus was supposed to have ascended to heaven.

The Palestinian East Jerusalem is one of the city’s most interesting sectors, with its modest pavement cafes and markets. Here life continues seemingly unchanged in a thousand years.

New Jerusalem is more modern and Israeli in character, with shopping malls and government buildings. West of the city is the solemn Yad Vashem memorial to the holocaust victims.

East Jerusalem is the best place to get an authentic shwarma or shop for local specialties, but the area shuts down after dark and the bars, pavement cafes and restaurants are found mostly in New Jerusalem. Day trips to the holy city of Bethlehem, the Galilee area or bizarre Dead Sea are quite possible.

Transport

Most visitors arrive by air, largely due to the hostile nature of Israel and Palestine’s neighbours. Tel Aviv International Airport, also referred to as Ben Gurion International Airport is located to the east of Jerusalem approximately an hour's drive by car, and operates flights to many European centres and several North American cities.

Car hire suppliers operate at the airport's arrival hall. These include Avis, Budget, Eldan, Hertz and Sixt. If you book early online your car will be ready and waiting for your arrival into Israel.

More details can be found in our guide to Israel.