Israel car rentals

Economy (Kia Picanto or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Israel.

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Israel are Hertz (6.4, 110 reviews), and Sixt (6.3, 231 reviews).

Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

Anyone who chooses to rent a car in Israel will find main roads and highways to be well maintained, and an intelligent highway network makes it easy to travel across the country. Rural roads can be more basic, especially in mountainous areas, and driving styles can be more aggressive than what you’d find in other countries. Toll roads are quite common and can add considerably to the budget for any trip. It is also important to keep an eye out for expensive congestion lanes on national highways.

Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Israel. Young driver surcharges are common for those under 25 years of age, and there is usually a maximum age limit of 75 in place; for example, Sixt imposes a surcharge of 43 ILS (12 USD) per day on renters age 21-23 or over 75. A domestic driver’s license in English is required for car rental in Israel. If your domestic license is not in English, an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) will be needed.

Petrol prices in Israel are generally considered to be very high, often reaching two or three times the price of fuel in the USA: expect to pay around 6.6 ILS (1.84 USD) per liter of gas, which equates to around 6.96 USD for a gallon. While petrol stations are widely available in cities and beside highways, it is recommended to keep your tank at least half full when driving in rural or desert areas. Note that some self-service machines may not work with foreign credit cards, or some might ask for a passport number before fueling can begin.

Three main speed limits are enforced throughout Israel, with road signs visible in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. In urban areas, the maximum limit is 50 km/h (31 mph), while national roads have a top limit of either 80 km/h (50 mph) or 90 km/h (56 mph). Only highways have a higher limit, which is 120 km/h (75 mph).