Middle East - Are Route 1 and Route 90 (e.g. Jerusalem to Masada) under Israel control?

In other words, is it ok to drive on them by foreigners? There are tons of conflicting info on the web (mainly blogs). Would Avis or Hertz let me drive a rental car on these roads?
Thank you if you can also point me to some official sources that confirm/not.

I don't see how the question in the title is related to the "In other words" follow-up.
Yes, both highway 1 and 90 are Israeli, and of course you can drive a rental on them.

The road from Jerusalem to Masada is very well traveled, very well maintained, and very secure.

The ride down Route 1 from Jerusalem is beautiful and the highlight for many is stopping to photograph at the "Sea Level" monument recently erected. After that you will see on the left side of the road markers noting the descent through -300 Meters.

At the end of Route 1, there is a right turn south with the Dead Sea spread out on your left. Numerous gas stations and snack bars dot the highway up to this point. From there to Masada there will not be much in the way of rest stops. A famous stop on Route 90 south is at the Ahava factory, where you can buy the famous skin care products at a great discount. Within 15 kilometers you will come to Masada. Often lost in the excitement of the Mountain itself, are the magnificent geological Hoodoo structures on the right in particular.

In Masada, the new walk through Museum has been open a couple of years now. The headsets come in numerous languages, and begin and end automatically as you walk from room to room and activate the bluetooth built into them.

The earlier in the day you arrive the better, as the heat builds up quite rapidly. The cable car is a fun ride, though allot of groups choose to walk up the "snake path".

One week ago today I was on Route 90 to Masada in my Budget (owned by Avis) rental car.

Please feel free to ask anything you might like.

To answer your title question: Yes, both Highway 1 and Highway 90 are under Israeli control. (As opposed to who?)

In other words, is it ok to drive on them by foreigners?

Yes

There are tons of conflicting info on the web (mainly blogs).

What blogs say you can't drive on them? I'm curious, if you could link some please.

Would Avis or Hertz let me drive a rental car on these roads?

Absolutely

Thank you if you can also point me to some official sources that confirm/not.

I don't know of an official source, because it doesn't sound like the type of thing that needs an official source. Looking at Avis's site, the only driving that is listed as forbidden is entering the Palestinian Authority.

Thank you so much for the detailed info. Very helpful.

One more question (OT) as it is not related to Route 1 & 90.

Want to visit some religious sites in Galilee. Begin early morning from Jerusalem, and end the day in TLV (return rental car). Can this be done in 1 day?

Thanks in advance.

Thank you so much for the detailed info. Very helpful.

One more question (OT) as it is not related to Route 1 & 90.

Want to visit some religious sites in Galilee. Begin early morning from Jerusalem, and end the day in TLV (return rental car). Can this be done in 1 day?

Thanks in advance.
I personally am of the belief that nothing in Israel can be done in one day! The drive to the Galilee can be a couple of hours and another couple of hours back to TLV, so on top of that, that wouldn't leave too much time to see sites, though one or two could be doable.

I personally am of the belief that nothing in Israel can be done in one day! The drive to the Galilee can be a couple of hours and another couple of hours back to TLV, so on top of that, that wouldn't leave too much time to see sites, though one or two could be doable.

sorry to disagree, but almost every time Im in Israel, I do day trips from Jerusalem up to Meron/Zefrat stopping by numerous kevers. True Im not spending hrs at each location and I leave late morning and drive back at night (derech haBaker a/k/a Jordan Valley Rd)

now its best doing it before the clock gets turned back giving an extra hr of daylight, but I do drive up for a day even on Succoth just hit a couple of places less.

Now with gas being apx $8.35 a gal I dont know if I will spend the apx $170 in gas to do the day trip this yr

It's doable but tight, especially for someone who doesn't know the roads. I agree with joshwex90 and suggest that you spend the night somewhere in the Galilee area, there are multiple bungalow/cabin type places ("zimmers") that will fit the bill..

AS others have said, you can definitely make a one day trip to the Galilee. Whether you can see what you want to--is impossible to know without your sharing what you want to see.

BTW two weeks ago I had a friend who was a first time visitor to Israel visiting me. We drove in an Eldan car ( 2 women) from Jerusalem to Masada--piece of cake. --only thing which is potentially tricky is getting out of Jerusalem.

Thank you so much for the detailed info. Very helpful.

One more question (OT) as it is not related to Route 1 & 90.

Want to visit some religious sites in Galilee. Begin early morning from Jerusalem, and end the day in TLV (return rental car). Can this be done in 1 day?

Thanks in advance.

I wanted to add one more view. From an Israeli perspective, driving 150 kilometers in a day is something almost unheard of. The culture simply isn't geared that way, and a trip like that would certainly entail at least a break or two to eat something.

I work outside of NYC, and drive about 110 kilometers each way to work when I am in the office. Holiday might see me drive 300 to 400 km in a day.

My point being that it is very doable in the context of time, excluding the stops you might want to make on the way. The roads are well marked and the gas stations are aplenty.

Going North South is the Route 6 toll road. A bit expensive, but very convenient. Be careful of the charges. Rental companies bill by the month - calendar month. A rental from August 1 to August 27 will invoke a charge of about $15 for the month to initiate, then per use. A rental from August 27 to September 2 will invoke 2 months billing plus extras. And most curious of all, the bill will not arrive for 4 to 6 months.

Thank you everyone up-post.
collectively, you've provided me a sense that a day-trip is doable, from a time and space perspective. It might be tight (or hectic), and depends on the nember of places I plan to visit, and how far apart are they.
When in Galilee, I would like to cover (however briefly) the following: Capernaum, Tabgha, Mt of Beatitudes, Cana and perhaps Kaifa. Then off to TLV and return rental car. I expect it to be a long day.
Any additional suggestion/recommendations will be appreciated: places to eat, photo-ops etc. Oh, one other thing: gas station near TLV that opens late.

Moderator, sorry for going really OT. May I suggest to change the title to better reflect the content of this thread. e.g., From Jerusalem, Day trip Masada and Galilee, respectively
Thanks

Thank you everyone up-post.
collectively, you've provided me a sense that a day-trip is doable, from a time and space perspective. It might be tight (or hectic), and depends on the nember of places I plan to visit, and how far apart are they.
When in Galilee, I would like to cover (however briefly) the following: Capernaum, Tabgha, Mt of Beatitudes, Cana and perhaps Kaifa. Then off to TLV and return rental car. I expect it to be a long day.
Any additional suggestion/recommendations will be appreciated: places to eat, photo-ops etc. Oh, one other thing: gas station near TLV that opens late.

Moderator, sorry for going really OT. May I suggest to change the title to better reflect the content of this thread. e.g., From Jerusalem, Day trip Masada and Galilee, respectively
Thanks
It's going to be tight, hectic but doable. I wouldn't do it though.
To jump in, what days/time are you planning on doing this. If you come when everyone is on vacation I do not think TLV - Galilee - TLV is doable.

most gas stations are open 24/7 including holidays except yom kippur. The only exceptions are the gas stations that sabbath observing but those are in the minority - certainly all the ones on 1,2,4,6 are usually open.

Thank you everyone up-post.
collectively, you've provided me a sense that a day-trip is doable, from a time and space perspective. It might be tight (or hectic), and depends on the nember of places I plan to visit, and how far apart are they.
When in Galilee, I would like to cover (however briefly) the following: Capernaum, Tabgha, Mt of Beatitudes, Cana and perhaps Kaifa. Then off to TLV and return rental car. I expect it to be a long day.
Any additional suggestion/recommendations will be appreciated: places to eat, photo-ops etc. Oh, one other thing: gas station near TLV that opens late.

Moderator, sorry for going really OT. May I suggest to change the title to better reflect the content of this thread. e.g., From Jerusalem, Day trip Masada and Galilee, respectively
Thanks

The general area around the airport has very few gas stations, and road from Tel Aviv to the airport would not have any you could see brom the road. However, there is a 24 station right at the eastern entrance to the airport. If you take Rout 1 from Tel Aviv, you exot for the airport and come to the first manned security gate. After this initial screening, bear right and follow the signs for rental return. on your left on the other side of a rotary, which also contains another entrance back into the airport is the station.

On the road to Capernum, which is very small, you can trace your progress back to route 90 and proceed up this famous winding road which has an incredible view of the Kinnerent.

Lunch might be St Peters fish in donwtown Tiberias, near the center of town is fish street (follow your nose) and get the fish incredibly fresh.

If you go via Afula onthe ride back, as you leave Tiberias there will be soccer stadium on your left. Right there is a sea level sign for a cool photo.

The general area around the airport has very few gas stations, and road from Tel Aviv to the airport would not have any you could see brom the road. However, there is a 24 station right at the eastern entrance to the airport. If you take Rout 1 from Tel Aviv, you exot for the airport and come to the first manned security gate. After this initial screening, bear right and follow the signs for rental return. on your left on the other side of a rotary, which also contains another entrance back into the airport is the station.

Most likely I will driving from Haifa to TLV, will I still be using the eastern entrance?

On the road to Capernum, which is very small, you can trace your progress back to route 90 and proceed up this famous winding road which has an incredible view of the Kinnerent.
Cool ^

Lunch might be St Peters fish in donwtown Tiberias, near the center of town is fish street (follow your nose) and get the fish incredibly fresh.
Love fish. This sounds great!

[/QUOTE]If you go via Afula onthe ride back, as you leave Tiberias there will be soccer stadium on your left. Right there is a sea level sign for a cool photo.[/QUOTE]
^

Thank you.

Most likely I will driving from Haifa to TLV, will I still be using the eastern entrance?


Thank you.

Yes. You will either be on the toll road, Route 6, or coming down the coast on Route 2 which will connect with Route 1. Route 4 parallels 2, only a bit further inland. Rte. 4 would connect to Rte. 1 as well.

At any vehicle entrance to the airport will be a "greeter" to say hello;). You can either follow the signs to car return or ask where it is. It might be a long winding drive, don't get nervous as it can be a few minutes.

@:-)If you agree to use the toll road, it will be expensive, make sure you ask about it while picking up the car. Fee is monthly as well as per use. By monthly I mean calendar month - September 1 to 27 might be one month for 27 days, but a rental from September 27 to October 2 would cost you 2 months worth for the 5 days. It will be between $10 and $15 as the monthly fee. Most unusual of all, the fee will not show up on your credit card until 4 to 6 months later.

.

At any vehicle entrance to the airport will be a "greeter" to say hello;). You can either follow the signs to car return or ask where it is. It might be a long winding drive, don't get nervous as it can be a few minutes.



I can Confirm that Avis at least has its p/u & d/o at Term3 , most likely the Term most people flying into and outof TLV will be using. Was told Hertz is back there as well, with the others on their way back as well. That means the gas station wont be a 60 sec drive from the drop off.

For the closest station dont use the Main exit to TLV but use the Exit for Hway 40 that should say Petach Tikva / Lod you want to head towards PT and stay in the far left lane , after the gas tanks on your left make the Left at the traffic light and at the circle teh gas station is in full view. When leaving the gas staion theres an Entrance to the airport go thru it and follow the signs for Term 3 and you should see the Rental Car signs *** DONT follow the small orange signs that will have you making a left in 2 mins after passing thru the checkpoint thats if your comapny allows Returning to Term3, if they dont then make that Left turn in order to d/o your car

For the closest station dont use the Main exit to TLV but use the Exit for Hway 40 that should say Petach Tikva / Lod you want to head towards PT and stay in the far left lane , after the gas tanks on your left make the Left at the traffic light and at the circle teh gas station is in full view. When leaving the gas staion theres an Entrance to the airport go thru it and follow the signs for Term 3 and you should see the Rental Car signs *** DONT follow the small orange signs that will have you making a left in 2 mins after passing thru the checkpoint thats if your comapny allows Returning to Term3, if they dont then make that Left turn in order to d/o your car

IMO don't bother shlepping around and end up waisting time and getting lost looking for a petrol station.

When coming from Haifa I always fill up on route 4 just after Bnei Brak, this station in on the highway right on the route.
Your tank will defiantly show full untill arriving at the airport (even when coming from Jerusalem I don't bother filling up at the last station on route 1, I instead fill up before leaving Jerusalem and it's fine, still shows full).

IMO don't bother shlepping around and end up waisting time and getting lost looking for a petrol station.

When coming from Haifa I always fill up on route 4 just after Bnei Brak, this station in on the highway right on the route.
Your tank will defiantly show full untill arriving at the airport (even when coming from Jerusalem I don't bother filling up at the last station on route 1, I instead fill up before leaving Jerusalem and it's fine, still shows full).

thats my MO as well, I usually can even get a last run to the Kotel into it as well late at night with no traffic and the needle still is on Full.

Then again lately Ive been getting cars that somehow must have stayed in the lot since I rented the last time as I will drive <20 kms and bingo it drops like lead in water off of Full. So its not as if Im the only doing it

For the closest station dont use the Main exit to TLV but use the Exit for Hway 40 that should say Petach Tikva / Lod you want to head towards PT and stay in the far left lane , after the gas tanks on your left make the Left at the traffic light and at the circle teh gas station is in full view. When leaving the gas staion theres an Entrance to the airport go thru it and follow the signs for Term 3 and you should see the Rental Car signs *** DONT follow the small orange signs that will have you making a left in 2 mins after passing thru the checkpoint thats if your comapny allows Returning to Term3, if they dont then make that Left turn in order to d/o your car

This works as well, but I was thinking in terms of infrequent travelers to Israel who might benefit from the least amount of turns possible.

IMO don't bother shlepping around and end up waisting time and getting lost looking for a petrol station.

When coming from Haifa I always fill up on route 4 just after Bnei Brak, this station in on the highway right on the route.
Your tank will defiantly show full untill arriving at the airport (even when coming from Jerusalem I don't bother filling up at the last station on route 1, I instead fill up before leaving Jerusalem and it's fine, still shows full).
By Tzomet Coca Cola?

By Tzomet Coca Cola?

Silly question, but why are we directing infrequent travelers to come back down from Haifa on 4 instead of 2 or 6 (toll road non withstanding). The easiest would be to take 2 straight down to ayalon, there are stations everywhere on 2. Or take 6, bite the bullet on the toll and fill up there.

Silly question, but why are we directing infrequent travelers to come back down from Haifa on 4 instead of 2 or 6 (toll road non withstanding). The easiest would be to take 2 straight down to ayalon, there are stations everywhere on 2. Or take 6, bite the bullet on the toll and fill up there.
I've taken 4 to 5 to 2 to get to Haifa from Givat Shmuel. Granted, I live on 4, so it's no question I would take 4. But it's still a convenient way of getting there.

I've taken 4 to 5 to 2 to get to Haifa from Givat Shmuel. Granted, I live on 4, so it's no question I would take 4. But it's still a convenient way of getting there.

GS != Natbag.. The way the taxi drivers tend to go is either 2-Ayalon-1 or 2-Hertzeliya-Ayalon-1 or sometimes 6-1. 4 is not a slow road but the traffic lights and going through Hadera is crazy IMO.

GS != Natbag.. The way the taxi drivers tend to go is either 2-Ayalon-1 or 2-Hertzeliya-Ayalon-1 or sometimes 6-1. 4 is not a slow road but the traffic lights and going through Hadera is crazy IMO.
Now I wasn't specifically recommending 4 to get from Haifa to TLV - I've never done that drive. I was commenting on an earlier post that indicated a gas station that I was curious if he meant Coca Cola or not.
Google suggests 2 to Ayalon to 1 as primary, and 2 to 6 to 1 as secondary.

Now I wasn't specifically recommending 4 to get from Haifa to TLV - I've never done that drive. I was commenting on an earlier post that indicated a gas station that I was curious if he meant Coca Cola or not.
Google suggests 2 to Ayalon to 1 as primary, and 2 to 6 to 1 as secondary.

depends on time of day.. during rush hour I would 2 to 6 to 1 or take the train

Route 4 through Hadera is an absolute nightmare. It probably belongs in a record book somewhere when you have a multi-lane highway, intersecting a main road from a city and there is a traffic circle!! --it is like a wing and a prayer each time.

HIghway 6 is great BUT those in rental cars are charged a 50NIS surcharge ( above actual costs for using the road) This surcharge is assessed monthly. -so if you use the road 15 times in one month--you only pay it once, BUT if you use it once on Aug. 31 and once on Sept. 1 you get to pay it twice!

depends on time of day.. during rush hour I would 2 to 6 to 1 or take the train
I would also take the train from Haifa to TLV...unless I was returning a rental car to the airport

Yes. You will either be on the toll road, Route 6, or coming down the coast on Route 2 which will connect with Route 1. Route 4 parallels 2, only a bit further inland. Rte. 4 would connect to Rte. 1 as well.

@:-)If you agree to use the toll road, it will be expensive, make sure you ask about it while picking up the car. Fee is monthly as well as per use. By monthly I mean calendar month - September 1 to 27 might be one month for 27 days, but a rental from September 27 to October 2 would cost you 2 months worth for the 5 days. It will be between $10 and $15 as the monthly fee. Most unusual of all, the fee will not show up on your credit card until 4 to 6 months later.

I am a bit lost here. If I am in Israel for the month of October (no straddle of 2 consecutive months), and drive on the toll road (is Route 6 the only one?). SO, I pay the October fee and whatever distance of using the toll road(s). Is my understanding correct?
Furthermore, is toll paid on exit and payable by credit card (USA) or cash only ?
Thanks.

I can Confirm that Avis at least has its p/u & d/o at Term3

Good to know. Thanks.

I am a bit lost here. If I am in Israel for the month of October (no straddle of 2 consecutive months), and drive on the toll road (is Route 6 the only one?). SO, I pay the October fee and whatever distance of using the toll road(s). Is my understanding correct?
Furthermore, is toll paid on exit and payable by credit card (USA) or cash only ?
Thanks.

Yes to the first 3 questions (well, there is also the Carmel tunnels which will cost about 6-13 ILS in cash, but I'm not sure you'll be crossing them).
There isn't a toll booth for Route 6, you'll be charged on the CC you used for the rental car.

Unless Route 6 substantially cuts your travel time (which IMO isn't the case w/ Haifa->TLV) I wouldn't take it w/ a rental.

I am a bit lost here. If I am in Israel for the month of October (no straddle of 2 consecutive months), and drive on the toll road (is Route 6 the only one?). SO, I pay the October fee and whatever distance of using the toll road(s). Is my understanding correct?
Furthermore, is toll paid on exit and payable by credit card (USA) or cash only ?
Thanks.

Orthar is correct. As I mentioned earlier, the fee itself will not be charged to your credit card for another 4 to 6 months.

As to the benefits of Route 6, to each his own. When I travel from Benyamina to the Negev, it is worth it to me.

Furthermore, is toll paid on exit and payable by credit card (USA) or cash only ?
Thanks.

Neither - it's automatically charged to your credit card. When you drive, the license plate is charged (with sensors). No tollbooth.

Isn't the route described in the title (Highways 1 and 90) going through the West Bank? Someone had said that Avis said that you couldn't drive in the Palestinian Authority, which I though included the West Bank.

My car is with Thrifty, will I have any problems? How many checkpoints should I expect?

Isn't the route described in the title (Highways 1 and 90) going through the West Bank? Someone had said that Avis said that you couldn't drive in the Palestinian Authority, which I though included the West Bank.

My car is with Thrifty, will I have any problems? How many checkpoints should I expect?
Number 1: Highway 1 is not in the West Bank
Number 2: The Palestinian Authority is located within the West Bank, not the other way around. There are many Israeli communities as well as highways in the West Bank that are considered "Area C," or under Israeli control, both civilian and security.

Israeli rental cars may not be driven into areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority. The PA controls only part of the West Bank, mainly the large cities - Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Kalkilya, Jenin, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, part of Hebron. The rest is under Israeli control, including Highway 1 & 90. It is difficult to drive into the PA areas accidentally because there are checkpoints on all the roads entering these cities. The Highway 1 & 90 route is well-traveled, very safe and used by many tourists. There is nothing to worry about.

Fantastic, thanks all!

The Highway 1 & 90 route is well-traveled, very safe . There is nothing to worry about.

That is as long as Im nor driving on them,LoL

anyway yes they are safe in regards to not being controlled by the PA, but anytime I or any Israeli are driving its far from being 'safe'

That is as long as Im nor driving on them,LoL

anyway yes they are safe in regards to not being controlled by the PA, but anytime I or any Israeli are driving its far from being 'safe'

You're texting this while driving, aren't you? ;)

In other words, is it ok to drive on them by foreigners? There are tons of conflicting info on the web (mainly blogs). Would Avis or Hertz let me drive a rental car on these roads?
Thank you if you can also point me to some official sources that confirm/not.

Get Waze and set it to inform you if you try to travel on roads not under israeli control.

In "the Jewish State", it is scandalous that Jews cannot drive ( or drive safely) on every road in the country.

Get Waze and set it to inform you if you try to travel on roads not under israeli control.

In "the Jewish State", it is scandalous that Jews cannot drive ( or drive safely) on every road in the country.
Yes, but Jews not being able to drive SAFELY on all roads in the Jewish State is NOT a political thing. It's a multicultural issue, that affects Jews, Arabs, etc. No one seems to care about driving safely.

Route 90 is the longest Israeli road and stretches from the northern border with Lebanon, through the Jordan River Valley, along the western bank of the Dead Sea until Eilat.

The road passes through the West Bank near the city of Jericho (through the West Bank of The Dead Sea)

I would like to reach Eilat from Jerusalem passing through the westbank along the Dead Sea.

From Ein Ghedi to junction with Route 1 the road is controlled by the Palestinian Authority? green plates(palestinian cars) are permitted?

Route 1 from Jerusalem to junction 90 is it safe for an (israeli plate) rental car?

I would like to reach Eilat from Jerusalem passing through the westbank along the Dead Sea.


An Israeli license plate will be just fine. Dunno about PA license plate.

Your question has already been answered: the route from Jerusalem to Ein GEdi (1 & 90) is under total Israeli control.

johnjamaica

Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1
Wow! Not sure whether to welcome you to FT or not.
Six years to make a first post. ^

While the road does pass by Jericho, it is not a real concern for Route 90 traffic. The direct access road from Jericho to Route 90 has been closed for a while. Going south, when 90 meets Route 1 for a brief period (90 South comes to a T intersection, you go left on Route 1 then right to stay on Route 90, it is an ideal location to take a gas break and grab a snack.

I have recently driven these roads. They are completely safe for visitors.
As has been noted, regard for driving laws is minimal - other than occasional speed traps, there is little traffic enforcement out in the "the boonies".

When down south it is always advisable to keep an eye on the gas tank, and keep some water in the car. In case of emergency, you could feel comfortable flagging down a border patrol vehicle or military vehicle which it is much more likely to see on the road. If you have a breakdown, they will often stay with you after helping ensure help is on the way.

After the stops at Route 1 and 90, two of the more famous road stops are a Ranchburger on the northbound side halfway down past Masada , and there is a rest area that looks like a Mexican hacienda complete with farm animals on the south side.

It is a beautiful drive through the lowest geography on the face of the earth.

johnjamaica

Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1
Wow! Not sure whether to welcome you to FT or not.
Six years to make a first post. ^



Here it is my second message;)
Sorry many years to learn english!!!:p

Thanks for your answers

I drove this two weeks ago in a rental with an Israeli plate, had absolutely no problems.