Pick Up a Rental Car at Eilat Airport and Explore the Red Sea and Negev Desert
Landing at Eilat Airport puts you at the southern tip of Israel, where the desert meets the Red Sea. The city itself is compact, but having a rental car opens up a world of day-trip possibilities beyond the resort strip—hidden beaches, desert hikes, and even neighbouring countries if your itinerary allows. Several familiar international and local rental brands operate from the airport, so collecting a vehicle here is straightforward. Booking ahead is wise, especially during peak seasons and holiday periods when demand rises sharply.
The car rental desks at Eilat Airport are located inside the terminal building. You will not need a shuttle bus or a long walk with luggage after your flight. Providers including Avis, Budget, Hertz and Eldan are represented, alongside smaller local operators that may offer additional fleet variety. To collect your vehicle, bring a valid driving licence held for at least one to two years, your passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in English. Drivers generally need to be at least 21, though some suppliers apply a young-driver surcharge for renters under 25. Once the paperwork is complete, staff will direct you to the parking area adjacent to the terminal. Take time to inspect the car and photograph any existing damage before you leave.
Ramon Airport (ETM), serving the Eilat region
Plan this first.
Avis, Budget, Hertz, Eldan and local operators
Confirm before booking.
Driving licence, passport, credit card in driver's name
Confirm before booking.
Typically 21; surcharges may apply for under-25 drivers
Confirm before booking.
Match collection to the actual itinerary
Include transfers, parking days, opening hours and return timing when comparing the two options.
Why book car hire at Eilat Airport instead of in the city?
Picking up your car straight after landing saves time and removes the need to arrange onward transport into Eilat just to reach a rental desk. It also means you can head directly to your first destination—whether that is a hotel along the coast, a trailhead in the Negev, or the Jordanian border crossing—without backtracking. For travellers with early-morning arrivals or tight schedules, airport collection is the more practical choice.
Is a rental car necessary in Eilat?
Eilat's hotel zone and beachfront are walkable, and local taxis cover short hops. A rental car becomes worthwhile when you want to explore beyond the city—Timna Park, the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, or road trips north toward Mitzpe Ramon and the Dead Sea. If your stay is limited to the resort strip, you may not need a car every day; for wider exploration, it is hard to beat the convenience.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Eilat sits at the crossroads of desert and sea, a city that feels apart from the rest of Israel. The mountains of Jordan rise on one side, the Sinai Peninsula looms to the south, and the Gulf of Aqaba stretches out in front. It is a place built for sunshine and movement, and a rental car is the natural way to expand your reach beyond the hotel pool.
With a car, the Negev Desert becomes accessible. You can leave the city early, stop at a trailhead before the heat builds, and be back in time for a late lunch by the water. The freedom matters more here than in compact European cities—distances are real, buses are infrequent, and the best viewpoints are rarely on the public-transport network.
Even a short rental unlocks experiences that would otherwise require organised tours. Coral Beach at dawn, Timna Park in the late afternoon light, or a spontaneous decision to drive north toward the crater at Mitzpe Ramon—all of these become possible when the keys are in your hand. The airport pick-up simply removes the friction from day one.
Check the conditions behind the price
The selected supplier’s terms and booking voucher control the rental. Review them before payment and again before collection.
Total payable price
Compare the full payable amount and inclusions rather than an unsupported daily-price promise.
Deposit and payment card
Confirm the deposit, accepted card type and whose name must appear on the card.
Excess and cover
Read the renter's liability, exclusions and what any optional protection actually changes.
Fuel policy
Know the collection level, return requirement and whether a refuelling charge can apply.
Mileage and territory
Check any distance limit and where the vehicle may be driven.
Extras and return
Price additional drivers, seats, after-hours service and one-way return before payment.
Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Driving licence requirements
Most suppliers accept a standard photo licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit is advisable for licences not issued in English, and some insurers insist on it. Carry both documents with you whenever you drive.
Cross-border travel
If you plan to drive into Jordan or Egypt, confirm with your rental supplier that the vehicle is permitted to leave Israel. Border insurance, additional documentation and advance notice are typically required. Do not assume a standard rental includes cross-border rights.
Fuel and refuelling
Petrol stations are available in Eilat and along the main northbound Route 90. Distances in the Negev are long and remote stretches have few services, so refuel before heading into the desert. Ask the supplier whether the tank should be returned full or under a pre-purchase policy.
Parking in Eilat
Hotels and resorts usually provide parking, though spaces can be tight during peak periods. Street parking is available in many areas but check local signage for restrictions, especially near the promenade.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Israel Airports Authority.
Build a realistic first journey
Eilat to Timna Park
A popular half-day or full-day trip north of the city. The route takes you through dramatic desert scenery to the Solomon's Pillars and the Mushroom rock formation. Allow extra time for traffic and park entry, and carry water and sun protection regardless of the season.
Eilat to the Dead Sea
A longer inland drive through the Negev Desert. The landscape changes from red-rock mountains to barren salt flats. Plan stops at Mitzpe Ramon for views over the Ramon Crater, and check road conditions before departure as desert routes can be affected by flash flooding in winter.
Eilat to Tel Aviv
The drive north along Route 90 and then west on Route 6 or Route 2 is one of the country's most scenic long-distance routes. You pass the Jordanian border, the Dead Sea, and the Judean Desert before reaching the coastal plain. Break the journey into segments rather than attempting it in one stretch.
Frequently asked questions
Which car hire companies are at Eilat Airport?
Avis, Budget, Hertz and Eldan all maintain desks at the airport, along with several local operators. It is worth comparing rates and included coverage before you book, as packages vary between suppliers.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Eilat?
If your licence is in English and includes a photo, many suppliers will accept it. For all other licences, an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended and may be required by your insurer.
Can I drive a rental car from Eilat into Jordan or Egypt?
Some suppliers allow cross-border travel with advance arrangement and additional insurance. This is not automatic—confirm directly with the rental desk before you book, and request the necessary paperwork.
What is the minimum age to rent a car at Eilat Airport?
The usual minimum is 21, though drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee. Premium or larger vehicle categories may have a higher age threshold.
Is parking easy to find in Eilat?
Parking is generally available at hotels and near the main beach areas, but spaces fill quickly during holiday weekends and peak summer months. Allow extra time if you are returning to a busy district in the evening.
Compare Eilat Airport car hire
Enter dates above, then compare pickup method, vehicle category and complete supplier terms before booking.
Continue planning with Car Hire Jerusalem Downtown | Rentals, Car Hire Tel Aviv Airport | Rentals.