Golan Heights: Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

Golan Heights is known for its beautiful, sprawling landscapes, ancient synagogues and incredible views of the Sea of Galilee. This area in northern Israel is a nature-lover’s paradise, while its bunkers and trenches shed light on Israel's past tensions with Syria.

Joining a Golan Heights day trip from Jerusalem is a great way to enjoy northern Israel’s countryside with a professional, local guide leading the way and showing you the best attractions on offer.

Here's all you need to know about Golan Heights, one of the most exciting day trips from Jerusalem.

How to get to Golan Heights from Jerusalem?

Golan Heights is an area, located in the north of Israel, which borders the Sea of Galilee. Golan Heights is located roughly 200 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem.

From Jerusalem to Golan Heights by car

Driving to Golan Heights from Jerusalem is a simple and quick way to get to the region. Travel north along Route 90 until you reach Route 92, and then Route 87, which will take you into Golan Heights. The journey should take around 3 hours.

From Jerusalem to Golan Heights by bus

Bus 966 runs between Jerusalem and Katzrin, in Golan Heights, twice a day. The journey takes around 4 hours in total, has multiple stops and costs under US$1 per person.

Guided tour to Golan Heights from Jerusalem

A guided tour to Golan Heights from Jerusalem is one of the best ways to visit the region, as you will be driven there by your guide in a private vehicle. Most Golan Heights day trips from Jerusalem last 10 to 13 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Get picked up from your Jerusalem accommodation and get driven to Golan Heights by your guide in an air-conditioned vehicle— enjoying views of the Sea of Galilee along the way.

Once in Golan Heights, you’ll be taken to various landmarks and attractions in the region. You’ll likely visit places such as the Golan Antiquities Museum, Mount Bental and other places of interest.

At the end of the tour, you’ll return to your hotel in Jerusalem.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Golan Heights?

Guided tours to Golan Heights from Jerusalem

Joining a guided Golan Heights group tour from Jerusalem is a fun and affordable way to visit the region. You’ll join a group of like-minded travelers and enjoy a hotel pickup in Jerusalem before making your way to Golan Heights.

Private tour to Golan Heights from Jerusalem

While private tours offer similar itineraries to group tours, you’ll enjoy a tailor-made experience that can make all the difference. It will just be you and your travel companions on the tour, with your guide showing the best of what Golan Heights has to offer.

2-Day tour to Golan Heights from Jerusalem

Enjoy an extended time in the beautiful Golan Heights when you book an overnight tour from Jerusalem. You’ll sleep in a traditional kibbutz and get a real taste of local Israeli life in the area, before returning to Jerusalem the next day.

Day trip to Golan Heights plus Nazareth from Jerusalem

Nazareth is conveniently close to Golan Heights and many tour operators make a stop at the biblical town on their way to Golan Heights. This is a great way to make the most of your time in northern Israel and see more than one place in a day!

How much does a day trip to Golan Heights from Jerusalem cost?

Basic group tours to Golan Heights typically cost around US$130 per person. These include hotel transfers and any entrance fees you may encounter during the tour.

Private Golan Heights tours usually cost around US$1,300 for a private tour group of 4 people. Prices fluctuate depending on how many people are on the tour.

Overnight tours to Golan Heights are group tours and cost around US$350 per person, including accommodation and breakfast.

What will you see and do?

While each Golan Heights day trip is slightly different, many tours visit similar locations in the area. Most tours visit Katzrin, the largest settlement in the region, which is home to the Golan Antiquities Museum.

On your excursion you may visit synagogues, bunkers and trenches as well as Mount Bental, which offers views of the Kuneitra Valley below.

Golan Heights is well known for its beautiful natural scenery, tour guides often make use of the local hiking trails on offer to show you some truly incredible views of the region and the Sea of Galilee.

When is the best time to visit Golan Heights?

The best time to visit the Golan Heights is during spring, from February to May, when the vegetation comes to life and is in full bloom.

Are there any tours to Golan Heights from other cities in Israel?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Israel:

• Day Trips to Golan Heights from Tel Aviv

Travel tips

• Book your Golan Heights day trip from Jerusalem in advance to avoid disappointment as tours fill up quickly.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the area of Golan Heights.
• Remember to dress modestly should your tour visit any religious sites.