Rosh Hanikra: Day Trips and Tours from Tel Aviv

Put your historical and cultural exploration of Israel on pause for a moment and indulge in the idyllic nature of the country’s Mediterranean coast.

The white chalky cliffs of Rosh Hanikra keep a spectacular secret; a network of tunnels and caverns connect mesmerizing grottoes that shine bright blue as the sun floods in from the cave mouths.

A day trip to Rosh Hanikra from Tel Aviv will reveal many of the natural wonders in the country that will leave you in awe.

Here's all you need to know about Rosh Hanikra, one of the most exciting day trips from Tel Aviv.

How to get to Rosh Hanikra from Tel Aviv?

Rosh Hanikra sits close to the border between Lebanon and Israel and there are a few ways to reach it.

From Tel Aviv to Rosh Hanikra by car

Rosh Hanikra is about 130 kilometers and just under 2 hours from Tel Aviv. Follow Highway 2 north along the coast for 80 kilometers until you reach Haifa. Get off on Route 23 and merge onto Route 23 after about 8 kilometers. Route 23 continues to become Route 4 which takes you into Rosh Hanikra.

Guided tour to Rosh Hanikra from Tel Aviv

Forget about the stress of planning a self-drive trip to Rosh Hanikra from Tel Aviv. A guided tour will take you to all the must-see destinations along the coast and help you make the most of your day trip by maximizing on sightseeing.

How much does the entrance ticket to Rosh Hanikra cost?

Entry to the Rosh Hanikra grottoes includes a cable car ride and full tour. You will also have access to a golf cart or e-bike to explore the promenade. A discounted ticket is only for the cable car ride and you explore the caves on your own.

• Premium Adult Ticket: NIS77 (US$23)
• Premium Child Ticket: NIS69 (US$20.50)
• Discount Adult Ticket: NIS43 (US$13)
• Discount Child Ticket: NIS35 (US$10.50)

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day tour to Rosh Hanikra will start around 6:30 AM in Tel Aviv. You will depart for the ancient city of Caesarea to explore one of the dominating capitals of the Roman Empire. Next, you will visit a more modern Israeli attraction, the Hanging Gardens of Haifa.

Rosh Hanikra is the third stop on your tour and one of the most breathtaking points of the day. Take the cable car down to the water level and explore the 200-meter-long grotto and naturally carved tunnel system in the chalky cliffs.

End the tour with a visit to Acre to walk along the city walks, go underground in the Crusader crypt and see the bustling market in the town's historic center. You will be back in Tel Aviv in the later afternoon after 10 hours of fun and adventure.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Rosh Hanikra?

Day tour to Rosh Hanikra plus Caesarea and Haifa from Tel Aviv

Leave Tel Aviv in a comfortable coach as part of a basic or small group tour to Rosh Hanikra. These tours pack a punch and include several stops along the Israeli north coast in a 10-hour package. You will see ancient ruins, modern marvels and the natural wonder of Rosh Hanikra along the way.

Small group day tour to Rosh Hanikra plus Caesarea and Haifa from Tel Aviv

A small group tour includes all the same locations, but you will have the luxury of a group size of between 4 and 10 participants. This gives you the feeling of a private tour at a more competitive price point.

How much does a day trip to Rosh Hanikra from Tel Aviv cost?

The average day tour to Rosh Hanikra costs around US$110 per person, with discounted rates for children also available. This includes your entry fees, hotel pick-up and drop-off and comfortable transportation. You will only need to pay for your own food and drinks.

A small group experience costs around US$210 per person, but your entry fees are not included.

What will you see and do?

Rosh Hanikra is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Israel. It is the only place in the country where the mountains meet the ocean in such a spectacular fashion and you will descend the chalky cliff face in a cable car. It is the steepest and shortest in the world and moves down a 60-degree angle for 70 meters to reach sea level.

Once you reach the grotto mouth, you will explore the 200-meter cave system. The caverns are connected by tunnels that formed after earthquakes and water erosion carved through the rock. Experience the clash of the waves as they echo through the grottoes and marvel at the gleaming blue water illuminated by the sun flooding in from the cave mouths.

The tour also includes visits to fascinating historical destinations like Caesarea National Park and the citadel of Acre. You will also have beautiful views over the Haifa Hanging Gardens to look forward to.

What are the opening times?

Rosh Hanikra is open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 6 PM in the summer and 4 PM in the winter. The last cable car down leaves an hour before closing time.

When is the best time to visit Rosh Hanikra?

The caves are open all year and take on a different look as the season change. Bright sunny weather during spring and summer will give you the best blue reflection in the water. When rainy and windy weather picks up in autumn and winter, you will see the full force of nature as the sea becomes wild in the grottoes.

Are there any tours to Rosh Hanikra from other cities in Israel?

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

• Day Trips to Rosh Hanikra from Jerusalem

Travel tips

• Wear shoes with good grip to stay safe on slippery surfaces at the grottoes.
• Bring your driver’s license if you want to drive the golf carts.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no lengthy scheduled lunch breaks.
• Wear modest clothing, as you will visit some religious sites where knees and shoulders must be covered.