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Israel transportation - airport to Zefat, Tel Aviv to airport

Israel transportation - airport to Zefat, Tel Aviv to airport

Old Dec 4th, 2006, 06:41 AM
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Israel transportation - airport to Zefat, Tel Aviv to airport

Two transportation questions for my February trip to Israel.

We expect to be arriving at Ben Gurion at 13:05 and are going straight to Zefat. I'd like to stop along the way once for tea/lunch and once for a stretch and am considering a private taxi or car instead of a sherut. Do I need to arrange a taxi ahead of time, or just as we exit the airport? Does anyone know the comparative prices? (I think I won't be in a bargaining mood). And the comparative time of the trip independently or in a sherut?

At the end, we will be leaving from Tel Aviv (we are staying near Dizengoff Square) at 1 AM. I think we'll do the downtown check-in and then could take any form of transportation to Ben Gurion. I was reading here about the train. I am not familiar with it - schedules, details, logistics, ... I'm also not familiar with the downtown El Al check-in, location, how long it's apt to take, ...

I'd appreciate any guidance,

Sylvia
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Old Dec 4th, 2006, 10:47 AM
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Sorry I can't help with the costs of a taxi to Tzfat - but it won't be cheap. Certianly it will be faster than a sherut that makes so many stops with 10 passengers.

You can check all train schedules here Israel Railway:
http://www.israrail.org.il/english/index.html

You might want to consider taking the train from the airport to Akko and then a taxi or bus from there on to Zfat. It's a nice little town for a tea break.

If you decide on a taxi, you can probably get one of the Haifa drivers to take you to Zfat, but be prepared to bargain with him!

I've never used the TA check-in myself. In Jerusalem it is totally dependent on the number of people checking in at the same time, but never took more than 1/2 an hour, more often like 10 or 15 minutes.

Good luck!
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Old Dec 5th, 2006, 02:51 PM
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Thanks, UnaS - the train to Akko is a great idea! The schedule says two hours from the airport to Akko, and that it runs every hour. That will definitely be the plan; I wouldn't have thought about a train at all.

Sylvia
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Old Dec 6th, 2006, 04:18 AM
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You'll enjoy the train ride - it's all new and lovely scenery on the way.

Once in Akko it might be worth asking about a sherut from there to Tzfat.

Ask at the train station before you go out for your tea break
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Old Dec 6th, 2006, 05:31 AM
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Sylvia

UnaS' idea about Akko is indeed superb
Though "It's a nice little town for a tea break." is a bit of an understatement:
The old City of Akko (Acre) has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site
see e.g. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...oheritage.html
i quote from another website:
AKKO (ACRE): 20 minutes from Haifa, Israel's northernmost city, Akko is an historic walled port-city and was the original link between Egypt and Phoenicia over 4,000 years ago. Today one can see Ottoman 18th and 19th century iconic citadels, mosques, inns and baths. Capital of the medieval Crusader Kingdom from 1104 to 1291, much of medieval Akko, remarkably, exist today almost intact, both above and below street level. Akko provides an exceptional "snap shot" of Crusader architecture.

+ if i may add, some excellent Hoummous - Said's in the old city market - it is a must-taste !!!

Enjoy it

aby

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Old Dec 6th, 2006, 07:22 AM
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Sorry aby - no insults to Akko intended

Of course you are correct. Akko is a lovely city to visit, especially for history buffs.

I wasn't thinking in terms of Sylvia visiting Akko, because she so clearly said that her objective was to go to Zfat. My apologies.
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Old Dec 6th, 2006, 07:48 AM
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That first day, yes, all I want to do is get to Zefat. About how long will a private taxi take? And thanks, will also check about sherut, see how tired we are, what the time and price differences are.

We will be in Zefat for a week or so, are planning day trips, maybe a tour guide, expecting wintry weather (arriving February 13). We want to visit some of the galleries, see the historic/spiritual centers, ... Other suggestions for activities?

We'll be leaving from Zefat for four nights in Tel Aviv, might take the train, or might use a car and driver to stop at a few places on the way.

I've added the 'Bauhaus' suggestion to my Tel Aviv notes`.

Thanks,

Sylvia
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Old Dec 6th, 2006, 08:55 AM
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I don't really know the roads in that part of the country, but considering the distance a very rough guestimate would be somewhere between 30 - 40 minutes.

BTW - Akko is worth a visit, although I don't know whether there is anything there for people particularly interested in art. It is fascinating for history.
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Old Dec 14th, 2006, 05:44 PM
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We were in Israel last summer and my husband was leary about driving from Jerusalem to Tzfat but we finally decided to rent a car and must tell you that it is really easy to drive in Israel despite what they say about Israeli drivers. We didn't find it much too different from NYC and no where as bad as some highways in NYC. The roads are wonderful and the signage is better than in the US - Hebrew, English and Arabic. I would consider renting a car and driving to Tzfat- Rt. 6 north to Rt. 65 to Rt. 85 to Rt. 90 then follow signs to Rosh Pina and from Rosh Pina go west to Tzfat. It will be cheaper than a driver. You could use your car to tour on your own or hire a guide in Tzfat. Drop off your car in Tel Aviv- you won't need one there -just cab or sherut to the airport from Tel Aviv.
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Old Mar 2nd, 2007, 02:32 PM
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We're back. The train from Ben Gurion to Akko worked nicely, then a "special rate" taxi to Zefat, lodging at Ruth Rimmonim. We walked and walked, had a few rainy days and some beautiful weather, had a driver one day to Metula, bird sanctuary, felafel at Rosh Pinna, train back to Tel Aviv, Metropolitan Hotel was inexpensive and adequate, family meal, ... and smooth flight home, though it took more than an hour for the bags to get unloaded.

Sylvia, just home
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Old Mar 2nd, 2007, 06:22 PM
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Hi SylviaCaras

"bird sanctuary"
Do you mean the Hulla Reserve ?
Have you seen the masses of cranes?
Have you seen those thousands gathering at night?
Have you used the mobile hide?
IMO it is a lifetime experience
pls say a word about it to our "readers"

aby
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Old Mar 5th, 2007, 05:26 PM
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Yes, Aby, the Hula Valley. We were there for a few hours in the morning. There was a shelter, a free telescope, a trained park guide, and lots and lots and lots of birds and other wildlife in a well cared for mostly peaceful setting. (There was also a large group visiting.) We walked in from the parking lot, maybe 15 minutes, just to the first sheltered viewing spot. There are also bicycles and electric carts for rent.
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