Rosh hanikra: Day Trips and Tours from Jerusalem

A day trip to Rosh Hanikra from Jerusalem takes on a different tone than the usual culturally-centred attractions in Israel. The Mediterranean north-coast of the country offers you a one-of-a-kind natural beauty.

Gleaming grottoes and crashing waves meet underneath the chalky cliffs of Rosh Hanikra, a stunning spectacle you don’t want to miss.

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

How to get to Rosh Hanikra from Jerusalem?

You can easily reach Rosh Hanrika by car by driving towards the Lebanese border.

From Jerusalem to Rosh Hanikra by car

The 180-kilometre drive from Jerusalem to Rosh Hanrika takes just under 2.5 hours. The easiest way is to drive along Route 1 which merges into Route 6 and later Route 70 until you pass Haifa.

From there, you will drive on Route 4 into Rosh Hanrika. Route 2 runs parallel to this from Tel Aviv and, is a slightly longer but more scenic road.

Guided tour to Rosh Hanikra from Jerusalem

A guided tour from Jerusalem to Rosh Hanrika is the easiest way to see all the coastal treasures of northern Israel.

You will see this fabulous natural attraction along with several other cultural sites without having to worry about planning a single thing.

How much does the entrance ticket to Rosh Hanikra cost?

There are two ticket options at Rosh Hanrika. You can get a discounted ticket with a cable car ride and a self-guided tour or pay the full price and have the option to drive an e-bike or golf cart along the promenade after your grotto visit.

Premium Adult Ticket: 77 NIS ($23)
Premium Child Ticket: 69 NIS ($20,50)
Discount Adult Ticket: 43 NIS ($13)
Discount Child Ticket: 35 NIS ($10,50)

What is the typical itinerary?

Rosh Hanrika day tours depart Jerusalem at 6 AM, your first stop is a captivating tour through the ancient city of Caesarea.

It was once a bustling capital of the Roman Empire and the archaeological remains include an imposing amphitheatre and aqueduct. You will also see one of Israel's modern marvels, the manicured terraces of the Baháʼí Gardens in Haifa.

Leave the city in favour of one of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. Descend the chalky cliffs and enter the 200-m-long network of grottoes and tunnels at Rosh Hanrika.

Stand in awe as the sunshine blasts in from the cave mouths, brightly illuminating the crashing waves. The last part of the day sees you travelling back in time once more.

You will walk along the ancient city walls of Acre and visit the underground Crusader crypt. Walk through the historic citadel and market before returning to Jerusalem in the late afternoon.

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

Day tour to Rosh Hanikra plus Caesarea and Haifa from Jerusalem

Join a small or large group tour to Rosh Hanrika to get excellent value for your money. This full-day tour will cover all your bases: nature, history and culture from the past and present.

You will enjoy safe and comfortable transport along with the guidance of an expert guide. For a more private experience, you can book a small tour which only allows 4-10 participants.

How much does a day trip to Rosh Hanrika from Jerusalem cost?

A standard day tour to Rosh Hanrika costs US$122 per person. You can enjoy hotel pick-up and drop-off from centrally located hotels and the cost also covers entry fees.

The luxury of a smaller group will cost US$330 per person, but you must pay your own entry fees where applicable. None of the tours includes food or beverages.

What will you see and do?

At Rosh Hanrika, the mountains meet the mighty Mediterranean and have created a visual feast. Wate erosion and earthquakes formed grottoes in the chalky cliffs which were in turn connected by tunnels.

Make your way through this 200-meter system to see the power of nature at work. To get to the caves you will take one of the steepest cable cars in the world. It is only 70 metres long but it moves at an astonishing 60-degree angle.

A Rosh Hanrika day tour is not a stand-alone experience either. You will travel centuries back in time to see the ancient city of Caesarea and marvel at its impeccably preserved ruins.

Acre is also a treasure trove of ancient features and your inner history buff will be beaming as you walk through the citadel.

The Hanging Gardens of Haifa are a more modern attraction but are no less impressive than the other stops. You will look down at 19 immaculate terraces rolling down Mount Carmel and soiling into panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

What are the opening times?

Rosh Hanrika is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, 7 days a week. It closes at 4 PM in the winter. In both seasons you have to be in the cable car down at least an hour before closing time.

When is the best time to visit Rosh Hanrika?

The look and feel of the caves change along with the seasons and they are excellent to visit any time of year.

Summer can be sweltering but the bright blue skies reflect into the cave water, offering you a stunning display. Spring has similar visuals but the weather is more temperate. Autumn is still a pleasant time to visit but winter might be a bit rainy.

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

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

• Day Trips to Rosh Hanikra from Tel Aviv

Travel tips

• Men and women must cover their knees and arms to enter religious sites.
• Bring water and snacks to eat throughout the day, there is no specified lunch break.
• There is a lot of walking on this tour and your shoes should have good grip on slippery surfaces in the grottoes.