Haifa: Day Trips and Tours from Tel Aviv

Built upon the lofty slopes of Mount Carmel more than 3,000 years ago, Haifa has retained its ancient charm, making it one of the most outstanding destinations in Israel. With pristine gardens showcasing an abundance of vibrant blooms, Carmelite monasteries and panoramic views across the Mediterranean Sea, Haifa has something to suit everyone.

As the two destinations are just a stone’s throw apart, Haifa day trips from Tel Aviv are easy to organize and often include additional attractions, such as Caesarea, and Acre (Akko).

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

How to get to Haifa from Tel Aviv?

Haifa is located in the northern stretch of Israel, along the east coast of the country. It is just over 90 kilometers north of Tel Aviv.

From Tel Aviv to Haifa by car

The journey to Haifa from Tel Aviv by car takes just over an hour and follows the coastal Route 2 the entire way.

From Tel Aviv to Haifa by public transport

While you can use the bus Line 910 to make the jaunt to Haifa, you’ll find that the train is the fastest way for those without access to a car to reach the destination. You can board a direct train to Haifa from any of Tel Aviv’s four train stations — Savidor Central, HaShalom, HaHagana or Tel Aviv University railway station.

The route typically takes between 40 minutes and an hour, depending on where you catch a train from, and services run frequently throughout the day.

Guided tour to Haifa from Tel Aviv

Alternatively, you can participate in a guided excursion to Haifa and allow all the transportation details to be taken care of for you. These day trips usually last between 8 and 11 hours, and begin with a convenient accommodation pickup. You’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list and, on the day of your tour, await collection from your friendly guide in the lobby at a predetermined time.

You can expect your excursion to begin anytime between 6:30 AM and 9 AM, depending on whether you select a private or group experience.

What is the typical itinerary?

While each Haifa day trip is unique, all excursions follow a similar itinerary. After meeting your guide and boarding your vehicle, you’ll head to Caesarea where you can discover over 2,000 years of history, and how the ancient Romans influenced this corner of the Middle East.

Moving on, you’ll visit your main destination — Haifa — where you’ll usually discover the Baha’i Gardens alongside your tour guide. You may visit other sites nearby, such as Rosh Hanikra or the Stella Maris Monastery to discover the many faces of Northern Israel.

While some Haifa day tours return to Tel Aviv from here, others journey to Acre for a fascinating walking tour before the day draws to a close.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Haifa?

You can choose between a couple of different options for Haifa day trips, depending on your travel style.

Guided tours to Haifa plus Caesarea and Acre from Tel Aviv

Group day tours to Haifa visit a multitude of destinations, which help you gain an insight into Israeli culture. You’ll begin your excursion with a visit to Caesarea — an ancient Roman harbor city that was abandoned in the 13th century.

Discover its colossal amphitheater commissioned by King Herod to seat 4,000 spectators before moving on to Haifa. Here, you’ll wander the immaculately-manicured Baha’i Gardens, located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, as well as the natural grottoes of Rosh Hanikra.

The final stop on your day tour from Tel Aviv is Acre, one of the oldest inhabited territories in the world. Explore the city’s vast 18th-century walls and stroll the stalls of Acre’s enchanting bazaar before heading back to your accommodation.

Private tour to Haifa plus Caesarea from Tel Aviv

If you’re looking for greater personalization than a group tour can provide, you should consider booking a private day trip to Haifa. You’ll amble through an assembly of fascinating ruins at the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Caesarea, discussing the history behind each monument.

There are plenty of remains to explore here, from hippodromes to aqueducts and villas, all dating back to the city’s construction, more than 2,000 years ago.

Continuing on, you’ll gain panoramic views across Israel from the slopes of Mount Carmel before visiting the Baha'i Gardens. End your Haifa day tour by exploring the Stella Maris Monastery, which was built in the 17th century and is believed to contain the Cave of Elijah — a religious spot mentioned in the Bible in relation to the prophet.

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

A group day trip to Haifa costs US$120 per adult while children aged 5 to 12 will pay just under US$110 each. Students with valid identification also qualify for the child rate. Entrance fees are covered in the overall tour price, as well as round-trip transportation and the services of a professional guide.

If you select a private Haifa day tour, you’ll pay US$900 per group of up to four participants. Broken down, the cost per head is between US$220 and US$230 each. While an art historian guide and all transportation are included, admission to Caesarea is at your own expense.

What will you see and do?

Baha’i Gardens

While the attractions explored in Haifa vary depending on the day trip you select, all excursions visit the Baha’i Gardens, which represent the Baha’i faith — founded in Iran in the 19th century by Siyyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, who was later executed as his movement spread. This faith teaches the unity of humanity, connecting religions across the world, with over 7 million followers.

The gardens themselves feature 19 terraces on the towering slopes of Mount Carmel, as well as a shrine to the original founder of the religion. Not for the faint of heart, these 19 levels of terraces are reachable by more than 1,500 steps. However, the views on the climb more than make up for any exhaustion you may feel after your visit.

The gardens are listed by UNESCO and are also a popular pilgrimage spot for Baha’i devotees. While the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa are not the only gardens celebrating the faith in Israel, they are the most renowned and attract the most visitors, both for tourism, and worship purposes.

When is the best time to visit Haifa?

Eventhough off-peak season (winter) might offer better deals on accommodations and fewer crowds at tourist sites, spring is the best time to visit Haifa. The famous Bahá'í Gardens are in full bloom and the weather is really nice!

Are there any tours to Haifa from other cities in Israel?

Yes, there are Day Trips to Haifa from Jerusalem.

Travel tips

• Always have some cash on hand, though many places accept credit cards.
• Israelis are known for their directness, which might come off as brusque to some visitors. It's a part of the local culture, so don't take it personally.