How To Reach Safed (Tzfat) (Israel) In 2024

Welcome to Safed (Tzfat), Israel - A Journey to the City of Kabbalah

Safed, known as "Tzfat" in Hebrew, is a city in Northern Israel and is one of the country's four holy cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias. Renowned for its spiritual atmosphere, ancient synagogues, and thriving arts community, Safed is a popular destination for visitors seeking cultural and religious experiences. Here are several ways you can reach Safed:

By Air:

The closest airport to Safed is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv. From there, you can opt for the following ground transportation options:

Rental Car: Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to get to Safed. The drive from Ben Gurion Airport typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours via Route 6 North (Toll Road) and Route 65 or Route 85 to Route 90.
Shared Taxi (Sherut): Shared taxis are available from the airport and can take you directly to Safed or nearby cities. They operate on a fill-up basis.

By Bus:

The Israeli bus company, Egged, operates frequent services to Safed from cities across Israel. There is no direct bus from Ben Gurion Airport to Safed, so you will need to transfer in one of the major cities:

From Tel Aviv: Take Egged bus line 480 to Jerusalem's Central Bus Station, then transfer to line 958 or 959 to Safed.
From Jerusalem: Direct Egged bus lines 958 or 959 will take you to Safed.
From Haifa: Egged bus line 500 runs directly to Safed.

By Private Taxi:

Private taxis can be hired at Ben Gurion Airport or any major city. This is the most convenient, yet most expensive option to reach Safed. Ensure to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

By Train and Bus Combination:

There is no direct train service to Safed, but you can take a train to Akko (Acre), and from there, catch an Egged bus to Safed.

From Tel Aviv or Haifa: Israel Railways operates frequent services to Akko. Upon arrival, switch to Egged bus line 361 or 500 to Safed.

Useful Tips:

Remember to check the latest bus and train schedules ahead of your trip, as timings can change. Also, travel times may be longer on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) and Jewish holidays, when public transport does not operate in Israel.

We hope this information helps you plan an unforgettable visit to the mystical city of Safed, where ancient traditions, artistry, and spirituality converge.