Port city on Mount Carmel with the Baha'i Gardens, Technion university, and a vibrant food scene.

About Haifa

Haifa is Israel's third-largest city, cascading down the slopes of Mount Carmel to the Mediterranean Sea. The city's crowning jewel is the Baha'i Gardens—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immaculately terraced gardens descending 19 levels from the mountaintop to the German Colony below, centered on the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab. The view from the upper terrace across Haifa Bay is breathtaking.

Haifa is known as Israel's most diverse and coexistent city, where Jewish, Arab, Christian, Druze, and Baha'i communities live in relative harmony. The German Colony, founded by the Templar Society in the 1860s, is now a charming boulevard of restaurants and cafes. The Carmel Center offers upscale dining with sea views, while the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood showcases authentic Arab street food and culture. The city also hosts the Technion (Israel's MIT) and a thriving tech industry.

Nearby Landmarks

Baha'i Gardens German Colony Stella Maris Monastery Technion campus

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost ₪450-600 ($122-163)
Time 80-110 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost ₪350-500 ($95-136)
Time 80-110 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (Israel Railways)

Cost ₪40 ($11)
Time 75-90 minutes
Frequency Every 1-2 hours

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the train from the airport station directly to Haifa. Trains run several times daily. The coastal route offers Mediterranean sea views.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi ₪450-600 ($122-163) 80-110 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare ₪350-500 ($95-136) 80-110 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train ₪40 ($11) 75-90 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Trains from Ben Gurion to Haifa run until approximately 11 PM Sunday-Thursday with no Shabbat service (Friday evening to Saturday evening). During Shabbat, only private taxis or pre-arranged transfers are available, costing 500-700 NIS ($140-190).

Luggage Tips

Israel Railways trains have luggage racks and floor space near doors. The journey is comfortable for larger bags. Haifa's Carmelit subway and bus system within the city allow luggage.

Accessibility

Israel Railways provides wheelchair access on all trains with dedicated spaces. Haifa's Carmelit subway is accessible. The Baha'i Gardens have limited wheelchair access on the lower terraces only—the upper viewing platform is accessible. The German Colony is flat and well-paved.