Re: renting a car for a day

So.................. I guess I should thank everyone for showing up today? :-) But I do get that everything in Israel is political and that's not a problem for me.

I think I'll go by public transport. Shared taxi to Tel Aviv and then train straight through to Akko. Seems it'll take about 3.5 hours each way? So if I get there by 11, I can wander until 7, then make my way back to Jerusalem. A long day. I am reluctant to stay overnight in Akko as I have a very good and economical vacation rental in Jerusalem at a weekly rate, and from what I can gather, there is not much economical in Akko.

Someone did mention that there is a direct bus service Jerusalem to Haifa, then I could hop a train to Akko. Anyone any experience with that? Also seems that traffic in Tel Aviv during peak hours is an issue.

BTW, thanks to all who offered traveller's advice.

As for driving in some western European countries, I agree it can be chaotic. I lived in France and Italy long ago and learned to drive quite aggressively. Took a rental car a few years a few years ago and toured northern Italy and southern France. I was quite happy when I returned it and went back to public transport!

To be more specific:

Service taxis between TLV and Jerusalem run 24h/7 - they leave when full, which can take about 10 seconds at peak hours, and 30 minutes in the middle of the night.

Midweek, your first train from Tel Aviv-Hagana leaves at 5:24. They run approximately every 30-40 minutes.
The voyage takes between 1:29h and 1:59h, depending on the number of stops.

The last 4 trains leave Akko for TLV at 19:48, 20:14, 21:14, 22:14.

The train station in Akko is about 1 km from the Old City.

You can either take the train from Tel Aviv or from Haifa (it's the same line, actually); I would say both options are similar for convenience/hassle, though I'd prob favour going from Tel Aviv. If you are coming on the sherut from Jerusalem you can ask the driver to drop you off at the most convenient point for the "HaHagana" station in Tel Aviv - it's very close to the bus station.

The train from Tel Aviv to Akko is nice - it goes right along the coast. Sit on the left hand side of the train (if you're facing forwards) for the best views. From memory, it's about 60 shekels, but it might have changed since I last travelled that route. Traffic shouldn't be too bad since TA bus station is only just off the main highway - you don't need to go into TA itself.

Also, bear in mind that Akko train station is a little way from the old town.

The direct bus from Jerusalem to Haifa is route 940. (The 947 is slow, with a lot of stops, so don't take that one.) Timetable at www.egged.co.il/eng. The bus terminal in Haifa is called Hof Hacarmel and is right next to Hof Hacarmel railway station. It takes exactly two hours from Jerusalem to Haifa.
Train fare from Tel Aviv to Haifa is NIS 70.50 return (round trip).

You didn't ask, but in case you're wondering, forget the train from Jerusalem.
(a) the Jerusalem station is miles from anywhere and is a major hassle to get to;
(b) trains are infrequent;
(c) trains are slow. Scenic, and worth doing once in your lifetime, but not if you're in a hurry to get somewhere else.

we were going to do this a few weeks ago, and determined that the fastest way was a sherut to tel aviv and the train to akko. it's still going to be one long day! while akko does have lots of fun and amazing sites, we decided that it was too long a day and we'd be too tired to appreciate the beauties of akko, and opted for a day in caesarea. which was wonderful, by the way - the newer section of antiquities was great! i am still promising myself a day in akko soon, and i will indeed drive, but i think i'll stay over night at my aunt's in haifa....

Honestly, I don't think driving in Israel is that bad. The roads are great with clear signage. City driving gets pretty hectic, but that's true just about anywhere. There are much MUCH worse places to drive in Europe. Sicily is 100x worse!

Yallah -

Honestly ..... haven't you read CATW's learned pronouncements on driving in Israel ? Shame on you for contradicting the words of an "AsAEuropean" :-)

The advantage of taking the 940 bus to Haifa is that it drives on Highway 6 and totally avoids the morning rush hour in Tel-Aviv.