What to see & do with your IDP in Israel?
With an International Driving Permit in hand, Israel becomes an incredible destination for road-based discovery. The country’s compact size and well-maintained roads make it easy to explore everything from ancient cities to dramatic desert landscapes—all on your own schedule.
1. Drive from Tel Aviv to Haifa
Begin your journey in Tel Aviv, a modern beachfront city with lively markets and cultural hubs. Head north along the scenic coastal Highway 2 toward Haifa, passing charming towns like Netanya and Caesarea. The drive takes just over an hour and offers spectacular Mediterranean views.
2. Explore the Galilee region
Use your IDP to rent a car in Tiberias and drive through the rolling hills and biblical towns of northern Israel. Visit the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, and Safed, one of Judaism’s four holy cities. The area is dotted with nature reserves and vineyard-lined roads.
3. Discover Jerusalem and the Judean Desert
Drive into Jerusalem and navigate through its unique mix of history and modernity. An IDP helps during police or military checkpoints common near the Old City and surrounding areas. From there, head east to the Judean Desert and take Route 90 to the Dead Sea for a memorable floating experience.
4. Southern route to Eilat
Embark on a longer road trip down Route 40 through the Negev Desert to reach Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city. Along the way, stop at Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon), a stunning natural erosion formation. This desert route is best experienced with the independence that an IDP-supported rental offers.
5. Off-the-beaten-path: Golan Heights
Drive northeast toward the Golan Heights for dramatic mountain roads, waterfalls, and nature parks. The area is more remote, and checkpoints are common, so having your IDP helps ease passage while exploring this scenic, high-altitude region.