Plan a CruiseAshdod Cruise Port Guide
Ashdod is a significant industrial port city situated on Israel's Mediterranean coast, handling a substantial 60% of the nation's imports and exports. The port features a modern, advanced passenger terminal for cruise guests.
Important: Private vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the port area. Passengers are required to use the organized, air-conditioned shuttle service provided by the port, which transports you between the parking lot and the passenger terminal. You will need to present your passport and cruise confirmation to security personnel when boarding the shuttle. Duty-free shops are available after passing through passport control.
Warning: Be aware that port officials at the gate can sometimes be "difficult" regarding taxi access, often favoring specific taxi companies. This can potentially result in heavy "surcharges." The city center of Ashdod is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from the port, making it not walkable.
Getting Around from the Port
The ship's shuttle service will transport you to the main port gate, and sometimes also to the Ashdod city center, where the train station is located.
Taxis: Only one or two pre-approved taxi companies are permitted to operate inside the port gates. These taxis will be available at the dock, displaying clear price signs for various destinations across the country, including options for all-day hire with a driver. You are not obliged to hire a taxi for the entire day; you can take one back to the port gates or call the company when you're ready to return.
To Ashdod City Center: The city center is about 4 km from the port. If your ship's shuttle does not go directly to the center, a taxi will be necessary.
To Tel Aviv and Jaffa (Independent Option): To visit Tel Aviv and Jaffa independently, take the ship's shuttle to Ashdod city center. From there, you will find the train station. A train journey to Tel Aviv takes less than one hour.
To Jerusalem (Recommended via Tour): Due to limited time in port, most cruise passengers find it best to visit Jerusalem via organized shore excursions or private tours that provide direct transportation. If you opt for a taxi, you would need to arrange one from the main port gate.
Attractions and Activities
1. Jerusalem's Old City (Recommended via Tour): A highly recommended day trip, best undertaken with a pre-booked tour due to time constraints. Explore the ancient walled city, divided into four historic quarters: Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim. Key sites include the Western Wall (a holy site for Jews, where millions pray and leave notes), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour or more by car/bus from Ashdod each way.
2. Tel Aviv & Jaffa (Independent Option Available): Known as "the city that never stops," Tel Aviv is Israel's vibrant economic and cultural hub. It was the first modern Jewish city built in Israel and offers a lively atmosphere with abundant entertainment, culture, art, festivals, and rich nightlife. Combine your visit with Jaffa, one of the world's oldest ports.
- Travel Time: Less than 1 hour by train from Ashdod city center (accessible via ship's shuttle).
3. Explore Ashdod City: Ashdod itself is a relatively young city, re-founded 50 years ago, and is known for its well-planned design and diverse population (approx. 235,000 residents, with roughly a third from the former Soviet Union).
- Givat Yonah (Jonah's Hill): The highest point in the city (around 150 meters above sea level), featuring the city lighthouse. It is believed to be the burial site of the prophet Jonah.
- Beaches: Ashdod is home to beautiful and well-maintained beaches, particularly in its southern regions.
- Travel Time: Ashdod city center is 4 km from the port. Taxis or local buses (if the shuttle stops at the city center) would be needed to reach specific sites within Ashdod.
Dining
Eating out at sit-down restaurants in Israel can be expensive, with lunch costing around $30 and dinner around $50. For more budget-friendly options, outdoor cafes are a good choice, typically offering good food at lower prices.
Shopping
Expect gift items and clothing to be generally more expensive than in the USA.
At the Port: After passing passport control, you will find two duty-free shops offering a variety of products.
Safety
Be advised that port officials at the gate can sometimes be "difficult" regarding taxi access. They may favor specific taxi companies, which could lead to heavy "surcharges" for passengers. It's wise to be prepared for potential negotiation or choose pre-arranged transportation if possible.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted and often provide a better exchange rate. American dollars are also accepted in many establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout Israel and are connected to major European and American banking systems.
Language: The official language is Hebrew. English is generally understood in tourist areas.
Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access is available at many public locations across Israel, including all McDonald's branches, some Burger King outlets, Aroma coffee shops, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Arcaffe, Tal Bagels, in Jerusalem city center, and on Even Gvirol street in Tel Aviv.