Location Transport

Can you travel overland from Tel Aviv to Eilat by public transport? How long would it take?

I may be in Tel Aviv in October and thought it would be interesting to see the Negev Desert and Red Sea. Also interested to know if you can get to Masada by public transport. I would be thankful for any advice.

Public Comments

1. I wouldn't travel by bus as it costs a bomb
2. Tel Aviv to Eilat, yep easy get on a coach at the central bus terminal in Tel Aviv Masada, go to Tel aviv central bus station catch bus to Jerusalem central bus station take a bus from here to Masada, get the earliest bus you can it gets really hot as its on the dead sea, think there may be a cable car if not you've got a hours climb or so up the snake pass. Always take a large bottle of water with you and at least 2 for the climb of Masada,
3. yes, a few hours
4. I know that there's an airflight constantly going between the two, which takes around 1-2 hours. I, however, took the bus, which took almost 5 hours, including stops and detours; you have a beautiful view most of the way though (Dead Sea, mountains). Don't know about Masada though, sorry.
5. the best thing would be to split your ride. go on the first morning bus to massada, spend some time there, spend time at the dead sea and then either sleep around the dead sea in one of the hotels or the youth hostel or take a bus to eilat. the ride to eilat is about 4-5 hours altotgether (all of israel is 500 km from north to south). on the way back take a bus from eilat to beersheba to see the negev desert. if you are over 21 and can rent a car, i really recommend doing that, you can get good deals and you'll be able to see much much more, stop where you want to stop and not be shackled by bus schedules.
6. I've just returned from a trip to Israel where transport is certanly cheaper than Europe. Their transport system is tops all air conditioned .It's a tiny country nothing is far .
7. Just to add to what pete m says about the trip to Masada - yes, there is a cable car but it's at the other side from where the regular bus will drop you. For the very best view of Masada, stay at the hostel there overnight and walk up at dawn so you meet the sun as you get to the top. It's cool then, too, and far fewer tourists around. And yes, there's an easy bus from Jerusalem - doesn't take long, perhaps an hour. Oh, if you do stay at the Masada hostel, there is NO FOOD anywhere around, so be sure to take your own. I think they do a very basic breakfast, but no evening meal.