Beer Sheva:

How to Get to the Eldan Beersheba Branch and Where to Park

The Eldan Beersheba branch is located at 4 Leonard Cohen Street, near the city's exit routes to Route 40 and Route 6. Beersheba is a natural starting point for the Negev, and distances between destinations in the south are significantly greater than in central Israel. Gas stations in the Negev are spread far apart, so refueling before setting out is part of the planning.

At Eldan, you will find car rental in Beersheba with a wide range of vehicles, including mini and compact cars, family cars, automatic cars, SUVs and larger vehicles, depending on your needs and availability.

All vehicles are maintained to a high standard and undergo thorough inspections to ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience.

Car rental in Beersheba is suitable for trips within the city, business meetings and trips around the Negev, including Ramon Crater, Ein Avdat and the Negev Mountains.

On this page, you can check availability, get contact details and directions to the branch, and book a rental car in Beersheba online quickly and easily.

Who Rents a Car in Beersheba and Why?

Car rental in Beersheba is suitable for a variety of needs – from students and city residents to business travelers, families and tourists visiting the southern and Negev region. A rental car provides flexibility and convenience for getting around the city and beyond, depending on the rental period and your needs.

Ben-Gurion University Students

Students living in Beersheba or arriving in the city from central Israel and abroad can use a rental car to travel between campus, student residences, the city center and other destinations in the area. Car rental for students in Beersheba can be particularly suitable during periods when greater mobility is needed, for visits to the city or for rentals of several days, a week or even a longer period – depending on the need.

Business Travelers Arriving in Beersheba

Beersheba is a significant business hub in southern Israel, home to the high-tech park, hospitals, public institutions and many businesses. For business travelers arriving in the city, a rental car allows independent travel between different meetings and destinations in the city and southern region, and makes it possible to plan the working day more flexibly and conveniently, without depending on public transportation schedules.

Families and Residents with Temporary Needs

You do not always need a car on a permanent basis to enjoy the convenience it provides. Car rental in Beersheba can also suit residents who need a vehicle temporarily – for example, when their private car is at a garage, following an accident, during a move, or when an additional vehicle is needed for the family. You can choose the rental period according to your needs, from one-day car rental in Beersheba to a weekend, a week or a longer period.

Tourists and Travelers in the Negev

Beersheba is a convenient starting point for trips around the Negev and destinations in southern Israel. Tourists and travelers can rent a car in Beersheba and continue from there to destinations such as Mitzpe Ramon, Ramon Crater, Ein Avdat and other natural sites in the area. Renting a car for a trip to Ramon Crater and the Negev allows you to plan the route independently and reach a variety of destinations during the day, without depending on public transportation schedules.

The distance from Beersheba to Mitzpe Ramon is approximately 83 km, and the drive takes about one hour and ten minutes. Ein Avdat is approximately 59 km away and takes about 50 minutes by car, while the drive from Beersheba to Eilat is approximately 234 km and takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes under normal road conditions. Travel times may vary depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Practical Tips for Renting a Car in Beersheba

Book the Car in Advance

During busy periods such as the summer months, holidays and school vacations, it is recommended to book the car at least one week in advance. Booking early makes it easier to plan your trip and choose from the vehicles available on the rental date. During periods when demand for rental cars is particularly high, booking in advance can also help you plan the pickup and return times more precisely.

Check the Rental Terms Before Setting Out

If you are planning a trip in the Negev, it is important to check the rental terms, insurance coverage terms and relevant travel restrictions in advance. If your route includes dirt roads or unpaved areas, make sure that both the route and the planned vehicle are suitable for the rental conditions.

Plan the Car Return in Advance

Before renting, it is advisable to check the branch's opening hours and plan the vehicle return accordingly. This is particularly important when planning a weekend or a Friday trip, to ensure that the vehicle can be returned in accordance with the rental terms.

Choose a Vehicle That Suits Your Route

The type of vehicle can affect driving comfort, especially when planning a long journey or a trip in southern Israel. For a family trip or long drives, you may prefer a more spacious vehicle, while a compact car can be suitable for short city trips. If you are planning a trip that includes unpaved Negev roads, you may consider a higher-riding SUV, subject to the rental terms and the vehicle's travel restrictions.

Destinations and Distances from the Beersheba Branch

Destination – Estimated driving time

Mitzpe Ramon – about one hour

Dead Sea – about one and a half hours

Eilat – about two and a half hours

Tel Aviv – about one hour and fifteen minutes via Route 6

Sde Boker – about half an hour

What to Do Around Beersheba with a Rental Car

Beersheba is the gateway to the Negev, and also a city with plenty to discover in its own right: Beersheba's history and culture in the Old City, a culinary journey through the capital of the Negev in the market and restaurants, and, for those traveling with children, a selection of things to do with children in Beersheba just a short drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental in Beersheba

Where is Eldan's car rental branch in Beersheba located?

The Eldan Beersheba branch is located at 4 Leonard Cohen Street, near the city's exit routes to Route 40 and Route 6, making it quick to head south toward the Negev or north toward central Israel.

Who is car rental in Beersheba suitable for?

Students and residents who need a temporary car, business travelers, and travelers using Beersheba as their starting point for the Negev. Distances in the south are greater than they appear on a map, and a car can make the difference between seeing one site in a day and seeing three.

What types of vehicles can be rented in Beersheba?

A wide range, from mini cars to family cars and SUVs. A regular car is sufficient for trips in the Negev; the roads to Sde Boker, Mitzpe Ramon and the Arava are paved, and a fuel-efficient car is particularly cost-effective over the long distances in the south.

Can I book a rental car in Beersheba online?

Yes, the booking can be completed online through the Eldan website in just a few minutes. It is advisable to book in advance ahead of holidays and long weekends, when demand for vehicles in the south increases significantly.

Is car rental in Beersheba also suitable for trips outside the city?

Yes, and this is the main use: Mitzpe Ramon in about an hour, the Dead Sea in about an hour and a half, and Eilat in about two and a half hours. It is important to refuel before setting out, as gas stations in the Negev are spread far apart.

Can I rent a car for a trip to Ramon Crater from Beersheba?

Yes. You can rent a car at the Eldan Beersheba branch and drive from there to Ramon Crater and other destinations in the Negev. The distance from Beersheba to Mitzpe Ramon is approximately 83 km, and the drive takes about one hour and ten minutes under normal road conditions. A rental car allows you to combine additional destinations during the trip, such as Ein Avdat and natural sites in the area. Before setting out, it is recommended to check the rental terms and choose a vehicle that suits the planned route.

How can I get to Ramon Crater without a private car?

You can also reach Ramon Crater by public transportation, including traveling from Beersheba toward Mitzpe Ramon, but renting a car provides much greater flexibility for anyone who wants to combine several destinations on the trip. From Beersheba to Mitzpe Ramon, the distance is approximately 83 km and the drive takes about one hour and ten minutes. You can rent a car at the Eldan Beersheba branch and continue from there to Mitzpe Ramon, Ramon Crater and other sites in the Negev.

What rental car is recommended for a trip in the Negev?

The right vehicle for a trip in the Negev depends on the route, number of passengers and amount of luggage. For driving to Mitzpe Ramon, Ramon Crater or Ein Avdat on paved roads, a compact or family car may be suitable depending on the number of passengers. For a family trip or long drives, you may prefer a more spacious vehicle. If the route includes dirt or unpaved roads, you may consider a higher-riding SUV, subject to the rental terms and travel restrictions.

What are the opening hours of the Eldan Beersheba branch?

The Eldan car rental branch in Beersheba, located at 4 Leonard Cohen Street, is open Sunday through Thursday from 08:00–16:00. On Fridays and holiday eves, opening hours are 08:15–12:00. The branch is closed on Saturdays. It is recommended to check the latest opening hours before arriving, especially on holiday eves and during periods when opening hours may change.

What is the phone number of the Eldan Beersheba branch?

The phone number of the Eldan car rental branch in Beersheba is 08-6430344. The branch is located at 4 Leonard Cohen Street in Beersheba and can be contacted for information about car rentals, reservations and branch services. You can also contact Eldan's call center by dialing the short number 3003*. It is recommended to contact the branch or call center before arriving if you have a question about an existing reservation or opening hours.

Is advance payment required for car rental in Beersheba?

Not necessarily. Eldan offers several payment options when making a car rental reservation: under the E-Save / Non-refundable plan, full payment is made in advance; under the E-Flex / Flexible Rate plan, partial payment is made in advance and the balance is paid when the vehicle is collected; and under the E-Free / Free Cancellation plan, no advance payment is made and payment is made when the vehicle is collected. The available option depends on the terms of the selected reservation.

Where can I rent a car near Beersheba train station?

You can rent a car at the Eldan Beersheba branch, located at 4 Leonard Cohen Street. The branch allows people arriving in Beersheba to choose a rental car and continue independently to destinations in the city and southern region. If you are arriving by train, it is recommended to check the route from the station to the branch and the branch's opening hours in advance.

What should I know before renting a car for a trip in the Negev?

Refueling is part of the planning. Gas stations in the Negev are much farther apart than in central Israel, and on routes such as the road to Mitzpe Ramon or the Arava, it is advisable to set out with a full tank. From the Eldan Beersheba branch, you can head directly onto Route 40, the main road south, so it is worth refueling before leaving the city.

What do people complain about after renting a car in southern Israel?

About two surprises. The first is higher-than-expected fuel consumption, because distances in the Negev are much longer than they appear on a map. The second is sand and dust, which are sometimes considered exceptional cleaning upon return. Both surprises can be avoided by estimating the mileage correctly in advance and clarifying the branch's cleaning policy before setting out, rather than upon return.

I need to get to Beersheba for a few days. What options are there besides the bus?

Train and rental car. The train to Beersheba is convenient, but it only gets you to the station and does not solve transportation within the Negev. You can also combine the two: arrive by train and pick up a rental car from the branch only for the days when you travel to Sde Boker, Mitzpe Ramon or the Dead Sea, so you pay only for the days you use the car.

What costs should I calculate when renting a car for trips in the Negev?

Beyond the daily rate, three: fuel based on the actual distances, which are greater in the south; insurance coverage beyond mandatory insurance; and an additional-driver fee if drivers take turns. On long trips in the Negev, fuel is often the cost component that comes as a surprise, so it is worth calculating the estimated mileage before booking and choosing a more fuel-efficient vehicle accordingly.

What insurance coverage should I take when driving on routes in the Negev?

Coverage that reduces the deductible. Mandatory insurance covers bodily injury only, and on long intercity journeys, exposure to damage to the vehicle itself is greater than in the city. The deductible amount and what is included in the coverage should be clarified with the branch before pickup.

Which is more worthwhile for a trip in the Negev, an SUV or a regular car?

A regular car, in the vast majority of cases. The roads to Sde Boker, Mitzpe Ramon and the Arava are paved and do not require four-wheel drive. An SUV consumes more fuel and costs more per day. It is justified only if a trip on designated dirt roads is planned, and even then, you should make sure that the rental permits it.

What is the difference between full and basic insurance coverage when renting a car?

The difference is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket in the event of damage. Basic coverage leaves a high deductible, while extended coverage reduces it and increases the daily price. In addition, items such as tires and windshields are not always included even in extended coverage, which is exactly why it is worth asking about them explicitly at the branch before signing the contract.

What must I check in a rental car before leaving the branch?

Four things: photograph the vehicle from all sides, including the wheels and windshield; make sure the fuel level matches what is stated in the contract; check that the spare tire and emergency equipment are present; and make sure you know who the registered drivers are. Four minutes of inspection at the branch before departure can prevent most disputes that arise upon return, especially charges for damage that was already present.

I am visiting Israel for the first time. Do I really need a car?

If you are traveling beyond a single city, yes. Public transportation in Israel does not operate on Saturdays and holidays, so weekends without a car are very limiting. Distances are relatively short, and one car allows you to cover the Negev, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem from a single base.

I heard rental companies charge hidden fees for insurance. Is that true?

No, but the advertised price generally includes mandatory insurance only. Coverage that reduces the deductible is an additional option, and this is what creates the gap between the headline price and the final bill. The way to make sure is to request the total price including the desired coverage before booking.

I am planning a trip in Israel. Which is better, a rental car or taxis?

A car, once you have more than two destinations in a day. A taxi can be cost-effective for a single transfer, but two trips in one day already cost more than a day's rental, without the freedom to stop along the way. In the Negev especially, where distances between destinations are large and taxis are very limited outside the cities, a rental car is almost the only practical option.

How does monthly car rental work and what is included in the payment?

You pay a fixed monthly rate instead of a daily rate, and it is significantly lower than the cost of thirty individual days. The payment includes the vehicle and routine maintenance. The three items that vary from contract to contract and determine the actual cost are the monthly mileage allowance, the amount of the deductible in the event of damage, and the terms for early termination of the contract.