GoIsrael Community

I'm planning to visit Israel in January '09 and would like to take the bus from Jerusalem to  Eilat, then a tour to Petra, return to Eilat and then take the bus from Eilat to Beer Sheva.

I spent time on the Egged website but it isn't clear to me what the arrival times are (only departure times seem to be listed). How long is the bus trip from Jerusalem to Eilat and from Eilat to Beer Sheva?

Are there alternatives I should consider?

Can someone recommend a reliable and not to energetic tour of Petra from Eilat?

Can someone recommend an inexpensive place to stay in Eilat (private room for 2)?

All suggestions are welcome!

Andy

 Hi Andy, I am planning a trip to Israelnext year too. And I too would like to travel from Jerusalem to Petra (then to Egypt). If you get any informationon this can you post it here, or let me know. I will do the same. Thanks. Peter

HI. The bus time from Jerusalem to Eilat is approximately 3.5 hours and its about 2.5 hours from Beersheva to Eilat.

As far as a tour to Petra - there are a number of companies that offer day trips - and there is little difference. When we went several years back we did it ourselves. Basically you just need a day trip from Eilat to Petra and back - you can check out the big tour operators, or you can wait until you get here as well and just book it last minute. January 09 is off season here and rates are very favorable. Not sure what your budget is in Eilat - but its much less expensive midweek (sunday thru thursday) then it is weekend (thurs thru Sat). The Isrotel chain has some more moderate priced hotels such as the ambassador, laguna, water garden. There are Holiday Inns in Eilat as well and the Fattal chain has several properties. you might want to check out hotels.co.il site. The last minute discount site is daka90.co.il and they offer the site in english too.

lisa

It has been a week since my first post and nobody from the Israel Ministry of Tourism (or anyone besides you) has replied. I don't think this website is actively monitored by anyone in the Ministry!

Disappointing, for sure.

 Andy

Shalom Andy,

there is website offering exactly what you are looking for. Apackag deal including round trip by bus from Jerusalem, overnight in Eilat & tour to Petra.

see their link: http://www.tourplanisrael.com/?CategoryID=226&ArticleID=583&Page=1

have fun

AVIV

1.   Jerusalem to Eilat is a good four and a half hours with short ret stops

2..   Leisure stops  5 hours.

3.    Eilat to Petra by Taxi  I will get this timing to you at a later time.

4.    Eilat to Beer Shevah is   2 hrs 1/2  travel time non stop! 

       2  Stops a good  3 hrs. by bus.