Eilat Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & Tours
Why Visit Eilat
Eilat sits on the Red Sea at the very bottom of Israel, with sunshine almost every day of the year and some of the best coral diving in the world right offshore. It is also the country’s gateway to Jordan: the border is minutes away, which makes Petra and Wadi Rum closer from Eilat than from anywhere else in Israel. Most travelers come here to dive, relax on the beach, and cross over to Petra for a day or two. We handle the border crossing, the $140 border and visa fee, and the pickups, so your day runs smoothly.
| Best known for | Red Sea diving, beaches, Petra day trips, sunshine |
|---|---|
| Closest to | The Jordan border, for Petra and Wadi Rum |
| How long to spend | 2 to 4 days, more if adding Petra or Wadi Rum |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; spring and autumn are most comfortable |
| Border fee | $140 total, payable in advance to fast-track the crossing |
| Airport | Ramon Airport (ETM), about 18 km north of the city |
Tours from Eilat
Day trips and 2-day tours to Petra and Wadi Rum, with border crossing assistance and pickup.
Eilat Travel Guide
Eilat Travel. Guides to crossing into Jordan, visiting Petra, and making the most of the Red Sea.
Planning Your Eilat Trip
Diving and beaches: The coral reef south of the city is the main draw. Give yourself two to four days for diving, snorkeling, and relaxing on the Red Sea.
Crossing to Petra: Eilat is the closest Israeli city to Petra. You can visit on a single day trip or take a 2-day tour to add Wadi Rum. We handle the border crossing and the $140 fee.
Getting there: Ramon Airport serves Eilat with domestic and some international flights. The city is about 4 hours from Tel Aviv by road.
Eilat FAQ
Can you visit Petra from Eilat in one day?
Yes. Eilat is the closest base in Israel to Petra, and a single day trip crosses the border, tours Petra with a licensed guide, and returns to Eilat the same evening. For a relaxed pace, a 2-day tour adds Wadi Rum.
How much is the border fee from Eilat to Jordan?
The total border and visa fee is $140. You can pre-pay it when booking to use the fast-track lane and skip the exchange booth at the crossing.
What is Eilat known for?
Red Sea diving and snorkeling, year-round sunshine, beaches, and being Israel’s gateway to Petra and Wadi Rum across the Jordan border.
When is the best time to visit Eilat?
Eilat is a year-round destination. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, while summer is hot but ideal for the water. Winter is mild and sunny.
How do you get to Eilat?
Ramon Airport, about 18 km north of the city, handles flights from Tel Aviv and some international routes. By road, Eilat is roughly 4 hours from Tel Aviv.
Ready to Explore Eilat and Petra?
We are based right here in Eilat. Let us handle the border and the logistics while you enjoy the Red Sea and the Lost City.
Browse All Tours from EilatPart of our Israel Travel Guide. Explore more regions: Petra & Jordan · Jerusalem.