Getting Around Jaffa
Jaffa is the ancient port city that forms the southern part of Tel Aviv-Yafo, sitting on a naturally elevated outcrop above the Mediterranean coast. For a visitor, the good news is that the historic core is compact and the region around it is served by a dense mix of transport options, from trains and buses to taxis, bicycles and your own two feet.
On Foot
Walking is the best way to get between the sights in Jaffa. The interesting sites are very close together, so once you are in the old town you can cover the highlights on foot without needing any vehicle at all.
Walking is also the simplest way to arrive from Tel Aviv. Head south from central Tel Aviv along the beach promenade until you reach the clock tower at the northern outskirts of Jaffa — the promenade effectively delivers you to the edge of the historic quarter.
Bicycle Rental
Cycling may be the best way to visit Jaffa from Tel Aviv. The Tel-O-Fun bike rental scheme has many stations throughout the Tel Aviv/Jaffa area, making it easy to pick up a bike, ride along the coast, and drop it off near your destination.
Buses
Many bus routes run to Jaffa from central Tel Aviv, so if you prefer not to walk or cycle, the bus is a straightforward option for the short trip between the two halves of the city.
Rail
Jaffa is served by Holon–Wolfson railway station, where some intercity trains stop. Be aware that this station sits at the extreme southern part of Jaffa, well away from the old town and the historic sites, so it is not the most convenient arrival point if your destination is the port area. Israel's rail network is the backbone of intercity travel, and the wider Tel Aviv area is served by additional stations that may suit your plans better depending on where you are staying.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services are a practical fallback for short hops, late nights, or reaching the railway station and other points outside the walkable core. They are particularly useful for covering the distance between the old town and the more distant transport hubs.
Getting There from the Airport
Ben Gurion Airport is the main international gateway for the Tel Aviv-Yafo area, and it is connected to the city by rail and by road. The train is generally the simplest option for reaching central Tel Aviv, from where you can continue to Jaffa by bus, taxi, bicycle or on foot along the promenade. Taxis and ride-hailing services also run directly from the airport to Jaffa if you would rather travel door to door.
Practical Tips
- Base yourself in or near the old town if you want to explore Jaffa primarily on foot — the sites cluster tightly together.
- Use the Tel-O-Fun bike stations for a flexible, low-cost way to move between Tel Aviv and Jaffa.
- If arriving by intercity train, check whether Holon–Wolfson or a central Tel Aviv station better matches your final destination; Holon–Wolfson is far from Jaffa's historic core.
- Keep taxis and ride-hailing in mind for the airport run and for late-night trips when buses are less frequent.