Port information & tips for Ashdod
Ashdod is the maritime gateway to the Holy Land and one of the most important cruise ports on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. The modern port city delights visitors with its combination of golden sandy beaches, extensive parks, and impressive cultural diversity. Local highlights include the expansive Ashdod-Yam Park with its dancing fountain and the historic Givat Yonah viewpoint, which offers a spectacular panoramic view over the city and the sea. Cruise ships dock at the Ashdod Cruise Terminal, from where the city center, about six kilometers away, and the biblical sites in Jerusalem are easily accessible thanks to excellent transport links and shuttle services.
The Port of Ashdod is a significant cruise port in Israel with a modern passenger terminal that enables smooth embarkation. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the port grounds directly; however, efficient shuttle buses ensure a comfortable journey from the designated parking area to the terminal. Arriving the day before is highly recommended for international flights to ensure a relaxed start to your cruise.
Airplane
The closest and most relevant airport for travelers from the DACH region is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv, located approximately 33 to 46 kilometers northeast of Ashdod. The travel time from the airport to the port is about 34 to 45 minutes thanks to good road connections. Numerous private transfer providers are available for comfortable journeys, often with meet-and-greet services and fixed prices that guarantee a relaxed onward journey.
Train
Ashdod Ad Halom station (Ashdod–Ad Halom–Metropol) is the central hub for rail travelers and offers connections within the region, including Tel Aviv. The travel time by train to Tel Aviv is approximately 52 minutes. From Ashdod Ad Halom station, you can easily reach the cruise terminal, located about 5 kilometers away, by taxi.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay in a hotel in Ashdod before your cruise is recommended. The city offers a variety of hotels, including the Leonardo Plaza Ashdod and the West All Suites Hotel Ashdod, which often have parking facilities and allow for a pleasant start to your vacation. From the hotel, you can then use a shuttle or taxi to the port terminal, as entering the port grounds with private vehicles is prohibited and a shuttle service is offered from the parking area to the terminal.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Ashdod is a significant cruise port in Israel with a modern passenger terminal that enables smooth embarkation. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the port grounds directly; however, efficient shuttle buses ensure a comfortable journey from the designated parking area to the terminal. Arriving the day before is highly recommended for international flights to ensure a relaxed start to your cruise.
Airplane
The closest and most relevant airport for travelers from the DACH region is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv, located approximately 33 to 46 kilometers northeast of Ashdod. The travel time from the airport to the port is about 34 to 45 minutes thanks to good road connections. Numerous private transfer providers are available for comfortable journeys, often with meet-and-greet services and fixed prices that guarantee a relaxed onward journey.
Train
Ashdod Ad Halom station (Ashdod–Ad Halom–Metropol) is the central hub for rail travelers and offers connections within the region, including Tel Aviv. The travel time by train to Tel Aviv is approximately 52 minutes. From Ashdod Ad Halom station, you can easily reach the cruise terminal, located about 5 kilometers away, by taxi.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay in a hotel in Ashdod before your cruise is recommended. The city offers a variety of hotels, including the Leonardo Plaza Ashdod and the West All Suites Hotel Ashdod, which often have parking facilities and allow for a pleasant start to your vacation. From the hotel, you can then use a shuttle or taxi to the port terminal, as entering the port grounds with private vehicles is prohibited and a shuttle service is offered from the parking area to the terminal.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Ashdod serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Israel and offers passengers efficient connections to the infrastructure. Thanks to organized processes, guests can comfortably travel from the terminal to their desired destinations in the region.
Port Shuttles
Shuttle buses run regularly directly from the pier, taking travelers to the port exit or Ashdod city center. This service enables an easy crossing of the extensive port area and ensures a smooth start to the day.
Taxis and Monit Sherut
Official taxis are available at the terminal exit and take passengers directly to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or the local train station. A budget-friendly and local alternative are the shared taxis, known as Monit Sherut, which operate on fixed routes and allow for flexible travel.
Train Connections
Excellent connections to the country's major metropolises are available from the nearby Ashdod Ad Halom train station. Modern trains are a convenient option for individual travelers and offer wonderful views of the Israeli coastal landscape during the journey.
To make the most of your stay in Ashdod, we recommend exploring this modern coastal city, which offers short distances to cultural treasures and beautiful beaches thanks to its blend of ancient history and Mediterranean flair.
Corinne Mamane Museum of Philistine Culture
As the only institution of its kind in the world, the museum offers fascinating insights into the biblical history of the region and is an inspiring destination for those interested in culture thanks to its central location. The interactive exhibitions convey the local history in a vivid way and are perfect for an informative morning.
Kshatot Beach
This extensive sandy beach impresses with its characteristic arches and clear water, while simultaneously inviting you to linger in charming cafes directly on the Mediterranean along the lively promenade. The proximity to the city center allows for a quick transition between sightseeing and relaxation; additionally, the beach is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the region.
Ashdod-Yam Park
The spaciously designed park in the heart of the city delights with an artificial lake and modern architecture, ideal for a relaxed stroll under palm trees. The elevated areas of the park also offer a magnificent view over the coastline, making the location a perfect photo stop before returning to the ship.
Kshatot Beach
The expansive Kshatot Beach is reachable by taxi in about fifteen minutes from the port of Ashdod and impresses with its fine, light sand and the iconic arches along the promenade. This stretch of coastline offers first-class infrastructure with comfortable sun loungers, modern sanitary facilities, and a variety of inviting restaurants serving fresh fish and local delicacies. Thanks to its Blue Flag certification, you can enjoy a particularly clean sea and a well-maintained atmosphere here, perfect for a relaxing day ashore. Ideally, start your beach visit in the early morning to experience the gentle sea breeze in peace, and return to the terminal relaxed at least ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey to the expansive port of Ashdod can be organized completely stress-free thanks to the well-organized infrastructure and the short distances from the city center. You can reach the ship punctually and safely by using local shuttle services or taxis.
Shuttle Buses and Transfers
Most cruise lines provide comfortable shuttle buses that take you directly back to the terminal from central points such as the Sea Mall or the Big Fashion shopping center. These buses run at short intervals and offer you a reliable connection for a timely return on board.
Taxi
Licensed vehicles are available at any time at the marked taxi stands in front of the major malls and beach hotels for the short trip to the port. The drivers know the way to the passenger terminal exactly and will take you quickly and directly to the security check at the port entrance thanks to the efficient traffic management.
On Foot and Orientation
The way to the port is restricted for pedestrians due to industrial port use and security regulations, which is why you can comfortably cover the last section with a vehicle. Thanks to the good organization, you simply change to the waiting port shuttles at the main entrance of the terminal, which will take you safely and directly to your ship's gangway.
