Port information & tips for Haifa
Haifa is the dazzling port metropolis at the foot of Mount Carmel and is considered one of the most fascinating gateways to the Holy Land. The city impresses with its unique hillside location as well as a harmonious coexistence of different cultures, while simultaneously offering a breathtaking view over the bay. Among the absolute highlights are the magnificent Hanging Gardens of the Bahai, the historic German Colony with its charming stone houses, and the Stella Maris Monastery. Cruise ships dock at the modern Haifa Passenger Terminal, which guarantees excellent connectivity thanks to its central location. A short walk across the pedestrian bridge leads travelers directly into the lively lower city and to the Haifa Center HaShmona railway station, from where the city and the surrounding area can be explored effortlessly.
The cruise port of Haifa in northern Israel impresses with its central location right in the city center and, thanks to extensive modernizations of the terminal, is a pleasant port of embarkation or disembarkation for your Mediterranean cruise. Cruise ships dock directly at the pier, which makes tendering unnecessary. A new, purpose-built cruise terminal with a capacity for up to two large ships is expected to become operational in 2027.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv is the primary arrival airport. It is located about 90 to 106 kilometers south of Haifa. The travel time by car is about 1 hour and 16 minutes, while a direct train connection to Haifa Center HaShmona station takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is considered a fast and comfortable option. Alternatively, private transfer services are available, offering a convenient door-to-door service. The smaller Haifa Airport (HFA) mainly serves domestic and some regional international flights, for example to Cyprus or Rhodes. Due to the international travel, a pre-cruise hotel stay in Haifa before embarkation is often recommended for a relaxed start.
Train
Haifa Merkaz HaShmona (Haifa Center HaShmona) railway station is optimally connected to the cruise terminal. It is located just a short walk of about 2 to 5 minutes (approx. 350 meters) from the terminal exit. From here, there are regular train connections to Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport, enabling comfortable and speedy onward travel. Please note that trains in Israel do not operate during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, and fixed fares are posted inside the terminal building.
Car & Parking
The port is easily accessible thanks to good connections to the road network, including Derech Ha'Atsma'ut (Independence Road), which serves as a coastal highway. Parking for embarking passengers is not permitted directly inside the port area, and vehicles are not allowed to drive onto the terminal bridge. However, a new long-term parking garage for cruise passengers has been available near the terminal since July 2023. The cost is NIS 40 per day, with the first half hour free of charge for dropping off luggage and transferring to the terminal. This parking lot offers a luggage service and is barrier-free. Some cruise lines, such as MSC and Royal Caribbean, have already established parking agreements with the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The cruise port of Haifa in northern Israel impresses with its central location right in the city center and, thanks to extensive modernizations of the terminal, is a pleasant port of embarkation or disembarkation for your Mediterranean cruise. Cruise ships dock directly at the pier, which makes tendering unnecessary. A new, purpose-built cruise terminal with a capacity for up to two large ships is expected to become operational in 2027.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv is the primary arrival airport. It is located about 90 to 106 kilometers south of Haifa. The travel time by car is about 1 hour and 16 minutes, while a direct train connection to Haifa Center HaShmona station takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is considered a fast and comfortable option. Alternatively, private transfer services are available, offering a convenient door-to-door service. The smaller Haifa Airport (HFA) mainly serves domestic and some regional international flights, for example to Cyprus or Rhodes. Due to the international travel, a pre-cruise hotel stay in Haifa before embarkation is often recommended for a relaxed start.
Train
Haifa Merkaz HaShmona (Haifa Center HaShmona) railway station is optimally connected to the cruise terminal. It is located just a short walk of about 2 to 5 minutes (approx. 350 meters) from the terminal exit. From here, there are regular train connections to Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport, enabling comfortable and speedy onward travel. Please note that trains in Israel do not operate during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, and fixed fares are posted inside the terminal building.
Car & Parking
The port is easily accessible thanks to good connections to the road network, including Derech Ha'Atsma'ut (Independence Road), which serves as a coastal highway. Parking for embarking passengers is not permitted directly inside the port area, and vehicles are not allowed to drive onto the terminal bridge. However, a new long-term parking garage for cruise passengers has been available near the terminal since July 2023. The cost is NIS 40 per day, with the first half hour free of charge for dropping off luggage and transferring to the terminal. This parking lot offers a luggage service and is barrier-free. Some cruise lines, such as MSC and Royal Caribbean, have already established parking agreements with the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
From the modern terminal in Haifa, you can reach the bustling city center and important sights particularly easily thanks to the central location. A direct pedestrian bridge conveniently connects the port area with the Lower City and allows for a quick start to the day.
On Foot
The charming German Colony and the Lower City district are only about 10 to 15 minutes away. The path leads over a bridge directly from the terminal towards the lower station of the Baha’i Gardens, offering initial impressions of the local architecture.
Carmelit & Public Transport
Right near the port is the Paris Square station of the Carmelit, Israel's only subway. This funicular takes you to the summit of Mount Carmel in just a few minutes, while the modern Metronit buses provide a fast connection throughout the entire city area.
Taxi & Train
Official taxis wait directly at the exit of the terminal for comfortable rides to the gardens or the surrounding area. In addition, the Haifa Center HaShmona railway station is located immediately at the port, allowing for relaxed excursions by train to the historic city of Akko or to Tel Aviv.
To make the most of your stay in Haifa, we recommend a combination of the world-famous gardens on Mount Carmel and the vibrant life in the historic districts right by the water.
Bahá'í Gardens
This UNESCO World Heritage site impresses with its perfectly symmetrical terraces and, thanks to its exposed location on the slope, offers a breathtaking view over the entire bay to the Mediterranean Sea.
The German Colony
The charming district at the foot of the gardens impresses with its restored Templer houses and a lively promenade, and thanks to its direct proximity to the port, it is perfect for a relaxed stroll through the city.
Bat Galim & Stella Maris
The well-kept beach promenade of Bat Galim invites you to enjoy a sea breeze and can be ideally combined with a cable car ride to the Stella Maris Monastery to simultaneously enjoy the maritime atmosphere and the wide coastal panorama.
The Hanging Gardens of Haifa & German Colony
The magnificent Bahá'í Gardens are the undisputed landmark of Haifa and, thanks to their central location just a few minutes' drive or a short walk from the port, are perfectly accessible. This UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses with its eighteen perfectly symmetrical terraces and also offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views over the bay and the Mediterranean Sea. Right at the foot of the gardens lies the charming German Colony, which offers an ideal atmosphere for a delightful break with its lovingly restored facades, inviting sidewalk cafes, and first-class restaurants. It is best to visit the gardens in the morning to enjoy the tranquility of the grounds to the fullest, and plan enough time afterwards for a leisurely stroll through the adjacent neighborhoods before returning to the ship relaxed in the early afternoon.
The way back to the passenger terminal in Haifa is very comfortable and safe, thanks to its central location and excellent connections to the public transport network.
Train and Metronit
Haifa Center HaShmona station is located directly opposite the port entrance and is easily accessible by trains from Akko or Tel Aviv, as well as via the Metronit rapid bus line 1. A modern pedestrian bridge connects the station area directly with the terminal building, ensuring quick access to the ship.
Taxi
Taxis are available at all times at the busy squares of the German Colony, as well as in front of the entrances to the Bahai Gardens and major hotels like the Dan Panorama. The drive to the terminal takes only a few minutes and can also be easily organized via apps like Gett, ensuring you arrive at the port on time.
On Foot
From the popular Ben Gurion Avenue in the German Colony, simply walk straight ahead towards the harbor basin and you will reach the terminal in about ten minutes. The path is easy to find due to the prominent line of sight and clear signage, and it leads through a lively, well-secured neighborhood directly to the main gate.
