Car Hire in Be’er Sheva, Israel: Competitive Prices, Confident Driving

Compare great-value options and follow a practical, UK-focused guide to pick-up locations, insurance, fees and fuel—so you can explore the Negev with ease.

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Be’er Sheva Car Hire Guide (For UK Travellers)

Hiring a car in Be’er Sheva is a practical way to explore the Negev at your own pace, especially for day trips to the desert, Mitzpe Ramon, and surrounding nature reserves where public transport can be limited outside main routes and hours. Expect modern roads and straightforward driving, but plan around busy periods (especially Friday afternoons and Saturday evenings) and allow extra time for parking in central areas. UK licence holders can usually drive on a standard photocard licence for short visits; bring your passport and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Choose a smaller car for easier parking in the city, or a more comfortable saloon/SUV if you will be covering longer distances in the desert heat. Always review the fuel policy (full-to-full is typically best value) and clarify what is included in the quote, as extras such as additional drivers, young-driver surcharges, cross-border restrictions, and windscreen/tyre cover can change the final price.

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) – Main Gateway For Be’er Sheva

Most UK travellers arrive via Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, roughly 1–1.5 hours’ drive to Be’er Sheva depending on traffic. Airport pick-up offers the widest choice of suppliers, longer opening hours, and easier access to motorway routes south. Downsides can include higher fees, slower queues at peak arrival waves, and pressure to accept upgrades or extra cover at the counter—pre-booking with clear inclusions helps.

Be’er Sheva Central Area (Near the Old City & Business District)

Pros: convenient if you are staying centrally, often easier for short hires, and you can inspect the car in daylight. Cons: limited parking, tighter streets, and shorter opening hours than airports; weekend closures may affect collection/returns.

Be’er Sheva North (Near Ben-Gurion University/Soroka Area)

Pros: good access to major roads without driving deep into the centre, useful if your accommodation is in the northern neighbourhoods. Cons: stock can be smaller than airport locations, and you may need a taxi or bus to reach the branch depending on where you stay.

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Why Choose Airport Pick-Up (Most Often TLV)?

Airport collection typically means the best availability, longer opening hours, and simpler motorway access for the drive to Be’er Sheva. It can also be better value once you factor in transfer costs—just watch for airport surcharges and ensure your quote clearly includes the cover you want.

BEV Car Hire Ratings: Trusted Reviews for Be'er Sheva

Browse verified feedback from real travellers who hired cars in Be'er Sheva. Make confident booking decisions with authentic, transparent customer reviews.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.5 10,420+ reviews	$230	0.3 mi	$1,000 - $5,138	●Quick and easy pickup process ●Friendly and professional staff ●Wide range of premium vehicles
	2.8 17,120+ reviews	$177	1.9 mi	$647 - $2,238	●Smooth Pickup and Return Process ●Reasonable Pricing ●Standard Service
Best Overall	1.6 190+ reviews	$254	1.1 mi	$576 - $1,152	●Excellent value for money ●Friendly and helpful staff ●Quick seamless pickup process
	1.5 3888+ reviews	$149	1.2 mi	$875 - $2,025	●Clean and well-maintained vehicles ●Friendly and efficient staff ●Straightforward pickup and return
	1.5 4700+ reviews	$195	0.6 mi	$420 - $3,000	●Professional and efficient staff ●Quick check-in and check-out ●Clean and well-maintained vehicles

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 14 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in Israel

This practical guide simplifies the process of fueling your rental car in Israel, covering self-service and full-service options, essential fuel types, payment methods, and useful Hebrew vocabulary.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

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QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Beer Sheva captures under 5% of national rentals, trailing Tel Aviv at 85% and Jerusalem at 6%, with Sunnycars leading via location count."

Booking Patterns

"Economy cars dominate bookings at 44 USD/day average, with August peak pricing 40% above the 53 USD annual mean, and renters saving 50% on weekly rates."

Customer Pain Points

"Hidden fees cause 28% of complaints, with VAT confusion and undisclosed charges adding up to 82% above quoted prices in some cases."

Data Sources

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KAYAK Israel Car Rentals
KAYAK Israel Car Rentals
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Auto Europe Israel Reviews

Popular Self-Drive Routes From Be’er Sheva

Route Options:

Be’er Sheva To Masada & Ein Gedi (Dead Sea Scenic Drive)

Scenic desert driveAbout 2 hr 15 min (one way, traffic dependent)

A classic Negev-to-Dead Sea road trip combining dramatic desert views with two of Israel’s most iconic sites. Start early to beat the heat and crowds, then finish with a float in the Dead Sea before returning via the same corridor.

Arad, Masada National Park, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Ein Bokek (Dead Sea beach area), Dead Sea viewpoint pull-offs (Route 90)

Be’er Sheva To Mitzpe Ramon Via Sde Boker (Ramon Crater Route)

Nature and viewpointsAbout 1 hr 30 min (one way, traffic dependent)

Drive deep into the Negev Highlands for wide-open landscapes, Ben-Gurion heritage sites, and the show-stopping Makhtesh Ramon. Ideal for sunset viewpoints and an overnight stay for stargazing.

Sde Boker (Ben-Gurion’s Tomb), Ein Avdat National Park, Mitzpe Ramon, Makhtesh Ramon viewpoints, Ramon Visitor Centre

Be’er Sheva To Ashkelon Coast Via Tel Ashkelon

Coastal and historyAbout 1 hr 10 min (one way, traffic dependent)

A straightforward drive to the Mediterranean for beaches, promenades, and archaeological remains at a coastal national park. Works well as a relaxed day out when you want sea air after desert heat.

Ashkelon Marina, Ashkelon Promenade, Tel Ashkelon National Park, Barnea Beach, Ashkelon National Park picnic areas

Popular Day Trips:

Dead Sea Swim & Relax (Ein Bokek)

6–10 hr (return trip plus beach time)

Head to the Dead Sea for a low-effort day: float, rinse off, and enjoy the facilities around Ein Bokek. Bring water shoes and plenty of drinking water.

Masada Sunrise With Ein Gedi Stop

8–12 hr (early start recommended)

A bucket-list day: pre-dawn drive, sunrise over the Dead Sea from Masada, then cool down with a shorter hike or spring area at Ein Gedi before returning.

Makhtesh Ramon Viewpoints & Visitor Centre

7–11 hr (return trip plus stops)

A pure Negev experience with easy-access crater viewpoints, short walks, and geology exhibits. Excellent in cooler months and for photographers at golden hour.

Avdat National Park & Negev Highlands Lookouts

6–9 hr

Explore a UNESCO-listed Nabataean city site (Avdat) and combine it with nearby desert lookouts. A strong choice if you want history without a long drive to the coast or big cities.

Tel Be’er Sheva National Park & Local Desert Heritage

2–4 hr

Stay close to town with an archaeological park featuring an ancient water system and tell-top views—perfect for a half-day before a longer evening drive or flight.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Be’er Sheva & The Negev

Check Licence And Age Requirements: Bring your driving licence and a passport/ID. Some suppliers require a minimum age (often 21–24) and may add a young-driver surcharge.

Understand Insurance And Excess: Clarify what’s included (CDW/TP) and the excess amount. Consider excess-reduction options if you plan lots of desert driving or city parking.

Plan Fuel Stops In The Negev: Distances are long and services can be sparse late at night. Refuel before heading towards Mitzpe Ramon or the Dead Sea, and keep a buffer above a quarter tank.

Prepare For Heat And Dehydration: Carry extra drinking water year-round, plus sun protection. Avoid strenuous hikes during midday, especially in summer.

Use Offline Navigation Backups: Mobile coverage can be patchy in remote areas. Download offline maps and save key destinations in Hebrew and English to reduce confusion.

Sort Parking Before Big-City Visits: Jerusalem and coastal centres can be difficult for parking. Use public car parks and consider park-and-ride options to save time.

Inspect The Car And Photograph Existing Damage: Before leaving the lot, take clear photos of wheels, bumpers, glass, and the interior. Confirm any marks are recorded on the checkout form.

Avoid Peak Traffic When Possible: If you’re heading towards central Israel, depart outside weekday rush hours. Allow extra time on Fridays and around holidays when roads and sites can be busier.

Driving in Be'er Sheva: Essential Road Trip Insights

Your complete guide to speed limits, petrol prices, car hire and road rules in Be'er Sheva and across Israel

LANGUAGES

Hebrew, Arabic

CURRENCY

ILS

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+972

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$45 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

110 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05%

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.73/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.70/L - $2.83/L

Be'er Sheva Car Hire FAQs

Practical driving tips for visitors hiring a car in southern Israel

Can I drive in Be'er Sheva with a UK photocard licence, or do I need an IDP?

Yes, your valid UK photocard licence is accepted in Israel for stays under three months, so an International Driving Permit is not strictly required. However, some rental desks still ask to see an IDP alongside it, so carrying one from the AA costs about £5.50 and avoids any hitches. You must be at least 21, and drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly £8–£12 per day.

Which side of the road do they drive on, and what speed limits apply around Be'er Sheva?

Israel drives on the right, with the steering wheel on the left, so right-hand-drive UK cars are the opposite of local cars. Urban streets in Be'er Sheva are limited to 50 km/h, rural bypass roads to 80 km/h, and Highway 6 and Highway 40 heading north are 90–110 km/h. Fixed cameras and mobile police checks are common, especially near the Bedouin market junction, so keep to the limit.

Are there tolls on routes from Be'er Sheva, and how do I pay them?

There is one toll road you will actually use: the northern section of Highway 6 (the Trans-Israel Highway), priced by distance at roughly NIS 0.15 per km for a standard car. Cash is not accepted on the barrier-less lanes; you either rent a Piaggio transponder from the rental company for about NIS 35 plus charges, or pay online within 24 hours at myhighway.co.il to avoid the NIS 50 late-processing fine. The Negev roads south of the city are entirely toll-free.

What is the petrol situation, and do I need to return the car with a full tank?

Most hire cars in Be'er Sheva run on regular unleaded 95 octane (Benzin 95), which is widely available at Sonol, Delek and Paz stations along Derech Hebron and at the Ilan Ramon airport. Diesel is common on larger SUVs but confirm the label on the filler cap before filling. Bring the car back with the same level you collected it, or you will be charged refuelling fees of around NIS 25 per missing quarter tank plus the fuel cost, which is roughly 30% above pump price.

Is it safe and sensible to drive into the Negev desert from Be'er Sheva, and what about wild animals?

Yes, the Negev is one of the main reasons to hire a car here, and well-graded roads such as Route 40 to Mitzpe Ramon and Route 12 through Eilat are suitable for any saloon. Take a 4x4 only if you plan to leave the tarmac for Crater Ramon (Ma'aleh HaAtzmaut) or the Arava tracks. Watch for stray donkeys, camels and ibex crossing at dawn and dusk, especially between Dimona and the Ramon crater, as collisions are a real risk at Negev speeds.

Where can I park cheaply in central Be'er Sheva, and how do I avoid a fine?

Blue-and-white striped zones in the city centre cost about NIS 5–7 per hour and are paid with the Pango app, credit card at the meter, or by SMS; free parking is rare after 09:00. The covered car parks near the Grand Mall and the central bus station are roughly NIS 25–35 per day and save the hassle of hunting for a spot during Friday market day. Never park under a red-and-white curb marking, as the municipal wardens are active and a ticket starts at NIS 250.

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