Crossing into Israel from Jordan – Transportation, Border Hours & What Travelers Must Know
The Jordan River Crossing offers no transportation services whatsoever.
- No buses
- No shuttle connections
- Only private taxis, which are not always present
This crossing is particularly challenging for independent travelers.
Yitzhak Rabin / Arava Border Crossing – Near Eilat
The same applies at the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing.
- No public transportation options
- Reliance on private taxis only
- Taxi availability is not guaranteed, especially outside peak hours
Distances to major cities from this crossing are significant, making advance planning essential.
Border Opening Hours – A Critical Point
Another crucial factor many travelers overlook is the official opening hours of each border crossing. Opening hours:
- Are determined by official authorities
- May change due to holidays, seasonality, or security conditions
- Must be verified in advance of travel day
Special Note – Allenby / King Hussein Bridge
At Allenby Bridge, this point is especially important. Although official closing hours are published by the Israel Airports Authority,
tourist entry is typically permitted only up to approximately three hours before the published closing time.Arriving close to the official closing hour may result in refusal of entry, even if the border has not yet formally closed.
Mandatory Entry Requirement – ETA Applies to Everyone
An essential requirement applies to all travelers, including those crossing by land: Every traveler entering Israel must complete the official ETA
(Electronic Travel Authorization) form in advance. This requirement applies:
- At all airports
- At all land border crossings
- Regardless of nationality (where applicable)
Expert advice:
Do not take this lightly.
Complete the ETA well before travel day to avoid delays or denial of entry.
Professional Solutions with Ahalan Olympus
At Ahalan Olympus, we specialize in managing land border crossings between Jordan and Israel. Our services include:
- VIP assistance at border crossings
- Pre-booked private transfers, guaranteeing someone is waiting upon arrival
- Transportation from the border to any destination in Israel
- Private tours starting directly from the border
- Real-time planning based on actual border conditions
With over 20 years of experience, we eliminate uncertainty, delays, and unnecessary stress. In many cases, using professional services is not a luxury — it is simply the most reliable and efficient solution.
Final Thought
Crossing from Jordan into Israel can be smooth and straightforward — when done properly. Understanding the lack of public transportation, verifying border opening hours, respecting the Allenby Bridge entry cutoff, and completing the mandatory ETA in advance are essential steps for a successful journey.
