Jerusalem (Ashdod)

[bren789]

We will go to Holy Land Cruise in November. We want to have our own pace, and don't want to be rushed if joining the tour. Is it possible for us to go to Old City of Jerusalem & Western Wailling Wall from Ashdod port ourself? If yes, could you please provide directions as well?

Much apprieciated!
LB

[Keith1010]

I just want to note that is is about a 90 minute drive from the port into Jerusalem.

I would look into a private guide if you go this route.

Keith

[UKBayern]

Check timetables of the public bus on http://www.egged.co.il/eng/ to see if it is doable. Depends how long your port stop is. Also be care if you are travelling on Saturday or Friday afternoon because services may be infrequent or non-existent. I think the bus does not stop at the port but somewhere in town. We travelled all over Israel by public bus on our landtrip, but travel can be slow, and it is a long way to Jerusalem.

[epixx]

The bus to Jerusalem leaves from central Ashdod, not from the port. If you don't want to be "rushed," then public transportation is not the best way to go. Take a taxi from the port gate directly to Jerusalem and then from Jerusalem to port gate for return. Taxi will take significantly less time than public transportation.

[John Bull]

As Epixx' post, simplest & most time-effective is to take a taxi from the port gate (free port shuttle from ship to gate)
But quite expensive - last October the going rate was €100 each-way per vehicle, and that was a price set in stone, clearly a cartel amongst the drivers.
Ask the driver to take you to Jaffa Gate. For the return, you can fix for the driver to collect you at an agreed time - or pick up another in Jerusalem, though I doubt that's save any money. Taxis take four people, some take more.
Journey time a little under 90 mins, but for the return give yourselves at least another hour in hand because traffic can build up.

At the Jaffa Gate (paved area outside gate on the left) you can pick up a free (just tip the guide) walking tour of the walled city
http://www.newjerusalemtours.com/dai...free-tour.html
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Jaff...11,354.87,,0,0
Ideal timing is the 11am tour. Lasts about 2 hours, includes the Wailing Wall & all other main sights except the Dome of the Rock, where non-Muslims are generally not welcome (pressure on numbers rather than discrimination).
Well worth taking that tour for the background info & orientation, then time to wander at will. The last stop on the tour before walking back to Jaffa Gate is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre & its worth much longer than the time allowed on the tour - so tip the guide & leave the tour here.
Fascinating place.

JB