Once you dock at Ashdod Cruise Port, shuttle buses will zip you over to the terminal where you’ll go through passport control and grab your luggage.
For other Israel Cruise destinations check out our Israel Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
Need to get around? Hop on local bus 320 heading to Tel Aviv (takes about 50 minutes), flag down a taxi (they charge fixed rates), or book a private transfer if you’re heading out on excursions.
The port puts you in a sweet spot for reaching Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, or just checking out what Ashdod itself has to offer.
Inside the terminal, you can kill some time browsing duty-free shops, grabbing a coffee, or exchanging your currency.
By the way, they’re still sprucing up the port, so things should only get better from here on out.
Map of Ashdod Cruise Ship Port
Arrival Experience & Terminal Facilities
Arrival Experience & Terminal Facilities
Pulling into Ashdod Port is pretty straightforward – you’ll hop on some nice cool shuttle buses that take you from your ship to the terminal building where you’ll go through passport control and grab your luggage.
The terminal has got you covered with all the basics – places to check in, some duty-free shops to browse, cafes when you need a bite, and spots to exchange your money. Everything’s conveniently located right next to where you get off.
They’re actually working on building a brand new passenger terminal and transportation center that should make things even smoother for trips down the road.
Transportation Options From the Port
Transportation Options From the Port
Getting around after your ship docks in Ashdod is pretty straightforward. The port runs shuttle buses that’ll drop you at the terminal, plus there are free buses that take you to Sea Mall where you can hop on public transit.
Want to explore further? Just grab bus 320 to Tel Aviv – it takes about 50 minutes and costs 9 NIS. You can also catch direct buses to Jerusalem right from Sea Mall. If you’re in a hurry, taxis are waiting at the port with set prices – 60 NIS to reach the central bus station or 240 NIS if you’re heading to Tel Aviv.
For trips to places like Masada or the Dead Sea, booking a private transfer ahead of time makes sense. These door-to-door services offer better deals if you’re traveling with friends – groups up to 8 people can split the cost.
Nearby Attractions & City Access
Ashdod’s awesome location puts you right where you need to be for exploring Israel’s coolest spots. It’ll take you about 45 minutes to reach the buzz of Tel Aviv, or around an hour and a half to Jerusalem where you can check out the Western Wall and Church of Holy Sepulchre.
Fancy a day trip from the cruise terminal? Head to Bethlehem and see the Church of Nativity, take a dip in the Dead Sea (you’ll actually float!), or wander around ancient Masada. If you’re into history but don’t want to venture far, Ashdod itself has the Ashdod-Yam Fortress and Philistine Culture Museum right in town.
When you just want to chill, hit up any of the eight public beaches along Ashdod’s 7km coastline, or take a sunset stroll along the Marina District’s promenade where you can grab some food with a view.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Haifa for a different Israel Cruise destination.
Essential Information for Cruise Passengers
Upon arriving in Ashdod, expect to handle a few quick arrival steps that help everyone get on their way. You’ll need to go through border control where they’ll check your passport and visa – they have special lanes just for cruise passengers. Grab your bags from the marked areas in the terminal.
The terminal’s pretty modern, with AC shuttles that’ll take you to the parking lots east of the port. Just remember to bring some shekels with you for buying stuff nearby, since you won’t find any buses or trains inside the port itself.
Port Development & Future Improvements
The Port of Ashdod is on the move with bold projects to upgrade its cruise facilities and add more space. They’ve recently expanded with the Eitan terminal that boasts 1,700 meters of quays – enough room for those massive Super Post-Panamax ships.
A new maritime tech hub kicked off in December 2024, boosting innovation in areas like cybersecurity and smarter logistics. The port teamed up with 500 Global and has already helped grow 100 startups since 2021, creating a buzzing community of maritime tech pioneers.
Cruise traffic is picking up steam – 123 ships brought in 120,000 passengers during 2023, showing the port’s growing popularity. Looking ahead, expect a bigger push toward green operations, with the port already handling huge LNG-powered cruise ships like AIDAcosma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Kosher Food Options Available at the Port Facilities?
Yes, you can grab kosher food near the port, though not right inside. Pescado restaurant is just a short walk away (0.5km), and if you’re willing to go a bit further, you’ll find several kosher spots including the Badatz-certified Derby Bar within 3km of the port entrance.
What Religious Site Visit Restrictions Exist During Shabbat or Holidays?
During Shabbat, many religious sites have restrictions – it’s just part of respecting the traditions. The Western Wall doesn’t allow photography, the Jewish Quarter gets pretty quiet, and you can’t visit Al-Aqsa Mosque during prayer times. Christian sites mostly stick to their normal hours, but remember to dress modestly wherever you go – no shorts or bare shoulders at the holy places.
Can Passengers With Mobility Limitations Access All Port Areas?
The port has full mobility access with tactile paving and clear signs throughout. We have an accessibility coordinator who makes sure all areas meet proper standards, so you can get around comfortably and independently.
Are Currency Exchange Services Available at Competitive Rates?
There aren’t any currency exchanges right at the port, but you can find GMT branches in town with pretty good mid-market rates. Wise is a solid option if you prefer digital transfers, or just grab cash from ATMs near where the shuttles drop you off – super convenient.
What Emergency Medical Facilities Exist Within the Port Boundaries?
Ashdod Port has got you covered with a first-aid station, an emergency response team, and a medical clinic right on site. The staff are trained professionals who can patch you up or handle more serious situations if needed. Nothing to worry about during your time at the port.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Eilat Cruise Ship Port.
