Haifa’s cruise terminal is pretty comfortable with air conditioning, some duty-free shops and places to grab a bite.
For other Israel Cruise destinations check out our Israel Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
You can easily walk to the city center in about 15 minutes, or hop on Bus 23 to check out cool spots like the UNESCO Baha’i Gardens and the charming German Colony.
Right at the terminal, you’ve got trains heading to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, plus taxis with set prices to the airport.
This port has seen a lot of history, and now it mixes its rich past with modern perks that make traveling a breeze.
Map of Haifa Cruise Ship Port
Haifa Cruise Terminal Facilities & Services
Haifa Cruise Terminal Facilities & Services
The Haifa Cruise Terminal offers four fantastic amenities to make your cruise experience better. You’ll love the modern, air-conditioned terminal that got a facelift in 2025, with comfy waiting areas that handle both arrivals and departures without a hitch.
Inside, you can browse duty-free shops and grab a bite at the cafeterias for any last-second shopping or snacks. If you’re visiting from abroad, don’t worry about tax refunds – the “Collections On Return” service makes getting your money back super easy.
What’s really great about this terminal is its location – there’s a direct bridge to downtown Haifa and the train station is just a 5-minute stroll away. With accessible elevators, plenty of taxis waiting, and parking lots right next door, getting to your next stop is a breeze.
Getting Around: Transportation Options From the Port
Getting Around: Transportation Options From the Port
Just stepped off your cruise at Haifa Port? You’ve got plenty of ways to get around! The city center is a breezy 15-minute walk away, or just jump on bus 23 if you’d rather save your steps for sightseeing.
Heading further out? Make your way to Haifa Merkaz Hashmona train station (there’s an elevator to get you there) and catch trains to Tel Aviv (about 1 hour 10 minutes) or Jerusalem (around 2 hours). Need something quicker? Taxis are lined up right at the terminal entrance, ready to go – they even offer fixed rates to TLV Airport.
If you’re traveling with friends or family, look into booking a private transfer ahead of time. These come with English-speaking drivers and can take you on full-day trips to all the major spots. Perfect if you want to skip the hassle of figuring out public transport!
Must-Visit Attractions Near the Cruise Terminal
Must-Visit Attractions Near the Cruise Terminal
When you hop off your cruise ship in Haifa, you’re literally steps away from some of Israel’s jaw-dropping attractions. The Baha’i Gardens (a UNESCO site) are the crown jewel of the city with 19 terraced levels tumbling down Mount Carmel – the Mediterranean views are unreal, and you can get there in just a few minutes from the port.
- Take a stroll through the German Colony with its quirky 19th-century Templar buildings
- Check out the ancient Crusader tunnels in nearby Acre (Akko) – they’re pretty mind-blowing
- Pop into the Tikotin Museum – it’s actually the only Japanese art collection in the entire Middle East
- Get a real taste of local life on a ChefBaLaShuk food tour through the buzzing markets
Historical Significance of Haifa’s Renovated Port
Haifa’s port packs centuries of history into one Mediterranean hotspot. Walk through the place and you’re literally stepping across time—this was once a Bronze Age settlement before Sheikh Zahir al-Omar turned it into a bustling trade center in the 1700s. The Ottomans later expanded it to rival Alexandria’s famous port.
The harbor played a crucial role for Jewish refugees, with more than 100,000 Holocaust survivors arriving here between 1945-1948. When Israel was born and surrounded by closed borders, this port wasn’t just important—it was absolutely essential.
These days, the renovations respect the port’s rich past while the Adani Group modernizes it for tomorrow’s needs, mixing those distinctive Ottoman buildings with cutting-edge tech.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Eilat for a different Israel Cruise destination.
Dining & Shopping Experiences at the Waterfront
Haifa’s waterfront is a real treat for cruise passengers, with three completely different dining spots to check out – you can dig into authentic Mediterranean food or go fancy with some kosher options. Don’t miss Herbert Samuel restaurant with its gorgeous bay views, or head to nearby Herzliya where Greko serves up some killer Greek-inspired dishes.
While you’re wandering around the waterfront, you’ll stumble upon:
- Bustling street markets packed with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors
- Local artisans selling handmade olive wood carvings and beautiful textiles
- Shops with Dead Sea skincare goodies and fragrant spices right by where ships dock
- Evening walks with live music playing during cruise season
Just so you know – most restaurants don’t open until 11:30AM, and the markets run from 9AM-7PM every day, except during Shabbat when everything shuts down.
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
When your cruise ship pulls into Haifa, you’re going to face some real-world challenges that could totally make or ruin your Israel visit. If you’ve got flights leaving from Tel Aviv later, seriously consider getting off the ship early – that drive takes a good 2.5 hours.
Don’t forget to throw some comfortable walking shoes in your suitcase – Haifa’s hills are no joke! And pack clothes that cover up a bit if you’re planning to check out any religious spots. Save yourself some headaches by booking your transfers ahead of time instead of dealing with the taxi scramble.
Lugging heavy bags? Skip the DIY disembarkation and let the cruise staff help you out. Keep copies of your passport handy – you’ll hit security checks everywhere. And heads up if you’re visiting on a weekend – Shabbat affects what’s open and running, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Security Procedures Should Passengers Expect When Disembarking?
Similar to Jane’s smooth experience last month, you’ll need to go through border control in person where they’ll check your passport. This typically takes over 40 minutes, so be patient! Make sure to have your cruise documents and boarding pass ready – they’ll need these to confirm who you are before letting you leave the ship.
Are There Luggage Storage Facilities Available for Day Visitors?
Need to stash your bags for the day? There’s luggage storage at Haifa Merkaz Hashmona train station close to the port (costs about $5-8), or you can use apps like LuggageHero and Eelway in the area. Just keep in mind that places shut down on Friday before Shabbat, so plan accordingly!
How Does the Third Remote Berth Accommodate Passengers Differently?
The third remote berth handles things a bit differently. With around 8,000 passengers flowing through the main terminal each day, you’ll find this remote setup gives you a more streamlined experience. Just keep in mind you’ll have to hop on shuttle transfers to get to all the food, shops, and services at the main terminal.
What Sustainability Initiatives Have Been Implemented at the Renovated Terminal?
The renovated terminal is packed with green upgrades – you can spot shore power systems, solar panels, smart lighting that adjusts automatically, water recycling systems, paperless check-in options, and landscaping using local native plants. All these eco-friendly touches let you enjoy your connection to the local environment while knowing the facility is working to reduce its footprint.
Is There Free Wifi in the Terminal and Throughout the Port Area?
Yes, we’ve got you covered with free WiFi throughout the terminal! Just connect to “Haifa Port Authority” – no password needed. The signal reaches all lounges and the duty-free area, so you can stay connected while you wait.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Ashdod Cruise Ship Port.
