For the first time in Israel, a water taxi service is set to launch on the Sea of Galilee, allowing passengers to sail from one point to another across the lake—similar to water transport systems in cities like Venice.
2+Under the plan, the water taxis will carry up to four passengers per trip and operate along routes connecting different parts of the Sea of Galilee, from north to south and east to west. The goal: ease traffic congestion on the roads circling the lake and enable faster, more convenient travel between various destinations.
The initiative is being promoted by Transportation Minister Miri Regev in cooperation with the Transportation Ministry and Tourism Ministry, as part of efforts to integrate alternative transportation solutions and leverage Israel’s water resources for both transport and tourism. The central idea is to reduce congestion on roads around the Sea of Galilee while creating a unique travel experience for passengers and tourists.
2+According to the plan, the service will be integrated into the public transportation system, with water taxi fares priced similarly to bus or train rides and accessible via the Rav-Kav transit card. In the first phase, the service will operate only on the Sea of Galilee, with potential expansion to Eilat and other tourist destinations under consideration.
Currently, driving around the Sea of Galilee between different ends of the lake can take between 40 minutes and an hour, depending on the route and rush hour traffic. The Sea of Galilee’s perimeter spans about 60 kilometers, and a complete circuit can take an hour and 15 minutes or more. Transportation officials estimate that operating the water taxis could significantly cut travel times on some segments—in some cases by half, depending on the route and sailing conditions.
2+And how much will it cost you?
The fare is expected to match public transportation costs, and passengers will likely be able to use their Rav-Kav cards as part of the public transit system.