Request for info: ferry route Turkey/Israel

hi, is there (still) a ferry route between southern Turkey (Iskenderun) and Haifa? direct or not?

Good evening,

I believe there are Ro-ro ferries running again, but what kind of service are you actually looking for?

Michel

I’ll be in Antakya in mid-October 2025. I’ve just walked across Turkey (from September to October 2025) and I’d like to take a boat from southern Turkey to Haifa, where I’ll finish my walk to Jerusalem. I’d rather do that than take a flight.

Hi there,

So your question is whether a Ro-ro ferry would take a pedestrian to Israel? The boats you see in Iskenderun are there for trucks from Hatay—it’s a province of road transporters, a huge part of the economy.

As for flights: There’s an airport in Haifa, but no connections to Turkey. Tel Aviv’s airport has no flights to southern Turkey, and Turkish Airlines, which used to fly to Istanbul, just announced they’re dropping the route. Your best bet might be going via Cyprus.

Michel

Hi Michel, I’m walking from Grenoble. RO-RO works for me since I’m traveling with a trailer!!! No joke, I think I could arrange something with a transporter or a truck driver who’d take me on board... The flight option: Antakya - Amman, via Riyadh, then Amman - Jerusalem. Flying is faster, maybe safer too, but less in line with the experience I’m living. But I’d prefer to arrive by boat directly to Haifa. Depending on the situation, I’ll either head to Nazareth then the Palestinian territories up to Jerusalem, or I’ll go around the Palestinian territories and arrive in Jerusalem. If you have a tip for RO-RO... from experience, I know that when I’m close to my goal, I go for the shortest and most efficient route... but I’d prefer RO-RO if I can sort everything out beforehand... Best, Laurent Motte

Yes, well, if you're talking about Antalya, it's still about 700 or 800 km from Iskenderun... Not really on your way.

Michel

no, no, Antalkya not Antalya. Antalkya like Antioch.

Antakya > Antakya

Antakya > Antalya

Okay. Antakya. Hatay if you prefer. Antioch for the ancient vibe.

Michel

Yes, that's right. I'm not very familiar with these parts! Thanks Michel for the info.

Hello Michel, But I’d prefer to arrive by boat directly to Haifa. Depending on the situation, I’ll either head to Nazareth then the Palestinian territories up to Jerusalem, or I’ll circle the Palestinian territories and arrive in Jerusalem. Laurent Motte

Hi,

Anything in particular to see in Nazareth?

To get to Jerusalem from Nazareth, you do indeed have the option of going through the PA-controlled Territories. And it’s not the easiest route to cross: Jenin, Qabatya, Nablus, and other villages. You’ll arrive in Jerusalem via Pisgat Zeev. 140 km and 33 hours of walking in one go.

Another option is via Beit Shean, then Route 90 along the Jordan Valley, passing north of Jericho. Still some road in the Territories, but easier in terms of security. 150 km and 35 hours.

Finally, heading from Afula toward Hadera and the west coast, then maybe Modi’in or Latrun. That route’s way more chill. 150 km for 35 hours too.

Hello, Is there (still) a ferry route between southern Turkey (Iskenderun) and Haifa? Direct or not?

Also check from Thessaloniki, Greece—sometimes with a stop in Cyprus, there’s a connection to Haifa.

I’ll be in Antakya in mid-October 2025, having just walked across Turkey (from September to October 2025), and I’d like to take a boat from southern Turkey to Haifa, where I’ll finish my walk to Jerusalem. I’d rather do that than take a plane.

Don’t forget there’s now a form to fill out to enter Israel—it’s like an ESTA.

https://il.ambafrance.org/Autorisation-electronique-de-voyage-ETA-IL https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/

hi, thanks for the info, if there’s no direct connection to Haifa, I’ll need to find a route from Iskenderun to Cyprus, then Cyprus to Haifa. Thanks a lot. Laurent

Hello and thank you so much. I didn’t know that. Laurent