Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Jerusalem

Jerusalem rewards travellers who can move fast and stop often, and that's exactly what a motorcycle gives you here. Ride up to Jaffa Gate in the morning, wander the Old City on foot for an hour, then be parked at the Mount of Olives Observation Point for the golden light over the Dome of the Rock before the tour buses arrive. By afternoon you could be winding down into Ein Karem for coffee among its stone churches, or climbing to the Haas Promenade for a sunset that stretches out over the Judean Desert. Few cities pack this much contrast into so short a ride.

The Old City itself is largely off-limits to cars, and the surrounding neighbourhoods are a tangle of one-way streets, steep lanes and permanently short parking. A car struggles here; a scooter or motorcycle slips through and parks wherever you like. Jerusalem's hilly, compact centre also means the sights sit close together, so short hops between them are quick on two wheels — and when you want more, the same bike carries you straight out of town on a full day's ride down to the Dead Sea or Masada, a trip that's slow and awkward by bus.

Top 10 things to see in Jerusalem by motorcycle

1. Old City of Jerusalem — ride up to Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate, park, and walk into the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian Quarters.
2. Mount of Olives Observation Point — the classic panorama over the Old City and the Dome of the Rock, best at sunrise or sunset.
3. Yad Vashem — Israel's Holocaust memorial and museum, set among pine woods on Mount Herzl at the western edge of the city.
4. Mahane Yehuda Market — a short ride into the buzzing Shuk, ideal for a lunch stop among the food stalls.
5. Ein Karem — a scenic, twisting descent into a picturesque stone village known for its churches and cafes.
6. Israel Museum — home to the Shrine of the Book and the Dead Sea Scrolls, with easy roadside parking.
7. Sultan's Pool and the Hinnom Valley — a short scenic loop below the Old City walls, a good photo stop between Jaffa Gate and Mount Zion.
8. Haas Promenade (Armon HaNatziv) — a sweeping viewpoint over the Old City and the Judean Desert, a popular sunset ride.
9. The road to the Dead Sea via Route 1 — a dramatic drop from Jerusalem's hills down to the lowest point on Earth.
10. Ein Gedi and Masada via Route 90 — a favourite extended day ride combining desert scenery, a waterfall reserve and the Masada fortress.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Jerusalem?

You'll need a full motorcycle licence that matches the bike's power class, and rental companies generally expect it to have been held for a while before they'll hand over the keys. The legal minimum age is 18, though most companies set their own floor around 21 for anything beyond a small scooter. A deposit is standard practice, usually held on a credit card in your name, with the amount depending on the vehicle class. An International Driving Permit isn't a legal requirement in Israel, but it's worth carrying alongside your national licence just in case.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Jerusalem?

Average rental prices run from roughly 95-100 ILS per day in low season up to 160-220 ILS per day in high season for a standard scooter or motorcycle, with premium and larger-displacement models running 250-400+ ILS per day.

• Prices climb hardest around April (Passover), September-October (Sukkot and the High Holidays), and the July-August summer peak.
• November through February, outside holiday weeks, is when you'll find the cheapest daily rates.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Jerusalem?

High season runs through July and August, plus the Passover and Sukkot holiday weeks, when demand — and price — peaks and bikes can sell out. Low season sits in the winter months from November to February, when rates drop and availability is easy. If you're set on riding during a holiday week or peak summer, book well ahead; for a winter trip you can usually book closer to your travel dates and still get a good rate.

Local traffic rules in Jerusalem

Israel drives on the right, and helmets are mandatory for every motorcycle and scooter rider and passenger, no exceptions by age. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on undivided inter-urban roads and up to 90-110 km/h on divided highways and motorway sections, so watch the posted signs as you leave the city. Motorcycles must ride with headlights on at all times, day and night. The general blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, but it's effectively zero tolerance for new and young drivers, so it's safest to treat it as zero across the board. Handheld phone use while riding is banned and enforced, and if you're out around Shabbat, expect very light traffic overall but closed roads and a cool reception for motor vehicles in religious neighbourhoods.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!