Overview
Israel's third-largest city, Haifa spills down Mount Carmel to a Mediterranean port, crowned by the golden dome and terraces of the Bahá'í Gardens. It is a relaxed, mixed city and a natural base for Akko, Nazareth and the Galilee. There are no direct flights from the UK to Haifa, so most travellers fly into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and continue north.
Best time to fly to Haifa
Haifa has a Mediterranean climate. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal: warm days, mild evenings and a swimmable sea. Summer is hot, humid and busy; winter (November–March) is mild but wet. Fares from the UK jump around the Jewish holidays, so check the When to book chart above before fixing your dates.
Airlines and routes
Haifa Airport handles only small regional and domestic flights, so the practical gateway is Tel Aviv (TLV), about 90 minutes south. El Al and British Airways fly from London Heathrow, and in normal conditions easyJet, Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic serve Tel Aviv from Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. Flying time from London is around five hours, slightly more from Manchester. Routes to Israel have faced suspensions in recent years, so confirm operations when booking. From Ben Gurion a direct train reaches Haifa in about an hour.
Things to do in Haifa
Give the city a day or two before heading off around the north:
- Bahá'í Gardens and Shrine of the Báb: a UNESCO-listed cascade of nineteen terraces; book the free guided walk ahead.
- German Colony: a restored Templer quarter of stone houses and restaurants below the gardens.
- Louis Promenade: a clifftop path on Mount Carmel with sweeping views across the bay.
- Stella Maris: a hilltop Carmelite monastery reached by Israel's only cable car.
- Wadi Nisnas: a lively Arab-Jewish neighbourhood known for street food and outdoor art.
At Haifa Airport (HFA)
Haifa Airport sits by the port, about 6km east of the centre and roughly 15 minutes by taxi, but has no scheduled UK service. Most travellers arrive via Ben Gurion instead, where the airport railway station runs direct trains to Haifa in around an hour; the coastal road takes a similar time by car or taxi. Trains and most buses pause from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening for Shabbat.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Haifa
- Book peak dates early: three to four months ahead for the Jewish holidays or the school summer; six to eight weeks is usually fine off-peak.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures to Tel Aviv usually beat weekend fares, and avoid Friday flights that clash with Shabbat.
- Stay flexible: use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest weeks and compare London airports with Manchester.
- Compare carriers: weigh El Al and British Airways against low-cost airlines once bags and seats are added.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need no visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but since 2025 you must apply online for an ETA-IL travel authorisation a few days before you fly. Immigration issues a paper entry slip rather than stamping passports — keep it safe for hotel check-ins and departure. The currency is the Israeli new shekel (ILS); cards are widely accepted and local ATMs give a better rate than carrying pounds. No vaccinations are required, but travel insurance with medical cover is strongly advised.