Acre, known in Hebrew as Akko, lies about 135 km north of Tel Aviv on a Mediterranean headland and holds one of the best-preserved Crusader-era port cities in the world, listed by UNESCO. Israel Railways trains from Tel Aviv Savidor Center reach Akko station in about 1 hour 20 minutes at roughly 40-45 ILS each way. From the station, the Old City is a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride. Egged buses and rental cars also serve the route, but nothing runs on Shabbat by public transport.
The main attraction is the Hospitaller Fortress, a vaulted Crusader complex of halls and a crypt beneath the present Ottoman city. The nearby Templar Tunnel, a 350-metre passage dug by the Knights Templar between the fortress and the port, is a popular highlight. Other sights include the Al-Jazzar Mosque, the Turkish bath museum (Hammam al-Pasha), the Ottoman caravanserais such as Khan al-Umdan, and the sea walls, which can be walked for views over the fishing harbour. The covered market stalls sell spices, sweets and fresh fish.
A suitable one-day plan reaches the old city by 9:00AM, starting at the Hospitaller Fortress and Templar Tunnel, followed by a walk along the sea walls and the port. Lunch is traditionally hummus or seafood in the Old City, with several family-run restaurants near the harbour serving grilled fish, salads and mezze. The afternoon can be spent in the market and at Khan al-Umdan before taking a late-afternoon train south. Visitors who prefer a slower pace can catch a boat ride around the harbour.
The best seasons are April to June and September to November. Summer afternoons are hot and humid. A combined Old Akko ticket costs about 55-70 ILS, and prices should be confirmed at akko.org.il. The Old City is still a lived-in Arab-Israeli neighbourhood, so respectful dress and conduct is appreciated.
| Distance | 135 km north |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour 20 minutes by train |
| Getting there | Israel Railways from Tel Aviv Savidor Center to Akko station (about 1 hour 20 minutes, around 40-45 ILS (approx $13-15) each way), then a 20-minute walk or taxi to the Old City; no trains on Shabbat |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Old Akko, Akko, Israel |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Cost
- 40-45 ILS (approx $13-15)
- Frequency
- Every 30-60 minutes on weekdays; none on Shabbat
- Mode
- Egged bus
- Cost
- About 40 ILS (approx $13)
- Frequency
- Regular on weekdays; none on Shabbat
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- 200-350 ILS (approx $66-115) per day plus fuel
- Frequency
- On demand
Location
Old Akko, Akko, Israel
32.9211, 35.0686 View on map
Highlights
- Hospitaller Fortress Crusader halls
- Templar Tunnel beneath the old city
- Sea walls and the working fishing harbour
- Al-Jazzar Mosque and Khan al-Umdan caravanserai
- Old city market and seafood lunch
Tips for visiting
- Buy the combined Old Akko ticket to cover several sites at a lower price.
- Arrive by 9:00AM to see the fortress before tour groups.
- Walk from the station only in cool weather; take a taxi in summer.
- Eat the day's fish or hummus in the harbour-side restaurants.
- No public transport runs on Shabbat.
When to visit
April-June and September-November are the most pleasant. Morning visits avoid summer heat and midday tour groups.
Accessibility
The Old City has cobbled lanes, steps and uneven stone, and the sea walls are not step-free. Parts of the Hospitaller Fortress are accessible, but the Templar Tunnel is narrow and wet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train to Akko take?
The train from Tel Aviv Savidor Center takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs roughly 40-45 ILS.
Is the Templar Tunnel included in the ticket?
It is part of the Old Akko site offering, though visitors should confirm which sites are included in the combined ticket at akko.org.il.
Is Acre suitable for a one-day trip?
Yes, the fortress, tunnel, walls and market can be seen in about five or six hours. The return train runs through the late afternoon on weekdays.