Mitzpe Ramon and the Negev
Train to Beersheba and line 65 to Mitzpe Ramon: the largest machtesh in the world, short trails and desert, without a car.
The town sits right on the rim of Machtesh Ramon, one of the most impressive views in the country. Take the train to Beersheba and continue on a bus ride of about 1.5 hours.
Your options
Train to Beersheba Center
Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem to Beersheba
- The train is fast, comfortable and reliable
- From the train you cross to the central bus station and continue on line 65
- Does not run on Shabbat
Line 65 (Metropoline)
Beersheba to Mitzpe Ramon
- Roughly hourly, including early morning departures
- About 86 km through the heart of the Negev, with comfortable seats
- Get off at the Mitzpe Ramon commercial center
Line 660 (Metropoline) from Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon
- A direct line with no change in Beersheba
- Runs on weekdays only
Inside Mitzpe Ramon
Viewpoints and the start of the trails, on foot
- The visitor center, the viewpoint and the machtesh trails are a short walk away
- In the evening, a short lift to the best stargazing spot is worth it
What to see
Machtesh Ramon
The largest machtesh in the world. A machtesh is not a crater and not an impact site but a unique erosion valley found only in Israel and Sinai, and Ramon is the biggest of them all: viewpoints, short trails, and a sunrise that lights up the whole bowl.
The visitor center and the viewing terrace
An audiovisual presentation about the machtesh and an easy viewpoint just above town.
The machtesh trails
Routes from 40 minutes to a full day, at whatever pace suits you.
The alpaca farm
A short family friendly visit, a few minutes from town.
The night sky
Mitzpe Ramon is one of the best places in the country for stargazing, with the Milky Way visible to the eye.
Good to know
A suggested plan: arrive before noon, take in the viewpoint, walk a short trail, and finish with the stars after dark.
If you are returning the same day, check the time of the last bus to Beersheba before you set off.
The machtesh is very hot in summer: water, a hat and closed shoes for the trails.
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Want me to combine this with a tour and a ride?
If you would like a guided tour, a pickup from where you are staying, or just help building the route and the timing, I am here. We can plan it together before you set off.
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