How to get to Tell es-Safi/Gath by car

Instructions on how to get to Tell es-Safi/Gath by car:

 1)  If you are coming from Tel Aviv: Drive out of Tel Aviv eastwards and get onto Route 6 (Trans Israel Highway) going south. Drive south on Route 6 until Sorek interchange. Exit route 6 at Sorek interchange and drive west on Route 3 (following signs to Ashkelon). After about 5 km, turn left (SE) to Route 383 (follow signs to Gush Etzion). Drive on Route 383 for ca. 6 km until turn off to right (S) towards “Zafit Power Station”. Drive on paved road for about 4 km until the paved road turns sharply to the right to the power station. Continue straight on dirt road along the edge of forest (at this point, Tel Zafit can be seen directly in front of car, on the other side of valley). Drive on paved road for about 4 km until the paved road has a sharp turn to the right to the power station, but also continues straight (with the forest on your left). Continue straight on the road along the edge of forest (at this point, Tel Zafit can be seen directly in front of car, on the other side of valley), winding along the edge of forest for about 300 m, until the paved road ends. Continue straight on the dirt road that crosses the valley. Drive on this dirt road, crossing river bed and about 100 m after riverbed crossing there will be a sign to turn to Tel Zafit national parkand the entrance to the site. Follow signs from there.

2)  If you are coming from Jerusalem: Drive out of Jerusalem westwards on Route 1 towards Tel Aviv, until the Latrun Junction. Get onto Route 3 going west (following signs to Ashkelon). Drive on Route 3 about 20 km until turnoff (left/SE) to route 383 (follow signs to Gush Etzion). Drive on Route 383 for ca. 6 km until turn off to right (S) towards “Zafit Power Station”. Drive on paved road for about 4 km until the paved road has a sharp turn to the right to the power station, but also continues straight (with the forest on your left). Continue straight on the road along the edge of forest (at this point, Tel Zafit can be seen directly in front of car, on the other side of valley), winding along the edge of forest for about 300 m, until the paved road ends. Continue straight on the dirt road that crosses the valley. Drive on this dirt road, crossing river bed and about 100 m after riverbed crossing there will be a sign to turn to Tel Zafit national park and the entrance to the site. Follow signs from there.

3) If you are coming from Jerusalem thru Beth Shemesh: Drive south on Route 38 (the Beth Shemesh to Beit Guvrin road). At the junction with Route 383 (at the Azekah junction) and drive west about 10 km until you get to the turnoff (on your left) towards the “Zafit Power Station”. Drive on paved road for about 4 km until the paved road has a sharp turn to the right to the power station, but also continues straight (with the forest on your left). Continue straight on the road along the edge of forest (at this point, Tel Zafit can be seen directly in front of car, on the other side of valley), winding along the edge of forest for about 300 m, until the paved road ends. Continue straight on the dirt road that crosses the valley. Drive on this dirt road, crossing river bed and about 100 m after riverbed crossing there will be a sign to turn to Tel Zafit national park and the entrance to the site. Follow signs from there.

Drive safely!