Beit She'an

Beit She'an (also spelled Beit/Bet/Beth Shean/She'an/Shan) is a town in the Jordan Valley of northern Israel, at the junction of the Jezreel Valley and the Jordan Valley. It is one of the oldest cities in the region, inhabited since Biblical times and mentioned several times in the Bible. It became a major city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, the extensive archaeological remains of the ancient city — both the Canaanite tel and the Romano-Byzantine city below — are among the most impressive in Israel.

The Beit She'an Valley is below sea level and gets very hot and humid in summer (40°C+). However, it has numerous springs and water sources for cooling off. For this reason, many Israelis visit in summer. The valley was nicknamed the "gateway to heaven" in Jewish sources. The best visiting seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November).

By Plane

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is approximately 110 km south. Take a train from the airport to Haifa, then to Beit She'an (about 3 hours total). Haifa Airport (HFA) is about 80 km west.

By Train

Beit She'an railway station (rebuilt 2016 on the site of the 1904 station) has hourly trains from Haifa via Afula. From other parts of the country, change trains in Haifa.

By Car / Road

From Tel Aviv: approximately 110 km (1.5 hours) via Route 6 and Route 65. From Jerusalem: approximately 100 km (2 hours) via Route 90 — a scenic ride descending to the Dead Sea and north through the Jordan Valley. From Nazareth: approximately 45 km (40 min). Bus 843 runs directly from Tel Aviv. Bus 961/966 from Jerusalem (about 2.5 hours). Bus 411/412 from Afula. Some direct buses from Tel Aviv (route 843).

Hitchhiking is common and considered safer here than in other parts of Israel. Stand at a bus stop and point your index finger outward. Without a car, hitchhiking may be the only way to reach remote communities. Buses connect the town to nearby kibbutzim.

• Beit She'an National Park, +972 6 658-7189 — Open Apr–Sep 08:00–17:00, Oct–Mar 08:00–16:00. Extensive remains of the ancient city: the dramatic Canaanite/Egyptian tel (city-mound) and the well-preserved Romano-Byzantine city below, with streets, bathhouse, amphitheater, and temples. Adults ₪23, children ₪12.

• Beit Alfa Synagogue National Park (Kibbutz Hefzibah, 7 km west on Route 669), +972 6 653-2004 — Open Apr–Sep 08:00–17:00, Oct–Mar 08:00–16:00. A 5th-century synagogue with a remarkable mosaic floor depicting the Zodiac, the Holy Ark, and the binding of Isaac. Adults ₪18, children ₪8.

• Naharayim, +972 4-6752685 — The old bridge across the Jordan River with a nearby water power station.

• Kibbutzim — Several kibbutzim in the valley have natural springs. Ein HaNatsiv has a great spring with clean water, a diving board, and Tarzan swing. Sde Eliyahu has a natural spring and mini zoo.

• Gan HaShlosha (Sakhne) — One of Israel's most beautiful natural parks, with warm spring-fed pools perfect for swimming year-round. A popular day trip.

• Explore the extensive Beit She'an National Park archaeological site

• Swim in the natural springs at the kibbutzim

• Visit the hot springs in the valley

• Hike the Gilboa mountain range bordering the valley to the southwest

• Local restaurants and cafés in the town center serve Middle Eastern food
• The kibbutzim have dining facilities for visitors
• Falafel and shawarma stands near the bus station. Meals from ₪25.

Fresh juices and coffee are available in town. The kibbutzim have casual cafés. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Kibbutz guesthouses in the area (e.g., Nir David) from ₪300 per night.
• Mid-range: Beit She'an area zimmers (guesthouses) from ₪400–600.
• Upscale: Limited options; Tiberias (70 km) has upscale hotels.

The town has basic shops and a small market. The kibbutzim sell local produce and honey. Souvenirs are available at the national park visitor center.

• Tiberias (70 km, 1 hour) — Sea of Galilee resort with hot springs
• Afula (30 km, 30 min) — Jezreel Valley regional center
• Gan HaShlosha (Sakhne) (15 km, 15 min) — Natural spring pools
• Nazareth (45 km, 40 min) — Basilica of the Annunciation
• Jerusalem (100 km, 2 hours) — Via scenic Route 90 through the Jordan Valley