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In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an independent trip to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel in Jerusalem in 2025. Hezekiyah’s Tunnel was one of our favorite attractions in Jerusalem, and it is also one of the best activities in Jerusalem with kids. A visit to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is a very unique and fascinating experience.
In brief: Adventure, culture, history, unique experiences
Hezekiyah’s Tunnel allows you to immerse yourself in history. Wading through the water in a narrow carved tunnel is fun and adventurous and is particularly memorable for kids. BUT there are some important things to know before you go. This experience is not for everyone. So if you’re planning a trip to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel – please read this guide carefully.
In this article, we will help capture the experience and share some top tips with you. We will also share all of the relevant information such as prices, transport, and travel tips.
Don’t miss our comprehensive and detailed guide: Traveling Isreal with Kids
What is Hezekiyah’s Tunnel?
Hezekiyah’s Tunnel, a remarkable ancient water engineering feat, is an essential historical site located in Jerusalem. Carved deep within the bedrock over 2,700 years ago during the reign of King Hezekiyah of Judah, this tunnel served as a crucial water supply system for the ancient city of Jerusalem. The tunnel was designed to channel water from the Gihon Spring (situated outside the city walls) into the heart of Jerusalem, providing a vital source of freshwater for its inhabitants during times of siege.
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What is the historical and cultural significance of Hezekiyah’s Tunnel?
- Historical Significance: This tunnel was carved over 2,700 years ago during the reign of King Hezekiyah. Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient inhabitants of Jerusalem. It stands as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the region, shedding light on the water management practices of the time.
- Length and Construction: The tunnel stretches approximately 533 meters (1,750 feet) in length, winding its way beneath the City of David. Its construction involved two teams, each digging from opposite ends and meeting at the center without the aid of modern tools or technology.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of Hezekiyah’s Tunnel was to provide a secure and hidden water source for Jerusalem, safeguarding the city’s water supply during times of conflict. The tunnel allowed the city to endure prolonged sieges, making it a crucial asset for survival.
- Water Flow: The tunnel’s ingenious design ensured a continuous flow of water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam within the city walls. Visitors today can walk through this water tunnel, often wading through ankle-deep water, to experience a unique connection to ancient history.
- Archaeological Significance: Hezekiyah’s Tunnel has yielded valuable insights into the daily life, culture, and engineering prowess of ancient Jerusalem. It remains a testament to the resourcefulness of civilizations in adapting to their environmental challenges.
Today, Hezekiyah’s Tunnel stands as a remarkable archaeological attraction, allowing you to step back in time and appreciate the engineering genius of the past. It serves as a vivid reminder of the enduring human quest for innovation and adaptability in the face of adversity.
How do you get to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel?
Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is situated a few kilometers to the south of the Jerusalem Old City. It is located in an area called the David Citadel.
1 Walk
It is located at the bottom of a steep hill, so although it appears to be a short walk on the map, we do recommend using a taxi or bus to get there and back. Also be aware that the walk is hot and exposed. If you are doing this walk during the day in summer consider sun protection and bring plenty of water.
2 Local Bus
The cheapest and best way to get to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is to take a local bus, number 276 or 286. Both buses run along the north wall of the Old City. The local bus is the cheapest and best way to get around, costing only 5.50NIS for a single ticket (around £1 or $1.20). Local buses are pretty regular, and you are unlikely to need to wait more than around 20 minutes for your bus.
3 Taxi
The most convenient way to get to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is to take a local taxi. However, it is important to recognize that this is also one of the most expensive ways to get around in Jerusalem. A disadvantage of taking a local taxi is that you will have to agree on the price with a driver, and drivers tend to charge a lot, especially to foreigners traveling in Jerusalem. We highly recommend that you barter for a good price. A local taxi from the Jerusalem Old City to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is likely to cost at least 25NIS each way (around £5 or $6).
How much does it cost to visit Hezekiyah’s Tunnel?
Tickets are available at the visitor center, and you can buy a torch for 6 NIS at the ticket office.
- Adult ticket: 28NIS (around £6 or $8)
- Child ticket (5 – 18 years old): 14NIS (around £3 or $4)
- Under 5 year old FREE
For more information and activities check out the official City of David website
There are a few other tours and options, these can also be booked at the ticket office:
Guided Tour of the City of David: Adult 65NIS Children 48NIS
Guided Tour to the Western Wall: Adult 55NIS Children 45NIS
Hallelujah Night presentation: Adult 65NIS Children 54NIS
Ancient Jerusalem Brought to Life: Adult 60NIS Children 55NIS
3D Movie: Adult 15NIS Children 15NIS
Hezekiyah’s Tunnel: Opening Hours
Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is open 6 days a week:
Sunday – Thursday 8am – 5pm
Friday 8am – 2pm
Saturday CLOSED
How long does it take to visit Hezekiyah’s Tunnel?
In total, we recommend leaving a few hours to visit Hezekiyah’s Tunnel, including journey time. The walk through the tunnel takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the whole experience will probably take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and what you wish to stop and see.
Top tip: The best time of day to visit is during the morning when it is quieter. If you do visit later in the day, it may be busier, but you don’t need to worry about it being too hot; it is actually pretty cool down in the tunnel.
A walk through Hezekiyah’s tunnel
The experience starts at the visitors centre and ticket office. This area can be pretty busy so watch your belonging. The visitors centre and ticket office is located at the top of the hill. This is a beautiful spot allowing splendid view over the City of David National Park. Purchase your tickets and a torch if you don’t have one. You can also use the toilets and get changed before walking down to the tunnel.
From the visitors centre you need to follow the signs down the hill. There is a 5 minute walk down some steep paths and this takes you to the entrance of Warren’s Shaft. At this point there are seats, a water fountain to top up your bottle and a member of staff who will check your tickets.
Once you enter, you start your journey deep underground. Walk down Warren’s Shaft – a 13m shaft that leads to the subterranean water system. As you follow the paths you reach the Canaanite Pool (no water in this pool). This ancient pool is thought to be around 3,800 years old.
It is also thought to be the site where King Solomon was anointed by Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet (1 Kings 1:33 – 34). From here follow the signs to the start of Hezekiyah’s tunnel. You can either follow the dry route (the Canaanite tunnel route) or the wet route (Hezekiyah’s tunnel route).
The tunnel stretches approximately 533 meters (1,750 feet) in length and takes around 20 – 30 minutes to walk. There are a couple of deep sections near the start and end (roughly 60cm deep). Most of the way through the water is around ankle depth.
The ceiling is low in long sections and adults often need to stoop. The tunnel is also narrow in sections. It can be slower if it is crowded. At the end of the tunnel there are toilets, a shop selling snacks and there is an exit right at the bottom of the hill.
From here you can take a shuttle bus back to the visitors centre for 7NIS. Alternatively the bus 286 runs back up the hill past the visitors centre. The 268 local bus stop can be found a few hundred meters from the exit. Buses come every 20 – 30 minutes and take you back up the hill and all the way round the Jerusalem Old city.
What do you need to bring to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel?
We highly recommend that you bring a torch for your visit to Hezekiyah’s Tunnel. Inside the tunnel, it is very dark, and it is not easy to rely on the torchlight of other people. If you do not have a torch, you can buy small plastic torches for 6 NIS at the ticket office.
Consider your footwear carefully. It is possible to do the water tunnel in flip-flops or sandals. An advantage of this is that they will be easy to dry. Alternatively, your best option would be trainers or water shoes. Do not wear any shoes that you are not able to get wet. We recommend a pair of shoes that is quick-drying.
We also recommend bringing swimming stuff. Wearing quick-drying swimming shorts is ideal for the tunnel, especially if you are doing it with kids. Also, we highly recommend that you bring a travel towel and a change of clothing for the end of the tunnel.
We recommend using a small day sack to store your valuables, dry clothes, and other belongings. The best type of bag for the experience is a rucksack that can be worn over two shoulders. Don’t bring anything too bulky, as this may be difficult when you are walking through the tunnel.
- Small torch (waterproof of possible but not essential)
- Good shoes (quick drying with a good grip is best)
- Towel (small travel towel)
- Small day bag for dry clothes
- Change of clothes
- Swimming shorts recommended
Top tip: A dry sack is advisable but not essential. This is particularly helpful if you bring cameras or other vulnerable valuable items.
Is Hezekiyah’s Tunnel accessible?
Hezekiyah’s Tunnel is not accessible to anyone with mobility challenges. Firstly, it is important to recognize that there are a lot of steps, even before you reach the entrance to the tunnel. There are no ramps or alternative routes available. Furthermore, the route through the tunnel complex is also not accessible to anyone in a wheelchair or prams.
Is Hezekiyah’s Tunnel suitable for families with kids?
We visited Hezekiyah’s Tunnel with a six-year-old, a three-year-old, and a six-month-old. Our six-year-old and three-year-old boys absolutely loved it. They are fit, strong, and confident in water. We used a sling to carry the six-month-old girl on the front. Although it was possible to move through the tunnel with our baby girl in a sling, it was quite tiring because you are constantly crouching forward. She was OK with the experience and even decided to take a short nap when we were partway through the tunnel.
There are a couple of deep sections of water at the beginning and end of the tunnel route. You do not need to be able to swim, but the water may reach the tummy or chest level of a toddler, so careful supervision is recommended. If you are unable to do the water tunnel, there is an alternative dry route available (the Canaanite Route), so you can still enjoy this fascinating experience. We would also recommend caution if you have back problems because there are long sections of wading through water and crouching forward at an awkward angle, which could exacerbate a back problem.
Top tip: It is dark inside Hezekiyah’s Tunnel, so we highly recommend bringing torches for each member of your group.
What are the facilities like at Hezekiyah’s Tunnel?
The facilities at Hezekiyah’s Tunnel are genuinely outstanding. There are public toilets located at the visitor center near the entrance. There is also a gift shop at the entrance of the tunnel. Additionally, there is a water fountain, so you can top up your bottle with fresh drinking water before you start your adventure in the tunnel.
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