A secondary trade road running roughly parallel to the Coastal Road but 8-12 miles inland, connecting agricultural settlements and avoiding coastal tolls and inspections. This route passes through Tel Ashdod and other inland towns.
The Inland Route is less traveled and less maintained than the coastal road, but it serves an important purpose for farmers bringing produce to market and for merchants wishing to avoid Egyptian customs posts. The road winds through grain fields, vineyards, and grazing land, occasionally crossing wadis on stone fords.
Travel on the Inland Route is slower but often cheaper, as there are fewer official tolls. However, it's also less patrolled, making it more attractive to bandits. Local farmers know the road well and can guide travelers to safe rest spots.
Branches and farm tracks connect the Inland Route to the Coastal Road at several points, making it easy to switch between routes. The Hill Road branches off eastward toward Ein Gedi and the interior.