Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Israel.

National Trains [רכבת]

• Israel Railways coverage — Israel Railways (רכבת ישראל) operates the main network connecting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beer Sheva. Trains are reliable, affordable, and less congested than buses during rush hour. Book tickets online via the Israel Railways app or at station ticket offices.
• Jerusalem rail service — The Tel Aviv to Jerusalem line is modern and scenic, taking about 90 minutes. Trains run frequently on weekdays but have reduced schedules on Saturdays; plan ahead if traveling on Shabbat.
• Train strikes occasionally occur with little notice, particularly around wage disputes. Check the Israel Railways website or app before traveling, especially mid-week.
• Discount passes — Monthly passes (קרט חודשי) offer 40–50% savings for regular commuters. Tourist passes are available but less economical unless you're taking many long-distance journeys.

City Transit & Buses [אוטובוס]

• Egged and Dan networks — Egged and Dan are the main bus operators covering most of Israel. Egged runs intercity and rural routes; Dan operates primarily in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Both accept the Rav-Kav card and cash (though cash payment is being phased out).
• Rav-Kav smart card — Buy a Rav-Kav card (קרט רב-קו) at any train station, bus terminal, or convenience store and load credit. It works on all buses, trains, and the Tel Aviv metro, saving 10–15% compared to single tickets.
• Bus drivers rarely give change and may refuse boarding if you pay with large notes. Use the Rav-Kav card or exact change whenever possible.
• Shabbat service — No public buses run from Friday afternoon through Saturday night in most of Israel due to the Jewish sabbath. Plan accordingly and use sherut minibuses or private transport if needed.
• Intercity buses — For long distances, intercity buses are cheaper and often faster than trains. Services run to Eilat, the Dead Sea, and the West Bank settlements; book via Egged's website or app.

City Metro & Rapid Transit [רכבת קלה]

• Tel Aviv light rail — The Red Line of the Tel Aviv light rail (רכבת קלה) opened in 2023 and runs from Petah Tikva through central Tel Aviv to Bat Yam. Additional lines are under construction; the system is modern, clean, and uses the Rav-Kav card.
• Jerusalem light rail — The Jerusalem light rail connects the city center to the northern suburbs via a single line. It's efficient for reaching the Old City and major stations, and accepts both Rav-Kav and contactless payment.
• Haifa Carmelit — Haifa's Carmelit funicular railway ascends Mount Carmel and is mostly a tourist attraction, but it's quick and iconic. Fares are affordable and it connects downtown to the upper city.

Taxis & Ride Apps [מונית]

• Licensed taxis and meters — Yellow licensed taxis are ubiquitous and meters are mandatory. Always insist the driver uses the meter (מונה); if not, agree on a price beforehand or refuse the ride.
• Taxi scams targeting tourists are common, especially near airports and tourist areas. Use only white or yellow licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Gett and Uber alternatives — Gett is the dominant local ride-hailing app and is generally safer and more transparent than unlicensed taxis. Uber operates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; both apps charge slightly more than metered taxis but provide safety and receipt records.
• Sherut minibuses — Shared sherut minibuses (שרות) run fixed routes and are cheaper than taxis for groups. They depart when full, making them less predictable but economical for intercity travel.
• Late-night taxis may charge surcharges (often 25–30% after 21:00). Confirm the final fare with the driver before boarding.

Driving & Car Rental [נהיגה]

• License and documents — An International Driving Permit (IDP) and passport are required; your home country license alone may not be sufficient. Carry all documents at all times and be prepared for police checkpoints.
• Israeli driving is aggressive and traffic rules are often ignored. Expect tailgating, honking, and sudden lane changes; stay alert and never assume other drivers will follow rules.
• Speed cameras and fines — Speed cameras are frequent on highways and in cities; fines are steep (often 500+ NIS). Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities and 110 km/h on highways unless otherwise marked.
• Driving to Palestinian territories (West Bank) is not recommended for tourists; rental companies often prohibit it. Check your insurance and rental agreement carefully.
• Parking — Blue and white parking spaces require payment via apps like Pango or at meters. Parking violations result in expensive fines; use designated lots or on-street paid parking in cities.
• Fuel and tolls — Petrol stations are common and fuel is relatively expensive (roughly 6–7 NIS per liter). Toll roads exist (mainly Route 6); use electronic toll devices (Viapass) or automatic billing via rental companies.

Airports [שדה תעופה]

• Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) — Israel's main international gateway is located 25 km southeast of Tel Aviv and serves most international flights. The airport is modern with good facilities; allow 3+ hours for international departures due to security.
• Airport transport — The fastest option is the direct train to Tel Aviv (30 minutes, ~30 NIS) running from Terminal 3. Taxis and Gett are available but more expensive; rental cars are available at competitive rates.
• Airport security is thorough and can be time-consuming, especially for non-Israeli citizens. Be prepared for baggage checks, questioning about your trip, and electronic device inspections.
• Other airports — Eilat Airport (VDA) and Haifa Airport (HFA) handle some domestic and regional flights. Ramon Airport (near Eilat) is newer and handles some international traffic; check which airport serves your destination.

Ferries & Water Transport [סירה]

• Dead Sea and Dead Sea tourism — No regular ferry services cross the Dead Sea, but private operators offer boat tours from Ein Gedi and other resorts. Tours are scenic but seasonal and weather-dependent.
• Sea of Galilee cruises — Tourist boat services operate on the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) from towns like Tiberias, offering scenic tours and fishing trips. These are tourist experiences rather than transport; book through hotels or local operators.
• Red Sea diving and snorkeling — Eilat offers boat excursions to coral reefs and snorkeling sites. These are tourist activities rather than transport; operators can be booked through hotels or directly at the marina.

Tickets & Passes [כרטיסים]

• Rav-Kav card system — The Rav-Kav (קרט רב-קו) is Israel's unified transit card valid on buses, trains, and light rail nationwide. Available at train stations and convenience stores; load credit online or in person for discounts.
• Single tickets vs. passes — Single bus tickets cost ~6–8 NIS; a monthly pass costs ~250 NIS and saves money if you travel daily. Tourists making occasional trips should simply use Rav-Kav credit or single tickets.
• Tourist transport card — Some tourist centers sell tourist passes valid for 3–7 days on buses and trains in specific regions (e.g., Tel Aviv area). These are useful only if you plan frequent transit; check if a Rav-Kav is more economical.
• Traveling without a valid ticket incurs a fine of 280 NIS (or up to 420 NIS if unable to show ID). Inspectors board buses and trains regularly; always carry proof of payment.

Connectivity & SIM Cards [סים]

• Major providers — Cellcom, Partner (Orange), and Pelephone are Israel's three main mobile networks. All offer prepaid SIM cards with data, voice, and SMS; coverage is excellent nationwide.
• Getting a SIM card — Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport, convenience stores, or mobile shops; you'll need your passport. Typical starter packs include 30–100 GB of data and cost 50–100 NIS; top-up online or at shops.
• Data and messaging apps — WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber are widely used; having a local number helps for booking taxis and communicating with businesses. Most hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
• eSIM option — Some international travelers use eSIM services like Airalo or local providers' eSIM plans. These avoid needing a physical card but may be more expensive than local prepaid SIMs.
• Roaming charges from most countries are expensive. Purchase a local SIM immediately upon arrival to avoid unexpectedly high bills.