Israel is a compact country, roughly the size of New Jersey, and getting from one end to the other takes only a few hours by car. Despite its small size, Israel has a well-developed transportation network that makes it possible to reach virtually any destination by a combination of public transit, taxis, and rental cars. Here is everything you need to know about navigating the country.
Getting from Ben Gurion Airport
Ben Gurion International Airport sits roughly between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, making it a convenient starting point for travel in either direction.
To Tel Aviv
- Train: The airport has a train station directly connected to the terminal. Trains to Tel Aviv take about 15-20 minutes and run frequently throughout the day. This is the cheapest and often fastest option.
- Taxi: A taxi to central Tel Aviv costs a fixed rate (confirm the current rate before departing) and takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
- Shuttle/shared van: Shared shuttle services (nesher or sherut) offer door-to-door service at a lower cost than a private taxi.
To Jerusalem
- Bus and train combination: A fast train connection links the airport to Jerusalem’s Yitzhak Navon station. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes.
- Shared taxi (sherut): Shared taxis to Jerusalem are available outside the arrivals hall and depart when full. They drop passengers at various points in the city.
- Private taxi: More expensive but convenient, especially if arriving late at night or with heavy luggage.
Trains (Israel Railways)
Israel Railways operates an expanding network connecting major cities and towns. Trains are comfortable, air-conditioned, and generally reliable.
Key Routes
- Tel Aviv to Haifa: Approximately 1 hour, with frequent daily service
- Tel Aviv to Beer Sheva: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: Approximately 25 minutes on the high-speed line to Yitzhak Navon station
- Coastal line: Runs from Nahariya in the north through Haifa and Tel Aviv
Tickets and Payment
- Purchase tickets at stations, through the Israel Railways app, or with a Rav-Kav card (Israel’s reloadable transit card)
- Tickets are significantly cheaper when purchased in advance or with a Rav-Kav card
- Children under five ride free; reduced fares are available for children and seniors
Limitations
- Trains do not run on Shabbat (Friday afternoon through Saturday evening) or on major Jewish holidays
- Some regions, including the Galilee and Golan Heights, have limited or no train service
- Train stations are not always centrally located, so you may need a bus or taxi for the last leg
Buses
Buses are the most extensive public transportation network in Israel, reaching cities, towns, and many rural areas that trains do not serve.
Major Bus Companies
- Egged: Israel’s largest bus company, operating intercity routes and local services in Jerusalem and other cities
- Dan: Primarily serves the Tel Aviv metropolitan area
- Kavim, Metropoline, and Superbus: Serve various regional routes
Using the Bus System
- The Rav-Kav card works on all major bus companies and provides discounted fares
- Bus stops display route numbers and schedules, though the Moovit app is the best tool for real-time bus information in Israel
- Intercity buses are comfortable and air-conditioned
- City buses in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are frequent and cover most neighborhoods
Bus Tips
- Board at the front and tap your Rav-Kav card or pay the driver (exact change is helpful if paying cash)
- Buses can be crowded during rush hours
- Buses do not run on Shabbat except in Haifa and some Arab communities
- Express intercity buses are significantly faster than local routes
The Rav-Kav Card
The Rav-Kav is Israel’s electronic transit card, similar to London’s Oyster card or New York’s MetroCard. It works on buses, trains, and light rail systems.
Getting a Rav-Kav
- Purchase an anonymous Rav-Kav card at bus stations, train stations, and some convenience stores
- Load it with a stored value (money) or a daily/weekly pass
- Tap the card when boarding buses or entering train stations
- The card provides automatic transfer discounts when switching between lines within a time window
For most tourists, loading stored value onto an anonymous Rav-Kav card is the simplest approach. It eliminates the need to carry exact change and provides discounted fares.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful in Israeli cities and useful for trips that public transit does not cover conveniently.
- Meters: Always insist that the driver use the meter (moneh in Hebrew). Israeli law requires metered fares for intra-city trips. Some drivers may suggest a flat fare, which is usually more expensive than the meter.
- Sherut (shared taxis): These minibuses operate on fixed routes, similar to buses but with more flexible stops. They are particularly useful on Shabbat when buses are not running. Sherut services run between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and on other popular routes.
- Airport taxis: Fixed-rate fares apply for trips to and from Ben Gurion Airport. Confirm the rate before departing.
Ride-Sharing Apps
- Gett: Israel’s primary ride-hailing app, similar to Uber. It connects you with licensed taxis and provides upfront pricing.
- Yango: Another ride-hailing option available in major Israeli cities.
- Download these apps before your trip and set up your account with a credit card for cashless payment.
Rental Cars
Renting a car provides maximum flexibility, especially for exploring regions like the Galilee, Golan Heights, Negev Desert, and Dead Sea area where public transportation is less frequent.
Renting Basics
- International rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt) and local companies (Eldan, Shlomo Sixt) operate throughout Israel
- Rent from the airport or city locations
- A valid US driver’s license is sufficient for tourists renting for up to one year; an International Driving Permit is recommended but not required
- Most rental cars are manual transmission; specify automatic when booking if needed
- GPS or a phone-based navigation app is essential
Driving in Israel
- Israelis drive on the right side of the road
- Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour
- Highway 6 is a toll road; rental companies typically charge tolls to your credit card automatically
- Driving in Tel Aviv involves heavy traffic and challenging parking; public transit is usually a better option in the city
- Driving in Jerusalem requires confidence with narrow streets, aggressive drivers, and limited parking
- Gas stations are frequent and most accept credit cards
Parking
- Paid parking zones are marked with blue and white curb paint; pay at a nearby meter or via the Pango parking app
- Red and white curb paint means no parking
- Red and yellow curb paint is reserved for public transportation and emergency vehicles
- Underground parking garages are available in major cities and are often the easiest option
Domestic Flights
Israel’s small size makes domestic flights unnecessary for most travelers. However, Arkia and Israir operate flights between Tel Aviv (Sde Dov or Ben Gurion) and Eilat at the southern tip of the country. The flight takes about 45 minutes compared to a four-to-five-hour drive, making it practical for trips to the Red Sea.
Getting Around on Shabbat
Shabbat significantly reduces transportation options. Plan for Shabbat by:
- Arranging taxis or sherut services in advance for Shabbat travel
- Renting a car if you plan to be mobile on Saturday
- Staying in walkable locations on Friday night and Saturday
- Downloading the Gett app for on-demand taxi service
- Checking whether your hotel offers Shabbat shuttle services
Recommended Apps
- Moovit: The best app for public transit navigation in Israel with real-time bus and train tracking
- Gett: Ride-hailing for taxis
- Waze: The GPS navigation app (developed in Israel) is widely used and excellent for driving directions and traffic updates
- Google Maps: Works well for walking and driving directions
- Pango: For paying for street parking from your phone
With a combination of these tools and transportation options, getting around Israel is manageable, efficient, and part of the adventure.
