Getting Around Israel
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use light rail for Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Rural: Rent a car for Galilee and Negev exploration. Coast: Buses and shared taxis. For convenience, book airport transfers from Ben Gurion to your destination.
Train Travel
Israel Railways National Network
Efficient and modern train network connecting major cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba with frequent services.
Cost: Tel Aviv to Jerusalem ₪20-30, journeys under 1 hour between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via Israel Railways app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rav-Kav Cards
Rav-Kav offers unlimited rides on trains, buses, and light rail for ₪30 (daily) or ₪150 (weekly) in urban zones.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, Israel Railways website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Fast trains connect Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Haifa, with extensions to the north and south.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Main Stations: Tel Aviv Hagana is the central hub, with connections to Ben Gurion Airport.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Negev Desert and rural Galilee. Compare rental prices from ₪150-250/day at Ben Gurion Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international if non-English), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Electronic tolls on Route 6 require a prepaid tag (₪20-50/month for cars).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in many areas, metered parking ₪5-10/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at ₪7-8/liter for petrol, ₪6.50-7.50 for diesel.
Apps: Use Waze (Israeli-made) or Google Maps for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Tel Aviv during rush hours and around Jerusalem.
Urban Transport
Light Rail & Metro
Red Line in Tel Aviv and light rail in Jerusalem, single ticket ₪5.50, day pass ₪15, 10-journey card ₪50.
Validation: Tap Rav-Kav card on readers before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Moovit app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Tel-O-Fun bike-sharing in Tel Aviv and other cities, ₪20-30/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths along the coast and in urban parks.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
Egged and Dan operate comprehensive bus networks across Israel, including intercity routes.
Tickets: ₪5-6 per ride, buy from driver or use Rav-Kav contactless payment.
Sherut Taxis: Shared minibuses for flexible coastal and urban connections, ₪10-20 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Tel Aviv or Jerusalem Old City for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Hanukkah.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable security travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Israel including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Partner, Pelephone, and Hot Mobile offer prepaid SIMs from ₪30-50 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for ₪50, 10GB for ₪80, unlimited for ₪100/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Israel Standard Time (IST), UTC+2, daylight saving April-October (UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Ben Gurion Airport 15km from Tel Aviv, train to center ₪20 (20 min), taxi ₪200, or book private transfer for ₪150-250.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (₪20-30/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and light rail accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to ancient architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large ₪20), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for ₪10, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Israel
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales or Kiwi for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV): Primary international gateway, 15km southeast of Tel Aviv with train connections.
Ramon Airport (ETM): Serves Eilat in the south, budget flights from Tel Aviv (1 hour).
Haifa Airport (HFA): Small regional airport with limited European flights, convenient for northern Israel.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Larnaca or Amman and taking bus/train to Israel for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Arkia, Israir, and Ryanair serve domestic and regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee ₪5-10, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep ₪200-500 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 10-15% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.