Getting Around Israel 2025
Navigate Israel like a local with our transportation guide.
Israel is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern innovation, where millennia-old religious sites meet vibrant contemporary culture. From the golden Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem to the bustling beaches of Tel Aviv and the otherworldly landscapes of the Dead Sea, this small Mediterranean nation offers extraordinary diversity.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Israel.
Public Transit
Israel has an excellent public transport network for a country its size. Trains connect major cities efficiently (Tel Aviv-Jerusalem in 32 minutes), and bus networks serve everywhere. The Rav-Kav smart card makes using multiple modes seamless. Shabbat limitation is the main drawback.
Taxis
Licensed yellow taxis are metered, regulated, and reliable. The Gett app is the most widely used ride-hailing service in Israel, equivalent to Uber. Sherut (shared taxi) services offer fixed-price shared rides on popular routes.
Car Rental
Car rental is excellent for exploring outside major cities - the Galilee, Negev, Golan Heights, and Dead Sea region are best by car. Israeli roads are well-maintained and English-signposted, but city driving is chaotic and parking expensive.
Walking
Jerusalem's Old City and Tel Aviv's center are walkable, but the two cities are very different in scale. Tel Aviv's beach promenade and White City are excellent for walking. Hilly Jerusalem requires fitness.
Getting There
How to arrive in Israel.
✈️ By Air
Ben Gurion International Airport
Ramon International Airport
Haifa Airport
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Israel.
🚌 Buses
Extensive bus networks in all cities. Main operators: Egged, Dan, Metropoline. Fare: 5.90 ILS (~$1.60) for city buses. Get Rav-Kav card for discounts and convenience. Buses don't run on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) except in Haifa and Eilat.
🛺 Local Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Long-Distance Buses
Egged operates extensive intercity routes. Tel Aviv-Jerusalem: 60-90 minutes, 16 ILS (~$4.30). Tel Aviv-Haifa: 90 minutes, 29 ILS (~$7.80). Tel Aviv-Eilat: 5 hours, 95 ILS (~$26). Advance booking recommended for long routes. No service on Shabbat except some private companies.
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Domestic Flights
Israir and Arkia offer flights between Tel Aviv (Sde Dov closed, now Ben Gurion), Eilat, and Haifa. Tel Aviv-Eilat takes 1 hour vs 4-5 hours driving. Prices from 200 ILS (~$54) one-way. Book early for best fares.
Private Car/Driver
Driving in Israel
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Generally not recommended
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
License Required
International Driving Permit recommended
Road Conditions
Varies by region. Main highways usually good, rural roads may be poor.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Get a Rav-Kav smart card at any train station or bus terminal immediately upon arrival - it gives discounted fares and allows free transfers within 1.5 hours
Plan carefully around Shabbat: from Friday afternoon to Saturday night, most public transport stops (except Haifa trams, Eilat buses, and some private companies on key routes)
The Jerusalem-Tel Aviv train takes only 32 minutes and runs frequently - it's significantly faster and more comfortable than the bus for this route
Use Gett app rather than hailing taxis on the street - same regulated price, but you can track the car and no meter disputes
Rent a car specifically for Dead Sea, Galilee, and Negev days - public transport to these areas is infrequent and inconvenient for making the most of your time
Ben Gurion Airport train to Tel Aviv takes only 13 minutes and costs 13.50 ILS ($3.65) - far better value than the taxi
Parking in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem city centers is extremely expensive ($5-15/hour) and difficult - use public transport within cities and rent cars only when leaving
Useful Apps
Gett (formerly GetTaxi)
Israel's leading ride-hailing app connecting to licensed yellow taxis - reliable, metered, and accepted everywhere; safer than hailing street taxis
Moovit
Real-time public transport planner for all Israeli bus and train routes with live departure times, route planning, and Rav-Kav balance checking
Rail.co.il App
Israeli Railways official app for booking intercity train tickets, viewing real-time schedules, and tracking trains - essential for Tel Aviv-Jerusalem and northern routes
Waze
Israeli-developed navigation app (now owned by Google) is the standard for driving navigation in Israel - used by virtually all Israeli drivers for real-time traffic routing
Navigate Israel Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
Download Transport Guide