Israel’s public transportation system has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a limited network into a modern, efficient system that connects major cities and remote areas alike. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about navigating Israel’s buses, trains, light rail, and alternative transportation options.
Overview of Israel’s Public Transport System
Key Features
- Integrated payment system: Rav-Kav card works across all modes of transport
- Extensive coverage: Buses reach virtually every corner of the country
- Modern rail network: Rapidly expanding train system connecting major cities
- Competitive pricing: Generally affordable compared to car ownership
- Digital integration: Mobile apps for tickets and route planning
Transportation Modes
- Buses: Most extensive network, both urban and intercity
- Trains: Fast, comfortable intercity connections
- Light Rail: Jerusalem and future expansions
- Sherut Taxis: Shared taxis on fixed routes
- Metro Systems: Under construction (Tel Aviv Metro planned for 2032)
The Rav-Kav System: Your Key to Israeli Public Transport
What is Rav-Kav?
Rav-Kav (רב-קו, meaning “multi-line”) is Israel’s unified public transportation payment card, introduced in 2007 and now mandatory for all bus travel. It’s a contactless smart card that works across all public transportation operators in Israel.
Types of Rav-Kav Cards
Anonymous Cards (Most common for tourists/temporary residents):
- No personal information required
- Available immediately
- Basic tariff only (no special discounts)
- Cost: 5 NIS for the card itself
Personal Cards:
- Require Israeli ID and photo
- Allow monthly passes and special discounts
- Replaceable if lost or stolen
- Must be obtained at service centers
Semi-Anonymous Cards:
- Middle option with some features of personal cards
- Available at service centers
Where to Get Rav-Kav
Best Options:
- Ben Gurion Airport: Public Transportation Information Center in arrivals hall
- Central Bus Stations: All major terminals
- Light Rail Stations: In Jerusalem and other cities
- Pharmacy Chains: Super-Pharm locations
- Convenience Stores: AM:PM and other chains
Service Centers: Over 1,000 locations nationwide for more complex transactions
Loading Your Rav-Kav
Loading Options:
- Stored Value: Load money (30, 50, 100, 150, or 200 NIS) for pay-per-ride
- Daily Passes: Unlimited travel within specific zones
- Monthly Passes: Best value for regular commuters
Where to Load:
- Rav-Kav service centers
- Automatic machines at stations
- Mobile apps (Rav-Kav Online, HopOn)
- Online at ravkavonline.co.il
- Selected businesses nationwide
Important Notes:
- Money loaded cannot be refunded
- Calculate your needs carefully
- Cards expire if unused for extended periods
Using Rav-Kav
Validation Process:
- Enter vehicle through front door
- Hold card near validator until you hear beep/see green light
- Keep card until end of journey (transfers require same card)
- On buses, you can pay for additional passengers using one card
Transfer Benefits:
- 90-minute free transfers: Between buses within same zone
- Distance limits: Up to 15 kilometers from first validation
- Light rail supplement: ₪2 supplement when transferring from bus to light rail
Bus Transportation
Major Bus Companies
Egged (אגד):
- Largest bus operator in Israel and second-largest in the world
- Operates most intercity routes
- Main operator in Jerusalem and Haifa
- Over 400 bus lines nationwide
- Customer service: *2800
Dan (דן):
- Primary operator in Tel Aviv metropolitan area
- Some intercity routes
- Customer service: 03-6394444, *3456, or *4444
Other Operators:
- Kavim: Suburban Tel Aviv areas
- Metropoline: Sharon region
- Superbus: Various regional routes
- Local operators in specific cities
Route Numbering System
Urban Routes: 1-2 digits (1-99) Intercity Routes: 3 digits (100-999)
- 100-299: Short intercity and suburban
- 300-399: Southern District routes
- 400-499: Jerusalem District
- 700-899: Northern District connections
- 900-999: Haifa District connections
Route Categories:
- Me’asef (Regular): Stops frequently, slower
- Express: Fewer stops, faster
- Direct (Yashir): Minimal stops, fastest
Urban Bus Systems
Jerusalem Buses:
- Operated entirely by Egged
- Standard fare: ₪5.90 per trip
- Extensive network centered on Central Bus Station
- Multiple routes through city center
- Free transfers within 90 minutes
Tel Aviv Buses:
- Primarily Dan buses (green or white with red stripes)
- Standard fare: ₪8.00 per trip
- Dense network with frequent service
- Integration with future metro system
Haifa Buses:
- Mixed operators
- Integration with Carmelit subway
- Coastal and mountain routes
Intercity Bus Travel
Coverage: Buses reach virtually every destination in Israel Frequencies: Major routes run every 15-30 minutes Journey Times:
- Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: 45-60 minutes
- Tel Aviv to Haifa: 90 minutes
- Tel Aviv to Beer Sheva: 90 minutes
- Haifa to Eilat: 5-6 hours
Central Bus Stations:
- Tel Aviv Central: Largest in Israel, possibly the world
- Jerusalem Central: Major hub for all directions
- Haifa Central: Northern hub
- Electronic boards show real-time departures
Booking Tickets:
- No advance booking required for most routes
- Pay with Rav-Kav upon boarding
- Mobile apps for route planning
Train Transportation (Israel Railways)
Network Overview
Coverage:
- North to South: Nahariya to Dimona/Beer Sheva
- East to West: Bet She’an to coastal cities
- Total Network: 1,138 kilometers of track
- Stations: 66 passenger stations
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: Full service
- Friday: Reduced service, stops early afternoon
- Saturday: No service during Shabbat
- Saturday night: Service resumes after Shabbat ends
Major Routes
Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:
- High-speed service: 37 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Fare: ₪24 one-way
- Key stations: Tel Aviv Savidor, Airport, Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon
Coastal Route (Tel Aviv to Haifa):
- Journey time: 60 minutes
- Fare: ₪30 approximately
- Scenic: Mediterranean coastal views
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak hours
Airport Connections:
- Ben Gurion Airport: Direct service to Tel Aviv (28 minutes), Jerusalem (18 minutes)
- Service: Every 30 minutes
- Note: Limited Friday service
Northern Routes:
- Nahariya line: Coastal service to Lebanon border
- Karmiel line: Inland service to Galilee
- Akko service: Historic port city access
Train Features
Comfort:
- Air-conditioned carriages
- Single class (equivalent to European second class)
- Bicycle storage available
- No food service (bring your own)
Accessibility:
- Most stations wheelchair accessible
- Audio announcements in Hebrew, Arabic, and English
- Real-time information displays
Ticketing:
- Rav-Kav payment
- Mobile app with QR codes
- Paper tickets available (more expensive)
- No advance reservations currently
Upcoming Projects
Tel Aviv Metro:
- 3-line subway system
- 150 km total length
- Construction starts 2025
- First sections operational 2032
Network Expansions:
- Eastern Railway: Hadera to Kfar Saba (2027)
- Rishon LeZion-Modi’in Railway (2026)
- Haifa-Nazareth tram-train line
Light Rail Systems
Jerusalem Light Rail
Current Service:
- Red Line: Mount Herzl to Pisgat Ze’ev
- Length: 13.8 km
- Fare: ₪8.00 per trip
- Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
- Operating Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:30 AM to midnight
Key Stops:
- Central Bus Station
- Mahane Yehuda Market
- Jaffa Street (city center)
- Damascus Gate (Old City access)
- Mount Herzl (near Yad Vashem)
Extensions:
- Western extension: To Hadassah Ein Kerem (opened 2023)
- Eastern extension: To Neve Ya’akov (opened 2023)
- Green Line: Under construction (opening 2025)
Usage Tips:
- Validate Rav-Kav at platform validators
- ₪2 supplement when transferring from bus
- Operates during Shabbat (unlike buses)
- Frequent service, rarely need timetables
Future Light Rail Projects
Tel Aviv Light Rail:
- Multiple lines planned
- Integration with metro system
- Timeline: 2025-2030
Haifa Light Rail:
- Coastal mountain service
- Integration with existing transport
Beer Sheva Light Rail:
- Approved in 2023
- Serving city and surrounding towns
Sherut Taxis (Shared Taxis)
What Are Sheruts?
Sheruts (שירות) are shared taxis that operate on fixed or semi-fixed routes, serving as a hybrid between buses and taxis. They’re an essential part of Israel’s transport system, especially for routes not well-served by buses or during Shabbat.
How Sheruts Work
Operating Model:
- Depart when full (usually 7-10 passengers)
- Fixed routes between major destinations
- No set timetables
- Pay driver during journey
Finding Sheruts:
- Fixed pickup points (often near bus stations)
- Use Moovit app to locate stops
- Ask locals for sherut stops
- Some operate from designated areas
Popular Routes:
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv
- Ben Gurion Airport to major cities
- Intercity connections
- Settlement services
Using Sheruts
Process:
- Find pickup location
- Enter vehicle and find seat
- Wait for vehicle to fill up
- Pass money forward when moving
- Request stop near destination
Advantages:
- Often faster than buses
- Direct routes
- Operate during Shabbat
- Cheaper than private taxis
Disadvantages:
- Unpredictable wait times
- No exact drop-off locations
- Can be crowded
- Driving standards vary
Fares and Pricing
Standard Fares (2025)
Urban Bus Travel:
- Jerusalem: ₪5.90 per trip
- Tel Aviv: ₪8.00 per trip
- Haifa: ₪6.00 per trip
- 90-minute free transfers
Intercity Bus Travel:
- Distance-based pricing
- Range: ₪10-70 for longest routes
- Express services may cost more
Train Travel:
- Distance-based pricing
- Range: ₪10-70 (Nahariya to Beer Sheva)
- Station-specific pricing (not city-wide)
Light Rail:
- Jerusalem: ₪8.00 per trip
- ₪2 supplement when transferring from bus
Daily and Monthly Passes
Daily Passes:
- Jerusalem city: ₪12.50
- Different zones available for intercity travel
- Must validate on each journey
- Cannot use stored value to purchase
Monthly Passes:
- Significant savings for regular commuters
- Equivalent to 20-25 single journeys
- Available for specific routes or zones
- Personal Rav-Kav required
Discounts and Special Fares
Children and Youth:
- Under 5: Free (one per paying adult)
- Under 18: 50% discount with youth profile
- Youth profile requires personal Rav-Kav
Seniors:
- 67+: Free travel on all public transport
- Must apply for “Golden Rav-Kav” profile
- Requires Israeli ID
Students:
- 18-26: 33% discount on monthly passes only
- Must be Israeli residents
Geographic Discounts:
- Residents of eligible areas: 50% on monthly passes
- Based on address on Israeli ID
Disabled Passengers:
- Various discounts available
- Must apply for appropriate profile
Mobile Apps and Digital Services
Essential Apps
Moovit:
- Real-time route planning
- All transport modes
- Live arrival times
- Offline maps
- Available in multiple languages
Rav-Kav Online:
- Load card remotely
- Check balance
- Purchase passes
- Account management
HopOn:
- Alternative payment app
- QR code tickets
- Retrospective billing (calculates best fare)
Israel Railways App:
- Train schedules
- QR code tickets
- Real-time updates
- Journey planning
Digital Payment Options
Rav-Kav App Payment:
- No physical card needed
- Generates QR codes
- Retrospective billing
- Links to credit card
Mobile Ticketing:
- Available on buses
- QR code scanning
- Convenient for tourists
- Slightly higher cost than Rav-Kav
Shabbat and Holiday Transportation
Service Interruptions
Shabbat Schedule:
- Friday: Last buses/trains 1-3 hours before sunset
- Saturday: No service during Shabbat
- Saturday night: Service resumes 1-2 hours after sunset
Holiday Schedule:
- No service on Jewish holidays
- Reduced service on holiday eves
- Check specific schedules
Shabbat Alternatives
Sherut Taxis:
- Continue operating during Shabbat
- Longer wait times
- Higher demand, higher prices
Private Taxis:
- Available but expensive
- 25% surcharge during nights/Shabbat
- Book in advance
Walking and Cycling:
- Many cities become pedestrian-friendly
- Bike sharing systems available
- Plan shorter distances
Accessibility Features
Physical Accessibility
Buses:
- Low-floor buses with ramps
- Wheelchair spaces
- Audio announcements
- Priority seating
Trains:
- Platform access at all stations
- Designated wheelchair areas
- Accessible toilets
- Audio/visual announcements
Light Rail:
- Level boarding
- Wide doors
- Audio announcements
- Tactile guidance systems
Service Accessibility
Language Support:
- Hebrew, Arabic, English announcements
- Multilingual apps and websites
- Tourist information in multiple languages
Visual/Audio Assistance:
- Audio announcements on all services
- Braille signage at major stations
- High-contrast displays
Safety and Security
General Safety
Personal Security:
- Transport generally very safe
- Security guards on some routes
- CCTV on most vehicles
- Well-lit stations
Emergency Procedures:
- Emergency buttons on trains
- Driver assistance on buses
- Security personnel at major hubs
Travel Tips for Safety
General Precautions:
- Keep valuables secure
- Be aware of surroundings
- Follow driver/staff instructions
- Report suspicious activity
Documentation:
- Carry ID when traveling
- Keep Rav-Kav in accessible location
- Have emergency contacts ready
Regional Transportation Networks
Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area (Gush Dan)
Operators: Dan, Kavim, Metropoline Coverage: Excellent density and frequency Future: Metro system integration Special Features:
- Integrated ticketing
- High-frequency service
- Night lines available
Jerusalem Region
Operator: Primarily Egged Coverage: City and surrounding settlements Special Features:
- Light rail integration
- Tourist-friendly routes
- Extensive suburban coverage
Northern Israel
Coverage: Haifa, Galilee, Golan Heights Operators: Egged, local companies Features:
- Scenic mountain routes
- Cross-border connections (historically)
- Integration with future Haifa-Nazareth line
Southern Israel
Coverage: Beer Sheva, Negev, Eilat Operators: Primarily Egged Features:
- Long-distance desert routes
- Connection to resort areas
- Limited frequency on some routes
Tourist and Visitor Information
Getting Started
First Steps:
- Get Rav-Kav card at airport
- Download Moovit app
- Load appropriate amount based on travel plans
- Familiarize yourself with validation process
Common Tourist Routes:
- Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem/Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
- Jerusalem Light Rail for Old City access
- Coastal train for Mediterranean views
Tourist-Friendly Features
Information Centers:
- Ben Gurion Airport transportation desk
- Tourist information at major stations
- English-speaking staff at central locations
Special Services:
- Airport shuttle information
- Tourist bus routes in major cities
- Day passes for sightseeing
Cost Estimation for Tourists
Short Visit (1-3 days):
- Load ₪50-100 on Rav-Kav
- Consider day passes if staying in one city
- Factor in airport transfers
Medium Stay (1-2 weeks):
- Load ₪150-200 initially
- Monitor usage and reload as needed
- Consider mixed transport modes
Long Stay (1+ months):
- Consider monthly passes
- Upgrade to personal Rav-Kav for discounts
- Factor in regular commuting patterns
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Planning Your Journey
Route Planning:
- Use Moovit for real-time information
- Allow extra time during peak hours
- Check for service disruptions
- Have backup route options
Timing Considerations:
- Rush hours: 7-9 AM, 4-7 PM
- Friday early closures
- Security delays possible
- Weather impact on some services
Money-Saving Tips
Optimization Strategies:
- Use transfers within 90-minute window
- Choose appropriate pass types
- Avoid peak-hour surcharges where applicable
- Consider walking for short distances
Discount Opportunities:
- Monthly passes for regular travel
- Group travel where available
- Student discounts for eligible users
- Senior discounts for qualified riders
Cultural Considerations
Local Etiquette:
- Validate Rav-Kav immediately upon boarding
- Move to rear of bus after payment
- Offer priority seats to elderly/pregnant
- Keep aisles clear
Language Tips:
- “Rak Kav” (רב קו) = Rav-Kav
- “Tahanat” (תחנה) = Station
- “Autobus” (אוטובוס) = Bus
- “Rakevet” (רכבת) = Train
Future Developments
Infrastructure Projects
Major Expansions:
- Tel Aviv Metro (2025-2032)
- Eastern Railway line (2027)
- Jerusalem Green Line (2025)
- Haifa-Nazareth tram-train
Technology Improvements:
- Enhanced mobile ticketing
- Real-time passenger information
- Electric bus fleets
- Integrated transport planning
Service Enhancements
Planned Improvements:
- Increased frequency on major routes
- Extended operating hours
- Improved accessibility features
- Enhanced tourist services
Environmental Initiatives:
- Electric and hybrid buses
- Rail electrification projects
- Reduced car dependency goals
- Sustainable transport promotion
Conclusion
Israel’s public transportation system offers an efficient, affordable, and increasingly comprehensive way to travel throughout the country. The Rav-Kav system unifies all transport modes, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate between buses, trains, and light rail services.
Key success factors for using Israeli public transport include:
Planning Ahead: Understanding routes, schedules, and Shabbat restrictions Getting the Right Card: Rav-Kav is essential for all bus travel Using Technology: Mobile apps provide real-time information and enhance the experience Understanding the Culture: Local customs and etiquette improve your journey
Whether you’re commuting daily in Tel Aviv, exploring Jerusalem’s historical sites, or traveling between cities, Israel’s public transportation system provides reliable, cost-effective mobility. As the network continues to expand with new rail lines and metro systems, public transport will play an increasingly central role in Israeli mobility.
The system’s integration across different operators and transport modes makes it particularly user-friendly once you understand the basics. With proper planning and the right tools, navigating Israel by public transport can be both convenient and enjoyable, offering unique perspectives on the country’s diverse landscapes and communities.
Remember to stay updated on service changes, especially during holidays and security situations, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from fellow passengers or transport staff – Israelis are generally helpful to travelers navigating their transport system.