Israel Railway is the country’s national train operator, offering fast, comfortable, and affordable connections between major cities and regions. With modern trains, frequent services, and integrated ticketing, it’s one of the easiest ways to travel around Israel.
Whether you’re commuting for work or exploring the country, Israel Railway offers a reliable alternative to driving, avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
Why Travel with Israel Railway?
Israel Railway is designed for both locals and visitors. Trains are air-conditioned, clean, and equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and accessible seating. Stations are located in central, well-connected areas, making transfers to buses, light rail, and shared taxis easy.
How to Pay for Israel Railway
There are several convenient ways to buy your ticket:
Rav-Kav Card – The most common travel card in Israel, used for trains, buses, and light rail. You can load credit or travel passes at stations, kiosks, and via mobile apps.
Contactless Credit/Debit Cards – Simply tap your card at the station gates.
Mobile Payment Apps – Apps like Moovit or HopOn let you pay and manage your travel from your phone.
Tip: If you’re planning a full day of travel, consider buying a One-Day Transportation Card for unlimited rides on trains, buses, and light rail within your chosen area.
Train Scheduling and Frequency
Israel Railway runs frequent services from early morning until late evening, with some lines operating every 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
Important: Trains do not run during Shabbat — from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening — or on certain religious holidays. Always check the schedule in advance via the Israel Railway website or app.
Main Routes and Destinations
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv has four main stations:
Savidor Center – Central hub, connected to major bus lines.
HaShalom – Next to Azrieli Mall and business districts.
HaHagana – Close to the central bus station.
University – Serves northern Tel Aviv and Ramat Aviv.
From Tel Aviv, you can travel directly to Jerusalem, Haifa, Ben Gurion Airport, Be’er Sheva, and more. Full guide on Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem via train >>
Jerusalem
Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon Station is a modern, underground station right next to the city’s central bus station. The high-speed line connects Jerusalem to Tel Aviv in about 32 minutes. Light rail services are available right outside for easy access to the Old City, Mahane Yehuda Market, and other attractions.
Haifa
Haifa’s main stations, Hof HaCarmel and Merkazit HaMifratz, connect the city to Tel Aviv, Akko, and Nahariya to the north, and to the south toward Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The route offers scenic coastal views.
Ben Gurion Airport
Ben Gurion Airport Station is located directly beneath Terminal 3, making it one of the most convenient gateways to Israel’s national train network. After collecting your luggage, you can follow clear signs in the arrivals hall to the station entrance, which is fully accessible for travelers with luggage, wheelchairs, or strollers.
From here, frequent trains connect you to Tel Aviv in under 20 minutes, Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon Station in about 25 minutes, Haifa in roughly 1 hour, and Be’er Sheva in about 90 minutes. This allows you to start your journey immediately upon landing, without the need for taxis or buses.
The station operates throughout most of the day (except during Shabbat and certain holidays), and trains run at intervals of 30 minutes or less during peak hours. As part of Israel’s integrated public transportation system, you can pay for your ride using a Rav-Kav card, a contactless credit/debit card, or mobile payment apps like Moovit and HopOn. If you plan to continue traveling on buses or light rail after your train ride, the 90-minute integrated fare ensures you only pay once for multiple rides.
The Jerusalem Arrival Card includes a train ride from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem, unlimited public transport in the city for one day, free entry to key sites like Yad Vashem and the Jerusalem Windmill, plus discounts on tours, transport, and eSIM cards. It’s a convenient way to start exploring Jerusalem right after you land.
Additional Services
Ben Gurion Airport Line – Direct train service from the airport to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities.
Bicycle Access – Most trains allow bicycles outside rush hours.
Accessibility – Stations and trains are wheelchair-friendly.
Travel Tips for Israel Railway
- Download the Israel Railway app for schedules, route planning, and ticket purchases.
- Arrive a few minutes early to pass through security checks at major stations.
- Use the Rav-Kav for seamless transfers between trains, buses, and light rail.
- For long trips, bring snacks and water, although many stations have cafés and kiosks.