Despite its small size, Israel has a wide range of travel options—from local to long-distance buses, modern trains, shared taxis, bike rentals, and domestic flights. Whether you’re commuting in Tel Aviv, heading to Eilat, or arriving at Ben Gurion Airport, the system is designed to help you move around the country. But with different providers, schedules, and cultural considerations like Shabbat, getting around can sometimes be confusing. Here’s a clear and detailed guide to help you navigate transportation in Israel.
Buses: Urban and Intercity Travel
Buses remain the backbone of public transportation in Israel, covering almost every city, town, and village. They’re widely used by commuters, students, and tourists alike, offering a relatively affordable and accessible way to get around.
City Buses
Urban bus routes are operated by a mix of companies, including Egged, Dan, Kavim, and Metropoline. In Tel Aviv and the surrounding area (the Gush Dan region), Dan runs most city lines, while in Jerusalem, Egged is the primary operator. Buses are modern, air-conditioned, and typically equipped with digital displays showing upcoming stops and estimated arrival times.
Payment is cashless. Riders must use a Rav-Kav card (a reloadable transit card) or pay through transit apps like Moovit, Rav-Kav Online, or Pango. Regular service runs from early morning until late at night, Sunday through Friday. However, most lines do not operate during Shabbat, from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening.
Public Buses on Shabbat: Naim Busofash
While most public transit pauses for Shabbat, some municipalities have launched alternative services that operate independently of the national system. One of the most notable is Naim Busofash, a weekend bus network funded by local municipalities in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. It runs on Fridays from late afternoon and resumes Saturday during the day.
Naim Busofash operates on circular routes that connect cities like Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Kiryat Ono, and Herzliya, making it possible to travel on weekends without a car or taxi. The service is free and does not require a Rav-Kav card. While it doesn’t yet reach every neighborhood, it’s an increasingly popular option among both locals and tourists staying in central areas.
Real-time information about Naim Busofash is available through Moovit, and many stops are marked with clear signage.
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Intercity Buses
For longer distances, Israel has a strong network of intercity buses. Common destinations include Haifa, Be’er Sheva, Tiberias, Nazareth, and Eilat.
Travel times and frequencies vary, but routes between large cities (e.g., Tel Aviv–Jerusalem, Tel Aviv–Haifa) are frequent and reliable. Eilat, Israel’s southern resort town, is served by long-distance buses from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva. These routes typically take 5–6 hours and offer both day and overnight departures.
Tickets can be purchased online, via apps, or at central bus stations. Seats on longer routes are often assigned, and luggage is stored underneath the bus.
Transit Apps
To navigate bus routes in real time, most locals and visitors rely on apps such as:
Moovit – Provides real-time arrival estimates, trip planning, and service alerts for buses, trains, and light rail throughout Israel. Supports multiple languages.
Rav-Kav Online – Allows you to load money onto your Rav-Kav card and check your balance.
Google Maps – Reliable in larger cities, though it may not reflect real-time delays or weekend variations as accurately as Moovit.
These apps help make sense of a system that can be overwhelming, especially when switching between operators or traveling during holidays and weekends. Travelers are strongly advised to plan ahead, check schedules in advance, and have at least one transit app installed.
Trains: Fast and Expanding
Israel Railways operates the country’s national rail service, with lines connecting key cities and towns. The system is continually expanding and has become a popular option for commuters and tourists alike.
The flagship route is the high-speed line between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which connects to Yitzhak Navon Station in Jerusalem in about 30 minutes. This line also links directly to Ben Gurion Airport, making it convenient for air travelers.
Other lines serve Haifa, Be’er Sheva, Akko, Nahariya, and Karmiel. Trains are modern, usually punctual, and offer clean seating and free Wi-Fi. Like buses, train service halts during Shabbat, although some routes resume quickly after.
Light Rail: Urban Rail in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Jerusalem was the first city in Israel to introduce a light rail system. The Red Line began operating in 2011 and connects the northeastern neighborhoods of Pisgat Ze’ev with Mount Herzl in the southwest. It intersects major cultural, commercial, and administrative areas, including the city center and Mahane Yehuda Market. It operates at high frequency during weekdays, with service pausing on Shabbat.
Tel Aviv’s Light Rail system is much newer. The Red Line—launched in August 2023—runs between Bat Yam and Petah Tikva, passing through Tel Aviv’s core. Additional lines (Green and Purple) are under construction and projected to open later in the decade. The system integrates with city buses and uses the same Rav-Kav card for fare payment.
Air Travel and Domestic Flights
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is Israel’s main international gateway, located between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It offers direct train access via Terminal 3 and is connected by a wide array of shuttles, buses, and taxis.
Domestic air travel exists but is limited. Ramon Airport, near Eilat, replaced the older Eilat and Ovda airports and handles both domestic and select international flights. Domestic carriers offer short flights between Tel Aviv and destinations such as Haifa, Rosh Pinna, and Eilat—convenient for travelers on a tight schedule.
Airport Shuttles and Shared Transfers
Shuttle services such as the 485 bus connect Ben Gurion Airport with Jerusalem approximately every hour, excluding Shabbat. Another popular option is the sherut—shared taxis that operate between the airport and major cities, often continuing through Shabbat when public transit stops. These minibuses depart once full and are priced slightly higher than buses, but offer door-to-door service.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Metered taxis are available throughout Israel. Drivers are required to use meters, though it’s advisable to confirm this at the start of a ride. In urban areas, ride-hailing apps like Gett (widely used across Israel) offer reliable service with real-time tracking and pre-set pricing.
Sheruts, mentioned above, also operate within cities and between regions. They are particularly useful during off-hours or weekends, providing a semi-private alternative to buses.
Public Scooters and Bikes
In recent years, e-scooters and shared bikes have become integral to last-mile transport in Israeli cities.
Tel Aviv has been at the forefront, with extensive bike lanes and services like Tel-O-Fun (municipal bikes), along with e-scooter rentals from companies like Bird and Lime. Regulations require helmet use and limit speed. Scooters must be parked in designated areas.
Jerusalem has begun developing its micro-mobility offerings, though its hilly terrain and weather make wide adoption more challenging. Still, several bike-sharing and scooter services operate in the city center and around the light rail line.
Payment and Planning
Nearly all public transit (except sheruts and taxis) uses the Rav-Kav smartcard system. It allows seamless transfers and discounted multi-use packages. The card can be loaded at machines, retail points, or via mobile apps.
For navigation, Moovit, Israel Railways, and Rav-Kav Online apps provide real-time schedules, maps, and fare information.
Final Thoughts
Transportation in Israel is robust, multifaceted, and continuing to modernize. Whether you’re traveling cross-country or navigating a single neighborhood, there are well-integrated options for nearly every type of journey. While the Shabbat schedule requires planning, the system is increasingly digital, accessible, and aligned with the needs of both residents and visitors.